Green, White and the 25th of February

•Letters on Replay, Ep. 04 ft Natasha Peace

Hi beloved, How are you doing?

Welcome to today's episode of Letters on Replay, thank you for always coming back✨

And In case you're new here, wondering what “Letters on Replay” is. Letters on Replay comprises of a collection of modified versions of my previous newsletters written before I opened a Substack account. The last episode of this series will be sent out next Friday. So, please hit the subscribe button and I hope you enjoy your stay here❤

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/Adaeze’s Pov /

"Free and Fair" they said. We all know it wasn't even close to that.

Those few days, all, both young and old waited anxiously, listening to the results with expectations. We didn't know these figures had been manipulated to give false hopes. These people literally gaslighted a whole nation. We were able to solve the problem of political apathy after a very long while, people intentionally registered for their PVC's (permanent voters card).

We came out in numbers and thought our votes were really going to count. Expectations were high. Hopes were raised. At least for a better Nigeria. But little did we know we were pawns in someone else's own game. Human rights being infringed on and atrocities being  committed in broad daylight. People lost their lives and loved ones all for the sake of a better Nigeria. Then one morning, on the beginning of a new month, it seemed like no election was conducted.

On 17th November, 2022 it was estimated that 133 million Nigerians were subjected to extreme poverty. Nigerian citizens are wallowing in severe hardship. The voice of her citizens are silenced by the facade of paper notes whose value is depreciating by the day. Nigeria's economy is bleeding and crying out for help. Democracy now seems like a thing of the past. Challenges varying from insecurity down to poor educational system; which will include the non ending strikes by federal universities, poor health system, inadequate infrastructure, poor management of the country's resources, inflation and even a corrupt electoral body. Let's not forget the cashless time we're going through which makes things even worse. Times are hard. People are suffering and unhappy. Just because of man's hunger and thirst, his greed for power and wealth. Truly, the heart of man is desperately wicked.

"Leaders of tomorrow" they said. It now sounds like a forgotten proverb. Why can't the youths be heard? we've endured and we're trying to make Nigeria a better place for ourselves and the younger generation, yet it's like we're almost invisible. These people don't understand that this country's future is our future. They are forcefully taking our future from the palms of our hands all for selfish interests and gains. Remember, in this new tenure alot of us are going to be taking crucial life decisions which alot of factors including the state of our country is going to affect. So,why make it harder than it ought to be? Many believe the only way of escaping this is leaving the country to another. Lets be true to ourselves, its easier said than done. Traveling is one step, settling in is another. It's not going to be easy leaving almost everything behind; family, investments, friends and even the idea of having to deal with living as a second class citizen or in some cases, racism is scary. And even if it was a bit easy not everyone can afford it.

/Tasha's Pov/

"I'm tired of this country," is a phrase I hear every day when I speak to any of my relatives still residing in Nigeria. As a teenager who immigrated to Canada in 2020 with the aim of one day returning to Nigeria after earning my bachelor's degree, I am deeply dissatisfied with the result of the election. I never really understood how much influence Nigeria has around the world, and how our politicians are playing with our reputation very callously.

If you're in the fashion or content-creation industry, I can say confidently that Nigerians are on top. This is also occurring in other fields such as academia, medicine, and technology. And whatever field comes to mind, Nigerians are running it too. It is a shame to our politicians and government that Nigerians may achieve worldwide success only after leaving the country. What will happen to our homeland if we all depart and the land becomes desolate? The question is rhetorical. But my argument is that it is demeaning to leave your country for a foreign land to work as a slave your entire life and die paying taxes, while the government sits casually and does nothing to make amends.

The Canadian government closely monitored the election process, and given the outcome, Canadian investors may dismiss Nigeria as their next opportunity, another economic opportunity in the mud. On the other hand,  why are we still voting on paper in 2023? As a student whose main source of income comes from Nigeria, which other international students may relate; it's frightening to think about the future.

Several Nigerians abroad appear unconcerned about the process. I'm surprised by someone who can remain calm while the fate of our beloved country rests in the hands of two people for the next eight years. It just so happens that Nigeria is the way it is now, and the more we blame ourselves, the further we stray from what we're supposed to do. This is the moment for us as a country to thoroughly educate ourselves on what is going on and find ways to assist the process of pointing out INEC's corruption.

God bless, Amen.

/Adaeze’s Pov/

In the midst of all this “T-pain” era, Abba says;

My peace I leave with you,my peace i give unto you;not as the world gives you do i give to you.Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid ~ John 14:27

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us(you); The God of Jacob is our refuge ~ Psalms 46:10-11

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus ~ Phillipians 4:6-7

I hope these verses take root in your heart. Feel free to share them with someone who might need the encouragement.

I’d love to hear from you too!

I’ll see you again next week.

Until then, stay safe and take care 💕