AS NIGERIA UNDERGOES ANOTHER MBER MONTHS

by Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, the most famous and controversial mber months is in our midst once again. The months that mark the end of the Gregorian calendar, that invariably start from September and end with December, are generally referred to as mber months. The term ‘mber’ might not be unconnected with the suffix that accompanies the entire months in question. The three basic needs of man remain food, clothing and textile. It’s equally worth noting that the three major desires of any sane being are wealth, fame and power. It’s pathetic that currently mankind has derailed profoundly as regards the avenue being embraced towards obtaining any of these three desires. Unequivocally, the manner in which most Nigerians parade themselves during the mber months has become so worrisome to all concerned, that, if proper and drastic measure isn’t taken by the apt authorities, it might degenerate into an unimaginable state of doom in the nearest future. The uncalled and irrational quest for materialism among mankind, particularly the youth, especially during the mber months, remains one of the rudimentary causes of the various lingering social-vices taking place in all nooks and crannies. Arguably, the current astonishing increase of death rate is attributable to some of these vices, to include cultism, armed robbery, cyber fraud, thuggery, prostitution, kidnapping, drug trafficking, assassination, and what have you. The astronomical prevalence of the aforementioned vices during mber months has made the former to seem synonymous with the latter, thereby making people to perceive the season as forbidden.

Aside the aforementioned vices, there are other countless anomalies associated with the period, such as over-speeding between commercial drivers, and cheating among sellers in various markets. This is the reason road carnage is invariably on the rampage at such a time. The truth is that, no one seems to be safe during the mber months, not just in Nigeria but across the globe. It is a period when an apprentice appears smarter than his master; a period when various law enforcement agents, whom are meant to control the menace, indulge themselves in all kinds of sabotage or unpatriotic acts; a period when an average seller sales food stuffs with a cup’s bottom. The mber months is a time when a commercial driver wants to cover a 7-hour journey within three hours; and of course, a season when a secondary school student feels like dropping from school towards participating in any available ‘moneymaking’ activity. Survey indicates that the ongoing alarming quest for materialism or youth restiveness is mainly occasioned by inconsequential rivalry, greed and/or lack of contentment among the populace. This implies that the anomaly is a product of man’s inability to face reality at a given circumstance, even when the answer to the situation is very glaring. Inconsequential rivalries are those competitions that are not called for, or that seem unreasonable and barbaric. On the average, politicians or established business men often indulge in this practice. It’s usually observed among this set of people during electioneering era or when battling over supremacy, as the case may be.

Some of our youths also indulge in this act toward showcasing they belong to the ruling or most powerful class, with a view to proving that they are ahead of their contemporaries. Some individuals often do all sorts of things to find themselves in such class. Greed or lack of contentment has also contributed immensely to man’s intolerable quest for materialism, thereby setting the period that leads to any festive season, such as the ember months, ablaze. Greed has arguably brought humanity to a state of mockery, and has succeeded in tearing several unions or societies apart. Against this backdrop, it’s needless to state that lack of contentment has remained a colossal nightmare to mankind. As Nigeria undergoes another era of mber months, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the commemoration of the forthcoming festive seasons, Christmas and New Year precisely, takes place in a peaceful atmosphere. Hence, governments at all levels, schools, families, the civil society, religious institutions, the mass media, as well as all well-meaning individuals, are urged to do everything humanly possible towards ensuring that the ongoing mber months would bring nothing but a blessing to the Nigerian society in its totality. This can be actualized by embarking on massive sensitization programme across the country via town-hall meetings, street awareness, and issuance of bulk SMSs, among others. More so, the various relevant law enforcement agencies shouldn’t hesitate to arrest any individual or group caught in any of the above listed acts, and must ensure that the suspect is brought to book at all cost. In view of this, the judicial custodians ought to endeavour to maintain speedy hearing of any case relating to youth restiveness among others; such step would definitely serve as a deterrent to all prospective criminals. Similarly, the concerned security agents assigned to the roads ought to be very watchful and mindful at their respective duty posts towards fishing out bad eggs among commuters. The parents and guardians, on their part, should at all times equally be mindful of what their wards do, where they go to, as well as who they mingle with. Those who are already party to any of these uncivilized and blasphemous acts, or intend joining the chorus, ought to acknowledge that it is only by the grace of God one can acquire laudable and everlasting wealth, power, or fame come rain come shine. Imo needs all of us safe and hearty at all times, hence it’s our individual responsibilities to do the needful to make her proud. Think about it!