ARE WE LOSING THIS WAR?

Those who know me very well are aware that I am an ardent optimist any time, any day. I see hope in the midst of hopelessness; and why won’t I when I’ve made myself a self-styled Motivator? Nevertheless, I do not lose faith at all in my calling but when the Motivator needs some motivation, “You know say water don pass garri.” But never mind, “my own water never pass garri.” But now, I’m worried on the state of our nation. I first saw this headline in an article sponsored by Transparency International, “Nigeria is gradually losing the war against corruption.” It got me thinking; yes, it did. Most people in public offices and a good number of Nigerians have eroded the true spirit of nationalism.

Why are we losing this war against corruption?
Who will speak up and who will take action first? In recent times, I’ve silently followed some happenings; from the massacre of some students somewhere in Yobe state, to the fighting law makers in rivers state and I also hear that in the Nigerian Nationwide league, a certain Plateau United Feeders and Akurba Football Club in Nigeria that has recently been suspended in a play-off ended 79-0 while the one between Police machine and Babayaro FC ended 67 – 0. Where have we heard of that kind of score line except in Nigeria? Such crazy thing can only give credence to a corruption-ridden mentality.  Somehow if we don’t critically analyze our nation, we might lose this war against corruption. I have tried to tailor these different things together to make you see why the international community often sees us in the wrong light. Come to think of it; where is the foundation of this corruption thing? Why has it become so endemic and how can we tackle it from the root? This is the question bothering me; this is why the Motivator now needs Motivation.

On the Rivers State issue, it is more than a shame! It’s an eye opener to the kind of honourable members in our legislative systems; those who will not hesitate to sell their personality for a morsel of hamburger. Yes, that is as well the kind of leadership result that we get out of them. The scenario that played out in Rivers state house of assembly was not clear until I saw the video showing a radical fight for the soul of Rivers State in literal terms. It’s sheer madness; critical idiocy and a flagrant exhibition by some dishonourable members who have despised the honourable mandate given to them by the people. I weep for our leaders and deeply ponder on the possible outcome of 2015.

 First, it all started like a play when the Nigerian Governor’s Forum election ended in an impasse with two factions emerging and claiming victory; an election of 35 adults and governors for that matter. Who rigged what, when and how? Since that incident, I have not failed to see eyeball to eyeball with the Man who mistakenly proposed the “My Oga At The Top” mantra.  The scene playing out in Rivers state cannot be unconnected with the presidency and its face-off with the Rivers State governor.

Just recently, the presidency and a host of people that matter in the Nigerian government went to China to solicit for support and to sign a number of Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU). I do not have an issue with that but where my emphasis lies is that we’ve refused to learn. The question I ask is how did China get to where they are now? How did they become the fastest growing economy in Asia and what can we learn from them? We must learn if we must grow.

One other issue that deserves specific mention is the fact that we are in the seventh month and the budget of 2013 is yet to be passed. Indeed, very amazing! Is it that the barber cannot barb or that the clipper is not sharp enough? The finance minister and coordinating minister of the economy has warned that with the current pace that the federal government may not be able to pay September salary if the budget is not passed. We must wake up now more than ever if 2015 must be a reality for 2015 must not end up like the Nigerian Governor's Forum election.

It will be unfair to heap all the blames on Mr President, for we all would have to share in the blame. Yet, what I have to say to Mr. President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan is that he must fight this transformation fight with astute guts. He must not cower before anybody; for to whom much is given, much is expected. Yet, he must understand that he must try to remain sincere with this transformation thing. Whatever hand he has in the crises in Rivers state and in the crises of the NGF must be resolved as soon as possible. I understand his relative sincerity yet he must understand that leadership being a burden, is a cross that must be carried for posterity will always remember what we did and what we failed to do when we had opportunity to do something.

 This is a call to action. If you know that we will not lose this war against corruption, if you still believe in Nigeria, then let’s work it out together. I write this, not because I have seized to be an optimist but that I want to encourage myself in God and I also want to spur my friends to the truth that Nigeria is ours to plough; not to plunder, ours to build; not to destroy. Let those that can pray, pray; let those that can write, write and let those who feel they have what it takes to lead our nation to the next level step out. This synergy is a synergy that must stand; when we all link up with each other, then we can rebuild our nation family by family, town by town, state by state and together, we can make the labours of our heroes past not be in vain. We have already fought a war in which we lost over 3 million people and we cannot take that for granted and this war against corruption is a war that we must win. Join me, let’s work towards a more glorious Nigeria.

Indeed, Nigeria is ours to plough not to plunder!

Chijindu.