PUTTING A NIGERIAN 'REVOLUTION' INTO CONTEXT

The word revolution can mean many things. A quick look at a dictionary or thesaurus provides many synonyms for it. However, no matter how you twist or bend it, the word 'revolution' has a historical connotation of violence, bloodshed and turmoil. Given this historical context, I wish I had a term other than revolution to express the change I wrote of in my last original post. Despite clearly stating that I am against the use of physical violence to enforce change, a look at the discussions that my 'Nigerian Revolution' post created shows that many commentators have understandably tied my suggestions of radical change to violence.

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?"
My post was written as a reaction to conversations I have had with various Nigerians (some of them being bloggers) about a shared frustration that the average Nigerian does not demand the sort of change that so many of us talk about tirelessly. The average Nigerian is probably not you or I, assuming that you are Nigerian. The average Nigerian definitely does not have a driver (chauffeur), probably does not have a primary school education and struggles with dignity to get through each day. Nevertheless, so many of us, regardless of class, religion, tribe or gender ` sit down and rant about the various failures that we attribute with the nation, its leaders and the people around us. Despite our national pride, there is so much dissatisfaction with Nigeria and it causes many to complain and even argue amongst ourselves.

Therefore, I began thinking about a non-violent revolution in the thinking of my people. How do we go from the point of complaining to the point of effecting change? In a country where leaders do not consider themselves accountable to their constituents, how do the masses discourage this attitude? Or, are we, the people, simply to wait for a 'redeemer' that will actually do the right thing and set the country on the path towards improvement?

Looking at Nigeria, I too see some of the changes that other bloggers refer to and I am happy that those changes are happening. However, I am still hoping for a genuine change in attitude from us Nigerians. A renewed thinking where we believe that we deserve to live better. That rich and poor have access to the basic opportunities that will enhance us all in the long run. That our children deserve electricity so they can do their homework, that health care is available at an affordable price and that those we entrust with our care and safety will truly work hard to cater to the our needs.

CAN WE THINK DIFFERENTLY?
That being said, my non-violent 'revolution' is simply about a change in thinking or as Marin so eloquently noted, "a revolution in the attitudes, hearts and minds of our people". I do not think I could have framed the issue better. That is my hope for us all. I am happy that the current administration, despite my cynicism, is taking steps that I frankly feel are beneficial for the overall psyche of Nigerians. For instance, consider that the Election Tribunal has seemingly been allowed to make its decisions without interference from Aso Rock or other powerful bodies in Nigeria. And, realize that the governors who have been removed from power have left their positions without much wahala. This, to my knowledge, is completely unprecedented in recent political history. Despite my constant commentaries on "sof'ly, sof'ly" Yardy, I must acknowledge that such would likely not have happened under the 'reign' of many of Nigeria's former ruler.
My hope is that every Nigerian reach a level of empowerment where they know that they are an agent of positive change. Not just for their family, village, or tribe but for the nation and even the world at large. If we never get to that point, then all the changes in the world that can be made by the government and various institutions will fail to have an effective impact.

So, yes, I spoke about non-violent revolution and yes, I spoke of Nigeria. And, now the world knows that I speak of a change in our psyche. A change that will allow us all to make Nigeria and ourselves better.