The world was suddenly shaken by the spread of an unknown virus which was later code-named “Coronavirus” or “COVID-19”. It was a moment of confusion, despair and a total shift in lifestyle. Social distancing, nose covering or masking and hand washing became the new normal. Everything became virtual as Lockdown was enforced.
It was a period of total chaos as the deadly yet invisible virus spread very fast like a pandemic. It moved from invisibility to invincibility as scientists in the organized world headed for the kill.
While the time ticked and lives were lost each second, waiting for the answer became a common ground in prayer for all sects. And for once, both the religious people and the atheists came into alignment that there was a cosmic force ready to annihilate mankind.
But the crowned virus was not the Almighty, so it had no such powers to effect a total extinction of the entire human race but it sure recreated the lifestyles of man.
The chaotic situation brought about a “new normal” and ushered in the change we never yearned earnestly for.
Though the casualty was huge and is probably still raging, albeit in lesser numbers now, the ultimate result is that life still can go on in a totally different way and the past may never return.
It’s an indescribable moment of change!
Nigeria has been through the Civil War, recording millions of casualties and setbacks, with widening distrust and disunity amongst the ethnic groups that make up its structure.
Fifty-one years after the war, the issues that led to the war have been multiplied beyond description. Obviously, the war was never a means to an end of injustice, marginalization and inequity. It was simply a tool for further division under a thinly held fabric waiting to break.
Fifty-two years after, the drums of war are beating again. Those who ought to secure the people are now being severed by provocateurs labelled unknown Gunmen, bandits, secessionists, dangerous herdsmen and Boko Haram.
The Police have been marked for elimination and the war rages even though there are no clear rival groups. It is Anarchy and the authorities are overwhelmed.
The End SARS protest was the test run of the weakening of the Police Force and it worked.
This chaos may actually not be the end of a corporate Nigeria but it will set the tone for the change we may not have asked for, but the one we definitely need!
Whatever let the change come for we earnestly yearn for a better Nigeria.
Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe wrote from Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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