Flowing from the British experience, Nigeria may not be in the same full blown war like the British, however, we are in a precarious situation, one that is akin to a war of survival, and which requires the same level of statesmanship as exemplified by Sir Winston Churchill. It is sad and very unfortunate that ours has been a leadership that is non- Churchilian in form and and expression. Nobody is giving inspiring and soothing words; nobody is giving hope to a nation on the brink of collapse; nobody is seriously concerned about the agitations here and there.
It has to be a better world; one in which the right of every individual is respected; one that builds confidence; one that promotes the possibility of our past aspirations for a good life, and one that engenders hope in every individual to optimise their potentials. I dreamt of the Nations of Africa being listed among world powers, I prayed for enhanced productivity; vibrancy replacing despondency; prosperity in place of recession, and uncommon grace to face the challenges of our time together in unity, as we prepare to rebuild our beloved country, Nigeria, in the journey through the last quarter of the year 2021.
It is with mixed feelings and heavy heart, that I join millions of our compatriots home and abroad today to reflect on the state of our dear nation. Also, it has become absolutely important to note the level of despondency among the majority of the citizens, with the exception of a handful of people who are in positions of authority, that is preventing them from being jubilant and getting involved in the INDEPENDENCE day activities. Nigerians are going through excruciating pains; uncertainty, job losses, unemployment, hunger, killings, kidnapping, banditry and poor leadership. This is certainly not a good time to be a Nigerian, especially when compared to our past and promise.
It was, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, DL, FRS, a British statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 – 1945 during the second world war and again from 1951 – 1955 that once said, “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.” As Prime Minister (1940-45) during most of world war II Churchill rallied the British people and led the country from the brink of defeat to victory. He shaped Allied strategy in the war, and in the later stages of the war alerted the west to the expansionist threat of the Soviet Union. He further reflected that “Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”
Flowing from the British experience, Nigeria may not be in the same full blown war like the British, however, we are in a precarious situation, one that is akin to a war of survival, and which requires the same level of statesmanship as exemplified by Sir Winston Churchill. It is sad and very unfortunate that ours has been a leadership that is non- Churchilian in form and and expression. Nobody is giving inspiring and soothing words; nobody is giving hope to a nation on the brink of collapse; nobody is seriously concerned about the agitations here and there.
Instead, a bewildered nation was regaled with how a set of people who have ruled for six years is better than those who ruled for sixteen years put together; this is sad and unfortunate. How long shall we continue the blame game and denial of responsibility? Nigeria has only three major societal CHALLENGS, namely:-TRUST, DEFICIT and GROSS LACK OF UNIFYING LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE.
SOLUTIONS — Seat in Dialogue with all components that make up the Nigerian State. The subject matter should be to reflect, rethink and rebrand our relationship. We must discuss and document with honesty the terms and conditions of our cohabitation. QED.
NIGERIA WILL RISE AGAIN.
ARISE ‘O COMPATRIOTS
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Richard Odusanya
is a Social Reform Crusader and the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI
