Estelle

We are lacking empathy in Nigeria and this is very unfortunate. We’re finding it easier to tear down buildings in Kano, Alaba Market and other areas when we have no plans on how new ones could be built. No matter how you see politics, Nigerians must condemn these acts. If  residents of Salanta Quarters in Kano followed due process for these lands, as stated by a previous government, it is just bluntly unfair to punish them this way. Why not go to the Court and give them the space to defend their rights? It is either Nigeria wants to advance or move backwards. But one thing is clear: jungle destruction will bring more hatred and animosity. Many years ago in Ovim (Abia State), my village wanted a math teacher to teach the JS3 class as the government option was not “well qualified”. They hired a young teacher named Bukar. Bukar taught me Math in JS3. We became all members of “Bukar for Math”.  In Oriendu Market, he never paid for anything because people paid for whatever he needed for his family. Today, can Bukar live in Abia State? People, the animosity across Nigeria makes me unhappy. And if you check, most are coming from politicians who are causing troubles because of power.  I used to visit Usman Danfodio University Sokoto which remains the most hospital university to me in Nigeria. Yes, they treat you really fine when you visit to spend time teaching electronics (I setup their embedded systems lab with Dr Ibrahim). Today, I cannot travel there anymore. Yes, it is impossible. Nigeria needs help and these leaders should work to bring ALL together. Why destroy these properties even if we assume the last government made a mistake which ordinary families who bought the lands were not parties to?