From Nata'ala Keffi

In Northern Nigeria, a destructive mix of greed, envy, sycophancy, jealousy, backbiting, spying, and suspicion threatens to undermine progress and harmony. This poisonous cycle has spawned a culture of mistrust, stifling growth and fostering an atmosphere of hostility.

Recently, the arrest and maltreatment of a teenage group protesting #EndBadGovernance shed light on the devastating consequences of this toxic cycle. The youth, driven by desperation and frustration, took to the streets to demand change. Instead of being heard, they faced brutal suppression.

In contrast, the #EndSARS protests in the South highlighted the power of collective action and unity. Protesters demanded accountability and reform, leveraging social media to amplify their voices. Although the protests were marred by violence, the movement sparked crucial conversations about governance and accountability.

The East, led by Nnamdi Kanu's Biafra movement, has also witnessed protests and demands for change. However, IPOB's caution against protesting economic hardship underscores the complex web of regional dynamics. While some may view this stance as restrictive, others see it as a strategic move to avoid escalating tensions.

During the #EndSARS protests, some individuals, fueled by Nnamdi Kanu's rhetoric, resorted to violence and destruction . This highlights the dangers of incendiary language and the importance of constructive engagement.

Addressing the toxic cycle of greed, envy, and sycophancy in the North requires Empathy and Understanding, Constructive Criticism, Unity and Solidarity by promoting collective action and support.

The sprawling landscapes of Northern Nigeria, a crippling quartet of sycophancy envy, jealousy, backbiting, and suspicion threatens to undermine progress and harmony. This poisonous mix has deeply spawned a culture of mistrust, stifling growth and fostering an atmosphere of hostility.

The incidents or the arrest and maltreatment of the #EndBadGovernance protesters serves as a stark reminder of the entrenched problems plaguing the Northern part of the country. When we allow sycophancy, envy and jealousy to consume us, we turn on each other,

forgetting our shared humanity.

Envy, sycophancy and jealousy have become entrenched in our social fabric. We covet our neighbors' successes, belittle their achievements, and plot their downfall.

This destructive mindset has led to backbiting and gossip, eroding trust and fostering suspicion, petty squabbles and conflicts which divert attention from the pressing issues. It stifled innovation and progress, as individuals focus on undermining others.

The repercussions of this toxic cycle are far-reaching the crumbling of our social cohesion, leaving communities fragmented and vulnerable, our economic growth stagnates, as energies are diverted from productive pursuits and our political instability intensifies, as leaders exploit divisions among us for personal gain.

To shatter the vicious cycle of all the above elements, we must cultivate empathy and understanding, recognizing our shared struggles, foster a culture of constructive criticism, not destructive envy and encourage open dialogue, addressing grievances rather than harboring resentment.

The #EndBadGovernance protests demonstrated the potential for collective action. Imagine if we harnessed this energy to tackle pressing issues like poverty, education, and healthcare.

As we strive for a brighter future, let us recognize the destructive power of envy, jealousy, backbiting, and suspicion. By choosing unity, empathy, and constructive engagement, we can overcome the setbacks and unleash Northern Nigeria's full potential.