As the world celebrates the iconic Bob Marley’s Day of Freedom, it is with heavy hearts that we cast our gaze upon the beleaguered state of Kaduna in Nigeria. This state, unfortunately, suffers under the iron fist of a governor whose reign has been marked by brutality, cruelty, and an utter disregard for the basic rights and freedoms of its citizens.
We shall employ the powerful words and timeless melodies of Bob Marley’s songs to shine a light on the plight of the people and the absurdity of their leader’s actions.
*Verse 1: Redemption Song*
♪ “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; None but ourselves can free our minds.”
In the land of Kaduna, where freedom is but a dream, we find ourselves captives to the whims of a governor who revels in his own power. With each passing day, the shackles around our minds grow tighter as he imposes his will upon us. Our voices muzzled, our spirits crushed, we yearn for the redemption that seems forever out of reach.
*Chorus: Get Up, Stand Up*
♪ “Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights!”
But today, on Bob Marley’s Day of Freedom, we rise from the ashes of oppression. We unite as one, proclaiming our right to dignity, justice, and the pursuit of happiness. In the face of tyranny, we find solace and strength in these anthems of resistance.
Verse 2: No Woman, No Cry
♪ “In this great future, you can’t forget your past; So dry your tears, I say.”
Yet, the citizens of Kaduna suffer the brunt of the governor’s cruelty. Their tears flow like rivers, but their resilience knows no bounds. We stand in solidarity with our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and daughters, embracing their pain as our own. We sing their stories of endurance and promise them a brighter tomorrow.
*Chorus: Could You Be Loved*
♪ “Don’t let them fool ya, or even try to school ya! Oh, no! We’ve got a mind of our own.”
The governor, with his deceitful rhetoric, attempts to manipulate and control our thoughts. But his attempts are futile, for we have learned to see through his facade. We refuse to be pawns in his game, standing tall with our minds open and our spirits free.
*Verse 3: Buffalo Soldier*
♪ “Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival.”
The people of Kaduna are like the buffalo soldiers, constantly engaged in a battle for survival. We face intimidation, harassment, and violence from those who claim to protect us. But we remember our Imam’s words, and we persevere, knowing that the fight for justice is worth every sacrifice.
*Chorus: One Love*
♪ “One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel alright.”
In the face of adversity, we cling to the universal language of love. We understand that unity is our greatest weapon against oppression. Together, we create a force that the governor cannot ignore, demanding change and a restoration of our rights.
Let the melodies of his songs resonate in the hearts and minds of the people of Kaduna. Let us be reminded of our collective strength, our yearning for justice, and our unwavering spirit. May this piece serve as a rallying cry, a call to action against the governor’s brutality and cruelty. Let us not rest until the symphony of injustice in Kaduna is replaced by a chorus of freedom, where the rights and well-being of every citizen are respected and upheld.
Mr Mundadu writes from Kaduna
