By Fred Nwaozor
Nigeria,
the acclaimed giant of Africa, graciously clocked 58 on October 1, 2018. I
gathered the Independence anniversary has instilled mixed feelings among the
teeming Nigerians.
In some
quarters across the Nigerian State, many have argued that the commemoration
deserves no iota of applause let alone celebrating it. Whilst, some are, on the
contrary, of the view that the country has gone too far, hence ought to be
celebrated by all and sundry.
It’s
imperative to take into cognizance that at such a time like this, diverse
opinions are usually obtained among the concerned entities and individuals at
large. But no matter the way we try to view the scenario, we aren’t meant to
forget that facts are invariably sacrosanct.
Before we draw our conclusion as regards where
we are at the moment, it would be very pertinent for us to painstakingly take
reference from the history book towards ensuring that derailment isn’t encountered
in the process.
Nigeria
became a British protectorate in 1901. The colonization lasted till 1960 when
the country succeeded in gaining her independence. She first became a republic
in 1963 but succumbed to military rule three years later, which emerged through
a bloody coup d’état.
Furthermore,
a separatist movement agitated for Republic of Biafra in 1967, leading to the
three-year civil war. The country returned to a republic after a new
constitution was drafted and ratified in 1979. Pathetically, the second
republic was short-lived when the military seized power again four years down
the line.
Subsequently,
a third republic emerged in 1993 but was fiercely dissolved by yet another
military interruption led by General Sani Abachi. The said army general passed
on in 1998. Consequently, a fourth republic was established the following year
being 1999, which ended three decades of intermitted autocratic leadership.
Nigeria
has really gone a long way. She has thus far squarely faced the numerous
challenges life could bring. She has been able to outshine a few of the
barriers but is yet to overcome some other critical ones, particularly those
that are severely staring at her beautiful physiognomy.
Just like a man or any human who was
born on a certain day. And as he grows, he learns that life, which could be
described as unfair, presents mankind with two glaring options namely: the
choice to live or to pass away. If such man is truly determined to live despite
all odds, then he must be ready to look the challenges right in their faces,
hence ought to be willing to withstand them at all cost.
But if he feels he cannot make reasonable
life out of his existence here on earth, he would definitely give up in the
long run. And as time progresses, he might even decide to take his life by
himself. It’s noteworthy that despair, which often leads to suicidal mission,
remains the worst thought a man could nurture.
In the case of Nigeria, she has hitherto proven
to everyone her utmost desire to survive. She has ab initio obviously displayed
a high level of gallantry toward her readiness to not just sustaining survival
but soar beyond the sky in spite of the outpouring hindrances.
For
instance, to have been able to steadily sustain democracy since the emergence
of the fourth republic in 1999 till date is enough reason to applaud her
efforts. Notwithstanding the population, which is currently nearing two hundred
million, Nigeria has in recent times been relatively able to accommodate her
teeming subjects as one indivisible members of a given nation.
Aside
politics, Nigerians as a people are doing marvelously well in various fields of
human endeavour, both at home and in the Diaspora. The citizens of the country
residing abroad have in different occasions made us proud by writing their
names in gold. These and many more are the obvious reasons Nigeria deserves to
be genuinely celebrated as she clocks 58.
However, as we celebrate her, the leaders
mustn’t fail to take note of some socio-political and economic plights that
ought to be given a thorough attention if the country intends to record
successes in its thrive towards survival and greatness.
Nigeria, just like most other African nations,
is a country where the institutions are weaker than the individuals domiciled therein.
In the Nigerian society in general, the latter is seemingly stronger than the
former, thereby making mockery of such several constituted authorities as the law
enforcement agencies, thus defacing the outlook of the country’s extant laws
and policies.
This
anomaly must be addressed headlong by strengthening the existing institutions,
especially at this period the present administration is ostensibly hell bent to
end the lingering effects of corrupt practices and allied lifestyles.
Another critical predicament Nigeria is faced
with is the ongoing phenomenon whereby the politicians see leadership, or
holding a political office, as an avenue for self aggrandizement rather than
service as it is seen in advanced countries.
This
irritating situation could be addressed by henceforth reducing the take-home
pay cum other accruable allowances of political office holders as well as
ensuring that every expenditure is accounted to and in line with the approved
budget.
So, as Nigeria celebrates, she must be
reminded that even though the country is no longer where it used to be, there’s
still a long distance to cover as regards the anticipated change. Think about
it!
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador
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