Northern Youths Ultimatum & The Future of Nigeria

Perhaps, there is no time when our corporate existence as a nation is threatened like we face now. The indices of war and disintegration are very real and obvious, and except something is urgently done, we may as well wish Nigeria bye bye.

Besides, the rising case of kidnapping in the Southwest, the pockets​ of sucide bombing by Boko Haram in the Northeast​,the continuous agitation by IPOB and MASSOB in the Southeast, the mounting cases of massacre by herdsmen from Northwest to Southwest not less the South South no doubt pose serious threat to our national unity and survival.

As if this is not enough, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum just issued a three month ultimatum to all Igbos residing in the North to pack all their bags and baggages and leave the North.

The question is how do we get here, and what is the way forward? Beyond the fact that the foundation of our existence is faulty, the building blocks are equally of inferior qualities, and if no urgent surgical renovation is done, we may as well  become like defunct Yougoslavia or another Somalia.

So many people have called for the restructuring of the country as a panacea to our endemic violent
prone nature. To such people, the agitations by groups is resultant effect of marginalisation. As novel as this idea sounds, the truth is restructuring without reorientation of our mindsets is just an effort in futility. In fact, the multiplicity of States to thirty seven including the FCT is in response to address the problem of marginalisation but it has not achieved that.

Some have equally called for the strengthening of national institutions. This is equally relevant and important but not sufficient enough. Why, institutions are run by men, and men with questionable characters can adjust it to suit their purposes. In fact, who reform our institutions? The legislatures who have been termed legislooters? Or the judiciary who rather than being the hope of a common man have been an haven for the few privilege rich and powerful people? Perhaps, the executive with bags of corruption allegations?

Maybe a revolution will help? Perhaps not also, this is because from my interaction with the average man on the street shows that it is every man for himself. Everybody  is just waiting for his opportunity to exploit the country for their own parochial interests.

What am I driving at? The only way forward is reform of our individual and collective mindsets. A decision for a change of attitude by each and all, as without such we will continue to merry-go-round the same issues. This no doubt appears herculean task but I tell you it is possible if you will decide to live right. It is only then and then, we can all live as a free citizens in our father land. 

Essentially, we need people to be more responsible and accountable for their actions and inactions as leaders and followers if we hope to keep this country together and move it forward.

Finally, here is my prescription: if we cannot​ save ourselves, I mean our generation, we can at least change the future generations by deliberate and conscious effort. So let all reformers stand up to create a new narrative that we want written about our nation in the coming years.