Why not be like Mbeki?

Thabo Mbeki, the recipient of the Daily Trust 2012 African of the Year, was described by Ambassador Baba-Gana Kingibe as “the last pan-Africanist standing” due to his detribalized, selfless and exemplary leadership qualities and unshaken commitment towards, not just South Africa’s, but the whole of Africa’s liberation from the shackles of colonialism and mental slavery. The lesson we must learn from these qualities is his commitment to see his country freed from the chains of the white man. Yes! We celebrated him (Mbeki); but herein Nigeria, we promote, through our utterances, regional, tribal and religious sentiments that can break the country. If Mbeki had exemplified these negative sentiments, he would have remained a local and regional champion, and may never have come to the African stage. Let every Nigerian, especially the leaders, learn how to work the Nigerian project without being regional, tribal and religiously biased. For these have remained our greatest drawbacks to our economic, human and structural developments as well as the bane of our unity as a nation. Unity that should lead us to growth and greatness becomes a mirage. Only then can we have a nation of our dream, where individual interest will always be the last and national interest coming first. With this, Nigeria can be great again.