PATRIOTISM: A PANACEA FOR NIGERIA'S DEMOCRACY

Two moments are significant in a man's life; one, the moment he refuses to speak good and the other is the moment he remains silent. These two moments are of importance to life as said if done for the right purpose. However, Nigerians have been found in a recurrent whirlpool of ill-speaking of their dear nation. There is a proverb that the owner of a luggage should know how to carry it with vigour more than anyone else. This scenario is seen in American politics as well as the neo-democratic French nation with the win of the new president; Bacon. More so, an average American is always concerned about what he/she would do for America rather than what America would do.

Sadly, such an attitude is almost missing in the hearts of many so called citizens in Nigeria. George William Curtis wrote; "A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle". Patriotism is the conscious attempt of sustaining that principle. Patriotism therefore in a simple term means a devoted love, support and defense of one's country as well as national loyalty. The euphoria that came with the independence of 1960 was soon threatened by ethnic sentiments and the political malaise that emerged in the post-colonial era. The delusion caused was rather intentional as the nation was led by leaders who had soon changed from patriots to despots and sit-tights office leaders. This thorn in the flesh of the motherland had swallowed the seeds needed to grow the Nigerian dream.

Courage, determination and positive imagination when not adequate amongs citizens of a nation would always result into a failed patriotism. Nigeria and Nigerians has always been threatened by the evils of ethnicity, civil strive, tribal sentiments, mismanagement and corruption the master of all. Even at this time when the nation's head is incapacitated by ailment(s) that have become unannounced till day with different conspiracies, the people of Nigeria are faced with the doubt that democracy really is a stronghold in Nigeria. The inadequate level of patriotism in Nigeria has made the nation lose value within and even in the international community. Patriotism which is a love for one’s country and a desire to make her better still remains a sham in the country with many becoming apolitical due to the failed promises of the government. Nigeria's democracy at this delicate point in time needs nothing more than patriotism.

Nigeria's democracy at this time needs a strong spirit of patriotism. We must roll our strength in one ball all in the cause of raising our mother land. As patriots, we must love, support and
defend her interest with devotion. We must be ready to sacrifice dedicating wholeheartedly to the one vision of progress and unity. Patriotism is recognizing when our nation is wrong and fighting
to correct the wrong.Nigerian youths should rise up, take an inspiration from the French democracy, American nationalism and the emerging Asian Tigers. Corruption should not be seen as a means to an end. Rather than run for personal wealth and inordinate desires, we can use the same strength to work out a new developmental plan for the nation.

Like John Maxwell said, leadership is not positional but relational. Nigerian youths especially must be ready to make recommendations for our dear nation, oust all corrupt leaders while forming a new nation. However, sadly, the same youths have been carried away with the wave of technology not using it to the benefit of themselves and their nation. But, there is hope, Nigeria will rise again. Happy democracy day. To this end, James Bry ce said; Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in
striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. I believe this is what should actually be done.


written by BADIRU KEHINDE
http://www.hub201.com/patriotism-a-panacea-for-nigerias-democracy/

cc: Seun, Lalasticlala

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