We need justice, good governance

The year 1970 represents hope and stability in the history of Nigeria. It marked the end of the Civil War, during which millions of people lost their lives and properties, with hunger and starvation becoming the order of the day.

The lesson that must not be forgotten is that the leader of the secessionist Republic of Biafra, Colonel Odumegu Ojukwu, later gave up the aspiration. However, over the years, people have refused to learn from history. Ethnicity and religion have been used as excuses.

Before the recent agitation for the creation of Biafra, the government had indeed failed Nigerians as a whole. Corruption should not be affiliated to any religion or ethnic group: various members of different ethnic and religious groups have been appointed into various positions and have failed woefully. The social and ethical structure of the country is weak, and crime and corruption have become the norm.

The agitation for the Republic of Biafra makes me wonder if it will ever solve the problems of hunger, joblessness and insecurity. Will the leaders be different from the same old goons that have looted the treasury for themselves and their families?

I strongly believe that one of our major problems in this country is illiteracy and unemployment. Which educated and employed person will want an atmosphere of uncertainty, chaos and insecurity?

Most times, the masses are used as weapons to protest and agitate. They are promised freedom and salvation which never come to pass. How many politicians have come to our doorsteps over the years with mouth-watering promises during campaigns? And were they able to deliver after being elected?

Let us put religious and ethnic bigotry aside. All Nigerians have suffered from leadership deficiency, but ironically, we have all supported it in one way or the other. During campaigns, we rush to politicians’ houses to collect different gifts and sell out our franchise. In return, they loot our funds and the cycle continues, so who is fooling whom?

My advice to my fellow compatriots is that we should all stand and fight against corruption. We should maintain sanity in our electoral system by voting politicians that have the love of their people at heart.

The country has, over the years, made people to be a government unto themselves. With over 57 years of independence, Nigerians have inadequate power supply. Many have no potable water.

The schools are bad and the hospitals ill-equipped, as we can tell from the recent health tourism of our president. I hope we all understand that the bad conditions affect the entire country and if we should allow opportunists and entrepreneurs to mislead us into war, we will all suffer together.

So, let us endeavour to channel our energies towards restructuring and readjustment of our country. We should free ourselves from the so-called leaders who have used religion and ethnicity to rob us of our rights and privileges as Nigerians.

Habeeb Isiaka

[email protected].