Naij.com Reader Wonders If Nigeria Can Overcome Her Problems
Modern Nigerians have seemingly forgotten the lessons taught by our forefathers, Legit.ng reader Enimakure Jnr says. In his article, entitled Can We Get Out Of This Mess? he tries to distinguish the roots of Nigeria's problems.
Bringing this great nation to existence, our founding fathers probably thought they've trained their children (our leaders) so well white men would feel jealous. They instilled in them good moral standards, qualitative education, tolerance for any culture and traditions, respect for elders and non-corruptable life style. Had Nigerians followed these principles up until today, we would have been the best nation in the world.
Though our forefathers died a very long time ago, they've left a great legacy behind for us to build upon. Unfortunately, our leaders soon forgot their training. They began by spending the oil money lavishly in the 70s. Assassinating each other in the name of coups, because everybody wanted to hold the mantle of power. Rigging elections to acquire power by all means is not crime to them any longer. Olusegun Obasanjo, our former leader, once said that politics is a "do or die" affair. Corruption is the order of the day to the extent that President Goodluck Jonathan admitted his people couldn't even differentiate between corruption and stealing money.
Nigerians have neglected their own culture to adopt European and American lifestyles. Children no longer respect their parents, not to speak of elders in their community. Examination malpractice, once regarded as abomination, is seen as a smart act nowadays, and it is common for parents to pay for their children to pass or get "better" results.
We praise our government when they steal money from the national treasury. We celebrate them because of what we expect from them.
It baffles me when I listen to a youth saying that he enjoyed Gbenga Daniel's administration in Ogun State between 2003 and 2011. I'll remember Daniel because he used to being paid by politicians to snatch ballot boxes and cause disturbance in the neighbourhood with the influence of politicians in power then.
Where are our $20 billion? What is Farouk Lawan still doing in the House of Representatives? Who is Bode George? Who killed Dele Giwa? Who is the original owner of Obasanjo farms at Ota? How rich is Tinubu as of today and how did he acquire this fortune? Who are those behind Boko Haram? Why can't Jonathan pack Alison Madueke? Why can't any of the parties leaders be probed, is it because their hands are "clean"? Why can't Stella Oduah be probed? What is behind the non-functioning of the PHCN, NITEL, Nigerian Railway Corporation, NIPOST, NNPC and others?
Please, we need answers to these and many other questions for our forefathers to be happy in their graves. Everybody has to mage account for their impact on the Nigeria we have found ourselves living in. Let someone assure me that we can get out of this mess we have found ourselves in.
Legit.ng publishes Mr. Enimakure's work as part of its Guest Blogger/Writer project. If you would like to see your article discussed by thousands of Legit.ng readers, submit it to info@naij.com and send any questions regarding collaboration.
Source: Legit.ng
