Flip the books and you had find out that governance is no small ache. Governance is supposedly an act of service for the smooth running of a given entity. In Nigeria and even beyond her borders, governance has evolved to become a tool for the subversion of popular opinion. There are wide spread examples of block-headed-leaders who have continued to plunge her citizenry into abject penury. Technically, governance cut across every sphere. A father governs his family, a boss governs his or her organization. In other words, we are all leaders in our sphere, a sub-government within a bigger one.
Unfortunately, when everything goes sour, Nigerians are always quick to blame the men of Aso Rock. To them, all that is wrong about Nigeria and Nigerians draws it root from the presidency and other high political office holder. I strongly believe that one man cannot be blamed for all the wrongs we see around. Doing so is synonymous to blaming the girl child for getting raped and also becoming pregnant. We have seen countless number of persons who were born into troubled homes become highly productive in life. In essence, we may be having a troubled government but we shouldn’t loose ourselves.
In the jargons of economics for instance, it is considered a wise move to put up a price floor and ceiling so as to checkmate the excesses of black marketers. After all, the black market does not allow for a transparency and many more ills. However, during the early days of Covid 19, I saw in very crystal clear terms that we are our very own enemy. The prices of goods and services skyrocketed.
Unfortunately, the Nigeria economic principle only responds to “market don cost oh”. The business gurus made astronomical gain irrespective. While it is true that the government should be blame for such an inflation, it will be unfair to exonerate the security forces whose sole objective was to help curb the widespread of Covid. However, they decided to take in as much bribe as possible so as to finance traditional marriages at home, show off to kinsmen and to build up that big palace. Next on the queue are the kleptomaniacs called ordinary market sellers. These ones are able to kill numerous household because according to them “market don cost”. So I ask, who increased the prices?
In as much as we all agree that we have had no luck in leadership, it is not right to heap all ills on the government. Humans are complicated. In some banks or establishment, you are offered premium services if you are willing to path with some money (bribe). A good example is the recent National Identification Number (NIN) registration. A good exercise hijacked by some. Listen to those corrupt staff and they will blame the presidency for not providing enough for the smooth running of organizational activities. Haba!
Listen up, a wise man once said, “do not think about what your nation can do for you rather, think about what you can do for your nation”. Fortunately, some of these things are very simple task ranging from refusing to throw dirt on the street, praying for Nigeria, refusing to take bribes, hospitality to those around and many more. An aggregation of our little act of service can create a whole new progressive paradigm shift for our nation.
Alright, don’t nail the president just yet, if you ever get a chance to meet him, I am very sure that he too must have his own story about the Nigerian Citizens. Remember, he once considered us lazy just as Former President Donald considered him lifeless. It is time to stop the blame game.
– Olayinka Kayode Kingsley
Email: olayinkakayodekingsley@gmail.com
