My fellow Nigerians, it is my pleasure to communicate through this medium; to share with you our common pain, agony, hopes, dreams and the possibilities of us as a Nation which are being defined by current events. I believe you are thinking (as I am also thinking); why Nigeria? Why do we have bad “rulers “? Why are we labeled a terrorist state? Why do we have a sick and absent president? Why is our economy in shamble? Why is our infrastructure in decadence? Why are our youths in despair? Why do we have more poor people than we do the rich? Why, why, why? I’ve spoken with people about hope, but what I get in response is, why, why, why and sometimes, people just conclude that the future is bleak and no light at the end of the tunnel! What a country!
Less I forget; I think I should appreciate the power of “Naija” in us, the bound that still hold us together despite our differences, the believe on the minds of my Aboki friend that sells candy by my house, that “ibo boy” who repairs my laptop in computer village and the voice of Iya Sikira of the popular “bukataria” named Olaoluwa food canteen that Nigeria go “beta”. I also appreciate my Niger Delta friend “Osare” that said “this Nigeria must work“!
We all could have taken to the street with our machetes, killing and spilling our blood in the name of making the country better! I also appreciate my learned friends who give us hope that the future is bright while not just saying it but indeed working towards it. The leadership of our dear professors, the pastors, the Alfas and the human right activist that always remind us that killing ourselves really is not the solution but rising to our civic responsibilities, raising our voices in the matter of national interest, and also being diligence at what we do is all we need to get there!
Machination of the Cabals
Nigeria is currently at the deciding point where our future has to be defined, where our true test as a nation is takes place. What we are facing today is as a result of plans and machination of people in and outside the country, to take hold of the future of this country; people who thrives in chaos! Though in their minds they are doing the “right thing”, but I want to reaffirm that any decision that takes advantage of the common people, that deprive people of their dreams and rights, that fails to do what they have sworn to or in a position to do what is right and value adding to the people is anti-people, anti-progress and short-sighted.
Let’s look at it; in 2007 a sickly person was imposed on Nigeria; down the line Nigeria’s slightly growing economy started dwindling, time to deliberate and take decision are spent in intensive care unit of a hospital far away from our country! I do believe our president is human and it could have happened to anyone, but we must demonstrate our patriotism by serving with the best of our ability and if our ability is not enough or could impede the progress of the country we should give others chance to carry on! This I believe will make us have peace in our mind and soul!
There is panic, fear and uncertainty across the country; this is an opportunity for the “Cabals” to bring this country down. Any friction in Aso rock will ignite the “expected” crisis that will send this country back 50 years! This is there plan and we must not fall prey to their empty stomached crocodile.
Defining Moment
The moment has come to let Nigerians chart the course, to know who truly have their interest at heart, those who truly want to serve and those who are only interested in their pockets and power! Our defining moment has just arrived 11 years late, after the current democracy. But all the same, the last 10 years was used to develop prototypes of what our democracy should be like, of the future and legacy we want to give the coming generation. Our democracy can work, but not on selfish values, not on “Visionless” Leadership and youths in despair and hunger! As we await and guide this nation through the challenges, we must be prepared for the coming elections, that I think is our hope to define our future.
Reading through the presentation of Martin Jacques, at the last LSE public lecture “When China Rules The World”; China definitely is on course to rule the world! I discovered some underlying factors which are vision, decisiveness and commitment to build the Nation: vision based on proper analysis and genuine interest reached at a decisive point and fired on with commitment. We cannot afford to watch our God-given potentials (natural and human resources) go down the drain. We cannot wish our way to greatness, we must work at it. There is nothing as void as wishful thinking, the earlier we take a stand the better else we will be officially labeled Banana Republic!
Creating the future
During tough times decisions are made, those who are keen on taking the lead in the future have started 20-30 years ago, but it is not too late! We have got to rekindle our vision; we have got to get hold of our “Noble Course” as read in the second stanza of our national anthem. We must go back to the basics which we all recite at our early ages. “… in love and honesty to grow, and live in just and truth…” so as to attain the great and lofty height we set our eyes on!
To get thee, we have to work hard as individuals and as a nation. We have got to respect and love one another. To strive for excellence in whatever we do, to leverage on our strength and help with our weaknesses. To believe that our population, diversity and differences are tools we need to stand and shoulder-to-shoulder in the committee of nations. To become the giving nation and not the beggar or perpetual receiver of aids. This is Nigeria’s call to which we all must obey!
Note: Join the Enough is Enough campaign in Ikeja GRA tomorrow 10Am.
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