This write-up has 2 major discussions:
- When the Government Err, We Air it. When they Right, We Keep Quiet
I hate receiving gift or favour from political office holders. They always expect something in return, maybe undue publicity or unwarranted loyalty. That is why I love seeing government embarking on projects that will benefit the masses rather than some hungry individuals looking to curry favour. Government is a state affair, not a political, family or acquaintance circle benefit.
I received a call from Atiba Local Government, Ọ̀fà Mẹ́ta on Thursday that I was one of the beneficiaries of a particular program. So, I was told to come on Saturday with my NIN for verification. I couldn’t remember that particular program.
While leaving home on Saturday, I couldn’t but told my wife my destination. I was very skeptical. I have not been called for such. I had not been a beneficiary of any government project in the past.
On reaching the royal council, I met a crowd of people checking their names on the papers pasted on the wall. I looked for mine, it was found. This is not a scam! Meeting the familiar faces there, I asked them when and how did we register for the program. It was then I was reminded of registering for the program around 2021. Five years ago! That means one percent of the selected people must have been in the belly of the earth by now. Government and slow decision making are close friends.
Some people were shortlisted for this benefit in January and have had their money collected. I was wondering why there was no mention of this in public. In the May list, there are 1,234 beneficiaries. Nigerians’ attitude is at service; when our Government err, we air it. When they do it right, we keep quiet.
Dear Federal Government of Nigeria under the watch of President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thank you for the offer. I had received my money. I had used it to fill my kitchen. I thought it would be enough to buy Aṣọ Ọdún, but not. When hunger is minus, the remaining issues are simple.
- The Poor are the Problems of the Poor
I learnt at the venue that the money is ₦75,000. I fact-checked on the internet, it was true. The man that addressed us mentioned ₦72,000. Maybe the government has reduced the money to accommodate more beneficiaries. Either of the two; let’s just have one on time and leave. Time is money. I have two classes to teach. Those were the thoughts of my little mind. In a suggestive tone, the man added that we could have ₦20,000 withdrawn from the money as POS operator will be on ground. What a good initiation! Wherever there is population, there is money.
An ATM card has been issued for each beneficiary. After calling one’s card, one proceeds to a block for activation.
Now, this is a bone of contention of this story. Those who had their money withdrawn inside the building went home with ₦69,000. Those who had it withdrawn outside with another POS operator left with ₦71, 000. A difference of ₦3000 and ₦1000 charges. Very interesting; is that not a competition we were taught in school? I spent a whole day in the council on Saturday without hearing my name being called. I hoped for the second day- Sunday.
I took my time at home on Sunday. I arrived the venue around 10 in the morning. Since withdrawing in the block is not compulsory, I choose to have it done at home when it is my turn. Let me save ₦2000. After all, I have also spent about ₦4,000 to and fro.
Come and see daylight injustice. The woman that got my card activated personally chose a PIN for me without my consent and refused to tell me what it was. This was done in order to prevent me from withdrawing my money outside. Oh! This is how you people extort poor Nigerians here.
When I gently asked her why she didn’t bother to ask me about the choice of PIN, she said there was no need. I calmly asked her again to tell me the chosen PIN, she directed me to go and have it from POS Operator. Unhesitatingly, I went there demanding my PIN. Instead of giving me my PIN, he asked me which account did I want my money to be forwarded to. I declined to have my money withdrawn from him. Do you want to ask how did the POS man know my PIN? The woman had earlier connived with the POS Man to select a unique PIN for a group of beneficiaries. When he had used the same PIN for a number beneficiaries, he would select another ones and notify the Operator.
I had a word with one of the man in charge and he charged me to go back to the woman and demanded my PIN. His reaction showed that he was not part of the conspiracy. The woman vehemently refused to give me my PIN.
I was startled and struck by the injustice. I raised my voice and stood for my rights. My reaction to injustice stole the peoples’ eyes. One’s PIN is a personal property. How would someone select a PIN for you and refuse to tell you? War is not better narrated by the warrior, but by eye witnesses or casualties. It was a nasty drama.
I was later called by a woman who came with the ATM cards to the venue for re-activation. She is a new Nigerian with renewed thoughts, not the rotten ones with corrupt mindsets. She allowed me to choose my own PIN. After me, I sought her favour to re-activate another beneficiary’s card.
In this country, poor Nigerians are problems of one another. When government does little, we do much to ourselves. Above all, the government are from us and what we do forms the contents of the system. Nothing is wrong with the system. What you put in the system determines the credibility of the system.
I’m not safe either, we all have a tint of corruption in our dealings. Do not wrong and don’t be wronged.
© Abdulwaasii Olalekan Abdulwahab
Arike 