Yesterday at the mechanic, I noticed a tree I've been seeing for a long time but never really cared about. I did some research on it and found its name: Hura crepitans. The sandbox tree. The one with thorns all over its body. From the stem to the branches. No safe spot, no friendly side, and evil-looking.
I later found out it actually produces fruit, but even the fruit is dangerous. Explosive. Toxic! You don’t eat it. You don’t play with it. You don’t even stand too close. So what exactly is the point of the tree, if everything about it warns humans to stay away?
That tree is literally some of our leaders in plant form.
They sit comfortably under the same sun as everyone. They drink from the same soil paid for by the people. Taxes, votes, hope, patience. Yet every part of them is designed to hurt anyone who comes close. You try to access them, you bleed. You ask questions, you get thorns. You expect results, you’re told to mind your business or you get picked.
They will tell you they are producing fruit, but the fruit cannot feed anyone. It only harms. No shade. No nourishment. Just power, spikes, and warning signs.
Our country does not lack sunlight. It does not lack fertile ground. What we keep growing are some leaders who benefit from the land but are allergic to the people.
A country full of Hura crepitans. Strong roots. Dangerous fruits. And citizens are told to keep watering it and calling it leadership.
INALEGWU.