By Geraldine Onyenweaku
I have followed with keen interest happenings in the country, Nigeria, the actions and statements of the actors and gladiators in the political sphere and I couldn’t help but marvel at how some of these people found their ways in the corridors of power; ruling over the lives of many and taking decisions and actions that affect hundreds and millions of people. It is really sad. Little wonder that after sixty good years of independence, with all our rich cultural, human and natural resources, the country is still grossly underdeveloped. We are still grappling with the same old issues; still very archaic and unrefined in our actions and speech with tribal, religious and primordial interest at the forefront of decisions and actions taken, even when they end up serving the interests of a few and are seen to be detrimental to many. In view of the current happenings in the country today, it is not farfetched to see where our problem lies, even to the undiscerning. The self- proclaimed leaders of this great nation have blatantly refused to follow the path of honour, truth and doing what is right. Consequently, life in Nigeria has become precarious and the country has been pushed to the precipice and is on the brink of collapse – no thanks to our politicians.
I have taken interest in the utterances of many our politicians, their mannerisms and comportment when they are granting national interviews or commenting on national issues; I am peeved at the one-sidedness of their views, their bias and above all their hypocrisies and pretenses . Their constant call for patriotism and nationalism belie their bigotry and wickedness. I am stunned at the utter lie they tell; how they distort the truth to serve their own selfish desires. And I can’t help but wonder why it is that we expect the country to achieve its greater height and take its pride of place in the international and global space. No person, nation or empire is built on lies, hypocrisy that survives. No matter how long it lasts, it is doomed and faces an imminent collapse except there is a collective will by the people to turn from their evil path and repent of their sins; tow the path of truth, love, service to mankind irrespective of his ethnic, tribal and religious leanings. These things will bring about equity, justice, fairness; which are the foundation on which a strong, virile and progressive society and nation is built. Anything to the contrary is building on sand which cannot stand the test of time. Unfortunately, this is exactly what is happening to our once beloved country, Nigeria. A country we were once so proud of and ready to defend at home and abroad.
There is little doubt in my mind that our problem as a country stems from the motive, way and manner and the persons we elect as our leaders. Situations where our so called leaders are picked to contest certain positions of power in the country with a dubious agenda of ensuring the well- being of a few or serving sectional interest will lead the country no- where and will lead to strive and dissension by the neglected many which might eventually cripple the nation. Or take for instance in places where the will of the many is suppressed in an election either through rigging or any other ill- conceived form is a call to strive and anarchy.
In Nigeria today, there is hardly people you can rely on to stand up for the truth; except of course they are adversely affected by the whole situation. If they are not, they pretend to be the voice of reason and try to rationalize things. This is wrong. Truth speaks no particular language, has no tribe and no religion, belong to no political party. Instead truth speaks a universal language that is largely understood by all and sundry. It can also survive all storms and it can stand the test of time. Therefore, anyone who wants to build a lasting legacy must build it on the TRUTH. Anything other than this is doomed for failure. It is only a matter of time.
With all the unhappy events in our country today and with the 2023 election round the corner; no doubt politicians are feverishly preparing to get hold of power, while some may be nursing sinister moves on how to retain power- how they acquire it notwithstanding. I only pray and hope that this time around, the people of Nigeria will give very serious thoughts to who they elect and how they are elected; what they stand for and take time to have a rain check on who they entrust their future and the future of their children to. It is a matter that should be given serious thought and executed with due diligence.
Permit me to day dream into the kind of leader I envisage for our beloved country in the next dispensation. No one would say ‘No’ to a leader that is widely admired locally, nationally and internationally. A leader that is not one of the run-of-the-mill politician, unique in every sense of the word, well bred, a man of honesty and truth; sophisticated and savvy, an intellectual with a good sense of self. In my understanding, a real persona, who understands the issues affecting the land. We want a man with a vision and a mission to take us to the land of Eldorado – all of us, and not a few. Can this man be found? Of course and they abound, fortunately, in this country. But we must be prepared to sincerely desire the right kind of change and painstakingly search out the fellow, in an unbiased manner and in an atmosphere free of tribal and religious sentiments. We need a leader in the real sense of the word; kindhearted, loving, with a fear of God. Nigerians deserve a leader who would exude confidence and trust in the people. Is it possible we can find all or most of these qualities in a person? Certainly, all we need is an unflinching determination to rebuild our country from the ashes of the past. The country needs healing, and needs a leader that can act as the glue and instill in us all a sense of nationalism. The country can do without all the divisiveness, bitterness, anger and the feeling of hurt that is prevalent in our nation today.
So, as we gear up for 2023 election, let us bear in mind the arduous and onerous task of nation building. Let us show our commitment in ensuring a better, more virile nation for ourselves and our children, where everyone can feel a sense of oneness; where fairness, equity, justice and truth reign supreme. We crave for a country where everyone can achieve his highest potentials economically and politically without fear of discrimination.