A SIMPLE LESSON IN ACCOUNTABILITY

When I travelled to Nigeria for the #occupyNigeria protests, I was appalled at how Nigerians were disrespected by Services agencies like the Power Holding Company Of Nigeria (PHCN), Communications network providers like MTN,  airlines particularly Arik Air; but I was more disgusted by the way we Nigerians let them get away with blue murder.

You arrived at the airport ahead of time, they checked you in late and then more than an hour after you were supposed to have arrived at your destination, you were still sitting at the depature hall of the airport. You were told nothing, you were completly left in the dark as to why you have still not boarded and no apologies either. I was very frustrated that Nigerians just sat there, some sleeping and snoring, some eating endlessly and some sitting comfortably and  feeling relaxed. I looked around and it was absolute peace and bliss. I was raging on the inside wondering what I had done to merit being disrespected by an airline that depended on my patronage and those of other middle class Nigerians. Why is no one saying something? Why is everyone acting normal in an abnormal situation or was it a case of 'suffering and smiling?' I saw a subdued people; a people that have resigned their fate to those who were trusted to run the affairs of our nation but have dealt them a terrible blow. I saw a people that have concluded that all hope was lost for them as a people.  I saw a people who were not prepared to fight for a shirt in their team let alone stand up to those who make a living out of disrespecting Them.  Worst of all, I saw a people who were gluttons for humiliation and punishment! Not I!

I went to confront the Arik Air check-in counter staff. I occupied their check-in counter and insisted on seeing the manager. They tried to invite me into their Managers office but I told them in very strong and clear terms that I was the customer, the boss and that I was demanding to see the Manager right were I was standing, in the full glare of other customers. Literally, in less than a minute, the manager came out and I gave him a good telling off for ignoring us and not updating us with the reason we were still there. 

I threatened to sue Arik air for my time unless he made an announcement beginning with an apology, that explained to us why we were still there and ended it with another apology. The announcement was made as I had specified and they kept updating us with the appropriate apologies till we boarded. Arik Air was not doing us any favours, We paid for their services and I refused to be taken for granted by an organisation that would collapse if Nigerians refused to patronise them. I concluded that Arik Air was a good example of the Nigerian system. The system is built to undermine the citizens by taking them for fool; its our duty as Nigerians to call their bluff by insisting on our rights. 

Well, I got a standing ovation from those Nigerians who should be insisting on being respected by those they pay to render them some services. I turned to those who were applauding and said to them, "I do not need your applause, I need your action. If you cannot hold Arik Air to account, how can you even begin to try to hold our corrupt elected and appointed political office holders to account"? 

We must learn to get our moneys worth from those we pay for their services. I still find it hard to fathom that Nigerians would gladly pay for services not rendered by MTN, a communication network provider, the water and electricity agencies etc. We must hold them accountable to the letter of the terms of their agreement by ensuring that consequences are inflicted on them. We can start a campaign against them on Facebook and Twitter if they try to bully us. That is how things would improve. It is also a good practice on holding our corrupt and irresponsible government to account. 

But there is hope, maybe not with my generation because I saw a generation that has a voice, that is ready to take on the evil Nigerian system that has done nothing but enslave our people. I see them everyday calling MTN and other agencies to order. These people come on Twitter to celebrate their small victories over these agencies but its a huge step towards accountability. These people are bold, they are brave, they are courageous and take no prisoners. 

These people are the nemesis, the battle-axe with which we will uproot corruption, the corrupt institutions and governmental agencies that have darkened the clouds over our nation. As the final battle for our nation looms, I pay tribute to the teeming Nigerian youth population who are holding the irresponsible government of President Jonathan to account. You are my inspiration.