By Ositadinma C.Omeda
There seems to be an unusual compelling force pushing the good and well meaning citizens not to keep mute any longer to the happenings and perceived abnormalities going on in the country. I presume that it could be a kind of divine nudging to do the right thing in ensuring that the most populous black nation remain an indivisible entity. So, for the sake of the country’s survival and humanity, it’s become inevitably important that we tell ourselves the truth about the actual underlying cause(s) of the disease or problem infectiously ravaging Nigeria, and the exigent need to wittingly and correctively evaluate and treat such. Nigeria as a country is undoubtedly multi-cultural and multi ethnic with many diversities. How we harness or manage this multi-cultural differences and or beliefs will most likely be the determining factor for success as a country.
It’s the knowledge of most people that our country has been labelled as one of the most corrupt in the world. With this, one can say that the problem of the country is CORRUPTION. However, the corruption came into existence or is existing in our country due to lack of nationhood, which is being attacked and repressed by ethno-religious prejudices or primordial sentiments. So, it would be half truth to say that the problem of the country is only corruption, because it’s actually being fueled or propelled by the desire to always favour a particular ethnic or religious affiliation against that of others. In my keenly studying and observing the events or activities in the country, I have come to the inference that the problem bedeviling the country is caused by Ethnicity and Religion plus the ab initio faulty political formation aided by the colonial masters. The formation could be adjudged as interest driven and punitive, perhaps for daring to seek for independence. For the interest(s) of the colonialists, the country was formed as a composite of mere geographical locations with vivid ethnic, tribal and religious differences. To my knowledge, honest efforts were not made to discourage the obvious diversities and promote nationhood rather divide and rule was in place to drive home selfish interests. This was the country bequeathed to us by the colonial masters and our political fore fathers. Instead of us to correct this faulty foundation, the political players found it as good opportunity to promote and entrench ethno-religious relevance and dominance against their fellow black brothers (Nigerians). This is the reason corruption has become endemic in the country, because the citizens appear to cherish and protect their individual ethnic, tribal and religious interests more than the national interest. Aftermath is the obvious battle for selfish agendas by the ethnic or religious groups. In this consciousness, the 1999 constitution in use now was drafted in consideration of the aforementioned prejudices or biases.
These are issues that have fertilized, incubated and nurtured this ‘viral’ abnormality that has grown to a gigantic monster called CORRUPTION. *Therefore, the country is left begging for nationhood where, the much desired attributes of true patriotism and altruism will be the order of the day . In the words of the famous Dr Martin Luther King Jr…“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” — Martin Luther King Jr., “I Have A Dream” The above saying by Martin Luther King Jr depicts what a true NATION should be, one that is devoid of racism, ethnicity, tribalism and religious extremism, but of one course of NATIONHOOD, where the Country is supreme over all racial, ethnic, tribal and religious affiliations. In the case of Nigeria, our country, I borrow the words of Martin Luther King Jr…I have a dream where I and my children will not be judged by the colour of ethnic origin or religious affiliation, but by the content of character and competence.It has become imperative that we as citizens must embrace nationhood and jettison all form of injustices, inequities inequalities, and complexes, in order to enthrone meritocracy, competence, excellence, fairness, justice and equity. Let us take some cues from countries known to have practiced or been practicing such. I believe most people can remember the case of Singapore where they form operational models based on MPH, an acronym for Meritocracy, Pragmatism and Honesty. With meritocracy, they ensure that not only right and qualified people but the best gets the right jobs, and by so doing putting square pegs in square holes. With pragmatism, they ensure that unnecessary bureaucratic procedures are avoided, thereby getting jobs done in shorter periods.
With honesty, which is the highest of them all, they ensure that only honest people are given sensitive positions in the country, because they will be accountable in holding such trust(s). Singapore was able to drive away mediocrity, unnecessary bureaucracy and dishonesty, and other forms of retrogressive attributes out of its system. This said policy of Singapore became the reason they were able to transit from a developing economy to a developed one. We can do same or a similar type in Nigeria.The earlier we forgo the pursuit for Ethnic or Religious interests and see ourselves as true citizens of a Nation(Nigeria)the better for us, if we truly still want the country as one. It is not enough, chanting and chorusing one Nigeria and that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. We must live these sayings in our daily activities and decision makings. The day we become more Nigerians than Yorubas, Hausas, Fulanis, Igbos, Itsekris, Urhobos, Isokos, Ijaws, Kanuris, Nupes, Gwaris, Tivs, Idomas, Anangs, etc is when we can be said to have attained NATIONHOOD.As of now, we are more of our different ethnic representations than the citizens of Nigeria. This is an undeniable fact. It is also necessary to mention that there’s no moral justification in not allowing those clamouring for secession to find their way out, if we do not in earnest pursue and entrench nationhood as a country. It’s really pitiful that the country has as a result of the above highlighted ills been experiencing hydra headed problems viz insecurities, agitations, economic maladies, and corruption.
Of a truth, corruption has indeed eaten deep into the fabrics of the Nigerian system. Though, it’s being promoted or propelled by ethno-religious primordial sentiments or biases, it can be checked or curbed, if we all honestly desire a true nation. God also has ways of lifting His creations out of sufferings and daunting situations. One of such ways is that, He normally sends a deliverer or prophet. Perhaps, this 2023 presidential election is another way of God showing His mercy on Nigeria as a country. Let us as citizens not despise God’s benevolence and ensure that we choose the president of the country devoid of ethnicity, tribalism and religious bias. It’s time to vote based on competence, capacity, character, and commitment to work. The forthcoming presidential election could be a determinant to the existential fate of Nigeria. I feel it in my spirit that God has remembered Nigeria once again, how we treat His choice for us as a people is to be felt by us only. I once wrote a poem on corruption in Nigeria, and the same scenario seems to be playing out again. We shouldn’t miss the smiling of heavens on us again this time around. The poem is captioned weeping for sanity.
WEEPING FOR SANITY: Intrepidly, it invaded the system; like a virus in the blood. Corruption is the prevailing name; too clear to be blurred. The wind blows no good; and trying to sweep us away Imposingly, obstinate and rude; and does not want to give way. Lives are difficult and precarious; modest virtues no longer applauded or illustrious. People proffer solutions; amidst so much emotions. Heavens seem not to take notice of the yearnings; as people continues to groan in learnings. Suddenly, there appears a lightning in the cloudy heavens; as a sign of deliverance from the political cum societal insanity and pains.
Now, apparently in the political atmosphere of Nigeria, is blowing the much needed wind of deliverance from the murkiness and hopelessness caused by the destructive corruption birthed in the country’s polity by ethno-religious prejudices and their respective hegemonic quests; it’s left for us as citizens desirous of a good and true NATION to play our own roles in ensuring that the appropriate person that is most competent, honest and trustworthy is elected and given the favourable environment/condition required to exercise his full potential in leadership.
And to whoever that will emerge as the president come February 25th,2023, should please endeavour to lead this country and its citizens to nationhood through his actions, utterances and body messages.The next president must ensure that he runs an inclusive government so as to gradually build up again the faith of most citizens in the Country. …..”Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that”….. Martin Luther King Jr
The next president should be one with genuine compassion and love for the country and its citizens, in order to ensure that true nationhood is established.
Omeda is a pharmacist and experienced marketing/sales personnel