Before you say Nigeria is bad

One funny axiom in Nigeria is the claim that “bad news is good news for the media”. This assertion negatively affects professionalism, ethics, conscience and even patriotism. It has resulted in a media tradition that glorifies exposure over correction, effect over efficiency, and coverage over conduct. Even though this clarification will mean nothing to the […]

One funny axiom in Nigeria is the claim that “bad news is good news for the media”. This assertion negatively affects professionalism, ethics, conscience and even patriotism. It has resulted in a media tradition that glorifies exposure over correction, effect over efficiency, and coverage over conduct.

Even though this clarification will mean nothing to the target of this piece, I must state that this article is neither a personal nor sponsored effort to shield the Nigerian government at all levels. It equally does not contest the need for the government at all levels to be more responsive and responsible to their duties. The goal of this piece is to state that the English idiom that says charity begins at home also has implications for patriotism.

The disposition of many Nigerians towards everything anti-Nigeria is worrisome. I will mention in this article a few things that are not any better in other parts of the glorified parts of the world, which many Nigerians will quickly call for heads over and make spread like wildfire.

First off, even without being an expert in economic discourse, I can tell affirmatively that a dollar is almost as useless to the American as a naira is to a Nigerian, except when we dwell on comparison. The only time the dollar comes like a heavenly currency is when we discuss the exchange rate with the naira. Does a dollar visit the barbershop anywhere in America? Do we still not get our haircut for less than a thousand in most parts of Nigeria? The question now is: why do we not have this dimension and similar ones foregrounded in the media?

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Moving on to other fields, anyone who has been to European countries will most likely know that those in London have an experience similar to that of Nigerian “molue” (congestion) with both their road and train transportation modes. You may not read this in their media and your countrymen there will not likely talk about it so you do not think less of your impression about being abroad.

It is equally not only in Nigeria that you are asked to return to the hospital after two weeks to see the doctor; it happens in many parts of the world, but their citizens think more of progress than condemnation. For whatever reason you want to give, there are thousands of homeless people in America and other developed countries of the world. Those who have been to the US should say if their states require the heavy downpours that we often contend with, leading to occasional struggles with floods. Are bus and train schedules not occasionally cancelled due to floods and other reasons, prompting questions about the government’s actions and inactions?

Now, let’s discuss actions we take here that we would not consider elsewhere. Anyone who lives in Europe and America and those of us who visit can share whether it is possible to request landlords or the government to extend the rent after just a week or if there is even a law that allows you to be granted six months to find a new apartment. You are indeed dislodged in less than a month if you do not have to pay with an increase. With these experiences, an American will still wake up and say, “God bless America,” when some Nigerians will affirmatively say their own country can never be great again.

One wonders why we underestimate the communal virtue that unites us as Nigerians, a trait nearly unmatched elsewhere. If the Nigerian government were to adopt a radical approach to tax collection similar to what is implemented in places we often commend, what would be the next song on our lips?

As I bring this piece to a close, I wish to state that every country has their struggles, and patriotism demands citizens to stay positive while seeking responsibility from the government. Critical appraisal of government goes beyond condemnation and fault-finding. While we appeal to the government to do better, we must plead with ourselves to be patriotic, appreciative, and optimistic. Most importantly, we need to do less needless comparison, which always makes us appear like the worst country in the world.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

 

Ganiu Bamgbose, Lagos State University, Lagos