Re: Re-launched WAI and the dangers of atavism

I am always enthusiastic over reading Dr. Jideofor Adibe’s column in the Daily Trust newspaper. The last one I read published on 18th August was enjoyable, because it is awfully enthralling. I would however like to point out some misgivings expressed about re-launching the newly WAI, which is rebranded into the Change Begins with Me […]

I am always enthusiastic over reading Dr. Jideofor Adibe’s column in the Daily Trust newspaper. The last one I read published on 18th August was enjoyable, because it is awfully enthralling. I would however like to point out some misgivings expressed about re-launching the newly WAI, which is rebranded into the Change Begins with Me (CBWM).
Certainly, the newly CBWM of today is different with that of February 1984 because the WAI of yesterday was in the military regime, in which Nigerian soldiers were allegedly accused of maltreating the masses. Re-introduction of the CBWM programme this time will have a democratic face.
The WAI of 1984 was also misunderstood; it is a nationwide campaign which had aimed at tackling the most anti-social Nigerian characteristics such as indiscipline, corruption and lack of environmental sanitation. Fortunately, Nigerians learned and grudgingly accepted social behavior that was the norm in other countries around the world.
Significantly, the new CBWM of today requires Nigerians to be self-disciplined CBWM wants the masses to change and ‘do the right thing’, no any force could be used to coerce the masses to change themselves. The rebranded CBWM of today is just a re-introduction of President Buhari’s 1984 WAI.
Dishearteningly, indiscipline is responsible for some of the challenges we are facing today in Nigeria. Indiscipline is also responsible for political parochialism. Indiscipline penetrated into our homes, schools, hospitals, roads, markets, public sectors, private sectors, government, legislative assemblies, even in sacred houses (Churches and Mosques).       
Regarding your comment that Mr. President seems to be concerned more about outcomes, rather than the processes, I hold a contrary opinion as I discerned the rebranding of WAI into CBWM is just a process of granting privilege for Nigerians to be disciplined and law-abiding. Eventually, the government will substitute it with another one which will bring the outcome if Nigerians fail to do so.  

Mustapha Baba, Azare, Bauchi State.