In a shocking prediction, renowned human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has foreseen a revolution originating from Northern Nigeria, fueled by the crippling hardships under President Bola Tinubu's administration. Farotimi's assertion may seem audacious, but his reasoning is rooted in the region's historical role as a stronghold of support for previous governments, which has come to an end.
In a recent interview, Farotimi revealed that he had long predicted the Nigerian revolution would start in the North due to its unique circumstances. "The North has always been the reason we couldn't find a common purpose to fight against evil," he explained. "But now that the person in power is not a northerner, and is merely a nominal Muslim, the suffering has become universal. The Northern streets, not just the elites, are fed up with bearing the brunt of hardship."
Farotimi pointed out that while the Eastern region, particularly the Igbo community, has adapted to governmental neglect by fostering self-reliance, the North is less prepared for such a reality. "The average Igbo person has learned to thrive independently of government support," he noted. "They've developed a survival strategy that involves learning a trade and attaching themselves to someone in the market. This self-sufficiency is not as prevalent in the North."
The lawyer criticized Northern elites for their prolonged tolerance of suffering under former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. He questioned why the current hardships are more unbearable and warned that if conditions persist, discontent will erupt into a significant upheaval starting in Northern Nigeria.
"It might seem like nothing is going to happen," Farotimi cautioned, "but something will definitely happen. This system is not sustainable. The problem that will consume this government will start in Northern Nigeria. It won't start in the East."
Farotimi's prediction may raise eyebrows, but his analysis offers insight into the complexities of Nigerian society. His warning serves as a reminder that the status quo is unsustainable and that change is inevitable. As tensions continue to simmer in Northern Nigeria, it remains to be seen whether Farotimi's prophecy will come to pass or if other factors will intervene to alter the course of events.
One thing is certain, however – the stage is set for significant unrest and upheaval in Nigeria's future. Whether it begins in the North or elsewhere remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: change is coming.