Predictably, President Goodluck Jonathan used the yearly commemoration of the nation’s independence to trumpet the achievements of his administration over the last four years, saying the country has made significant progress in various sectors of the economy. But given the terrible scenario playing out in the country, manifested in mass poverty, high corruption in government, gross official recklessness and near zero governance, it is no surprise that the Nigerian ship of state is rudderless and adrift. There is hardly any aspect of governance that cannot be faulted for corruption and incompetence. The overall situation was already quite appalling before terrorism and widespread insecurity of lives and property by Boko Haram were added to the arsenal of the country’s woes. As the nation moves towards the 2015 general elections, it is not too late for Nigerians leaders, to change and make democracy work for the people. Too much pain has been inflicted and now is the time for Nigerian leaders at all levels to focus more on the Nigerian promise – notably what is standing in the way of realizing that promise.
In his radio and television broadcast to mark the nation’s 54th independence anniversary, Jonathan said despite the fact that the administration and the security agencies were doing their best to curtail the activities of insurgents, the fact that they continue to unleash their reign of terror meant a lot remains to be done and their activities were still a threat to peace. Described as one of the longest presidential speeches in recent times, Jonathan admitted that despite the achievements of the country in her 54 years of independence, it faces a crisis of nationhood, which calls for sober reflection. Admonishing the nation to rally behind the troops in their battle against Boko Haram, Jonathan said the country has a lot to gain together as one united nation than being divided. The President restated his government’s readiness to dialogue with the insurgents and other aggrieved groups but noted that efforts to end the insurgency would not stop until victory was achieved.
But whoever wrote the President’s speech, stands condemned in the strongest terms for failing to include the tragedy of the 200+ schoolgirls kidnapped from Chibok. For a President who has studiously failed to do right by the people of Chibok, by not visiting them despite all entreaties, Jonathan’s failure to mention the missing girls in his speech was the nadir of insensitivity and gracelessness. This is most unfortunate. Jonathan also boasted that with the rebasing of the economy, the international community now recognizes Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $510 billion which also places the nation as the 26th largest economy in the world.
However, this rebasing is welcome, though with question marks. The GDP figures may not be a lie, but another set of figures, which shows that majority of Nigerians still live below the poverty line, is a better truth. The figures may not be incorrect; what is absolutely incorrect is the President’s celebration of the rebasing as some achievement in the face of Nigerians’ gnawing poverty. The rebased figure appears politically propitious and belies the reality of the national economy. Its relevance is only in number. The figures do not in any way speak to the plight of Nigerians and do not advance new ways to improve their living standard. Mr. President, the largest economy in Africa should, at least, be able to give jobs to its own people and should have better infrastructure.
At independence in 1960, there was a groundswell of euphoria and hope in the Nigerian project. It is sobering that, 54 years later, the anticipated gains of nationhood envisaged by the founding fathers are still being awaited. Not a few have marveled at the exemplary character of Nigeria’s founding fathers: the simplicity of Tafawa Balewa, the selflessness of Ahmadu Bello, the nationalism of Nnamdi Azikiwe and the enduring vision of Obafemi Awolowo, all of which tower above their personal ambitions. Despite the sense of foreboding that the new multi-ethnic nation was unworkable, Nigerians envisioned a great and bountiful country. Today, Nigeria is so greatly afflicted that some wonder at her prospects. Nigeria is a country where a few citizens live in untold opulence while the vast majority wallows in poverty. The trouble with Nigeria, noted famous writer and intellectual icon, Chinua Achebe, is a failure of leadership. This failure has resulted in shattered hopes, broken promises, missed opportunities, and unfulfilled aspirations.
So, a good place to start Nigeria’s redemption is for Nigerians to learn the culture of heroism, patriotism and other virtues that build successful nations. Today’s generation of moral orphans need to know and understand that the present obsession with inordinate materialism, the rabid pursuit of power for its sake and the abysmally low productivity in virtually all aspects of national life stand in contrast to the vision of the nation’s founding fathers. Besides, the nation’s political space must be fumigated to have good people as political aspirants. To complement this, communities should inoculate the system to keep political scavengers and adventurers away from public office. Also, there is need for a human capital development strategy to entrench the inexorable symbiosis between the quality of universities and the intellectual capital of a country. This wedding of town and gown would re-introduce the value of scholarship to personal refinement and positive transformation of Nigeria’s immediate environment.
Judging by the frenetic struggle over political positions, it is clear that pecuniary incentives and other attractive appurtenances of office are the prime motivations of today’s ruling class, and not service. Thus, there is need for a constitutional measure to de-emphasize the monetary rewards and financial perquisites for public office holders. This reduction of pecuniary rewards would attract people who are genuinely interested in public service, and dissuade money-hungry politicians in place of well-meaning persons who are morally upright, politically sagacious, determined, and visionary enough to become change agents. On all accounts, Nigeria is yet to fulfill her destiny. Since the return to democracy in 1999 the political class has shown impetuous and irresponsible behavior at the expense of the people. The looting and the waste going on in Nigeria in the name of governance has no parallel anywhere else and is responsible for breeding an angry and alienated citizenry who see no dividend in this democracy.
It is not too late to rescue Nigeria from the brink. Exemplary leadership is imperative at all levels to realize the dreams of the founding fathers who toiled for Nigeria’s statehood. If you believe in predictions, October 1, 2014 could well mark Nigeria’s last independence anniversary. The United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), according to a widely held belief, has predicted that Nigeria would break up in 2015. If Nigeria’s claim to democracy will ever stand the test of time, this doomsday prediction must not come to pass. Nigeria’s 54th anniversary may well be its last if politicians chose to be desperate, and care less about the future of the country. The choice is theirs; wherever they lead, Nigerians will follow. The question then becomes: Quo Vadis Nigeria?
