NIGERIA IS GREAT: Failed Optimism and New-Birthed Sarcasm

 

According to Human Freedom Index (HFI) which is authorized by experts at the Cato Institute and Fraser Institute, Nigeria is placed 123rd among 165 countries and territories ranked in the study. One relatable consequence of this poor placement is that an individual is more likely to experience police brutality and other state repressions in Nigeria than in Uganda, Niger, or Hilti. But Nigeria is the architect of her embarrassment. The deplorable state of press freedom, the brutal killings - precipitated by religious extremism and inter-ethnic violence, and the continued invasion of private farmlands by Fulani herders, are some of the problems eroding human freedom in Nigeria.

Lagos is the commercial centre in Nigeria but can we compare our most highbrow state to other prominent states of other great countries? Is Lagos worthy to be compared with Dubai, Nairobi, Cape town, Accra, New York, Cairo, etc.? Everything that has refused to work in Lagos is working in these other states. 

If Nigeria was not great, there would not have been over 170 million Nigerians. We are a great country, and we are determined to give birth to as many children as possible so that more innocent people can partake of the pleasure of living here. We are managing our population crisis so well; we have enough food to feed the masses, enough shelter houses, and a friendly economy for survival. We do not commit suicide nor do we have the desire to leave the country.

The security threats in our country have been mitigated and there are no fears in the hearts of travellers. Though the Presidential convoy has been attacked, we have nothing to worry about. Indices from the Federal Government have told us we are in a better state than we were previously and this is proven in the security and insurance of the kidnapped citizens. The millions of naira paid as ransoms are just a small price to pay for being a citizen and resident of this great nation. 

We rig our elections and trade our votes for cheap lies and a cup of rice. What did we call Nigeria again? A great nation!

Nigerians are revolutionaries; we choose to remain on the ancient path in the 21st century. We tag modern development and revolution as ‘impractical’ and choose to stick with the ways and lifestyle of the Stone Age. We have chosen to tread on the ancient landmark whose stone cannot be turned. Our pledge has lost all practical commitment and we recite it to fulfil all righteousness. 

This writer gives all due respect to the men still standing as compatriots but are we still holding to optimism when we call Nigeria a great nation?