Time for the Paradigm Shift: We Need to Think Right and Put Nigeria First
By Musa A. Kazaure
HOTPEN – World wide, it has become customary and in deed constitutional for Political leaders on being inaugurated to assume Public Office and Trust, to ascribe and swear to the Oath of Office (Seventh Schedule of the 1999 Constitution as Amended) while holding or bearing testimony to the Holy Quran or Holy Bible as the case may be. The importance of bearing testimony with these Holy Books is to instil the fear of Almighty Allah/God and secure His blessings at the end of which the concerned uttered these words, “So help me God”
Since the return to democracy and governance in 1999, I begin to wonder how many of our leaders from our Presidents and Governors have discharged the trust and the heavy responsibilities in accordance to the dictates of the weighty oath they have subscribed to? I further keep wondering why our leaders are easily carried away by the trappings of power, which in itself is not permanent but fluidy and trascient to the extent of losing their sense of humanity/empathy and justice, simply turning themselves into Tin-Gods.
Arising from the apparent failure of leadership at all levels in Nigeria occasioned by the perversive insecurity, all concerned citizens have come to the painful conclusion that this Country is at crossroads with its future uncertain! At this point, all patriots must interrogate themselves with the following pertinent questions begging for answers:
What manner of legacy/Nation are we bequeathing to our children yet unborn?
How could Nigeria defend itself against potential external aggression by Chad or Cameroon, when there is no synergy between the various Armed Security Agencies of the State? After all, for over ten years now the Nation could not defeat a rag tag, ill equipped and ill trained militia men of Boko Haram whose numerical strength is just not up to 50,000. Is this not a nation where a General in the military would be so busy diverting resources meant to secure this country for his enrichment?
Is this not a Country where over 56000 weapons were said to have disappeared from the Armory under a thin air and yet nobody has been held accountable? Is this not a Country, where political, tribal, religious and regional sentiments are elevated above national interest? Is this not a Country whose criminal justice system gives inadvertent protection/freedom to visibly corrupt leaders, their children and public/private sector officials under the presumption of being innocent to not only escape justice but aspire to stand for elections while under criminal prosecution?
Why is it, that it is only in Nigeria, politicians with alleged cases of criminal offence have the guts to stand for elections ostensibly in order to evade justice! What an absurdity and an affront to our collective sensibilities? Is there any wonder why justice in this Country is only for the Rich and Powerful?
Is this not a country of misplaced priorities which is not unconnected with our unpatriotism and corruptive tendencies? The Federal Government is refusing ASUU’s demand of N30 billion to rusticate the tertiary educational sector, but is conceding to release over N201 billion to underwrite the panton losses incurred by the importers of adulterated fuel into the Country.
As we move closer to the general elections of 2023, we need a paradigm shift to think right and put Nigeria First! The aujean stable must be cleansed! We must never again toy with our destiny! As it has been well accepted that the greatest challenge faced by this Country is that of our inability as a nation to put forward visionary, patriotic, honest, courageous and committed managers of resources, who could manage our diversities, and potentials to greatness!
Our Political Parties, INEC, ICPC, EFCC, the DSS and NIA must wake up, synergise and save this Nation from being ridiculed in the comity of nations by invoking patriotism in the discharge of their duties to this Country by profiling all aspiring elective office holders, such that all those with fake academic qualifications, double citizenship, drug addicts, and pending criminal cases of corruption in a Court of Law are barred from contesting! Never again shall we allow ourselves to be caged by technicalities of the law. We must identify and elect tested, honest, committed, and competent visionary leaders to lead us, at the various levels of governance! We must never mortgage our future for peanuts from thieving politicians who have nothing to offer but are only interested in cornering our Commonwealth! To our teeming youths, I urge and admonish you to shine your eyes and secure your future!
Musa A. Kazaure, NPOM, FNIM,CMT
musak55@gmail.com