As The Clampdown On Freedom Of Speech In Nigeria Continues, Audu Maikori Writes, ''Let Me Speak Now While I Have Voice''

This is an Article/Poem written by the arrested Chocolate City boss, Audu Maikori.

Have a good read;

Let me speak now while I have voice

Let me speak as it seems others may have lost voice

Let me speak because in truth I have no choice

Let me speak because those we chose chose not to speak up for us

Clearly it's in God we trust

Because no one will help us but us

Let us speak up for only we can help us

Let's tell our stories

For they have changed the narrative

They've concocted a Molotov cocktail

Tales by moonlight

So much creativity that the truth took flight

But we will keep the true version in sight 

Inspite of threats of arrests, jail and criminal Charges

It will be criminal if we don't let our truth be told

I'd rather die poor, but still dignified and bold

Than be "free" and rich yet jailed by the trappings of wealth obtained by stealth

Let me speak for my voice is amplified 

By the passion that burns like gas flares in the cage of my heart

By the sufferings of a hapless people

Who's last line of defence is their cries , their voice

Surely they don't have an option but this choice

Let me speak because I have so much things to say right now

It will be robbery to keep such treasures in the vault of my mouth

I must spew forth the truth 

Who knows who will be inspired? The next Dora akinyuli? The next Christopher Kolade? Awolowo? Sardauna? Or Zik?

Either way we can advance and inspire the next clique

Let me speak because my time is here

And it will not last forever

As such I must be clever

What if this opportunity doesn't ever come again- never?

Then I would be a clanging cymbal

A broken chime

An empty vessel of an era far gone,

An era for gone

Let us speak up

Or forever hold our peace

Let's speak up now

Lest our country , our people our freedom become deceased