Society is a medley of different individuals, families, groups, and associations whose interests intersect at some points, irrespective of thin and thick lines of diversity. States in the form of political entities often arise from it, thereby bringing a definite and strategically dynamic structure (all things being equal) to pursuit of the common good.

Key actors in such environments are its citizens whose behavioural dispositions and inclinations significantly determine their political umbrella’s prosperity level. Nigeria’s troubled condition at the moment is inseparable from the tribalism, religious bigotry, ethnicism, nepotism, poor patriotism and what have you, which hold it on the jugular. All these are traces of Inhumanity. This piece, thus, argues that humaneness in the citizenry is precedent to a better Nigeria.

Throughout the length and breadth of the nation, there is a consensus on corruption as a virus which has eaten deep into our national fabric. Rampant in the governmental space and now infecting other spheres of the country, chief reason for its existence is closely tied to selfishness and greed. The huge question marks surrounding the expenditure of bail-out funds provided by the federal government to some state governors to pay outstanding salaries, budget padding insinuations, inauthentic certificate concoctions, sexual harassment of students, money-before-promotion tradition in the civil service, poor or no additional public facilities provision after billions of naira in designation, to mention a few, vividly shows how the good of all is mortgaged for the good of one or few.

A quintessence of inhumaneness. To purge such a disease, thinking about oneself alone all the time at the cost of others’ wellbeing must be abandoned personally and mercilessly frowned at before the law publicly. In Professor Kingsley Moghalu’s words, the era of “fighting highly-placed politicians with deodorants and only ordinary citizens with insecticides” must be ended now. John Maxwell, in one of his irrefutable laws of leadership, contended that “a leader adds value by serving others.” Imbibing such humaneness can make our country work.

Meanwhile, the barrage of killings in recent times–with Boko-haram insurgents and Fulani herdsmen playing lead roles–mirrors the ethnic intolerance and religious extremism at the nation’s core. Countless suicide and planted bombings coupled with the reported resolve to ruthlessly promote a Fulani agenda, negate any nation-building efforts. We must understand that no religion nor tribe is an island. This highlights coexistence as an option any religion or tribe genuinely concerned about its well-being must not decline.

The courageous and conscientious Imam in Plateau State, who hid over 300 Christians in the Mosque he oversees during a bloody herdsman attack just few weeks ago, embodies the spirit needed to advance as a nation; humaneness. He has already been hosted by Plateau State Governor Solomon Lalong and is to be awarded a national honour by the president. What a man! The United States of America, largest global economy and world power is a multi-racial state with Asians, Indians, African-Americans, Latinos, Hispanics etcetera, as citizens. Nonetheless, they developed humaneness towards each other which has contributed to their nation’s position in the patheon of nations. Nigerians ought to take a cue. Yes, we can!

However, it is obvious that despite typically blaming Nigeria’s leaders for her impasse, fellow Nigerians are also part of the problem. The long absence of humane attitudes in most of those in government and outside gives numerous political cum social evils a foothold in our national existence. Until Nigerians begin to practically appreciate the human worth of others who are not within their idiosyncratic circle, maximum peace and prosperity would continue to elude Nigeria.

Source: https://cover9ja.com/humane-nigerians-a-prerequisite-for-a-peaceful-and-prosperous-nigeria/

Restructuring is the only thing

Till we accept that we are different and renegotiate our unity, we can never be humane to another tribe bent on coveting all powers and resources

Lalasticlala