Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth in the UK in the year 1812. Before he died in 1870, he had written many books and short stories including Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and A Tale Of Two Cities.
The last one is a historical novel set in London and Paris in a period enveloping the French revolution. It’s actually set up against the conditions that led up to the revolution and the reign of terror.
It’s about the French doctor, Manette, his 18- year-imprisonment in the Bastille and his release to live with his daughter, Lucie, whom he had never met.
Interestingly, the situation in Nigeria is somewhat similar to that of Dickensian times.
Anyone who is honest to themselves knows Nigeria is now under a reign of terror. Abi, how do we describe the daily killings of innocent people, the injustice and the lack of good governance.
While the tale may be for two cities. It could also be a story of the rich and poor as is evident in today’s Nigeria.
The rich are getting richer while the poor are left to their own devices. In a situation where the minimum wage is 30, 000 Naira. Let’s look at a worker who earns, say, 50, 000 Naira per month.
If he lives at Osodi Bus stop for instance and works at CMS bus stop. How much does he spend for transportation? How much does he pay for -face -me- I- face- you accommodation?
What about food? What about sending his children to school?
The rich constitutes one city while the poor constitutes another!
Nigeria thus typifies A Tale Of Two Cities!!
Our prayer is for the bubble not to burst before we eventually see reason!!!
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