Before the intrusion of the colonial masters, Nigeria existed in small homogenous societies whom according to history were developing in a pace far behind their European counterparts. The major reason being attributed to the excessive availability of land and the friendly nature of the atmosphere. Can we then conclude that if the availability of land in Africa had not been excessively much and the atmosphere unfriendly, African states Nigeria inclusive would have developed alongst with other European states? Saying yes, our slow development rate we would be imputing to nature hereby turning a blind eye to the fact that there were other factors that assisted our slow development such as the myopic nature of both the traditional leaders and their follower who were pleased with the societal mode. To them, there was little or no reason for research as long as their territory is secure, they have enough to consume etc. and this made invention difficult for them, which resulted to their enslavement by their European counterparts through colonialism.
A big fat exploitation of natural and human resources characterized the colonial era in Nigeria. The Europeans were unable to help develop Nigeria because development was not the primary aim of colonization; all they needed were resources, the availability of which attracted them to Nigeria. Nigerian nationalist discovered this and began the struggle for nationalism the consequence of their struggle was the independent of 1960.
The 1960 independence mantled the political affairs of Nigeria upon Nigerians particularly the elites and since then Nigeria had been running after development. The reason a country that is a hundred years by birth and fifty-four years by independence is still far away from development is a subject for thought. Nigeria since independence had experience divers forms of government which include parliamentary system 1960, military rule 1966, presidential system 1979 etc. Yet none of these systems had being able to solve the lingering problem of underdevelopment which implies that Nigeria’s problem is not with the system of government but the people practicing it, both the ruler/leaders and the ruled/followers. The ruler being the major contributor will be my first case for study.
Ever since independence, Nigeria’s political leaders have been tracking the colonial masters, they exploit several resources for selfish use. The only difference between Nigerian leaders and the colonial masters is that while the colonial masters were exploiting the countries resources for their own European state, Nigerian leaders are doing theirs for personal uses. All they focus on is how to promote their “owns” like their family, ethnic group, religion, political parties and so on at the expense of others. Leaders in Nigeria have been beating around the bush finding solutions to micro issues such as developing new constitution [which they mostly do not adhere to], tenure of office, intra and inter political party conflicts, resource allocation, creation of new state and local government among others. While major issues as lawlessness, corruption, embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds, intra ethnocentrism as a result of cultural diversity, terrorism, religious crises to mention a few are in existence.
During election, a good number of Nigerians context for political offices not for what they intend to do for the society but for the goodies attached to being a political leader that is the riches, honor, fame etc. some people are even mandated by their political parties to context for political offices. These are reasons why MANY ELECTORAL PROMISES ARE RAINBOWS, VANISHING SOON AFTER POLL DAY. Despite these anomalies by political leaders, they still through one way or the others maneuver their way into political offices due to many reasons, which will take me to the second case for examination, which are the ruled/followers. It is appalling that a number of Nigerians do not exercise their political right to vote, they believe that whether or not they vote, the “god fathers candidate” will still emerge as the winner, some do not vote because of the stress they encounter at poling boots.
Some of those who turn out for election are easily bought over by politicians; they sell their vote so cheaply ignoring the fact that SELLING YOUR VOTE IMPLIES SELLING YOUR FUTURE. Also during election, citizens mostly youths allow themselves to be used by some political tycoons as “instruments of victory” by indulging in various criminal acts such as stealing of ballot boxes.
Ethnicity is a pathogen that has been corroding our growth as a country, an average Nigerian citizen sees himself as belonging to a particular group case in point; an individual from the Yoruba society will first recognize himself as a Yoruba man before affiliating to Nigeria. This also applies to all other societies in Nigeria. GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA IS LIKE A CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE with both the ruler and the ruled in one way or the other fanning the flames.
In conclusion, the best antidote for underdevelopment in Nigeria is for each and every one of us as Nigerians, to make amends and follow with strict adherence the national pledge that is we should do what we profess and together we will no less make a better Nigeria.
OLA OGUN
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