Why This Perception of Failing!
By Ibrahim Garba Wala
When a new president takes over the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, it is the very moment Nigerians forget what the old system was all about. The fact that the old system was illusionary based on the wrong perception borne out of the “African attitude” of governance never admitting to criticism of non-performance. There is high expectation of government from the electorates. Party caucus, friends and family, religious interest groups, traditional rulers, civil servants, International community, spiritualists, etc, are potential lobbyists for one thing or the other from one man.
When former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo handed over to President Umar Musa Yar’adua, it was amongst a very unpredictable circumstance, the whole scenario was masterminded by the party and the former president. Again politicians took to the streets and raise our high expectations of a Yar’adua. Certainly the President had good intentions but had no perfect idea of the complexity of the issues on ground. Typically, human beings are all ambitious but it is important to forecast and plan before time. It took Obama much planning and time to realise his ambition, his profound ability to articulate informed Americans his un-doubtful capabilities coupled with the existing political structure and a sound political system was all it took to secure leadership.
Our system had completely collapsed but the people in the system hardly acknowledged or agreed this phenomenon. The main reason why predecessors insist on shopping for candidates or replacements is to ascertain loyalty and relevance and most times they end up picking someone with deficiencies. They never wish him well, nor do they expect his performance to surpass theirs.
Talking about the operators of our system who are in one way or the other not qualified nor have interest of the nation and the people at heart, argue that candidates worked hard to get elected, expending high resources, time and energy to win the election. The point here is, why do individuals sacrifice their last drop of blood to win an election or to secure appointments and yet are not willing to serve the people?
This also takes us to the need to cross examine the people; and the question that readily come to mind are, what is one’s identity, what does one represent or contribute to the Nigerian system? At what point of the day or night does one reflect on one’s actions and words? In what form does one help or assist the society or how does one conduct oneself within one’s home, office, friends and associates? These are thoughts that require much meditation and where answers are integral part of societal values.
Thoughts are believed to be influenced. What could be the factors influencing our own thoughts other than illiteracy and poverty? Ironically, we subject ourselves to these factors that determine our fate. Hence, we continue to live in bondage refusing to unchain our minds and waiting for a messier to lead us to the Promised Land.
It’s high time we remember that our leaders are born and made from the same environment as us. In essence, we are the products of our environment powered by our thoughts and associations. The wrong leaders take undue advantage of our weaknesses and passive attitudes. Our individual behaviour constitutes an integral part of society and its composition which has yielded what we regret today. It will be fair and productive if we also identify and value leadership as a gift. There are people with leadership abilities and there are those who specialise in ruining others through abuse of leadership.
Therefore, the onus lies with the people to make the system work. We must agree to our faults and be ready to make change by pointing out our mistakes with the view to correcting and not antagonizing for selfish reasons. People who accept responsibilities must also accept self defeat as and they must not be mocked. It is also strength for you to help someone recognises his strength.
Time is of the essence in our lives. We must translate opportunities by accounting for how our time is being spent and proper use of time by making the right choices of people and places to spend our time. Again, what we do in a particular point in time matters, meaning we must prioritise our activities. It is important to realise that once it is time for sleep, we must go to sleep and when it is time for work we go to work.
I urge my fellow members of NAIJA@HEART INITIATIVE (NatHI) and Nigerians to adhere to true values and teachings from parents, leaders and preachers which are paramount to our existence. We must not smear the truth because of selfish desires for in one way or the other we must account for all we say at all political gatherings and behind closed doors. Never forget to observe the manner in how we call our leaders to order, we should not provoke.
ONE PRAYER, TWO ACTIONS EQUAL MULTIPLE BENEFITS.
Thank you and God bless Nigeria.
Ibrahim Garba Wala
08036426789
