By Haruna Muhammed Inuwa
Growing up in the Northwestern part of this rich country, I was taught how to laugh in-between the lines. Nobody taught me how to envy my skin, how to hate others just because we differ in views, religion, culture. Because I could make sense of figures as a toddler then, I learnt everything I was taught I had to, or I wouldn’t move to the next class.
Obviously, nobody taught me how to give birth to my sense of patriotism. Naturally, loving this country happened to me like some kind of divine revelation — patched up with unconditional love. My sense of allegiance to Nigeria is unparalleled, and never-ending, just like the way a certain fat kid loves chocolate.
This isn’t about me. No. Never. It’s about a poor guy who get caught up with this unconditional love. It’s about my generation, about the people who think they’ve no identifiable business being Nigerians — and so, they passionately don’t care if the country seizes to exist.
Nigeria@60 amidst desolation and Penury
Hear them: things aren’t going to get better. Really? Nigeria is a failed state. How? Nigeria is finished. Why is the country still existing? There’s no single hope for this country. Says a hopeless person.
Quite frankly, we are quick to forget that, we are politically attached to this country. Like concrete parachute, wherever you go, wherever you’re. Yes, I say so. The more we tend to run away from her, the faster the troubles in the land double-catch-up with us along the way. If we don’t get things right today, tomorrow, someday, no one will be safe in this country. I repeat, not even the people living in the glass houses.
While you refused to get involved in the process of electing good public officials, for you sentimentally think, you’ll end up within the span of your life, poor state of health, educational bankruptcy, underdeveloped infrastructure, name it… as a result of bad governance. Thanks to your unpatriotic endorsement.
You ran away from the country. Traveled far overseas. Life’s good. Now, the country is your enemy. Floods of curse, of insults, of despise. But here comes reigning Bandits, BH, Thugs, Kidnappers terrorising nooks and crannies of your community — killing innocents people, your fellows, holding desperate people to ransom, sinking down the country’s economy by threatening people’s peaceful coexistence. Hold your peace, thanks to your unpatriotic endorsement.
You give up on this country, distance yourself from everything related its development, bring the hell-curse on the falling nation, but for yourself, you want a booming business in an environment that’s not good for business. Now, no thanks to your unpatriotic endorsement.
The truth is as clear as daylight: why do we always keep on telling ourselves that politics exists in a realm outside our own realities? Why do we always refuse to engage in political process of identifying and supporting visionary leaders, instead we remain at mercy to the political leadership committed to putting private interests ahead of public interest? Leaders who are beholden to the ideology of political parties come before citizens. Leaders who are private-seeking actors.
Obviously, what we seriously need is nationwide awakening. We must grow to become active citizens who are committed to getting involved. The system isn’t self-correcting. There are no unstoppable forces or market forces at a play to ensure the system correct itself. Surely, the system requires human actors – me and you – to identify and destroy the structural handicap that fuels the status-quo of bad governance. We must address this issue both systemically and systematically.
As clear as a spider web, Nigerians are known for a dodged hope, and driven with fearless ideas. With all our record-breaking success stories of tearing down the intimidating social barriers as a nation, Nigeria isn’t a failed state yesterday, today or tomorrow — and by God’s Grace, will never be!
Happy Independence Nigeria!
Good people, great nation!!
Together forever!!!
01.10.2020
0540 hours
