Colonialism refers to the practice or exertion of control by a powerful country on another country or group or territory.Colonialism was supported due to the military capability and economic buoyancy of the controlling country on her territories.Most countries that were colonised suffered from economic dependency among other internal challenges that gave room to colonialism.France, Britain and Portugal are some countries known as colonial masters.Most African countries have experienced the sweet bitter taste of colonialism .
Nigeria was colonised by Britain.Colonial rule could not be noted to be too bad except for the feeling of dominance, dependency, bondage and what was considered as a theft of our economic resources .If nothing good should be mentioned about colonialism at least the harmonisation and unity of Nigeria’s divergent ethnic groups and religions as one Nigeria is worth appreciating.
Self rule refers to the practice of control by citizens of the said territory, group or country .After vigorous efforts by some great Nigerians in the late 1950’s, Nigeria wa granted autonomy and independence in 1960. Although this freedom was hampered by self militarism.This was self rule but the desired freedom to be distinct from colonialism was still lacking here.
In 1991, self rule was said to be realised as hopes of democracy arose, however, years after being self governed , one doubts if there is any demarcation difference between colonialism and self rule.
During the colonial days, the region now called Nigeria was not known as one of the greatest corrupt countries,a center of electoral manipulations and widespread fraud. It is painful when enslaved, marginalised and maltreated by fellow country men and women.
Till date,most Nigerians are yet to see any meaningful difference between colonialism and self rule in Nigeria as many has suggested that instead of fellow citizens taking away our resources and fortunes into their pockets and mansions, foreigners(colonialists) would have continued to rule us and equitably share the resources among us.
Has self rule(Democracy) actually being of any great help to Nigeria and Nigerians compared to colonialism?
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