SIR; Nigeria as a hub of many ancient kingdoms and empires was invaded by British colonialists who came for their economic expansion. They enslaved our able men, robbed and exploited our resources, leaving our land devastated and making life a vast misery for many Nigerians. Indeed it was an era of absolute black-age where mirrors were exchanged for futures.
Nigeria now is a cynosure where foreigners enjoy their leisure time. This was an aftermath of severe struggles pioneered by our brave men (nationalists) among who were; Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Anthony Enahoro and most persistently, the mass media and their proprietors. They fought relentlessly until middle ground was reached between them and the white-masters. It’s an immense disaster that the footprints left on sand by these brave men are swept off, thereby subrogate by self-interests, instead of symbolizing patriotism and energizing nationalism crusade.
The present unpatriotic leaders have betrayed the struggles of past patriotic ones, down- faced their flags and supplanted them with mischievous customs; the mass media sings lullabies to their potholes, in that way selling the masses’ trusts to enrich their portfolios.
The second section of Nigeria’s tragedy after the massive dark era of slavery and colonialism, could be traced back to the spirit of military mysticism that enveloped some young combatant officers who reversed the democratic march after independence and installed a system of government which awarded us monumental corruption, massive looting among other threats bedeviling our country today.
A very ridiculous record it remains that independence age mates of Nigeria has gone far in securing global reputation. Nigeria shares same freedom year with Cyprus whose independence was on October 16, 1960 but usually celebrates her independence on every October 1.
Other age mates include Malaysia and Singapore. Even so, in North-south divide, global south is composed of developing countries where most African countries are found. The Republic of Ghana shares same boundary with Nigeria in North-south divide, but the stand of Ghana today in term of her economy, security and polity dares Nigeria’s. In her 61st independence anniversary which was graced by both president and senate president of Nigeria, it clearly showed how far they’ve gone ahead of us. How funny it sounds when Nigeria who was ranked number one as the most poverty afflicted country in the world due to the level of corruption vowed to help Ghana to fight corruption.
Ethnicity, tribalism, religious persecution among the rest has drastically turned Nigeria to a political desert where nobility overshadows democracy, human rights goes astray, drought kills people, darkness outscores electricity and bad road network hugely claims many lives on daily basis. Many of our dear ones as a result of these have fled to lands of promise such as Europe, Australia and North America.
I call on our leaders to let the footprints of the past heroes (nationalists) reflect on our polity, their patriotic spirit to stream in them; so as to stop diaspora mockery and laughter nurtured by big rounded mouths. I urge our youths to fight for their tomorrow as these are commissures to attain the top crest
- Mohammed Yakubu,
IBB University, Lapai, Niger State.