Nigeria at 58: A Nation Without Nation Builders
It seemed like October 1, 1960 was a perfect time for Nigerians to fly their eagles wings and head on as the giant of Africa. Fifty eight years later, and it seems like the eagle has perched on land not too far from her take off point.
Nigerian today is at the dilemma of growing side by side other developing nations as well as continuing its present retardation towing a shameful road to self destruction. Unfortunately, our country has not ever been as divided as it is today. The division stands from religious bigotry, economic degradation, high index of poverty, joblessness, insecurity, massive corruption as a way of life, high rate of mediocrity in the leadership circles, lack of good governance, very low capital appropriation coupled with massive external loans and indebtedness. Nigeria has become a dumping ground for other countries and is a classic case of consumption rather than production.
If we compare our achievement in Nigeria with those of other countries in Africa as well as the emerging developing nations in Asia, Europe and North America, it will not be difficult to analyse where Nigeria got it all wrong to the point that we are now virtually a failed State.
Then, the expectations were so high that the founding fathers of the country, like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Anthony Enahoro and Dr Alvan Ikoku, among others, hoped to forge a country that would be truly one in name and attitude. A country where citizens, irrespective of tribe or religion, would be free to pursue their dreams in any part therein. A country where there would be justice, equity and fairness. A country where the law protects the poor and the rich equally and is regarded as supreme. A country where the citizens would be free to choose their leaders and where leadership is seen as an opportunity to render selfless service to the nation. A country where the wealth of the nation is used for the development of the nation and not squandered by the privileged few, who have access to the common treasury.
These past heroes of Nigeria, to say the least, did not fail in their assignment. They exhibited utmost commitment, selflessness, dedication and integrity in their service to their fatherland. They used the first post-independence constitution, the 1963 Constitution, to construct a workable structure that would accommodate the interests of more than 250 ethnic groups that formed part of the federation and to make Nigeria “one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.” They pursued the Nigeria of their dream with “heart and might” to preserve ‘the labour of our heroes past.”
Sadly, as we wave our beautiful flags today to mark our 58th independence anniversary, what can we say of leadership in Nigeria? Can the about 200 million Nigerians look up to heaven tomorrow and thank the God of all grace that we have a leader who can bring us back from the edge of failure, madness and despair we are sliding into?
Can we honestly look up toward the Nigeria’s presidency for comfort, guidance and hope of a better tomorrow? ‘Hope of a better tomorrow, says Ngugiwa Thiong’o, in his classic, Weep, Not Child‘, ‘is the only comfort you can give to a weeping child’.
This is a time to tell President Buhari that at this moment, he does not inspire too many people beyond some parts of the core North. He is just good at travelling and being highly ineffective. He’s good at shirking responsibility and deflecting blame. He’s good at attacking others, and starting fights. He’s good at parochial appointments. I believe he is an absentee leader who cannot continue to lead this country. He should tell us today why he has changed the promise of change. I hope we can find someone else who can do the job of nation building as we clock 58.
