Nigeria has always had is fair share of problems: mostly a result of inept and corrupt leadership. As a people, we are used to leaders who have no clue how the global economy works and what to do to set Nigeria on the part to prosperity. In fact, in Nigeria, it is a given that almost every politician is corrupt; so we usually just try to hussle for our share of the national cake or hope we get a 'messiah' like Fashola once in a while. This has been the state of our nation for several decades. Since the Civil War, although there have been pockets of sectarian and ethnic violence, we have managed to keep a stable polity without disintegrating into a failed state ala Liberia, Sudan etc. In fact, our relative political stability, in addition to our large population, are one of our few legitimate claims to the title of "Giant of Africa." This is perhaps why the Western world still values us in African affairs.

It seems all these will be on more very soon. I have observed with worry and sadness the increasd violence and militancy originating from Boko Haram and all my mind can think of is Sudan, Afghanistan and other countries that have gone through the hell of several years of violent conflict. To make matters worse, the president said '“terrorist attacks” are affecting countries all over the world' to calm Nigerians down. Where is the sense of urgency both in the government and the populace? Where is the awareness that we inching slowly but surely to the status of a failed state ala Sudan and Afghanistan?

I am deeply troubled because from what I know about history, this is not going to end well. If there is no strong statement from the government, especially militarily ala Obasanjo in Odi and Zaki Biam, the Boko Haram boys will get emboldened and we may have an ethno-religious civil war on our hands before the end of the decade.

It is one thing to be a corruption-laden nation that is unable fulfil its potential but is staggering along the way. Its another, totally different thing to be at war for several years like Liberia, Sudan or Afghanistan. That sets a nation back by several decades in development.


Is is time for Jonathan to deploy the Military and save the Nigerian state?