- By Omenazu Jackson
Sir: Nigeria, often described as the “Giant of Africa,” finds itself trapped in a cycle of missed opportunities, recurring political crises, and underdevelopment. At the core of this stagnation lies a troubling paradox: the silence of the majority and the folly of the moment.
Nigeria’s population, estimated at over 220 million, is overwhelmingly youthful and vibrant. However, this majority often remains voiceless in matters of governance and national direction. Silence, in this context, is not always literal. It manifests in voter apathy, in the acceptance of injustice as normal, in the fear of speaking truth to power, and in the prioritisation of survival over civic engagement.
Decades of broken promises, systemic corruption, and brutality—both military and civilian—have taught many Nigerians that speaking out can be dangerous and futile. The masses have become spectators in their own country, watching elites exchange power while the socioeconomic conditions worsen. This silence is not born from ignorance, but from disillusionment.
Yet, silence has a cost. When the majority refuses to engage, a minority seizes control—not necessarily because it is more capable, but because it is more willing. And so, Nigeria continues to be led by a revolving door of opportunists, many of whom serve self-interest rather than the national good.
Nigeria’s political history is littered with decisions that prioritise short-term gains over long-term stability. Whether it is electing leaders based on ethnic or religious affiliations, accepting last-minute handouts before elections, or embracing populist rhetoric with no clear policy direction, Nigerians often fall victim to the folly of the moment.
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In every election cycle, the signs are familiar: recycled politicians, shallow manifestos, and emotionally charged campaigns that exploit divisions rather than propose solutions. The consequences are predictable—once elected, such leaders rarely deliver on promises. Public funds are looted, institutions weakened, and the same cycle repeats.
What drives this folly? Partly desperation, partly manipulation. Many Nigerians live below the poverty line and are easily swayed by immediate benefits—bags of rice, cash gifts, temporary jobs. Politicians understand this and use poverty as a tool of control, buying compliance with breadcrumbs from the national loaf.
Nigeria’s path to true greatness will not come from foreign aid or international interventions. It will come when the silent majority finds its voice and demands accountability. It will come when Nigerians begin to think beyond the moment and invest in sustainable, value-driven leadership.
This requires civic education, economic empowerment, and platforms for honest dialogue. It requires technology and social media to be used not just for entertainment, but as tools for mobilisation, transparency, and advocacy. It requires courage—especially from the youth, the middle class, and the intellectuals—to challenge the status quo.
•Dr Omenazu Jackson
omenajak@yahoo.com