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I have tried to keep abreast of the political and socio-economic climate of Nigeria from the Diaspora, and it is evident that even after the culprits steal the elections, they resort to rhetoric and political witch-hunt that oversteps the bounds of contemporary propriety-all in a bid to silence any form of opposition. Assassinations, name-calling, congressional punch-throwing and character assassination of the opposition, in a way that makes their intellect a political caricature, seem to have become a revered way of life.
We can no longer afford to trump the power of the people; we have to look beyond the politics of tribes and sub-nationalities, bitterness and rancor; and we have to give the younger generation an increasing political opportunity, instead of continually recycling 20th century politicians who have no greater agenda than to enrich themselves and silence any opposition that emerges. I am cautiously optimistic in a politically improved Nigeria, but a lot of work has to be done if we are to reclaim the dignity and honor that the world’s most populous black nation has been stripped of. As an informed observer and a victim of Nigeria’s military oppression of the 80s and 90s, I believe that in this 21st century, the younger generation of Nigerians – male and female – need to rise up to the challenges of our time and be ready to take over the mantle of leadership, and the challenges of making our country a better place for all of us. But the current leaders have the responsibility to create the enabling environment, including pursuing healthy economic policies, infrastructural development and maintenance culture that assure qualitative education and job creation.
We as Nigerians should learn from our political past: what succeeded, what failed and what lessons we have learned to be able to make informed political decisions in 2007 and beyond? Political actors, no doubt, have different messages to sell, but unless we buy those messages, they become irrelevant.
For everything Nigeria has gone through in the hands of the military, it would be a wild exaggeration to expect a spontaneous emergence of true liberal democracy. Liberal democracy in Nigeria would require a long trek with imposition of reforms and the rule of law, especially as most of our current leaders are recycled soldiers. Although political and economic reforms may take time to materialize, it is, however, not a license for negligence of public opinion or deliberate looting of public coffers into personal overseas accounts. Arbitrariness and gross disrespect for the rule of law is very evident in the ruling community, but that will only drive reform-minded Nigerians to intensify their efforts in resisting this form of “militarized democracy.”
We need leaders who would be obedient to the rule of law, help strengthen our democracy, and espouse transparency and accountability at all levels of government. We need leaders who would be resolved to putting in place national socio-political and economic policies that reflect the aspiration of an average Nigerian. We need leaders who would be resolved to creating an enabling environment for economic stability, freedom of people and the press, security, and pursuit of justice, and not those who would support extra-judicial killings, executive prosecutorial amnesty and corruption.
Contemporary realities dictate new priorities, and it is high time aspirants of political offices abandoned self-enrichment and focus on programs and policies that are Nigeria-friendly.
We need selfless leadership not selfishness. We need leaders who would be committed to the advancement of our democracy and Human Rights, including the rights of the vulnerable population-women, children and minorities. We need leaders who would embrace socio-political and economic equality and not discrimination. We need leaders who would help institute child welfare policies and programs that are functional and realistic. We need leaders who would carry their fellow Nigerians along – helping them strive to achieve their greatest human potential, including rebuilding lives, restoring hopes, and realizing dreams.
We need leaders who have demonstrated their determination to embrace difficult issues, reform and adapt to the challenges and imperatives of the 21st century, more importantly poverty alleviation and improved public health. We need leaders who would be determined to combat the brain drain by establishing systems of fairness in employment and remuneration, and by promoting a viable and conducive working environment for working-age Nigerian professionals and others who have migrated or fled overseas.
The challenges facing Nigeria – both social, political and economic – are imminent, real and urgent, and we cannot afford to turn the hands of time to the decades of military oppression characterized by egregious violation of Human Rights and failed economic and political policies. We no longer need traditionalist leaders; we need transformative leaders who understand better the realities of the 21st century Nigeria.
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Writer Profile
Pedus
I was born in Nigeria and was educated in Nigeria, USA and Australia. I am the founder and president of Christina-Mae Recruitment Consortium Australia and the author of the book "When Things Go Wrong: Concepts of Change". I am also the co-founder of Child Aid Survival and Development International (CASDI). As a freelance journalist, I have contributed to a number of professional journals and newspapers, as well as worked in a number of e-journalism projects. I have traveled extensively and currently call Australia and the USA home with extensive involvement in African Human Rights issues.
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Comments
Good Read... Akinbo, Adebunmi Adeola | Dec 21st, 2005
We need more from various other writers and Activist. Keep up the flag.
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