by Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach
In the last 25 years, when Nigeria has returned to a democratically elected government, it has not gotten anything reasonable to compare under the military. There are many Nigerians who have an understanding of this history- either written, oral, or experienced. In all these, we can clearly see how Nigeria is becoming a failed nation as democracy progresses.
Seriously, this is a great pandemic that needs swift attention before we have no country to call ours. But, if the democratic governance continues this way, we may have to testrun another system of government may to know where our real problems lies. Currently, the political leaders blame citizens for misfortunes of the nation vice versa. At the moment, the citizens and political leaders must put things together to save our dear nation.
There should be democratic parameters to checkmate the workings of the government. Above all, in various measures, if a nation doesn’t have this then something is wrong. This should be operationally identified to project the meaningfulness of democratic governance. Hence, if all developmental features are not known, we have no hope.
Bribery, corruption and insecurities should be on the front burner for the government, enough of the blame game, we need to work tirelessly make amends. Government officials should be high-profile selfless and noble individuals- well-trained people who can communicate effectively. The government should not reward badly performed politicians while the qualified ones are exempted from governance.
Nigerians desire that the government should strategize on time to bring the peoples’ mandate into reality. Nigerians are tired of empty promises and sugar-coated speeches. Everyone wants a country that works and not the currently sinking one. There is a need for things to appreciate substantially before the citizens can rejoice.
However, Nigerians desired a listening government and also create platforms to interact with activists and intellectuals within and outside the country. The government must be open to media scrutiny so that the citizenry can be duly informed.
To have a better polity, politicians must definitely to build the economy, help the citizens and discharge their primary duties. Our politicians must shun antagonistic ways for societal-oriented attitudes that could make good progress for the national values. Our politicians should take lessons from other democratic climes across the globe so that we can have a stable and good economy. If they can do this, it will be to the advantage of the present and the unborn generation. Nigerians need an end to embezzlement and bringing the nation into disrepute globally.
Youths must be fearless and unbiased human rights activists, engaged in intelligent investigative journalism to help stall all that is nip in the bud all undemocratic activities that has heightened insecurity and unemployment.
In a bid to change the face of governance in Nigeria, well-mannered and productive people must get ready to join politics. Their aspirations and plans are to be tabled in royal palaces and intellectual while influential and wealthy citizens in the communities are to be summoned elders to rally round support for them. However, this should be regulated by the process that works best for the community because quite a number of individuals come into agreement with hidden agendas. I believe so much on how politics and religion are the great pillars of societal growths and developments. It is therefore a thing of joy to see good people in charge of the affairs of the state.
It is advised that youths should eschew cybercrimes so that they can also be confident to face our ill-hearted politicians. Youths are encouraged them to build cordial relationships with one another so as to get stronger bound for effective and effectual collaboration. Our youths need to shun jealousy, backbiting amongst others alike so they can work with one another to fight the evil politicians pocketing national wealth. Over the years, politicians have used various means to make youths unproductive so as to keep little-minded youths busy. Also, they sponsor various activities to initiate hatred and create problems between the little-minded and able-minded youths so they have enough time to keep bickering.
In the middle of these present chronic issues surrounding our dear Nigeria, we are yet to get some of the intellectuals questioned and interviewed. Good government must summon intellectuals for public opinions, analyses, suggestions and recommendations on things that can move the nation forward and governable. The government is the most insightful organization to identify gifts and talents of her citizens who have demonstrated themselves in past and in present – as a good government must initiate possible ways to deal with economic and security matters to enhance the qulaity of life of its citizenry.
Former heads of states and presidents need to have a reconciliatory committee to ensure these groups come in terms with one another with loudable rewards. After that, our intellectuals at home and abroad should be invited for economic review; our wealthy Nigerians should contribute financially; our religious leaders to work on peace and collaborative spirits and many more. As a matter of urgency, online medium should be created to communicate to enhance cordiality in the nation.
Our journalists, academics, innovators and activists must get ready to do more in order to have a progressive nation. Misinformation and misrepresentation of information is the mother of societal destruction. Until we learn how to resourcefully manage our information, we barely understand our score of economy and security – the two vitals of societal workings.
Definitely, I do urge our youths to engage in constructive criticisms with solutions that can rescue our dear nation. Hence, collective bargaining and ideologies of the youths when channeled appropriately would help the government and citizens. If we don’t work together in peace and unity, the good Nigeria we ever desire wouldn’t come to stay on time. I do know the powers of youths and that is why, I have ever advocated for youth inclusion in government. I am certain, this government would make waves as the youths are committed to work closely with the government for the comfort and advantage of Nigerians.
Our problems are within. It is better we tackle it together. We must learn to do our own things now. Nigeria is one of the most hated nations due to our abundant natural resources. So, no nation is ready to help us make economic alignments without exploitation. Politics and religion can’t help us manage these, except humanity and technology. We should give prime concerns to these so we have human and infrastructural growths and developments in this time of economic shutdown.
Now that everyone is battling with inflation, our religious leaders must continue to preach endurance, peace and unity to their members. They should teach them how tough times don’t last. Our political leaders must cut expenses and encourage infrastructural development. Our political leaders must not be disconnected from the citizenry at this trying times. Our political leaders must demonstrate how they are seriously working ways to curb present sufferings. If immediate steps are taken, the citizens will anticipate the promised future patiently. Additionally, I do encourage my dear Nigerians to dwell in peace, unity, courage and efforts even in the middle of our sufferings. Certainly, and sooner than later, we would have our desired Nigeria.
Our community leaders are encouraged to preach humility, endurance and morals to villagers. Insecurity which is one of the dangerous effects on agriculture must be addressed. Preaching of love which should highlights needs to be to kind and generous to one another, and harmless to one another is so paramount at the time. Hence, it is needed to destabilize antagonistic groups that terrorize humans and properties in societies.
With these and more, Nigeria will gradually become a developed nation. We need to pay quality attention to agriculture, electricity, technology, roads contruction and maintenance and we will experience a surge in our economic fortunes.
Then, schools and churches should be regulated in order not to keep plenty graduates unemployed and keep religionists lazy – as handiwork and diligent cover educational workings and love, obedience and orderliness cover religious workings. Together, we can do this easily and cheaply.
I am so certain that, if the government can yield to effective suggestions from our intellectuals both home and abroad, it would help Nigeria to develop under the current dispensation.
