By Kelu Musa
Legendary entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as CharlyBoy, has called for a better Nigeria where lives of citizens are valued and their welfare is considered a national priority by leaders.
The all-time social activist stated this in an emotional post on his verified X handle, @AreaFada1,where he expressed concern about citizens’ ability to maintain their love for Nigeria amid prevailing challenges.
While expressing his desire to regain his love for Nigeria, the ‘Areafada” questioned the point at which patriotism could be likened to a spouse saying, “I love my abusive partner”.
He wrote: “I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK.
“I want to Love my country as I once did before the civil war.
“How do I love my country when it keeps hurting me?
“At what point does patriotism begin to look like a spouse saying, ‘I love my abuser?”
The maverick entertainer said he wanted a Nigeria where human life was valued and citizens could access healthcare without worrying about their ability to afford treatment.
“I want a New Nigeria where human life no be statistics.
“Where mothers no get to pray before dem enter hospital, wondering if they can afford to stay alive.”
He added that he desired a Nigeria where government policies and decisions would promote citizens’ wellbeing, security and improved quality of life.
“I want a Nigeria where government no dey make decisions wey turn ordinary people into casualties.
“Where citizens no dey run from the people wey suppose protect them.”
The septuagenarian also called for a nation where families would no longer lose loved ones and young people could pursue better opportunities without having to leave the country.
“I want a Nigeria where families no dey wake up to empty chairs at the dining table.
“Where young people no go japa from motherland because of greener pastures a life worth living”.
He said leadership should be centred on service and not oppression or mediocrity.
“I want a country where leadership means service, not oppression, not mediocrity.”
He said the Nigeria he desired was one that reflected citizens’ dreams and aspirations, adding that he looked forward to a country where people could thrive and fulfill their potential.
“Biko, I want my country back.
“Not the Nigeria wey politicians describe from podiums.
“The Nigeria wey live inside our dreams.
“The Nigeria wey our parents believed in.
“The Nigeria wey our children deserve.”
According to CharlyBoy he still wants to love Nigeria, but want the country to become worthy of that love.
“I still want to love my country.
“But give me a country worthy of that love.
“I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK.”(NAN)
Edited by Joshua Olomu