Site icon Connectnigeria Articles

‘’The State Of Nigeria Has Failed’’ DJ Switch Says During Testimony At The ICC

Hitsongz

  In a virtual side-event during the 19th Assembly of State Parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC)’ on Thursday, December 17th, 2020, popular Nigerian activist, disc jockey, and musician, Obianuju Catherine Udeh, popular with the stage name, DJ Switch, urged the ICC and the international community not to ignore Nigeria amidst threats regarding the security of lives and properties. DJ Switch did not fail to highlight some of the challenges prevalent in the country:
Read more about #EndSARS
‘We have a popular saying in Nigeria “wahala no dey finish,” meaning the problems never end… Nigeria is home to over 200 million brothers and sisters that are beautifully diverse in tribe and faith, but we lack education, a functional health system, electricity. We lack job security, the basic things that any parent, guardian, and in this case, a leader should provide so that we can achieve our ambitions, instead these basic things have been recognized by our leaders and used against us.’ ‘Used to lure us to do their bidding, used to oppress us, keep us too hungry to be angry. Used to kill us…It was indeed hopeful to see the new generation of Nigeria stand up for Nigeria, not religious or tribe-based, but if we don’t act, this new generation will be hunted like myself, wiped out, or succumb to the will of a dying generation.’
Themed ‘’Accountability In Nigeria: Time For Action,’’ DJ Switch did not fail to call out the President for poor leadership and insecurity in every part of the country.
‘This is a government that would rather silence and kill its citizens rather than be guided by their concerns and their cries. Hide COVID-19 palliatives, mind you, that were donated, rather than feed its people.’ ‘One that would rather spend quality time with his cows (Buhari) rather than address its citizens. The same government that choose to inject rogue elements into peaceful protests, rather than protect its people, but choose to cuddle terrorists.’It is the same government that froze the accounts of protesters and seized passports but cannot seem to trace the accounts that sponsor terrorism. It states in the Constitution that “the security and welfare of the Nigerian people is the primary purpose of the government,” but on the 20th of October, 2020, the Nigerian army sanctioned by the government stormed the Lekki toll gate in what I call a first wave of assault.’ ‘No warning, no dialogue, just guns blazing. Shooting into a crowd of the bravest set of people I have ever met. Braver than the men and women trained to be brave. Braver than the government officials who sent them there. They shot at us with live ammunition. We braced ourselves, we screamed, we sang, we cried, all waving our Nigerian flags…In a matter of minutes, dreams and futures were lost. Nigerians killed unprovoked…’

Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
DJ Switch called out President Buhari alongside Babajide Sanwo-Olu (governor of Lagos State), Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, Nigeria’s information minister, Lai Mohammed, and other top government officials for bad leadership and responsibility for the shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate on the night of Tuesday, October 20, 2020.
‘The Nigerian authorities under the poor, corrupt, and misguided leadership of President Buhari, down to his cohorts, Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu, General Tukur Buratai, Brigadier Taiwo, F.O Omata, Lai Mohammed, and many more. They have all tried severally to deny these events. While in the same breath, contradicting themselves. This government continues to fail in doing its duty as what I would have called an elected government if that was not riddled with corruption in itself.’
The ICC’s resolve to open an investigation in Nigeria, targeting security operatives that have committed war crimes was hailed by DJ Switch who believes they will find ‘’ample evidence.’’
‘And so today, I urge you as members of part of the global governing body, and other members not here present today, to take necessary and swift actions in ensuring justice is served to the Nigerian people.’ ‘Through your investigations, I believe you would find ample evidence to bring charges against the elements in the Nigerian government. Please do not continue to place us at the back burner or say we are not a priority. Do not turn a blind eye to the nation with immense potential to be on the world stage if only these potentials are harnessed and not killed off.’ ‘As Nigeria is a member of the United Nations which says “membership is open to all peace-loving states,” it is evident in that statement alone, the State of Nigeria has failed. Our leaders too greedy, too corrupt, and quite frankly, unequipped intellectually, mentally, physically, to protect Nigerians or move the nation anywhere.’
Source: YouTube Featured Image Source: Hitsongz
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
Exit mobile version