THE NIGERIAN VIRUS: KILL IT NOW OR OUR DREAMS WON’T MATERIALISE!

At a time when it appears the nation is going off course and sliding backward, the masses are left with endless agitation and clamour for a review of its unification and perhaps, policy direction. But the answers or solutions to all of these doesn’t lie with any political party or particular group, rather it’s the people themselves, down to the local level, yet therein lies the major problem which has skyrocketed to the top and engulfed the whole nationhood: the virus!

Before Nigeria came to be, there lived different people with different cultures, religions, languages and orientation. Even as far back as the 19th century, it was basically the existence of kingdoms and races operating on territories they had occupied. But the 20th century opened a new chapter as the British Empire sought to protect their interest, hence they initiated the Southern Protectorate alongside the Lagos Colony and Northern Protectorate. In a bid to further improve economic viability, particularly un the North, the amalgamation idea arose despite several refusals and by 1914, “Nigeria” was birthed. Could Chief Awo’s characteristic definition as “a mere geographical expression” be true?

Nevertheless, the journey towards greatness and sublime unity continued and by 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation, free from colonial rulership and oppression. At the time, the political elites and founding fathers who were drawn from key ethnic regions seemed to have bought into the British idea by encouraging themselves to harness their diverse resources and champion a common vision of one progressive, indivisible country. However, the beauty of independence and the expected growth was soon hampered as the obvious differences in ideology across the socio-political and cultural sphere of Nigeria began to rear its ugly head. Power struggles in the form of military coups and the bloody secession fight by the Biafrans presented to us a clear picture of selfish interests, intolerance, misguided national principles and policies amongst others by those who ruled at different levels. But of course, it all stemmed from the common citizens who either yearned for certain adjustments or were indifferent as regards the unification agenda.

Fast forward to the year 1999, a new scope surfaced. It was believed to be the era of power for the people but that wasn't to be as up till date, the political class have somehow found a way to hold sway against the vulnerable masses. No doubt, we have had many considerable development in many ways but have you every wondered why we are constantly pegged back? Have you asked yourself: why does Nigeria move a step forward, yet shift ten steps backward? Sadly, it’s the effect of the deadly virus as partly explained above.

Virus, as we all know, is an infective agent that causes detrimental damage upon any ‘host’ or system it gets into. For computers, it corrupts and alters the system’s proper operation which could eventually kill off the system if left unchecked and dealth with. In Nigeria’s case, it centres on our psychological, political and tribal inclinations. We often glory in our richness in diversity, yet fail to realise that more often than not, we tend to acknowledge our tribal/regional/religious objective or perspective before patriotism and a sense of duty/service comes to bear. Likewise, those in power often seek to serve their interest considering its overwhelming benefits and it's no surprise why many, including the old lords are constantly pushing to get a spot.

I remember some years ago when my mum successfully retired from active federal civil service. As requested, she went to the federal civil service secretariat at Abuja for some documentation but on getting there, it looked frustrating as nobody was attending to her properly, unknown to her that ‘special’ rewards (money) was the demand for service. But graciously, someone walked up to her, had a few chat and directed her to another office managed by someone who hails from her place. First, corruption then tribal sentiments right? Well, how about the present unending quest for power? As of now, the political sphere is already gearing up for 2019 general elections and yet again, the society doesn’t seem prepared to chart a new course based on sound ideologies and working/sustainable principles.

You see, the problems bedeviling this nation goes beyone the present administration. It's rather a fundamental/systemic misplacement of our collective resolve towards nation building and if left unattended to like the virus, it would snowball into more devastations; perhaps by then, there would be campaigns like "Change The Change" or "Total Change". Already, we are seeing the re-emergence of insurgency in the Niger Delta, Biafra agitation, kidnapping, herdsmen attacks, terrorism and several others. However, it's worth pointing out that some of these wouldn't have occurred if the government had been a little more responsible.

So what's the way out of this quagmire and virus that has eaten deep into our fabrics as a nation? Below are seven keenly thought-out possible solutions:

1. NATIONAL CONFERENCE (or 'restructuring')
Obviously, this is a MUST if we wish to move forward. If previous conferences and constitution amendments are believed to be flawed and their reports dashed to the bin, then a new conference has to be conveyed to look at emerging challenges. Virtually every region and tribe is in desperate need of attention, hence a complete roundtable discussion (and implementation) is the best bet.

Even in marriages, there are special times to recount/review experiences. How much more 'Nigeria'! Are we really okay as one? Is it a secular or religious nation? If religious, why is one shortchanged over the other? Should a region be given more preference than the rest? The fear of asking these and many more wouldn't ordinarily disunite us but failure to do so would!

2. SINCERITY OF PURPOSE
Right from the nucleus of the society, family to private and public organisations and to governmental positions at every level, we must begin to work sincerely in pursuit of our common goal. We often falsely portray the wrong idea or action as true and commendable. But it shouldn't be so; let's reshape our thinking and place the wellbeing of others first before ours. Maybe then, corruption might reduce.

3. THE YOUTHS
"The youths are the leaders of tomorrow!", so they said but till today they're yet to vacate their seats. How then can the youths lead? In the past, we had those of age 23, 25, 30 and so on holding key government positions but it's a completely different game now, even in the whole African set up presently.

There's an urgent need for youthful resurgence and participation in national matters. Sadly though, an average youth today is more interested in trending stuffs on Instagram or Twitter than government policies and road map. No wonder they are used as tools by politicians to ferment trouble.

I therefore call on every youth to seize this opportunity and kick-start a revolution founded on richer ideas, otherwise the next generation wouldn't feel proud of you!

4. TRUE FEDERALISM
As we strive towards greater glory, there has be equal and fair allocation of appointments in government. The revenue sharing formular also has to be reviewed perhaps to satisfy every state's needs. Any plot to undermine a state's power/sovereignty should be avoided.

5. ARMS OF GOVERNMENT
Serving as pivotal pillars upon which this country stands, the executive, judiciary and legislature must work assiduously to ensure we achieve our shared vision and attain sustainable development. For a start, the national assembly should cut down their bogus salaries/allowances and initiate bills for our common good. How about that?

6. POLICY REINVENTION/REDIRECTION
We're often tagged as good planners but hardly do we implement any! That has to change if we're to progress. A sound/competent economic team must be assembled to brainstorm and put together a working goal-oriented policy. Moreover, the usual cancellation of programmes or policies by succeeding administrations in order to begin theirs should be checked and handled carefully.

7. STRENGTHEN OUR INSTITUTIONS/AGENCIES
Weak institutions cannot withstand the pressure or demands for better performance and accountability. The EFCC for example, are widely known for media trials and often times, certain "oga's at the top" appear to utilise them as propaganda experts. But if their power is strengthened and made autonomous, devoid of interference, there will be significant improvements! NAFDAC on the other hand, has shown impressive efforts since its creation. So let the government and national assembly endeavour to turn things around!

Long has it been said that "the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable" but reality stares at us in the face which is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf: things are really falling apart and we're merely floating! Thus, it's highly imperative to revisit our foundation and re-align ourselves with present realities, otherwise doom looms.

Finally, let's be reminded that no nation of the world ever attained greatness without reviewing how far they've come. The Nigerian virus cuts across all sectors and walks of life but with committed and collective efforts from all and sundry, we would have a brighter and prosperous future.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

- By Okiyefa Emmanuel E (alias MDP Emmanuel, ff @emma_unique1)

Thank you for taking your precious time to read. God richly bless you!

I wish you all a prosperous 2017!!

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cc Mynd44, 0AM4J, TonyeBarcanista, LRNZH, CharlyG1, brunofarad
mod please help me move it to the right section (politics)

You have spoken well my brother. I totally agree with you but we have to remember that the Nigeria system is facing these challenges because we are yet to get right the fundamental.

The system we operate is highly flawed

TonyeBarcanista:
You have spoken well my brother. I totally agree with you but we have to remember that the Nigeria system is facing these challenges because we are yet to get right the fundamental.

The system we operate is highly flawed

Absolutely, you're right also. Thanks boss.



This has been moved to politics section though.