Indigenes and Settlers

Even in the most advanced States of the Western hemisphere, there is a natural distinction between indigenes and settlers. I am talking of places where there is only one common language, ENGLISH. I am talking about the United Kingdom or the... USA where your accent, whether northern or southern could isolate you in the place you have chosen to settle. In Nigeria, we have more than 2oo distinct languages, and many variant dialects of the same language. These are strong markers of our sub-cultural identities and they cannot be over-looked. They are not just in the mind. They represent us in all our interactions. We therefore, need to confront the Nigerian situation with pragmatism and wisdom rather than have unrealistic expectations based on current constitutional provisions. If there is need for revision for the good of the nation, let us look into it rather than look for an easy way out. Experience tells us that easy way always leads to bloodshed invariably. We pray for wisdom as we ourselves exercise our minds in this quest.

Fundamentally all humans are one, It should be possible for any one from Kalahari Desert to decide he wants to settle in Oceanside, California. God created the earth for all humans. Differences exist only in our minds. As noble as these thoughts are, they are merely ideals. Our current reality demands that we recognise cultural and sub-cultural differences and then engineer a culture of tolerance and pride in the diversity.

The cultural ego of every human society is very assertive, some more so than others. That is why it is possible for some with imperialistic egos to colonise others that are less assertive. These are natural facts. Those who have been charged with the responsibility of governance need to accept this reality and then encourage cultural values that place premium on human life above pride in ethnicity. This is a difficult task, but it is one that must not be neglected. Even most international wars are fought on this assertiveness of national egos. Similarly, when aggression against settlers is a reaction to adverse socio-economic conditions, it is still a subliminal statement of the “superiror” ego.

CULTURAL EGO at every level needs to be tamed, pure and simple.

Politics in Nigeria

Nigerians are great people whose resilience has been taken undue advantage of by generations of corrupt and ruthless politicians in sheep's clothing. What Nigeria needs is not a great man. What we need is a mature, honest and capable leader who truly cares for progress, and is humble enough to know that he is employed by us to work on our behalf for the good of the nation We need a visionary leader who is not hungry for power but yearning to serve.

I can already hear some of my fellow citizens singing praises of presidential candidates with unknown, untested credentials. This is a serious weakness in our makeup, and it is counter-productive. This attitude can be compared to a bright and beautiful young maiden, unaware of her virtues, carelessly inviting a maniac into an abusive relationship. She will only end up regretting.

Democracy gives power to the people, power to assess fellow citizens and then employ the one with best credentials to lead the process of governance. Power to question and to fire if necessary. The responsibility of governance belongs to every citizen, and if we expect the elected official to play his role right, then we as electors should do the same in our role.