Can two work together except they agree? We all reckon that an individual functions optimally only when all is with him or her. As the saying goes “garbage in, garbage out”. The quality of an individuals output is dependent on his consumption. An individual is made up of many components unit. It is same for any nation of the world. A sick or healthy nation is dependent its components.
Nigeria is not without components. These components are the yardstick upon which our continuous existence is sustained. Six geopolitical zones make up the entity known today as Nigeria. Each of these zones posses different traits. Therefore, the gospel as always been about unity in diversity. Since the days of 1914 amalgamation of the south and north and the 1960 Independence, the nation is yet to achieve it goal in almost every known sphere.
Already, the many rising symptoms of agitation across the length and breadth of the country offers us to the comity of nations as a house divided against itself in so many folds. About Nigerians, I think it is safe to say that we are fast heading towards a dangerous part especially under the current political structure. Except for a kleptomaniac folk who prefers to eat with both hands and feet, everyone one else reckons glaringly that; if we think that previous political administrations dealt us badly, many would in reality prefer a return to those days which to is by far better than what is right now obtainable. This is because unlike Moses who had a reason for wanting the children of Israel out of Egypt to Canaan, over here, there is really no blue print except for the promise of change. A change that heralds hike in prices of household items, wanton borrowing and growing anger all over.
Actually, the many saddening situations we’ve found ourselves in are as a result of cumulative lapses of many years. Sadly, we failed to heed the many signs of warning and we have arrived at the land of regret. Both religion submit that when the wicked rule, the people do not rejoice. I deduce that Nigerians aren’t happy. However, I may be wrong to say that all Nigerians are sad.
I had love to tell you a story you must have heard before. Prior to this Nigeria “change” mantra, sanity prevailed above all else. It was indeed evident so much so that a Bola can be found living in Mallam Musa’s large compound in Kano. What about Oga Chinedu? He too is never scared of touring Maiduguri. In fact, Oga Chinedu does not consider it a mundane thing to partner with Mallam Abubakar or Brother Kunle on business trips. It was a time in which nationhood was truly revered and development was common thing in almost every sector.
Then came the arrival of oil. To grab the sudden gains of oil, politics raped nationhood with the help of fanatical religion, ethnicity and corruption. This time, the seeds of Mallam Abubakar preferred the coinage “northern consultative forum. In the west, Brother Kunle felt a need to be under the cover of ” Amotekun”. Since brother Chinedu was no fool, he too felt that it was necessary to go with the “Eastern Security Network”. Indeed, the center is fast tearing apart.
About the baby boomers, we always find them say “A naira use to exchange for a dollar “. Honestly, I thought it was a lie. But with the many glaring examples of wanton corruption. I too have come to agree that in this country, anything goes. I mean anything such as the diversion of pension fund by an individual, hoarding of hospital equipment, poor military equipment and so many others. Over here, our supposed wealthy men no longer leave a trail to be followed because in reality most of them got whatever Forbes claimed they have through dirty means. I mean, why should you believe that hard work pays when the society refuses to reward diligence and instead celebrate reality shows such as BB Naija…? Why should there ever be a Nigeria when a region is favoured against the other?
Honestly, anyone with any iota of love for excellence in his vein would definitely not opt for the path Nigeria is currently leading. It is indeed time to build on those things that foster a Nigeria of our dreams and a safe future for all.
– Olayinka Kayode Kingsley
Email: olayinkakayodekingsley@gmail.com
