The fight for freedom; is it worth it? We sadly have found ourselves in what we now describe as modern-day slavery, where we have lost our voices, our will, and our rights. Before democracy in 1999, we had only existed under the dictatorship of the colonial masters; for whom we toiled and served, and in exchange for our labor, we were given education, health, and religion; we could only enjoy these privileges at their convenience.
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We got what we needed, as the white man brought civilization to us, and in return, he (the white man) got what he needed by using us. The desire to become independent and break free from the shackles and chains of dependancy led our forefathers to fight so hard for our independence which was eventually given to us about 63 years ago. For a while, it felt good to breathe- in an air of freshness, alas, the freedom we seek and so desire we got but not without a fight.
Since 1963 till date, Nigeria has produced 14 individuals who have served the country in the capacity of Head of State (for those who served under the military regime) and President of the Federal Republic (under civilian rule). A critical analysis of each administration shows that none of the administrations was without its peculiar challenges.
Every 1st October, Nigerians mark and celebrate the year of freedom and independence but even amid such great achievement, we are faced with the sad reality of the knowledge of the dark spirit of bad leadership and governance, unemployment, insecurities, and poor advancement in technology and infrastructural development. These challenges have lingered for so long and have caused indescribable pain and hardship to the poor citizens.
As far as the current state of Nigeria is concerned, every one of us is to be blamed for its degrading state, we have all failed the country directly or indirectly, and many of us have chosen to sell our conscience for a plate of porridge and a bottle of peanut, we neglect the obvious truth because of our greed, selfishness and have allowed tribalism, religiosity, and political interests robbed us of better chances of tackling and confronting our challenges and at least seeking lasting solutions to them.
Every four years, when the citizens are allowed to vote at the polls, some of us become terrors, we attack and inflict harm on fellow Nigerians, ballot boxes are snatched, election results are manipulated and our consciences are bought with as little as 3,000 Naira and other materials that cannot even last for a lifetime. We chose to be chained under the heavy weight of visionless leaders who do not seek the good of the citizens of the country but satisfy their selfish ambitions and goals. We chose to become slaves, doing their bidding and living at their mercy.
Unfortunately, those who may have the right intention of liberating and breaking off the chains of oppression and stagnation are but few in number compared to the majority at the top ladder, sometimes their efforts are frustrated and thwarted; other times they never get the opportunity to positively make impact, thereby leaving us all miserable and desolate. Nigerians had taken to the streets since August 1st to peacefully demonstrate our grievances and demand for a better lifestyle; we are supposed to be freeborn and to live as slaves, not in a foreign land but in our dear native land. We have watched how the state of the country keeps declining and are forced to voice out collectively before it becomes too late.
With the recent turn of events, what was supposed to be a peaceful protest has created an avenue for vandalization and looting of people's goods and properties, killings, and countless injuries inflicted on protestors. The sad thing is that there was an alleged report that some Nigerians were bribed to counter the protest; now, if this is true, then how can a house divided against itself stand? How can we allow greed to rob us of a better chance in life? All that Nigerians want is a better society; a place to truly call home. A place where they are truly free, a system they are proud to be associated with. A place where peace, justice, and equity are seen and experienced, not just heard.
The challenges of Nigeria can not be fixed by an individual or a certain group of people, it should be a collective effort of its citizens but we need to first know if the goal is amen for all of us, if the current administration thinks they have better policies to make our fantasies become realities then we need to know what these policies are and how they can be effectively implemented so we all can be part of the vision of making Nigeria great again.
References
List of heads of state of Nigeria
EndBadGovernance: Tinubu’s Speech Brought Hopelessness, Didn’t Address Issues – Idam