How can we expect change if we don’t change?

I recall a recent conversation with a friend. He said that when you ask people what they think we should do to improve our nation, they tend to always jump to the significant issues like unemployment, reduction of poverty, security, etc. However, this is not what should come first. He said that Nigerians first have to change their attitude, improve their integrity and come together as a nation to stand up for the kind of Nigeria we want to see. The question, “how can we expect change if we don’t change?” is very relevant.

The first instinct of people is to blame the government for all the problems the nation is facing without realizing that individuals like themselves make up the government. These are individuals with similar attitudes and vices. These individuals in government have a huge role to play in the development of the country, and without changing their behaviour, the goal of achieving economic growth will be a mirage. If all citizens show that they are not ready to tolerate any form of immoral or unfair actions, then things will be different.

One thing to note is that those in government have the power to affect lives significantly. They are responsible for coming up with policies, rules and laws that affect the economy and the lives of everyone in the country. So even if we citizens that are not in power change without those in power changing, there will be no overall difference in the state of the country. If those in power partake in and condone wrong actions, they are encouraging their constituents and the governed to follow their footsteps. Citizens respond to the environment created by those in power.

It is natural and essential for our survival as humans to adapt to the situations and environments in which we find ourselves. So, if the status quo set by those in power is such that money buys you anything or can get you out of any situation without any consequence, then this is what the norm will be all around the country. However, if the standard becomes such that the rules apply in every situation, it then gives rise to a more organised and dehumanised system. It will yield a system that does not exempt anyone from the regulations or law; including those in power as well as those that have no administrative authority.

In the case of Nigeria, it is not that we lack laws and sound policies, but instead the problem lies in the aspect of the implementation of these laws and policies. This dehumanised bureaucratic system of government is one thing that differentiates developed countries from developing countries. In developed countries, their obligation is first and foremost to uphold the rules and law. In most developing countries the rules are more often than not abandoned in favour of some other incentive. Implementing such a system where the rules come first will be beneficial in several aspects to Nigeria.

For example, it will positively affect the way our elections are held, enabling elections to be unbiased and based on qualifications instead of connections or nepotism. It will also ensure the extensive search of the background and certifications of those assuming political positions. This background search will give citizens some level of confidence that anyone appointed/elected to a specific office is qualified to handle the responsibility of such office. Also, selecting individuals to the position they are most suited for is beneficial to the economic growth of the country.

We as Nigerians can learn something from the French Revolution that began in 1789. The French citizens at that time were tired of the spending habit and economic policies of the then King Louis XVI. So, they decided to rise and challenge the system. The French Revolution, however, brought about a wave of violence and a period of bloodshed in the country.

My reason for bringing up the French revolution is not to encourage violence, and it is not to encourage Nigerians to act as the French did in the period when the revolution turned radical. Instead my reason for bringing it up is to show that citizens of a country have the power to shape and change things in their country once they are determined and united. In other words, we Nigerians can change things here in our nation.

The government exists to serve the people and ensure that everyone has a good standard of living by promoting economic growth. However, one thing we should always remember is that change first starts with us as individuals. For things to be different in the nation, all of us have to change our character to one that is rule-abiding oriented. Afterward, we will notice a resolution of most of those significant issues/topics about which people always seem to complain.

ZALUM ONYECHI

Onyechi, a postgraduate of economics from Louisiana State University, is currently serving as a corper at Securities and Exchange Commission in Lagos