The Real Problem with Nigeria

By Fred Igbeare   

Bad leadership is usually blamed for the problem with Nigeria.  That is true only to an extent.  If you look deeper, the people are the real problem with Nigeria.  Yes, you and I must take the blame because our leaders today come from amongst us, not from anywhere else.  You cannot seriously expect to pluck good fruits from a bad tree, or get mangos from an apple tree.  Our individual choices and actions add up to become the huge national leadership mess.  The point to begin fixing that mess is a candid inspection of that image staring right back at you in the mirror.

Some years back, a colleague entreated me to give him freelance work.  I obliged but cautioned him to inform me ahead of time if he couldn’t deliver.  Do you know this dude never showed up come deadline time!  He did not even call with an explanation.  I had to scramble to fill in the slot I had allocated to him.  He was a fellow Nigerian messing with my gari at a foreign-owned newsmagazine!

Now tell me please which Nigerian leader told this adult to be irresponsible?  Neither Abacha nor Obasanjo was anywhere around in this transaction.  If a grown man cannot understand the simple concept of credibility, how can some other flawed person help him?  Besides, if a leader told him to jump into fire, would he?  Would you?  (That is if you are not a suicide-bomber.)  Leaders are flawed people like everyone else.  The standards that apply to them should apply to us too.

When anyone promises to do something and doesn’t do it, there is disappointment understandably.  When a president promises free and fair elections and doesn’t deliver or a spouse promises to be faithful and then cheats, how are these two situations different?  By the way, they say OBJ rigged the last presidential elections—okay: who helped him?  He is just one person, or is he omnipresent?  Anyway, when a ruler promises to fight corruption and then turns out corrupt—how is that different from a Nigerian friend who promises to back you up but turns around to stab you in the back?

People should fulfill their promises, or at least try.  If they come short, it is not too much to expect them to offer a sincere apology, a credible explanation or a better effort next time.  No one admittedly is perfect.  Imperfection however is not a sufficient excuse for abdicating responsibility.  Credibility indeed applies to both the leader and the led.

That Nigerian guy today would complain about how bad Nigerian leaders are, how they can’t live up to expectations or fulfill their promises.  And like many other Nigerians, he fails to see how our individual shortcomings combine to become the huge national leadership mess.  We are the Frankenstein collective and this monster of bad leadership is our creation.

Take some of the leaders we so discredit today, and rightly so.  They didn’t come from Mars. They say Babangida was born in Minna.  Chances are that he was raised by Nigerians not Martians.  The wayo philosophy that is so ingrained in his personality is something he inherited from his Nigerian environ.   

IBB has been able to play with the intelligence of Nigerians this long because he understands that some of us identified with and even enjoyed his antics. When he created two political parties (a little to the left, and a little to the right) some could not help but smile at the joke he was playing on himself and the country.  Tell me please: is there a shortage of Babangida supporters today?  Are these people from Jupiter?  The man must hurry though to change his ways for the end of the game is in sight for him.

Look at the story of Murtala Muhammed, though he was a military ruler. He came on with such a promising profile, and then boom, Nigerian hands blew him away!  Or let’s talk about Gani Fawehinmi, the outstanding lawyer.  I listened in shock some years back when someone said that Nigeria could not afford to have more than one like him!  I kid you not.  If anything, we need more courageous and judicious people like Fawehinmi.  With some exceptions, we have this tendency to either destroy or denigrate the promising leaders among us.  No wonder the bad ones flourish.

What if I showed up one day to a Lagos party dressed in simple, affordable clothing, and I rode my bicycle there and carefully parked it besides the Lexus, the Mercedes, and the BMWs.  The bicycle was all that I could afford because I did not take bribes as a civil servant.  My ‘clean boy’ status is hardly going to impress anybody there, especially if I had no money to ‘spray’.  I would be disdained almost entirely, and may never find a woman to dance with at the party.

Of course, if I were Tai Solarin at that party, the reception may be different, maybe not. The fact that people like Tai Solarin or Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala could get some respect in Nigeria is encouraging though.  We have been able to produce good leaders before, as well as bad ones who unfortunately almost always seem to smother out the good ones.  This contradiction is part of the human predicament that compels a continuous struggle between the good and the bad within us.

Nigerians can begin to overcome that evil within if we first acknowledge one simple truth.  We are the problem with Nigeria, all of us.  Bad leadership simply reflects us.  Living in denial can only make matters worse.  We have to fix ourselves first before looking outwards. That is how this Nigerian tree can produce good fruits consistently.  To change Nigeria for the better, you and I need to start where it really counts: with the image in the mirror.  Stop looking elsewhere!

(fredlintaz@yahoo.com)  

Robot  Villager

# 1 The Real Problem with Nigeria By Fred I...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 12.10.2006 18:14

No Smoking  Villager

# 2 We have been able to produce good leaders before, as well as bad ones who unfortunately almost always seem to smother out the good ones. This contradiction is part of the human predicament that compels a continuous struggle between the good and the bad within us. The real problem with Nigeria? The title has the feel of trying to solve a quadratic equation by simply looking at an expression about one of the "unknowns". Nigeria is complex, riddled with myriad problems. The best part of the selected quote from the article is the human predicament. It causes the failure of the individual, the community and the leader(s). The nations of the first world are not immune from the human predicament, but they somehow manage to keep their societies functional and progressive. Their leaders have also evolved from within their environment and may, indeed, be flawed in their personal lives. Nevertheless, the enshrined laws of their land serve as a permanent reference point against which everyone, from the ruler to the ruled, is measured. Our poor country, on the other hand, has been denied the enablement of such laws. Our leaders have successfully hijacked the tools for making such laws. Hence the ease with which they enact decrees to form the "little-to-the-left" and the "little-to-the-right" political parties, ban prospective political opponents, annul properly conducted elections and create ultra-vires organisations to pursue other corrupt leaders, sparing themselves and other sacred cows. Posted by No Smoking| 12.10.2006 19:33

Onos  Villager

# 3 The nations of the first world are not immune from the human predicament, but they somehow manage to keep their societies functional and progressive. Their leaders have also evolved from within their environment and may, indeed, be flawed in their personal lives. Nevertheless, the enshrined laws of their land serve as a permanent reference point against which everyone, from the ruler to the ruled, is measured. Right on, No Smoking. Right on the money there! The caucasians are not inherently different from the negros. They wont hesitate to commit infractions if they can visibly see that consistent law enforcement is nothing but a joke. Completely take away the law enforcement for 10 years and this society will be no different from the so-called 3rd world countries. However, Fred's point, as in having a look at the man in the mirror and starting the change from there, is equally a valid one. It is our only hope but its a long shot. My concern is that those at the top who can institute law enforcement and who already have keys to the treasury will not buy it. To them, it will be like the proverbial 'biting of the finger that's feeding them'. Meanwhile, the common man at the bottm of the ladder, having tasted a few crumbs is also itching to climb up quickly so that he too can start 'chopping'. Hence the rat race continues. Honestly, me I no know how we go take solve this problem shah o! Posted by Onos| 12.10.2006 22:22

fredlintaz  Villager

# 4 @No Smoking: I agree with your point about the presence of the human predicament in ‘first world’ societies. As in the case of Hitler’s Germany where the evil designs of men led to the subversion of the democratic process and the imposition of despotic rule, mass murders in the millions resulted. It is hard to say that the ethnocentric, or should I say, racist environment for another Hitler is absent in Germany today, despite the legal attempts to constrain a resurgence of Nazism. Take the story of the Nigerian soccer star who got booed so much he retaliated by giving the Nazi salute which is supposed to be illegal (http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,409517,00.html). Incidents like this make you wonder how far the hearts of the people have really changed. @ Onos Much prayer, Onos my brother, much prayer is the answer to this problem. Of course, prayer should be accompanied by concrete action. Divine intervention becomes imperative because of limited human wisdom and strength. The ancient Israelites under King Solomon were given a choice that is open to all societies: “. . . if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 of the Bible, New International Version). People’s obsession with evil in Nigeria is making our land sick: look at the ritual murders of even children, assassinations of political rivals, grand theft of public funds, etc. Take courage my brother. There is hope. People are praying—we should join them. Besides, this anti-corruption war that affects even the highest office holders within our young democracy is part of the encouraging signs. Thanks for the comments folks! Discussing this topic helps to shine light in the darkness of Nigerian life! Posted by fredlintaz| 13.10.2006 10:30

pukpabi  Villager

# 5 My dear Fred, Please, stop whinning. People reap what they sow. Nigerians built their nation on lies, deceipt, and hatred for good. This started in 1967 when the oligarchy sold the rest of Nigeria a dummy, and they bought it hook, line, and sinker. Just look at the rot in Nigeria between 1967 and 1999. All motion, no movement. The Igbo were the "problem" with Nigeria in 1967; so you were told, and so you believed. At the defeat of Biafra, and Ojukwu, your Nigeria was supposed to be an Eldorado. What happened? The little progress that was made in the East between 1967 and 1970, they swept under the carpet. If I lied, ask Brigadier Ogbemudia what he told them about Biafra's technology, and how that nearly cost him his job. Obasanjo, an accomplice in the rot is struggling. He was their boy; now he wants to be his own man. Anytime he wants their support, he reminds them he received the instrument of Igbo surrender, so they tolerate him. The South-South? What does that mean, they ask? They say they have the oil; since it belongs to them, they want to control it. Whenever I hear this, I laugh. How can "the controlled" control? The oil is a civil war booty, period. All the Generals are millionaires in U.S. dollars. That was the reason for "one Nigeria" slogan. Poor Enahoro! If he had thought deeper. Poor Saro Wiwa! What about Diette Spiff? I hear he is a traditional ruler. Does he have an oil block? I doubt it. What about the loud mouth Clark, the Ijaw champion? I hear he has an agreement with the North not to tear Nigeria apart. He keeps looking behind him to see if the Igbo is coming. The Igbos are back! What is the solution? Nigerians should atone for the sins of 1967-1970, by asking God to forgive them, otherwise, the blood of those innocent Biafran children who died when hunger was declared an instrument of war will continue to hunt Nigeria, and possibly lead to its exstinction. Paschal Ukpabi, J.D. Michigan, USA Posted by pukpabi| 13.10.2006 13:46

Auspicious  Villager

# 6 =pukpabi;134241>What is the solution? Nigerians should atone for the sins of 1967-1970, by asking God to forgive them, otherwise, the blood of those innocent Biafran children who died when hunger was declared an instrument of war will continue to hunt Nigeria, and possibly lead to its exstinction. Paschal Ukpabi, J.D. Michigan, USA For some, everything wrong with Nigeria boils down to Biafra and the Nigerian Civil War. The day Paschal Upkabi, J.D. actually makes an intelligent opinion on the Nigeria Village Square website, without injecting his ethnic sentiments or whining about an unfortunate civil war that took place forty years ago, will be a day worthy of celebration. Auspicious. Posted by Auspicious| 13.10.2006 13:59

pukpabi  Villager

# 7 Folks, Usually, I refrain from joining issues with anonymous and faceless individuals. But sometimes, one has to go out of his way to help people who are lost to refocus. I have come to find out that dialogue with Nigerians is what the Ikemba termed "dialogue of the deaf." Nigerians hate the truth, and that is why they attack it so ferociously. In Nigeria, saying nothing and saying it nicely has become the hallmark of a good political habit. I break that habit. My point is this; I will continue to say the truth as I see it. Someone in this "village" says I have never made any intelligent comment on this site. Hmm! Why is it that some people can't make a point without insulting others. Not that I care anyway. After all, Galleleo was crazy until the world discovered we are the ones crazy. My happiness is that people who know me and my antecedents will never question my intelligence. As for Mr or Mrs "Auspicious", the intelligence personified, I would like to ask you a question. If you think the civil war ended 40 years ago, why was Saro Wiwa killed? Why was Abiola killed? Why is Asari Dokubo in jail? Why is the Niger Delta in turmoil? A little lesson. These are civil wars, just like the one 1967-1970. What differs is their magnitude. Nigeria is a war booty, period. You do not have to agree with me, okay. It is a conquered territory; I was conquered, and even you, the nigerian patriot. if you doubt me, tell me what Nigeria has done for you lately. God bless you as you seek the truth, which shall set you free. Paschal Ukpabi, J.D. Michigan, USA Posted by pukpabi| 13.10.2006 15:19

Auspicious  Villager

# 8 First of, I did not say or insinuate that you have never made an intelligent statement; what I said is that you never make one intelligent statement without injecting your tribal bias into it. Please note that, Paschal. Two, I guess we all have different views of what "truth" means. There is the truth that everyone else out there knows and there is 'Pupkabi's Truth' - that version of truth nurtured by ethnocentrism and an unhealthy bitter hangover over a civil war than ended four decades ago. Don't be like some African-Americans out there, who hold on to the excuse of slavery perpetrated on their fore-fathers aeons ago as the reason for their current lot in America - while Africans like you and I (amongst other immigrants) come by and make use of the same available opportunities they failed to use and leave them behind. In today's Nigeria, we are all victims of a corrupt and irresponsible ruling elite. Auspicious. Posted by Auspicious| 14.10.2006 12:03

Abraxas  Villager

# 9 Hi, folks! QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: In today's Nigeria, we are all victims of a corrupt and irresponsible ruling elite. --Auspicious (Saturday, 14 October 2006 @ 1703 hrs GMT) Muchas gracias. Don Juan Garlos ABRAXAS (III) Posted by Abraxas| 14.10.2006 12:47

Obugi  Villager

# 10 Auspicious, This your happy outlook is funny 2 me O! Abeg take am easy, OK? Two, I guess we all have different views of what "truth" means. There is the truth that everyone else out there knows and there is 'Pupkabi's Truth' - that version of truth nurtured by ethnocentrism and an unhealthy bitter hangover over a civil war than ended four decades ago. The bitter hangover from the Civil War, I have that hangover too, and I wasn't even born then. Auspicious, how many Yoruba people have been massacared BY OTHER ORDINARY NIGERIANS in mass pogroms since the foundation of Nigeria.......for no other reason than their ethnicity? Could it be that is why you gloss over Igbo experiences in the War? Did Danjuma or Awolowo stand at train stations disembowling pregnant Igbo women? They did not. It was ordinary Nigerians like you and I who either actively participated or stood by while it happened. I dey lie? Who else spoke up against it except maybe Wole Soyinka? Na so with Africans. As long as an issue concerns injustice against another ethnic nationality, ITS A SMALL PROBLEM. If you are so unconcerned, WHERE THEN IS THE BASIS FOR LIVING IN THE SAME NATION? You were the one making fun of me for feeling guilty about how Nigerians are living off the Delta, while those same Deltans suffer the worst privations in Nigeria. And of course, you have given the ready excuse for every chop-and-clean-mouth Nigerian. In today's Nigeria, we are all victims of a corrupt and irresponsible ruling elite. Those ruling elite, didn't they come from among us? Truth is, every Nigerian will act the same if given high office. Don't blame the leaders. You and I are it. When we continue to support a FORCED national unity, we are all part of the problem. Did you attend subsidized secondary schl in Nigeria? Do any of your family or hometown enjoy N90/yr room and board at Federal Universities? As far back as during the petro boom of the 70's, we all were enjoying subsidized phone, water, airfares et c etc, on and on. Yet no one has cared to ask how the natives of the Delta were living all that time. Who even talked about it? NO ONE, NO ONE CARED and the Deltal ppl were silent. That is the best situation shebi, when the wronged just keep quiet so we can carry on as if nothing dey happen. Don't be like some African-Americans out there, who hold on to the excuse of slavery perpetrated on their fore-fathers aeons ago as the reason for their current lot in America - while Africans like you and I (amongst other immigrants) come by and make use of the same available opportunities they failed to use and leave them behind. More important, what good are you doing in your own country? All us Africans who like to rag on how much better we are than Black Americans, abeg how much better off are we, really? When did America open up to Black Americans? My best info is about 1970. So in about 30yrs they have come this far, from slavery, blatant discrimation, being lynched and so on. Come to Maryland and see how the Black middle class is doing. Now compare that to Nigerians, living free in their own country since 1960, today importing Oyibo farmers to farm for us, after about 40yrs. In any case, you can take this to the bank: whatever ills are afflicting Black America, they are coming to Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora. The joke is on us. Black Americans protested, rioted, put their life on the line for self emancipation in far more adverse circumstances and are making progress. Which Nigerians ever mounted a sustained fight against the oppressive so-called elite? If they did, which ever succeeded?In the meantime, Nigerians are selling off everything in their country to foreigners; we go blame govt tire, but what is ANYONE willing to do? NOTHING....yet we dey look down on Akata.......:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Good thing Akata ppl didn't have too many Africans from Nigeria living with them in the 1960's, we would have joined Oyibo to silence them. We are the best, not so? We dey kampe! This your way of looking at things get as e dey. If you are a proponent of Nigerian national unity and tolerance, you are surely not helping your cause. Mark my words. No Igbo person will ever regard you as a friend or good neighbor if you refer to their Civil War memories or angst as a "HANGOVER". For my part, I actually like ppl like you, you keep the fires of Igbo nationalism burning. By the way, I'd like to hear your views on the anti-Jewish pogroms. Should the Jews shut up too and stop writing books and making movies about the subject? Does your shut-up-and-bear-it approach apply to them too? Get Yours! Obugi. Posted by Obugi| 14.10.2006 12:53

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