Qu’est-ce que c’est?

Just as Montrealers and Quebecers use Qu’est-ce que c’est?, when something seems absurd and not acceptable, is the reason you are asking Qu’est-ce que c’est? (What is this?).
What is all this about jungle justice? , a barbaric act being meted out in this internet century sadly by youths, the leaders of tomorrow.
Sadly, two lives: Messers Okoli Ahize, 28 years old in his final year Civil engineering department of the Obafemi Awolowo University, and Temitope Olorunfemi, a promising Uber driver were snuffed out in broad daylight.

The country and system failed these youths.

Jungle justice just did not start now, it started long before the famous APO five who were lynched by bloodthirsty demons in the presence of policemen.
No respect for the uniform because the police force has also ridiculed itself to the extent of asking ‘Anything for the boys? and always seeking bribes and compensation at any available opportunity.
You had gone years back to report a case and not knowing you were a journalist, the police officer had asked for stationery money because the pen and paper were bought from a personal account.
Here in Canada, just the mere sighting of the navy blue coloured uniform of the police or a red and blue light on their Dodge car, most people automatically reset their brain either on the streets or highway. They may also have their dark sides but their virtues are more than the vices.
Okoli was maimed, tortured, and killed in the presence of his coursemates because of a mere phone.
You learned that a code name called Shishi for torturing students that are alleged to have committed an offense is being practiced by the Awo Hall and always moderated by the Hall Chairman.
Okoli’s hall Chairman, Messers Badiora Timilehin, and his Social Director Omisakin Seye were the alleged moderators.
These were men that ought to be their brother’s keeper, yet they decided to plummet life out of Okoli.

For crying out loud, the phone could have been planted out of jealousy or vengeance. They ignored the judiciary system and became the police and judge thereby pronouncing jungle justice.
Late Akolawole Olawuyi, a mystical investigative journalist in his Iriri Aye television series would have dramatically exclaimed ‘E mo wo leyi? (Literal translation is What a strange life).
Watching Temitope’s mother and wife cry out for justice in agony and pain on BBC news, you felt so wretch because the system also failed them.
Temitope had gone to visit his parents with his family. He decided to stay behind and his wife left a bag in his car trunk to reduce the luggage she would have to carry back home since her husband was not in a hurry to go back.
A deadly decision. A visit turn sour and evil.

You cringed listening to youths in their baseless venomous furore. Just because Temitope was a great dresser and like they say in Naija parlance O drip.
Simply because they couldn’t fathom his dress sense and how he source his clothes, they hated his arrogance, pride, his breath, and everything about him.
What a life! Who in God’s name are the mothers of these unfortunate youths talking as if they are Angels?
No wonder Sai Baba, (President Muhamudu Buhari), tagged some of them as lazy. Yes, if they have been busy, they wouldn’t be jealous and connived to kill their neighbor and friend.
The Holy Book says, What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.
I ask again Qu’est-ce que c’est?
And this brings you to the second stanza of Nigeria’s national anthem.
Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
And guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace and justice
Shall reign.

See you next week