Photo credit: Vanguard
Most of us grew up in relatively more peaceful and crimeless times than we are experiencing now. The social utilities were also much more effective.
In actual fact, I can vividly recall that if there was need for the ECN, as the electricity supply monopoly was then called, to cease the supply of power for a genuine reason, they would have announced some days earlier. Then, the water taps were not for decoration.
They actually supplied potable water!
But it seems to me that the further we move away from 1960 and independence, the more complex our problems are becoming.
Well, maybe more will come pretty soon. For now, my concern is on these fences we surround ourselves with. I really don’t think they are helping us.
In the first instance, if the boys know there are valuables within the fence which they must help themselves to, has the existence of fences debarred them from liberating the valuables?
Second, since power supply in Nigeria has remained a crude joke, the generator dealers have been smiling to their banks.
Let’s hope there’s no deal between the generator dealers and the power vendors!
It has now reached a stage where people of doubtful character are now using those fences to engage in dastardly acts. Since fences are in most houses, you dare not inquire what’s going on behind the fences.
There was a case that occurred in Abeokuta. Criminals were using a house for human rituals, but because of the fence and the generator, nobody knew what was happening there. It took a fire accident involving the generator before people had an inkling of what was happening there in spite of the fact that the area was well populated.
People have been talking about an area in Maryland. Their own style is different. They claim to offer employment to people. However, it is said that it is another ritualists’ den.
How about the case of the current star, Evans. Eye witnesses say the house in Igando is fenced. They played loud music in the afternoon and switched on the generator at night.
I would not say people should not provide a semblance of security for themselves. Neither would I blame them for seeking to self help when it comes to power supply.
However, I think we need a more effective way of monitoring our neighbourhood. In effect, I’m thinking the time is ripe for state policing. I appreciate the concerns of people who might feel they could be used as instruments of political oppression. But I think the advantages far outstrip the disadvantages.
If state policing would leave a sour taste in the mouth, what about community policing? My small community, for instance, is being policed by day watchmen during the day and night guards take over at night.
Meanwhile, let the power supply in this country be up to standard. We should not be unidirectional in our seeking solution to power problem in Nigeria. There are lots of ways of generating power in the modern age. Let’s use a combination of all these, as long as we have light.
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