Nigeria, the acclaimed giant of Africa, graciously clocked 61 on October 1, 2021. I gathered the Independence anniversary has instilled mixed feelings among the teeming Nigerians.
In some quarters across the Nigerian State, many have argued that the commemoration deserves no iota of applause let alone celebrating it. Whilst, some are, on the contrary, of the view that the country has gone too far, hence ought to be celebrated by all and sundry.
It’s imperative to take into cognizance that at such a time like this, diverse opinions are usually obtained among the concerned entities and individuals at large. But no matter the way we try to view the scenario, we aren’t meant to forget that facts are invariably sacrosanct.
Before we draw our conclusion as regards where Nigeria is at the moment, it would be very pertinent for us to painstakingly take reference from the history book towards ensuring that derailment isn’t encountered in the process.
Nigeria became a British protectorate in 1901. The colonization lasted till 1960 when the country succeeded in gaining her independence. She first became a republic in 1963 but succumbed to military rule three years later, which emerged through a bloody coup d’état.
Furthermore, a separatist movement agitated for the Republic of Biafra in 1967, leading to the three-year civil war. The country returned to a republic after a new constitution was drafted and ratified in 1979. Pathetically, the second republic was short-lived when the military seized power again four years down the line.
Subsequently, a third republic emerged in 1993 but was fiercely dissolved by yet another military interruption led by General Sani Abachi. The said army general passed on in 1998. Consequently, a fourth republic was established the following year being 1999, which ended three decades of intermittent autocratic leadership.
Nigeria has really gone a long way. She has thus far squarely faced the numerous challenges life could bring. She has been able to outshine a few of the barriers but is yet to overcome some other critical ones, particularly those that are severely staring at her beautiful physiognomy.
Just like a man or any human who was born on a certain day. And as he grows, he learns that life, which could be described as unfair, presents mankind with two glaring options namely: the choice to live or to pass away. If such a man is truly determined to live despite all odds, then he must be ready to look the challenges right in their faces, hence ought to be willing to withstand them at all cost.
But if he feels he cannot make a reasonable life out of his existence here on earth, he would definitely give up in the long run. And as time progresses, he might even decide to take his life by himself. It’s noteworthy that despair, which often leads to suicidal mission, remains the worst thought a man could nurture.
In the case of Nigeria, she has hitherto proven to everyone her utmost desire to survive. She has obviously displayed a high level of gallantry toward her readiness to not just sustain survival but soar beyond the sky in spite of the outpouring hindrances.
For instance, to have been able to steadily sustain democracy since the emergence of the fourth republic in 1999 till date is enough reason to applaud her efforts. Notwithstanding the population, which is currently over two hundred million, Nigeria has in recent times been relatively able to accommodate her teeming subjects as one indivisible member of a given nation.
Aside from politics, Nigerians as a people are doing marvelously well in various fields of human endeavour, both at home and in the Diaspora. The citizens of the country residing abroad have on different occasions made the country proud by writing their names in gold. These and many more are the obvious reasons Nigeria deserves to be genuinely celebrated at 61.
However, as we ostensibly celebrate Nigeria, the leaders mustn’t fail to take note of some socio-political and economic plights that ought to be given a thorough attention if the country intends to record successes in its thrive towards survival and greatness.
Nigeria, just like most other African nations, is a country where the institutions are weaker than the individuals domiciled therein. In the Nigerian society in general, the latter is seemingly stronger than the former, thereby making mockery of such several constituted authorities as the law enforcement agencies, thus defacing the outlook of the country’s extant laws and policies.
This anomaly must be addressed headlong by strengthening the existing institutions, especially at this period the present administration is apparently interested in ending the lingering effects of corrupt practices and allied lifestyles.
Another critical predicament Nigeria is faced with is the ongoing phenomenon whereby the politicians see leadership, or holding a political office, as an avenue for self aggrandizement rather than service as it is seen in advanced countries.
This irritating situation could be addressed by henceforth reducing the take-home pay cum other accruable allowances of political office holders as well as ensuring every expenditure is accounted to and in line with the approved annual budget.
So, as Nigeria passes through 61, she must be reminded that even though the country is no longer where it used to be, there’s still a long distance to cover as regards the anticipated change.
