Today in Nigeria, the cases of Kwam1 and Comfort Emmanson have starkly exposed a two-tiered "second chance" system. REMMY NWEKE writes that one represents a privileged pass for the elite, while the other is a common person's hard-won justice.
The likes of Merriam-Webster and Cambridge defined ‘second chance’ simply as "an opportunity to try something again after failing one time" or "another opportunity to do something, especially after someone has made a mistake."
Social and personal perspective:
On a personal level, "second chance" in Nigeria often has a positive and deeply-rooted meaning. It is associated with redemption, forgiveness, and the belief that people can change. This is evident in a Nollywood movie reputed as "Second chance" where characters who have made mistakes betrayal, deception, or other moral failings are given an opportunity to redeem themselves and find happiness.
For many young Nigerians, a "second chance" is a very real concept. It might mean re-taking a crucial examination like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to gain admission into university, or starting a new business after a previous one failed.
In a highly religious society like Nigeria, the concept of a "second chance" is often linked to divine grace and forgiveness. Sermons and personal testimonies frequently highlight how individuals were given a second chance by God after a period of struggle or sin.
Legal and political perspective:
This is where the term "second chance" becomes far more complex and contentious.
In the Nigerian legal and political landscape, it often evokes feelings of frustration and anger due to perceived double standards and a lack of accountability.
The recent cases of Kwam1 otherwise known as Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and Ms. Comfort Emmanson perfectly illustrate this.
When a wealthy and connected individual like Kwam1 is given a "second chance" by having charges dropped and being offered even an ambassadorship, while an ordinary citizen is initially remanded to prison for a lesser offense, it highlights a deep public distrust.
The "second chance" in this context is not seen as an act of grace but as an act of impunity, where social status and political connections override the rule of law.
Join the bandwagon:
Therefore, the term "second chance" in the political circle is also often used to describe how politicians who have been accused of corruption or other crimes can simply re-emerge in a different political party or government position, especially by mere joining a ruling political party as bandwagon and their sins against humanity are forgiven.
This is seen by many as a system that rewards failure and gives a "second chance" to the same individuals who contributed to the country's problems, rather than holding them accountable.
Broader societal context:
On a macro level, "second chance" can also refer to Nigeria's aspirations for national renewal and progress divided into democratic, economic and social reforms.
For the democratic "Second Chance" implies that some scholars and commentators refer to Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999 as a "second chance" for the nation to build a stable and prosperous society after years of military rule.
And for the economic and social reforms, industry observers see that as similar to policy initiatives like "Second Chance Education" for girls who dropped out of school, which is designed to give marginalized individuals another opportunity to improve their lives.
So, when we hear "second chance" in Nigeria, it brings to mind a powerful and often contradictory mix of hope and cynicism.
It represents the deeply-held belief in personal redemption and forgiveness, while also serving as a sharp critique of a justice system that seems to offer "second chances" more readily to the privileged than to the common citizen.
Short URLs: goo.gl, mcaf.ee, cli.gs
No comments:
Post a Comment