The study of few previous years in the history of the Nigeria present a blurry view of the nearest future of the same Nigeria. Imagine a country where a group of people move from civilians to military and from military back to civilians all for the seat of the Nigeria leadership. The same set of people used all their power and influences to mentain and retain their position. The same marathon racer are yet to leave the track. They remain intact with gigantic tactics on the best way to mine the country's economy without a slight protest from the people. This has greatly affect and dragged Nigeria to her present state.
The Nigeria condition has called for serious examination by all scholars, not only in the theoretical term, but in practical form. A study of Fela Anikulapo Kuti's song shows to an extent, the evil that the military and the then civilian government did to our country. Yet with his clamorous song which was well hailed and accepted my most people as a patriotic song was only seen as such but never work upon. For example, a man who stole and was exposed to be the thief shouldn't have been allowed to go back to the same seat which gave him the opportunity to steal in the first place. But that was not in the case of our country men, we hailed the main thieves and crucified the petty ones who were only struggling to eat because the main thieves had stolen the little they had left.
While making my research on Fela Anikulapo Kuti's song, a lecturer once asked me if I believe Fela would have done better if he was elected the president of the country. Well, my answer was i don't know. What i know is that, he was never given the opportunity to show the country what leadership ability he possessed. So it would be hard for one to criticize someone whom they had never given the opportunity to show himself and his ability to the world. This remain the biggest problem facing the Nigeria government. We rotate the governing seat among the same set of people as though they are the only braining people in the country, then we complain about country's situation. I wonder how the Nigerians expect a new result with the same formula and same step.
In modern society like Nigeria, different contemporary problem and issues have emerged which are against the norms and culture of the society or of the people. These problems are hinged on the problem engendered by bad government and corruption in the country. Many Nigerian youths now work around in public, showing themselves as a ritualist without shame or fear. They had already buried their shame and integrity and accepted the fate that the problem in which the situation of the country presented before them. They preferred to enjoy within a year or two and die than to keep believing in the hopeless future which the Nigeria as a country had promised. Since the same marathon racer remain on the track and refused to leave, what hope are left for those who wanted to try their ability in the race?
For example, recently in Nigeria, a particular party was selling forms for candidates who have interest in the presidential race at the rate of one hundred million Naira. The price of such a form is enough to send a clear message to the masses or young valid and able citizens who have interest in the race that the seat is not for them. Those who are already in the position do not wish to leave. I wonder if there could be anyone who work so hard for his/her money and would be happy to place such an amount on a form. Infact, if anyone should risk such an amount, with the previous governing system we have in the country, it is so clear that such a person would only be interested in getting the money he/she spent and the profits and not to give any better hope for the citizens.
It is clear that the present Nigerian do not vote the right candidate or the one they believed that could provide a workable solution to the problem facing the country, but the party. They only vote to sustain a party in which they belong and not the right candidate. So even if the candidate do not have what it takes to be the leader, to solve the problem the country is facing, as far as their party endorse such a candidate, they willingly, not forcefully vote for the person. These set of attitudes had kept us under boundage for years. Until we realize that it is bad to follow such routine, there is no hope for a better future.
The country is in this state because corruption has become a cancer worm which has eaten deep into the Nigerians heart. Hence, it is hard to have a clear view of a better future for the country if the system remain the same. However, we can have a better future if we can all work together to change the governing system where only one family want to rule the country from generation to generation.
Conclusively, Nigerian should channel their energy towards becoming a boss of their own rather than waiting on the government to provide a job for them. There are lot of ways we can make money without fraud, stealing, killing or becoming errand boys for the future eaters. If we can make the governing seat worthless, i am so sure that only those who have the interest of the people at heart will venture into the field.
