Independent but still in Chains! The Nigerian Dilemma - by Orirenitemi Soleye

Nigeria as we know today emanated from a colonial structure which saw the amalgamation of several diverse tribes and entities - a concortion of culture, they say. However, whether or not this historical trajectory left some colonial vestiges, our aim in this piece is not to pontificate on such story, but to interrogate decisively why the country is still very much underdeveloped even after many years of independence, and where in history Nigeria got it wrong.

For the sake of those who are not familiar with the term colonialism, we start by attempting a short definition of the concept. Colonialism is defined as a socio-political and economic phenomenon where stronger nations with advance technological and military capacity; explore, conquer, settle and exploit weaker Nations. Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Gambia et al are products of this categorization as they have one time in past been governed as colonial entities.

Talks about independence began in most African countries around 1950s and 60s. In Nigeria, it started when the late Chief Anthony Enahoro in 1953 moved a motion for independence (to be effective from 1957), however, this was to be followed by a serious rancor (a faceoff between the Southern and Northern hemisphere of the country) - while the Southerners desire a quick and immediate independence, the Northerners thought otherwise. Nigeria acquired indepedence in 1960, but it is noteworthy that the Queen of England continued to run the country as colony not until 1963 when Nigeria became a "Republic".

Lot of arguments have been raised as to why Nigeria keeps deteriorating in terms of National development. A school of thought has argued that the most dragging constitutent responsible for Nigeria's underdevelopment is as a result of the imperialist era the country underwent in time past. To another school, our problem stems from "leadership defaults". Infact, it quite impossible to exhaust the divergent views, opinions, submissions, proposals, arguments that has been offered and made known on this subject matter, as such will make us stray from the focus of this piece. 

The effect of colonialism cannot be overemphasized as scholars have noted that much of our problems ebbs from it. However, as humans our ability to change whatever situation we find ourselves underscores our position as thinking animals - our history should not define us! Suffice to say, banking on the effect of the imperial misfortunes we once suffered in the past is no way a justification for our inherent difficulties, as much of our problems are relative and self-inflicted. 

If we continue to blame colonialism for our backwardness even after six decades of Independence, then I am afraid we will continue to wallow in pains as lamentations will not free us from fetters. Rather, having a sense of social responsibility and being intentional about solving our problems will provide the needed succour-  What do I mean?

Nigerians! we are our own problem - day after day, we complain and direct all blames to our politicians, but no one seems to ask pertinent questions such as; did these leaders descend from the sky? did they got into position all by themselves? how many electorates even turned out during election period? and so on. Providing answers to these questions will make us understand to a very large extent that we are the authors of our own problem. Aside our attitudinal posture to politics, corruption is another element engrained in the hearts of every Nigerian. A social commentor once said, "Whenever cheats favour Nigerians, we call it connection or grace, when it doesn't, it is CORRUPTION". We see it almost everyday: disorderliness in queues, bribery, nepotism, godfatherism, rigging of elections and many more. If we relate this position to the questions asked at the beginning of this paragraph, we would see in clear picture that our backwardness isn't from our leaders i.e Nigerians are the problems of Nigeria.

From the foregoing, it's quite clear that you my reader must have been bored reading all along. However, a brief narration of my own account and experience with the level of corruption in Nigeria will provide justification for all that has been said this far.

Many years back, while I travelled for Christmas, I witnessed an heartbreaking scenerio which in all sense unveiled the terrific style of operation of the Nigerian Police Force. The bus I boarded was flagged down at a Police check-point en route Osun State, and our driver was directed to provide all license and necessary documents pertaining to the vehicle - all was provided, but the Policeman in charge seems not particular about them (lest I say, he was not happy seeing them complete) he wanted something else. He requested that, the driver pay a ransome fee of 100 naira so to continue the journey; in response though, the driver reacted saying he has no money to give as he was just an employee driver who only recieves salary. Angry, but irrationally, the Policemen ordered down all passengers including myself, while one of them fired shots into the sky - an action which at instance stupefied everyone and created a deafening silence. Obediently, the driver pleaded someone (from the passengers) lend him a 100naira note and compliantly extended it to the aggressors. We took off afterwards thanking God the encounter wasn't more than that - at least no one was harmed.

Nigerians... our actions and inactions (as previously stated somewhere in this article) defines who we are. Empathy they say breads peace, same way irresponsibility attract disorder. How do we plan to develop when the Police which has a sole responsibility to protect us and our property - happens to be the one oppressing us. Why envisage a perfect world when instead the judiciary is biased and dependent on the executive arm of government - imagine the Attorney General of the country still doubling as the Minister of Justice... where on Earth do we expect to get justice should the executives trample on citizens rights (like it does at present). This is not the time to gaggle feeblemindedly at the comfort of our homes whilst the country lies at ruin. There is fire on the mountain, and no one seems to be on the run. 

Nigerians! It's about time we wake up and put things right. This is not a call to stage protests or wage war in whatsoever way but a call to enlighten and revitalize our minds. It's time we bond together and speak with one voice (the voice of freedom) - for that is the only way, the labour of our heros past goes not in vain.

GOD BLESS NIGERIA!!!