It appears that in Nigeria there is an emphasis on logic by our leaders when it concerns governance over emotions that can stimulate actions. This might indicate that Nigeria’s leadership challenges rests heavily on poor emotional intelligence. Quite frankly, logic makes people think while emotions make them act.
Nigeria is a wonderful country by all standards. We have all the resources one can possibly think of, but the problem is how to manage the resources for greatness. The 60th independence anniversary should serve as a time for sober reflection. It is time to have a rethink and depart from the divisive and bitter politics that have taken centre stage in our polity. We must build a nation where equity, justice and fairness are embraced by pursuing the right politics.
We must be able to tell ourselves the truth that the bitterness of the past 60 years exhibited by some individuals against their fellowmen will continue to obstruct our progress. The solution to our current challenges, be it economic or political will henceforth depend on how best those in authority plan our tomorrow today. We must produce more and consume less, and to do so, a lot of self-discipline is required. Our politicians must stop politicising issues that are purely economic and educational.
For how long do we want to move from one crisis to the other? We will not be able to face the challenges of nation-building if we cannot muster a large number of patriots. Who are true patriots? These are Nigerians who are prepared in all respects to vigorously support the country and are prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors including their countrymen who exhibit traits that are inimical to the wellbeing of other citizens.
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Patriots show love to their countrymen and women irrespective of religion, tribe and political affiliation. Patriots don’t loot the treasury; they don’t lie. Patriots don’t kill their countrymen and women. We need patriots in the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government. The country needs a patriot in the private sector and religious institutions. We need patriots to help build strong institutions.
It is true that Nigerians need inspiring words because the state of the nation is below expectation. We need a large number of patriots in Nigeria. No nation makes it where the number of patriots is few when compared to those who do not like her unity. Nigeria is at crossroads in terms of development. And we should not only be inspired by words but by action.
We need to begin a sincere process of national healing. We must organise, discipline and educate our citizens. We must eschew Nigerian factors and rationally apply the federal character policy. Indeed, meritocracy should be promoted in the public sector. When those in the government give an impression that where you come from is more important than what you can do, what do we expect the less privileged to do?
Then what you get in return is a brain drain- most young professionals leaving the country quietly. So, when a nation’s bright minds leave the country in droves, who will help the nation develop its economy? Chinese? No way. That is why experts say that Nigeria is making a huge mistake by not harnessing the potential of our youths in the country. Those in authority must “redrain” the brain drain.
I have gone through Mr President’s speech delivered during the 60th Independence Anniversary. Overall, the speech carries a lot of right things expected from any president on an Independence Day. It is true that there is hope for Nigeria. But when will this happen? For many years, Nigerian leaders have made inspiring and exciting speeches but I consider implementation more important than what they say. We have a litany of broken promises. I agree with scholars and public affairs analysts who want the government to reflect on contemporary issues but most importantly, to do the needful such that when Nigerians are called to take pride in Nigeria, they are encouraged to do so.
The key challenge for governance and government in the past 60 years is to act on what has been said. The next decade should be how to engage Nigerians in meaningful economic activities. Nigeria should be a country we can all take pride in. A working country we are proud of. A country that can meet our aspirations through good governance. A country that is economically vibrant.
Those in authority at the federal, state and local government levels must be creative. If those in government cannot bring back to life the economy of the country, then can anyone be blamed if he or she says that “democracy is in danger in Nigeria.” How does a nation run a democracy with many poor people? One should carefully study countries in sub-Saharan Africa that have either failed or failing. Today, most of these failed or failing sub-Saharan African countries are in precarious situations because of poverty.
Any society that is peaceful and stable will do well. It is the citizens that make a society work effectively, not law. A nation may have the best laws on paper. But when most of the people are not patriots, they will not obey the laws. Perhaps, that is the reason why some scholars are of the view that Nigeria needs a constitution that looks at the country’s peculiar circumstances. A constitution that ensures that “we the people of Nigeria” hand over power to politicians who are accountable, transparent and responsible to the citizens.
We have to move on with building our country. Other countries will not wait for us. The choice before us is either to continue fermenting troubles or to map out new strategies for the survival of almost 200 million people. No country develops by accident. Nations work towards achieving development. Nations have started looking at how they can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) articulated by the United Nations by 2030.
How far has Nigeria gone with the 17 pillars of the SDGs? Most of our people do not have access to drinking water, healthcare, education, and affordable housing. If we continue on the path of disunity, mediocrity and nepotism, Nigeria will not develop. And most of our people will continually wallow in abject poverty.
Nigeria cannot stand divided. A situation where every ethnic group sees itself as a nation cannot stand. Inspiring confidence in citizens requires more patriots than we ever had. Enough of emotion-laden speeches. Love for country should be love for countrymen. It is time to act.
Thank you.
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