At independence in 1960 Nigeria was a country bursting with prospects. It had a glorious cultural heritage. Ambitious and brilliant intelligentsia. Aspiring and smart politicians. And a wealth of natural resources. So what went wrong?!
There are three factors that might provide some insight into the issue:
• Colonialism: When the colonial occupiers left it wasn't exactly with good wishes and grace. They left basic infrastructure mostly designed to separate them from the general populace. And they left an economy that was built to divert resources to Great Britain at minimal cost.
• Military rule: Misrule and the disruption and instability from frequent coups probably proved problematic in equal. The military governments had strategic frameworks in place but very little commitment to strategic development and deployment of resources. They focused on short term gains and populist actions. Balancing the disparity in resource distribution between the north and south became a primary objective for the military.
• Tribal divisions: Tensions built up between a thriving South and a North that was heavily populated and highly resistant to development. Ultimately these played a role in exacerbating tribal and political tensions. Creating the perfect storm for a military coup. It subsequently played out in tribal rivalries in the military junta which ultimately resulted in politicking and prejudicial policy making.
While some effects of colonialism are still being felt today, it isn't possible to blame the malaise that has set in to the Nigerian psyche wholly or even partially on it. The poor job done by the military of governing, and it's inability to manage tribal tensions remains a significant reason for the current failings. It hasn't helped that the current cabal of politicians have turned corruption into a career choice. It is no surprise that ex military officers have switched to politics in droves.
There is no question that a democratic system of some sort is the best path forward. However, it is unclear whether our current or future stock of politicians are in fact capable of being democrats, at heart or in practice.
Papi, I am not even look at the first 2....let's look at the tribal division....now, this is what kills a country alot!!!!!! Some parts of Kenya have this terrible division and it is horrible!!!!....the killings???....Naaaa....when a country is divided among itself...I mean, what can anyone do to help take that country to a higher level???....the problem is already within!!!....Mehnnnn....your posts always wake up something in me....
ReplyDeleteI hear you! The damage and pain caused by tribal division are great. However I believe tribal division us often engineered by those trying to exploit for their own gain. The old 'divide and rule' ploy.
DeleteThere is this thing my brother always says and I think he is right, "Nigeria needs a tyrant as a leader". This democracy thing isn't helping this country, the lawlessness and corruption is damn too much.
ReplyDeletewww.realcilverly.blogspot.com
DeleteThe problem with tyranny is that there is nowhere to draw the line. A freedom here; a human right there and before you know it we're right back where we started from. I believe there has to be a choice by citizens to opt for good government and clean up corruption. It has been said that democracy us the tyranny of the majority. There is no perfect system of government.