I have a dream  By Martins Onyeike

I have a dream!! I dream that one day, the clattering of gunshots in our nation will be muted by roaring voices of patriotic Nigerians singing the national anthem. I see men, women; young and old, displaying total loyalty and solemnly fulfilling the oath enshrined in our national pledge.

I dream that the labours of our heroes; past and present, shall not be in vain. I see their sweat, tears and blood not going down the drains of poverty, rejection and penury during the twilight of their lives. I see our geriatric legends no longer coming on TV and newspapers soliciting for help to sort out their medical bills. In my dream, I see an end to these ills.

I dream that someday soon, our people shall come out enmasse, lock horns with the status quo, defy rain or shine to cast their ballots for a leader who truly knows his onions. No longer shall we barter our sacred votes for a few grains of cereal, powdered pepper and a pinch of iodized salt. I see this ugly trend come to a halt.

I have a dream!! I see travellers transversing the entirety of this nation by road without fearing for their lives. I see commercial drivers pulling over by the roadsides to allow the passengers answer the call of nature in the surrounding bushes. The only Touaregs I see on the Abuja-Lokoja highway are Volkswagen SUVS, not the ones who kidnap for ransom.

I have a dream!! I see kids freely exchanging pleasantries with men on moving bikes while returning from school. I see repentant terrorists being rightly sent to God. I see Leah Sharibu escaping from captivity. In my dream, I see positivity!!

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