By Ocama Ongwech Alli
There is a mountain with two sides: some people live on the windward side, while others live on the leeward side. On the latter side, the weather is always dry, and survival is like squeezing water from a rock. People are consumed by hunger and anger due to the lack of opportunities. This is their economic reality.
On the former side, however, the weather is lush and green, with milk and honey flowing day in and day out. The sad reality is that those who govern this mountain, due to where they reside, neither feel, see, nor understand the predicament of the other side. For them, the weather (the state of the economy) is always fine under this beautiful mountain. The perennial dry spells faced on the other side are unknown to them.
To them, it is only criminals and saboteurs who dare to complain about life on the mountain. While those on the leeward side continue to voice their grievances about unending hunger, injustice, lack of freedom, democracy, and opportunities, the windward folk are gravely concerned, but only about the noise coming from the other side. Their focus is on silencing the voices or reducing the anger, not on how to green the other side how to plant trees to attract more rain, so that everyone can enjoy the Creator’s blessings: a cool, green atmosphere and abundant harvests under the mountain.
Occasionally, a handful of peanuts are thrown to appease the biting hunger, and a drop of water offered to quench the dry throats, especially after election cycles. Furthermore, when potential “noise-makers” begin to awaken, the rulers of the mountain see this as a threat. These voices, which expose the unjust and unequal system, must be silenced quickly. If that is not possible, they are thrown into the “Den of Lions,” without regard for the rule of law under the mountain.
And so, the cycle continues: brothers and sisters, under the same mountain, with two different perspectives. Both views are true. It is true that the mountain’s economy is rich, though disproportionately benefiting one side over the other. It is also true that one side of the mountain suffers from dryness, while the other side enjoys prosperity.
The debates and situations at hand could lead to a breaking point if not treated with the seriousness and sobriety they deserve. History has shown that the shackles of bondage do not last, but freedom does. We implore the leadership to address the situation for the benefit of everyone on the mountain, to improve socioeconomic life, and to advance democracy and freedom.
The mountain is our only home. We must accept this reality and face it with justice and peace!
The writer is a Social Commentator/Educator.
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