That Speech… I should have just stayed asleep

…EXACTLY 48 hours after that terrible incident Mr President eventually addressed us.

It lasted approximately 13 minutes.

It appeared pre-recorded but what do I know.

It made no reference to the Lekki attacks on peaceful protesters.

It made no condemnation on that gross and inhumane act which history will mark even though some want to erase it.

It expressed no condolence, grief or empathy.

It gave no firm direction on a plan or instruction for immediate national security (or restoration thereof) in the midst of the worst looting and anarchy we have ever seen but he told me and you to go about our businesses.

It made no sense to me.

It made no sense to me.

It made no sense to me.

I should not have bothered telling Amaka to wake me up to watch it.

I should have stayed asleep.

I am more confused, incensed, insulted and hurt by the address which was already too late as it was.

I am now unfortunately wide awake, so I am going to have a very strong drink and listen for the 15th time today to “Unknown Soldier” by Fela Kuti, which I implore every Nigerian human (or friend of Nigeria) still with their hearing and thinking to listen to (listen to it all)

To end, and before I face The Hakushu, let me say this “I love you, my dear Nigeria. You are so so so broken and I will help to fix you. I will do my bit so help me God- leading with love, sense, humanity and civility because it is obvious na die we dey here so.”

I hope we all can repeat these words in our souls after we achieve some semblance of healing and refreshment.

WE HAVE PLENTY WORK TO DO COMRADES!

Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!

—Ugoma Adegoke, a culture producer, writes from Lagos