There’s a Nigerian everyone knows. In truth, if we’re sincere, we might sometimes acknowledge him in ourselves. He’s passionate, expressive, and at all times prepared with a analysis of every little thing improper with the nation. His voice is loud, his grievances many, and his patriotism—properly—typically loudly declared however quietly contradicted.
Allow us to take heed to him.
“Issues are laborious,” he begins, with out invitation. “No cash, no meals, costly groceries, unaffordable gas, excessive value of medication, highschool charges, poor electrical energy, unhealthy roads, poorly funded universities, insecurity, poor healthcare, corruption—every little thing is improper!”
I nod. Many of those considerations are legitimate. They don’t seem to be imaginary. They’re actual, and they’re painful.
“So,” I ask gently, “what ought to the federal government do?”
“Authorities should change these corrupt leaders!” he fires again. “They solely care about themselves.”
“That could be a robust level,” I reply. “However this explicit authorities is lower than three years outdated. Are there any steps you possibly can commend—any insurance policies or actions that would deal with a few of these issues?”
He appears to be like at me as if I’ve dedicated an ethical crime.
“My good friend,” he says, with finality, “there’s nothing good about this authorities. Ours is a failed state—a big-for-nothing nation! I’m solely ready for the subsequent alternative to ‘japa.’”
I pause.
“Do you pay taxes?” I ask.
He laughs—loudly.
“Why ought to I pay taxes in order that corrupt individuals may have extra to steal?”
“However how,” I press on, “do you anticipate the federal government to unravel the issues you might have talked about if residents like you don’t contribute?”
“Who advised you the federal government lacks cash?” he retorts. “If it does, it’s as a result of officers have stolen every little thing. Can’t you see how they waste cash on SUVs and jets?”
I let that go—for now.
“What number of kids do you might have?” I ask.
He hesitates, then solutions, “Seven—from two wives. However what has that obtained to do with something?”
“Are they in class?”
“4 have dropped out,” he says, nearly defensively. “Authorities has not helped me with faculty charges. Two are studying to grow to be mechanics, and my first daughter is married. She married at 18. However why are you asking these questions?”
I take a look at him—not with judgment, however with concern.
“My good friend,” I say quietly, “you might have additionally contributed to Nigeria’s issues. Why convey into the world extra kids than you possibly can responsibly look after? Do you not see that a few of our insecurity is fueled by unmanaged inhabitants development—by residents who, with out enough means, broaden obligations they can’t meet?”
He’s unmoved.
“However the authorities is there to assist us,” he insists.
“Sure,” I reply, “authorities exists to serve society. However it’s not a mystical being. It’s an organized expression of the individuals. What you feed into it—by means of taxes, self-discipline, civic accountability, and values—is what it displays again to you.”
He shakes his head.
“I disagree. Nigeria’s drawback is unhealthy management.”
“I gained’t argue,” I say. “However inform me—when did Nigerians not complain about their authorities? 2023, 2019, 2015, 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999… identify the yr.”
He’s silent.
This Nigerian isn’t completely improper. Management issues. Certainly, it issues profoundly. Dangerous management can cripple a nation, distort priorities, and deepen struggling. However there’s something deeper and extra troubling than unhealthy management: a tradition of unrestrained criticism with out corresponding accountability.
We have now, as a individuals, perfected the artwork of lamentation whereas neglecting the self-discipline of contribution.
We demarket our personal nation with reckless abandon. We converse of Nigeria as if it had been an enemy moderately than a shared inheritance. We export cynicism, amplify failure, and have fun departure. “I simply wish to depart this nation,” has grow to be each anthem and aspiration.
But nations should not constructed by those that curse them from a distance—nor even by those that curse them from inside.
They’re constructed by residents who, whereas absolutely conscious of their nation’s flaws, select restraint in speech, accountability in motion, and hope in disposition.
Patriotism isn’t blind reward of presidency. No. It’s the refusal to desert one’s civic obligation even when management disappoints. It’s the self-discipline to criticize constructively, not destructively. It’s the knowledge to acknowledge that governance is a partnership between the leaders and the led.
A citizen who evades taxes, neglects training, disregards civic order, and expands private obligations irresponsibly can’t, with ethical readability, place the complete burden of nationwide failure on authorities.
Sure, allow us to demand accountability. Sure, allow us to insist on transparency. Sure, allow us to name out corruption wherever it exists.
However allow us to additionally look at ourselves.
Allow us to ask:
- What am I contributing to the Nigeria I complain about?
- Am I constructing or merely blaming?
- Am I a part of the answer, or just knowledgeable critic?
The tragedy of the complaining Nigerian isn’t that he sees issues—it’s that he absolves himself of all accountability for them.
A nation rises when its residents rise in character.
Nigeria is not going to grow to be nice as a result of we’ve got discovered good leaders. No nation ever has. It can grow to be nice when Nigerians—abnormal Nigerians—determine to match their complaints with dedication, their criticism with contribution, and their frustration with accountability.
Till then, the complaining Nigerian will proceed his monologue—loud, passionate, and in the end unproductive—whereas the nation he laments waits patiently for residents who will do greater than complain.
Allow us to be these residents.
© Shilgba