THE NIGERIAN MAN
Half of our battles are fought and won in our heads. It is in recognition of this fact that nations embark on propaganda campaigns in times of war -such as the throwing of leaflets etc. It is therefore imperative that leaders understand the significant role of psychology in the affairs of man. It is also very important for a leader to understand the symbolism of his / her actions and pronouncements.
What you see and hear on a regular basis becomes the things about which you speak. The things we speak shape and help to define what we believe and who we eventually become.
The Nigerian man regardless of what corner of Nigeria he hails from is a man of strong spirit and character. Despite our seemingly irreconcilable differences, meekness is not in our DNA. The Nigerian man is a go-getter, fearless, daring, With an almost rugged disposition. And that’s why it’s not out of place to say that we already have all that we require and need to be a great people and a great nation
It is therefore only fitting and deserving that the leader of such a people embodies/ personifies and projects these intrinsic traits and attributes. Nigeria even in her present state, where cultural, social and religious differences have created a chasm that look almost impossible to abridge still remain the beacon and hope of the black race. It is an enormous responsibility and duty that Nigerians cannot just wish or wave away.
The leader of Nigeria cannot be perceived as weak. His/ her spirit and character reflects on not just Nigerians but upon the black race. His/her vision and pronouncements must be in consonance and congruent to the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians and the entire black race.
Nigerians are only seeking and searching for that leader who can genuinely challenge and inspire us as well as instigate a heightened sense of purpose and self in us. Nigerians of all stripes and backgrounds yearn for a leader that can spur and prod us. Nigerians desire a leader who can tell us the things we can do not things we cannot do. A leader who can rekindle a spirit of nationalism and bring about a renewed sense of patriotism--- help to unleash an unyielding spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurial drive in Nigerians.
The leader of Nigeria is the de-facto leader of the black race. It is therefore pertinent, contrary to the argument of President Goodluck Jonathan, that the leader of Nigeria must project the image and display the attributes of a military general and a Baptist preacher. A leader, who is not only inspirational but evoke and elicit genuine respect.
The leader of Nigeria, as unrealistic as it may sound, must be perceived as one who has all the answers to all the questions. He /she must have some swagger and command genuine respect across the political spectrum in Nigeria, Africa--- as well as among his/her peers on the global stage.
The leader of Nigeria must be one who must make concerted effort in understanding the dynamics and trajectory of the 21st century. A leader who can sit with his western peers, negotiate favorably, without being intimidated.
Nigeria needs a leader, who understand, the importance of fiscal solidity. A leader who understand the tune and appreciate the pace of global economic struggle. A leader who understand and embrace the concept of political economy --- how it is used to develop, shape and formulate both political and economic policies viewed from the basis of ever increasing global population--- against the backdrop of scarce and fast depleting natural resources across the globe.
A leader who is not timid nor shy to accord critical scrutiny to the international currency and gold markets--- the concept of GDP and question the use of GDP as an economic indicator or gauge in a 21st century information driven global economy. The time has come to critically examine the concept of GDH, “gross domestic happiness”. Nigeria needs a leader who can seek and lay a foundation that would break western hegemony on the African continent just as China, Brazil and India has done.
The leader of Nigeria must understand the importance of enduring commitment to social renaissance, capacity building and the importance of infrastructural development. It is been said that you can tell the attitude of a government towards its people by the quality of public facilities it builds. The time has come for African renaissance. Public infrastructure is a way a people wishes to be viewed by the outside world. It is an expression of strength and values. It is an expression of art--- a proclamation and affirmation of culture and tradition. This is a time of boldness, a time to think big and act big.
The primary and most pivotal role of government is the provision of basic security to life and personal property as well as ensuring public peace and order. In the face of the recent onslaught and declaration of war by BOKO HARAM on Nigeria--- the bombings of the police headquarters in Abuja, the United Nations building in Abuja, the bombing and killings of youth corpers, bombings of Christian churches, indiscriminate killings of Christian, threats to bomb our universities- if these acts doesn't amount to a declaration of war I don't know what is--- these are actions and calculated attempts to instigate a civil war.
It therefore sends the wrong signal and message when the president of Nigeria hired Israeli security operatives to guard and protect him. The question one beg to ask is: who then will protect the almost 160 million Nigerians who place their trust in the president to protect them? The responsibility and honor to defend Nigeria should be that of Nigerians .It is in moments of crisis that great leadership emerges.
Countries across the globe are collaborating and seeking lasting measures to eradicate terrorism. I'm sure Nigerians would readily give President Jonathan their blessings to interface, as well as seek the expertise of nations that have hitherto dealt with the hydra called “terrorism”.
It is very important to note though, that there's a clear contrast between seeking collaborative measures to defeat BOKO HARAM and the President, in our moment of national trial, seeking and hiring foreign security operatives to act as his body guards and protective shield. In my opinion, this is a devastating blow to the collective psyche of Nigerians. It makes mockery of our sovereignty and completely calls into question the patriotism and values of our President. It is a decision and action that is contrary to the role of a COMMANDER -IN-CHIEF. It diminishes the stature of Nigeria, and begs the question if we are truly a free people.
The President has on many occasions encouraged and appealed to Nigerians to patronize anything Nigerian. How ironic that the President doesn’t see it fit to trust the very people he leads. One would expect the President to patronize the millions of young men and women who are eagerly waiting to be challenged so they can show the world what they are made of.
I cannot help but remember our national anthem: "Arise o compatriots Nigeria call obey ". Mr. President, the youths of Nigeria are anxiously awaiting for your call, and they will obey. Now is the time for Nigeria not only to challenge her youths but to also invest in them. Now is the time for the president to send out a rallying cry to the nation. Now is the time to call aloud for national unity. Now is the time to encourage our young graduates to join the Nigerian police force.
Nigeria must revamp and modernize her police force and ensure that military personnel, and other security and law enforcement agents have the competitive and adequate compensation/ remuneration. Now is the time when the president and national assembly must demonstrate the resolve and commitment necessary to defeat book haram . Government must enact new or amend existing legislation to empower and give law enforcement the tools to effectively combat and ultimately defeat terrorism both in the short and long term. Banning public utterances or statements from anybody or group that sympathizes with book haram--- glorify or try to justify any act of terror by any group.
Nigeria recognizing and embracing her role must demonstrate appreciable and adequate show of force in response to acts of terrorism and general law enforcement. It is imperative that government demonstrate the capability to contain and defeat any terrorist group or organization. Emergency response teams must be properly equipped and trained. The populace must perceive government as capable, committed, and uncompromising in combating crime. Nigeria must be prepared to sacrifice however necessary to protect the father land.
Nigerians are not cowards. History is replete with our show of courage and valor when called upon. We single handedly stopped Liberia from disintegration. Our heroic acts in Sierra Leone, speaks volume. Regardless of the saboteurs out there-- Nigerians genuinely love their country."Though tribes and tongue may differ in brotherhood we stand'. What will it take, both in time and resources to train our young men and women to guard and protect our President? The President must reverse and rescind his decision and have Nigerians guard and protect him. It is a matter of national honor and security.
Ethnicity, never ending tribalistic innuendoes, heightened disaffection amongst the polity, schismatics, political and cultural chasm--- above all, economic hopelessness are some of the readily identifiable factors that are nibbling away and threatening the stability and unity of Nigeria. Therefore government must as a matter of urgency find and strike the right balance between these competing destructive forces of ethnicity, tribalism, and economic hopelessness---seek ways to promote and ensure inter personal relationships based on trust and altruism. Society flourishes when there is social trust.
The president must traverse the country ---go to our universities and secondary schools and engage our youths. Be honest with them. Explain to them the security challenges we face as a nation and what is needed to combat and defeat terrorism. Make them understand that there's no greater honor than when a man gave his life to defend his father land.
The president should record a message- translated in all languages, a message of nationalism and patriotism. A message that leave no one in doubt, that it is our collective responsibility to protect our homeland and to look out for each other. This message must be made to play on all radio stations at least twice a day and continue until such a time when its effect has taken root. Nigeria must be very careful in tackling book haram. There’s, without a doubt more to boko haram than meets the eye.
A critical and analytical look at the trail of carnage and rampage of BOKO HARAM only reveal that this is a group that doesn’t, in reality, represent nor propagate an ideological, philosophical or religious agenda---but an extremist group which sole purpose and mission is to create fear and instability---thereby making Nigeria ungovernable. In other words, this is a group that has been unleashed on the Nigerian polity by some disgruntled and diabolical forces.
The almost, daily carnage, violent and barbaric acts by boko haram is an unequivocal declaration of war on the Nigerian state--- and by extension the black race. Nigeria must do everything humanly possible to avoid playing into the hands of those who are scheming to see our beloved country disintegrate.
As Nigeria goes, so goes the rest of the black race. Nigeria must not falter in her resolve and commitment to national unity. Nigeria must do everything to prove the cynics and naysayers wrong. Nigeria must invest in her people. Now is the time for our leaders to have a rethink on the heftty salaries and allowances they take home monthly. Maybe some of that money could be used in investing in our police force and other security agencies. Now is the time to stop the attitude of buying what we want, borrowing, and begging for what we need.
Our most pressing problems are not political but rather social and economic. Nigeria must demonstrate an enduring commitment to providing a 21st century educational system anchored on teacher appreciation and commensurate compensation. Nigeria must rise to her full potential and take her rightful place in the comity of nations. Nigeria must seriously discourage squalor, encourage and promote clean environment and personal hygiene. A healthy nation equals a prosperous nation.
Nigeria is the last vestige of hope for the black race. Nigeria is a country of expanse destiny. I sincerely believe that this is the century of the black race. Can we compete, recognizing the tools and putting in place the institutions we need to make this the century of the black race?
Words cannot express my love for my country. May God protect and continue to bless Nigeria. Can Nigeria ever have such a view of herself as the picture below depicts ?
Written By David Solomon
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