53 years of nationhood

Although economic indices do not now favour the larger segments of the Nigerian population, it is important that on this day, a reflection on the nation’s progress since attaining self rule is called for. When independence came, prospects looked much brighter and rosier for both the country and the citizens. Without crude oil at the […]

Although economic indices do not now favour the larger segments of the Nigerian population, it is important that on this day, a reflection on the nation’s progress since attaining self rule is called for.
When independence came, prospects looked much brighter and rosier for both the country and the citizens. Without crude oil at the time, earning from agriculture provided relative economic prosperity and plenty of opportunities for self-actualization. Today, after 53 years of self-government, and an economy largely run on earnings from oil exports, the situation is markedly different as Nigeria’s national infrastructure has decayed due to a lack of sustained investment and culture of maintenance.
As last week’s attack at an agricultural college in Yobe State, in which some 70 students were massacred in cold blood, the country is still in the grip of serious security challenges that threaten its very foundation.
In the midst of the turmoil, much of it traceable to governance issues, there is something to cheer about, and be hopeful for in the future.
 The international community and indeed many Nigerians measure the nation’s progress largely upon failed economic policies, corruption and crime. But Nigeria is not the worst governed nation in the world, not the least developed, and certainly not the crime capital of the world. Because of its size and population and leadership role in the decolonisation of countries in Africa, a more responsible governance is expected of its leaders.
The abiding paradox is that of a nation blessed with abundance of human and material resources finding itself unable to get its act together. During a recent debate on a motion to congratulate Nigerians on this Independence Day, Senators expressed regret that aggregate national development was far below expectation, especially when compared to Nigeria’s contemporaries, such as Malaysia and Brazil.
Were it not for bad, often compromised leadership, the resurgence of calls for a ‘sovereign national conference’ would not resonate anywhere in any region of the country. Behind its proponents is the motive to only highlight ethnic cleavages and differences to further polarise people, than harnessing these same values to strengthen bonds across the divides and encourage patriotism to the nation as a sovereign state.   Politics and politicians are the worst offenders, reminding the citizens of their differences at election times instead of putting forth a message that would bring them together as one nation, political and ethnic differences notwithstanding.  This divide-and-rule formula has been one of the strongest disincentives to national integration; the sooner this is dispensed with the better position the country would be in on the path to achieving national unity.
There are undeniable highpoints in post-independence Nigerian history. The country was in the forefront of the successful struggle against apartheid. Its role in the liberation of Angola is told today with unmistakable pride. The Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police have carried out successful peacekeeping operations in practically all theatres of operation in the world. Nigerian policemen, who deservedly are much criticized at home, have been severally praised and commended for their operational conduct abroad. It bears repeating time and again that what the government needs to do is provide the enabling environment for Nigerians to unleash their potential, and the nation will make giant strides.
 Even the most ardent admirers of the government would agree that there is a desperate lack of inspirational leadership emanating from the highest quarters. The nation urgently requires strong, purposeful and inspirational leadership. These days, it is normal that when good things happen to Nigeria, there are many who would cast them in bad light.
 The key to turning this negative energy into a powerful fulcrum to positively propel the nation forward is a return to the values of good governance, and of giving every section of the country a sense of belonging within the ambit of the law.
The country may not be where it should be, given its resources. With better management and a change of course, it may yet regain its lost glory.
That is when ‘independence’ would begin to have real meaning.