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In the wake of the postponement of Nigeria’s general elections, we bring you this thought-provoking piece by Nigerian-born author Yejide Kilanko (Daughters Who Walk this Path). Collectively, we co-create the society of our dreams (or nightmares). The era of sitting on the fence is over.

Let’s begin to revisit our beliefs and value system, hold both ourselves and our leaders accountable and thus, change the narrative. Enjoy Yejide’s piece below and be social: Read | Comment | Share | 🙂

Cyber-hugs, Juliet

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Cannon Fodder

In a luxurious boardroom, far away from heated battlefields orchestrated for personal and political gains, sat our nation’s relaxed leaders.

These big boys and big girls had gathered for a revenue sharing meeting. For right in their midst, was the coveted national pot of petroleum coated coins.

Their dessert of choice, the green and white national cake, was long gone. The only evidence of its former existence, once buttery crumbs, laid forgotten in tight corners.

Although their caps, head-gears, turbans, clerical collars and tribal marks reflected the diverse nation they claimed to serve, their faces were marred by the same distinct look of greed.

So, while these leaders with no vision or integrity lined pockets with misappropriated coins, out on the battlefields, their fellow citizens were soaking the nation’s soil with their blood.

Dying in the name of tribe and religion, for a handful of rice, for a corrupted pledge of better tomorrows. Not realizing their ascribed designation was mere cannon fodder.

With bulging eyes, thin arms brandishing machetes and guns, they had become objects whose strings were being manipulated by grand master puppeteers laughing at their foolishness.

Laughing at the malleable, expendable, unfortunate characters fervently acting out roles in a long running tragedy for which they had never auditioned.

Yejide Kilanko © 2015