This thread might be offensive to. A whole lot of people and I will understand why.

We (the citizens and common man) are the main cause why Nigeria over the years of Independence till date keeps getting worse.

We play sentiments in anything and everything we do. In choosing a Leader, awarding contract and even correctly our corrupt politicians.

Must we wait for things to deteriorate before taking action? Must disaster happen before we realize there are pending reports on that same issue we refused or forgot to tackle before this present disaster?

* Plane Crash : I can vividly remember after the 2005 Bellview and Sosoliso plane crashes, Obasanjo setup a committee to look at the possible causes of the aviation disaster something Kema Chikwe the then Aviation Minister passed later to Fani Kayode. Almost 10years since then no report was made. Now Jonathan will setup another committee for the same issue thereby wasting billions of naira of tax payers money to fund.

*Power : It would be like counting the strands of hair on a ladies head if we want to remember how many committees have been setup over the years to look into possible ways of improving power supply in this country. Yet the only thing we hear is Power Holdings (former NEPA) increasing power tariffs each passing month to enable have steady power. Yet these same Nigeria keep quiet and hope for a "better day".

*Sports : the only uniting factor of the country is absolutely nothing to talk about. Nigerians only remember the urgent need for a foreign or indigenous coach few months to tournaments. Forgetting that both the Ministry of Sports and NFF have thousands of committee that have been looking into developing sports (most especially football) in these country.

*Oil (Petroleum) : nothing to write home about this, almost every first day of every year this is what Nigerian Government gives us as New Year present (increase in fuel price). People protest for a few days then return to their work without putting pressure on the government to know what such monies are used for.


On and on the list goes....

Before blaming the government next time, thing deep if you have made an effort to make your government accountable at anytime.

Its like leaving your doors and windows open each night and I thief comes in to steal. After discovering this in the morning all you do is shout and then make the same mistake. Who is to be blamed? You or the thief in question.

Speak, shout, scream or whisper. No one hears you. The same mistake will be made, time and time again. The solution is in front of us and you've put it so well, but who cares? Nigeria will continue on this path until.. . .. .

eledalo: Speak, shout, scream or whisper. No one hears you. The same mistake will be made, time and time again. The solution is in front of us and you've put it so well, but who cares? Nigeria will continue on this path until.. . .. .

And are we expecting a different result (for the better) with this sort of mentality?

A People's revolution - instead of gun's, like the Indignados in Spain - use pots and pans - bring out the infirm and deposit them in public places, let the open sores of society confront the puppet-masters. Name names, shame - set up a people's court and try people pronto!

UK Bobo: A People's revolution - instead of gun's, like the Indignados in Spain - use pots and pans - bring out the infirm and deposit them in public places, let the open sores of society confront the puppet-masters. Name names, shame - set up a people's court and try people pronto!

Nigerians are too Cowardice for this.
If they don't put a BAND STAND at Ojota were they know a countable numbers on entertainers will come to perform, you will never see them in their millions.

Also, with the majority of the population being young. Their elders have manipulated them with lies as to why the country is not working without revealing their own culpability in it's demise. If your uncle pay bribe, auntie inflate contract, sister wants to build flats using cheap material, whose fault is it now? When you point a finger, 3 fingers point back at you!

UK Bobo: Also, with the majority of the population being young. Their elders have manipulated them with lies as to why the country is not working without revealing their own culpability in it's demise. If your uncle pay bribe, auntie inflate contract, sister wants to build flats using cheap material, whose fault is it now? When you point a finger, 3 fingers point back at you!

So on point.

The leaders we talk about, were all members of the populace yesterday before they went to Abuja.
Truth be told, the current situation of the country is a reflection of the people that inhabit the country. The sad thing is that rather than look inwards, we are deflect our responsibilities and point hands at the leaders(people whose existence is totally dependent on us).
To get a better picture, look at the interiors of where Nigerians live, where Government has no jurisdiction over its functionality, and you'll find squalor and filth as a cultural anecdote. Filthier than the exteriors we blame the governments for failing to fix.
The problem is with 'we the people" and the revolution that we seek can only start from within us.
Before you ask Abuja to fight corruption, what have you done about the sleaze going on in your office?
Before you ask Abuja to fix the road, what have you done about your filthy unpainted house?
Before you ask Abuja to fix the hospitals, what have you done about your broken sewage?
Before you ask Abuja to fix education, stop cheating and exam malpractice!!
The revolution that would change this country can only start from withing us because the rot has corrupted every fabric of the society!

This is complete upside down. If we have to do personal stuff before government lives up to its responsibilities why do we need a government before we can accomplish this personal chores.

The real issue is that many of the things that we need to do in our personal life depend on a government meeting its responsibilities FIRST.

PapaBrowne: The leaders we talk about, were all members of the populace yesterday before they went to Abuja.
Truth be told, the current situation of the country is a reflection of the people that inhabit the country. The sad thing is that rather than look inwards, we are deflect our responsibilities and point hands at the leaders(people whose existence is totally dependent on us).
To get a better picture, look at the interiors of where Nigerians live, where Government has no jurisdiction over its functionality, and you'll find squalor and filth as a cultural anecdote. Filthier than the exteriors we blame the governments for failing to fix.
The problem is with 'we the people" and the revolution that we seek can only start from within us.
Before you ask Abuja to fight corruption, what have you done about the sleaze going on in your office?
Before you ask Abuja to fix the road, what have you done about your filthy unpainted house?
Before you ask Abuja to fix the hospitals, what have you done about your broken sewage?
Before you ask Abuja to fix education, stop cheating and exam malpractice!!
The revolution that would change this country can only start from withing us because the rot has corrupted every fabric of the society!

koruji:
This is complete upside down. If we have to do personal stuff before government lives up to its responsibilities why do we need a government before we can accomplish this personal chores.

The real issue is that many of the things that we need to do in our personal life depend on a government meeting its responsibilities FIRST.

Very funny. Wish you can think about the reality of our existence for a moment. What is Government and what does it consist of. It consists of humans that yesterday were a part of the regular society.
So Big Question: Why do people that yesterday were a part of the regular society get to into the place called "government" and become neanderthals?
Answer, because the regular society is filled with neanderthals in the waiting. All they need is an environment that would help them bring it out. The place called government is that perfect environment.
The biggest problems we face steer us in the face in our everyday life. We see our friends steal the office dry and we either join them or turn a blind eye. The same students screaming Jonathan is clueless for renaming UNILAG would be cheating in class when exams start tommorow. The same doctors that are cursing on Fashola are selling drugs given free to patients. The market woman cheats. The Okada rider steals. The bank worker is a fraudster and the fast food owner is deliberately selling rotten chicken. And you know why?? Because they are all rotten and would do worse when given the perfect environment!!
Ask yourself, why is it Nigerians selling drugs on the streets of Europe, Thailand and Brazil?? Why not Zambians or Peruvians or Cambodians?? Now tell me, does the Nigerian Government train these people in the art of Drug dealing?? Or is Nigeria the only country with a messed up leadership??
THINK MAN, THINK. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH OUR CULTURE. A CULTURE THAT PREVENTS US FROM TAKING RESPONSIBILITY, BUT ENCOURAGES BLAME SHIFTING.
Change will come only when people begin to seek to influence their little environment! It would start from the ground up.

.

Partly correct. That doesn't change the fact that government (in whatever form) must move first in order to move a nation forward. This basic rule is not just common sense, it is supported by history, the laws of physics and economics. That is why government is endowed with so much power.
All of history is replete with nations that were run-down and full of "neanderthals", and yet out of those so-called "neanderthal societies" emerged strong nations.

What you are refering to is the bastardization of the government in the Nigerian context - but that does not change the definition and role of government.

There is no doubt that the Nigerian context is extremely complex, and this makes it difficult the right leaders to emerge

Believe me, our nation has the "talented few". The problem is they are few, and against the hordes of charlattans.

PapaBrowne:

Very funny. Wish you can think about the reality of our existence for a moment. What is Government and what does it consist of. It consists of humans that yesterday were a part of the regular society.
So Big Question: Why do people that yesterday were a part of the regular society get to into the place called "government" and become neanderthals?
Answer, because the regular society is filled with neanderthals in the waiting. All they need is an environment that would help them bring it out. The place called government is that perfect environment.
The biggest problems we face steer us in the face in our everyday life. We see our friends steal the office dry and we either join them or turn a blind eye. The same students screaming Jonathan is clueless for renaming UNILAG would be cheating in class when exams start tommorow. The same doctors that are cursing on Fashola are selling drugs given free to patients. The market woman cheats. The Okada rider steals. The bank worker is a fraudster and the fast food owner is deliberately selling rotten chicken. And you know why?? Because they are all rotten and would do worse when given the perfect environment!!
Ask yourself, why is it Nigerians selling drugs on the streets of Europe, Thailand and Brazil?? Why not Zambians or Peruvians or Cambodians?? Now tell me, does the Nigerian Government train these people in the art of Drug dealing?? Or is Nigeria the only country with a messed up leadership??
THINK MAN, THINK. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH OUR CULTURE. A CULTURE THAT PREVENTS US FROM TAKING RESPONSIBILITY, BUT ENCOURAGES BLAME SHIFTING.
Change will come only when people begin to seek to influence their little environment! It would start from the ground up.

omo_to_dun:

I understand your point of view but I have to side with PapaBrowne. In order for the government to move first, like you astutely wrote, it has to be mostly comprised of responsible and visionary citizens. If they were already inept and irresponsible as ordinary citizens, it would unrealistic to assume that they would function appropriately when they are in the chambers of power. Indeed, it would be safe to assume that their unbecoming characteristics would be greatly underscored by their powers. Take America for example, wherein the government was created by representatives of the people---the founding fathers of America; these men, though not perfect, were visionaries who created the greatest nation on earth.

If Nigeria must change, it must be from the bottom, for if a tree has problems at the root, it would be unwise to cut the leaves, or the branches, or the top, but the remedy would be to uproot it. Nigerians have to change, or else our children and grandchildren will spend their time arguing amongst themselves about our seemingly insurmountable woes, and distributing blame unto others---especially the government---,just like our fathers and grandfathers did.

Words of extraordinary wisdom!

koruji:
This is complete upside down. If we have to do personal stuff before government lives up to its responsibilities why do we need a government before we can accomplish this personal chores.

The real issue is that many of the things that we need to do in our personal life depend on a government meeting its responsibilities FIRST.

I agree with you koruji, it's sad to see that there are peeps that don't understand the basics of an ideal societal construct.

To think citizens wake up and start obeying laws is the height of poo. They are guided by leaders. There are enough social theories to buttress this point. There are enough country cases to prove this. The state moves the process of social engineering. This is the type of clap-trap Reno Omokri aka Beaf and Metuh want to feed the people, "It is not GEJ's fault, let the people look at themselves first", "the problem started before him". Yet he takes the credit for a Naval canoe started before him. ANIMALS!!!

The citizens are the government!! So blaming the government is as good as blaming ourselves...

Na all of us spoil this country.. The government is only representative of our collective lifestyle which is.. CORRUPTION..

Nigeria Nigeria Nigeria........this country is messed up finally....Baba God help us oooo....But heaven help those who help themselves....ahhhh... :'...The most amazing thing is that this country has the most churches and mosque per square area....and all our Pastors and Imams preach purity and Godliness....Na wa ooo....Corruption ridden COUNTRY !!!!

I think both have a part to play. There is hope.

@Papabrowne, Koruji You both have points


@Papabrowne, if you expect me to repor wrong doings in my office, I must expect that a system will be in place that will purnish those responsible. currently there is none, so why bother. Government has not created the enabling environment

@Koruji, do you know how many times I habe been asked to look the other way, by members of my own family, because as they say everyone is doing it. Evertone to cheating or stealing does not make it right. we have a personal duty to hold up integrity and truth. when these 2 qualities die on a society, then chaos reigns. And that is the Nigeria of today.

But I say we have become like the pregnant woman, that does not want to go through childbirth to receive her gift, thinking that she will wake up one day and the baby will be by her side. You must go through pain, sadly Nigerians are not prepared to

Both bad governance(leaders) couple with bad citizens. Am afraid the present set °ƒ youth in this country if given the chance τ̲̅ȍ rule 'll even perform worse than †ђξ present rulers. Only can save this entity called nigeria where nothing is working. Even every body mentality is just τ̲̅ȍ chop υя own quota in the national cake nobody is ready τ̲̅ȍ change things. What a nation.

Are we not all leaders in 1 place or d oda, if not church, may be mosque, or our place of work, and even at home, we're all lawbreakers,who are d citizens? Who are d govts, abeg! Na all of us, bad leaders,bad followers. Shikena!

ballabriggs: To think citizens wake up and start obeying laws is the height of poo. They are guided by leaders. There are enough social theories to buttress this point. There are enough country cases to prove this. The state moves the process of social engineering. This is the type of clap-trap Reno Omokri aka Beaf and Metuh want to feed the people, "It is not GEJ's fault, let the people look at themselves first", "the problem started before him". Yet he takes the credit for a Naval canoe started before him. ANIMALS!!!

my frnd ure a very big idiot a monumental iliterate 4dat mater must u menton gudluk i anytn even ur personal fustratn u mentn gudluk.if ur fada refuse 2 slep wit ur mum u mentn gudluk.simple ansa d questn who is 2blame 4 nija7 woes d citizens or our leadas.olodo.didirin

Corrupt people makes corrupt government

The government can never be corrupt if her people are not corrupt

THIS IS THE BREAKDOWN

We Nigerians consent to get our pocket picked and we elected the best person to do it.


I don`t know what you expect from a rogue after collected a bag of rice,biscuit and 5 yards of ankara.

mai gaskiya: my frnd ure a very big idiot a monumental iliterate 4dat mater must u menton gudluk i anytn even ur personal fustratn u mentn gudluk.if ur fada refuse 2 slep wit ur mum u mentn gudluk.simple ansa d questn who is 2blame 4 nija7 woes d citizens or our leadas.olodo.didirin

You yob! Learn to spell properly and stop disgracing yourself.

sitting down behind your computer and arguing back and forth is not going to change anything, action is needed. that's what we've always done- argue argue and argue, some feel the government are responsible, while others feel the problem lies with the masses..........so why can't we push for changes in these various areas and stop arguing over the internet?

Great topic! I think we are all culpable one way or the other - the so called leadership is mediocre and the followership is sentimental. Personally, I am so very tired and fed up with the endless whining about the government. The great are great because we carry them on our shoulders - we have bastardised our values and elevated material things thereby encouraging systemic corruption in all sectors of this polity. We have lost our integrity and therefore not fit to be considered honourable. We already know that Nigeria is up in shit creek but how do we wipe this ass clean and move on? All our endless committees have failed us. When are we going to walk the talk? I think we talk too much. We are so quick to hang all our Naija challenges on the altar of religion forgetting that the gods will not do for man what man must do for himself. No wonder our worship centres and religious leaders are thriving while evil grows in leaps and bounds! I think it is time for all well meaning Nigerians to accept the fact that we do not have a government. It is time for a complete paradigm shift. Only a foolish man does things in thesame way and expects different results every time. This dumb cowlike attitude towards oppression is not taking us any where. We need directions but where are the visionaries? Lots of willing followers but nothing to follow...A true leader finds his passion in hopeless situations like this.

tevinsolt: sitting down behind your computer and arguing back and forth is not going to change anything, action is needed. that's what we've always done- argue argue and argue, some feel the government are responsible, while others feel the problem lies with the masses..........so why can't we push for changes in these various areas and stop arguing over the internet?

Sitting down behind a computer changes quite a lot of things. I say this as someone whose career, and education demands he spend about 99% of my time behind a career. I so hate when folks like you try to badmouth those who sit behind computers, as if we are not the ones who created much of the world you know of today. If not for online tools, media,forums, online news channels, twits etc, do you think the recent Egyptian revolution, or that of Libya would have recorded as much success as it has today? Do you think Syrians would have gotten the UN to even bat an eye over their problems?

If you need to talk-down to people, do not talk-down to those who sit behind their computers and do what they know to do. Go to those who have the votes and refuse to use it for their own good.

Sorry
Citizens are the Government
Greedy is number one problem in Nigeria
Me and my family
In Nigeria government for the people by the rich criminals
Government for the people and by the people
from the meter reader dude from the light company
who will take bribery
To civil servant in court house that want some thing from you before doing his job
Toll gate dude that collect money keep 99% of the toll gate continuous bad road
To contractors who will give 50% to get contract
Leadership Zero
Bad government = bad greedy people

Kobojunkie:

Sitting down behind a computer changes quite a lot of things. I say this as someone whose career, and education demands he spend about 99% of my time behind a career. I so hate when folks like you try to badmouth those who sit behind computers, as if we are not the ones who created much of the world you know of today. If not for online tools, media,forums, online news channels, twits etc, do you think the recent Egyptian revolution, or that of Libya would have recorded as much success as it has today? Do you think Syrians would have gotten the UN to even bat an eye over their problems?

If you need to talk-down to people, do not talk-down to those who sit behind their computers and do what they know to do. Go to those who have the votes and refuse to use it for their own good.

no one said sitting down behind the computer is wrong, i said sitting down behind your computer and arguing back and forth, besides how has the arguing on nairaland helped Nigeria, instead of making awareness with the internet you guys argue all day, insult each other on here......learn to read fully and not selectively pls

Kobojunkie:

Sitting down behind a computer changes quite a lot of things. I say this as someone whose career, and education demands he spend about 99% of my time behind a career. I so hate when folks like you try to badmouth those who sit behind computers, as if we are not the ones who created much of the world you know of today. If not for online tools, media,forums, online news channels, twits etc, do you think the recent Egyptian revolution, or that of Libya would have recorded as much success as it has today? Do you think Syrians would have gotten the UN to even bat an eye over their problems?

If you need to talk-down to people, do not talk-down to those who sit behind their computers and do what they know to do. Go to those who have the votes and refuse to use it for their own good.

Thank you Madam Junkie. That is why we are here, to educate the citizens thereby diluting the falsehood being propagated by the state and their agents.