Restructuring and creating a melting point of equality and readdressing a Nigeria for all remains the solution to the corruption, insecurity, socio-economic imbroglio in the country.
The Political, socio-economic and psycho-cultural health of Nigeria has been a challenging story. The masses are filled with several analyses and differing possible solutions that seem feasible but wonder why the government is at crossroads to the implementation of these solutions. From a holistic lens, it would be malicious to pick out a political party, elderstateman or give reference to a particular government for the problem of Nigeria.
Taking a quick flashback to the Nigeria we had in the early 80s where the Naira was competing with other foreign currency remains what many Nigerians seek today. The massive emigration from Nigeria to western countries would be minimal and the huge brainwash going on with Nigerians selling their talent to develop foreign countries would be curbed. Several decisions made by some of our leaders in exchange for personal relationship with western leaders have championed and soaked Nigeria in the arms of neo-liberalism making it a “sold nation”.
Neo-Liberalism is a common enemy to Africa’s progress and development but Nigeria remains my point of analysis. The IMF, WHO, World bank and other neoliberal institution are tools used in regulating the African eco-political activities. The Nigerian government anticipates the celebration of Nigeria every 1st of October as history holds it to be the Independent day but is this country truly independent. Spending several millions of Naira to celebrate a “Literal Independence” because our economic independence which decides the growth of our nation is still under the colonial influence. I call it literal independence because we as a nation are still caged under neoliberal umbrella of common wealth where the economic and political affairs of our nation is being decided.
The absence of economic freedom remains a big menace altering the growth of Nigeria. The constitution, practice of law and order, mode of governance are still practiced on the path of colonialism as designed by the colonial masters.
The insecurity and corruption in Nigeria stems from the marginalization of the country. Marginalization of Nigeria was a ground work laid by the colonial masters based on the population and relationship they had with certain ethnicity during their presence in Nigeria. Nigeria is a country of over 500 languages and over 250 ethnic groups. How it ended having a 3-major dominating group is based on the colonial architectural work to create division that makes it easy for neoliberalism to stay alive. The absence of inclusion and unequal participation in the affairs of government has led to tension in several parts of the country. The national conference held twice in Nigeria has been a failure because of the unequal integration of these ethnicities in Nigeria. For example, the people of Niger-Delta and IPOB calling for secession all came from the feeling of exclusion. As a peace and conflict professional, peace building and peace keeping are possible only through the inclusion of other conflicting parties and when there is absence of inclusion comes conflict and uproar which leads to kidnapping, oil bunkering and other peace disturbing activities.
This article is not just about revealing the silent problem Nigerians are not paying attention to but asking questions like “What is the essence of the Common Wealth?” and “What purpose does it serve to Nigerians” because the common wealth is synonymous to the “Berlin Conference’ while the difference is that our leaders are present in the decision of the colonial masters. Then we would understand the reality in how much neo-liberalism is structured to cripple our economy while we salivate on political independence. Tearing down these colonial structures, – which automatically leads to the death of neo-liberalism like Cuba once did.
Restructuring and creating a melting point of equality and readdressing a Nigeria for all remains the solution to the corruption, insecurity, socio-economic imbroglio in the country.Advocating for an equal Nigeria because it is only in an inclusive Nigeria will peace, growth and unity come into place as the national anthem and pledge state.
Yakub Yahaya
Bsc Sociology (Univeristy of Ilorin)
M.A Peace and Conflict Studies Candidate (University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA.
