Dear Nigeria,
Now that you’re 50 years old, I wish you would wake up and get your act together. It is appalling that you have taken a backseat in the affairs of your life.
I would like to know, what do you have to show for half a century but a convulsed existence laced with a turbulent history. Your children are known world over as conmen of the highest order, best defined as 419ers and ‘Yahoo, Yahoo,’ boys. I wish those of us who work hard didn’t have to bear the burden of a name created by a few. We have no basic healthcare, electricity or fuel, yet we are one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of oil.
While I don’t blame you for your misfortune because you signed your existence away to a minority clan of clowns who purport to be political leaders, yet, fail to realise no one is following them. I do wish you would fight and take back your dignity. These men and women are nothing but a bunch of insensitive people who cannot feel the anguish etched in the national psyche, nor do they realise the pain and shame they have caused you.
One of your sons recently added “terrorist” to the labels by which we are referred to. We are now subjected to extensive checks when travelling, I wish you would stand up and fight for us. I wish you would stop being so passive and get active on matters that have to do with you. I wish you would stop being a spectator in the drama of your life and become the leading character, so others can follow you.
I believe its time you decide your own fate and what it is that you want to do. I am tempted to call you an ‘ashewo’ that cannot make up its mind about the customer to go with. Hence, you live for the now and your life forever remains in the balance. But how long can you continue to keep up with this attitude of indifference? You are neither hot nor cold but remains as unstable and unpredictable as ever. Maybe if we knew what you wanted, we would be able to cater to your needs but we don’t because you signed yourself over to a bunch of idiots who neither know their left or their right. How then do you expect me to believe a word that comes from their mouth or follow them?
As it stands, we don’t have a president but an ‘Acting president.’ The one you gave us is gravely ill. For over two months, there has been no word from him. Maybe I am naïve but how can he lead from a sick bed? From New York to London, Nigerians are demanding answers. You are practically a failed state, but your children remain hopeful and resilient. I say it is great to be hopeful and resilient for I see that resilience in myself and that makes me proud to be your daughter in spite of the shameful past and present chaos.
Read My Opinion piece for GlobalComment.com
