THE DEMONS THAT HOLD SWAY OVER NIGERIA

A favorite past time of mine is to scour the web and find Nigerians who are having discussions or expressing their opinions about Nigerian and global events. I recently happened upon the blog of a young Nigerian called Naija Pikin. His post was titled - Are We Cursed?

The writer, AustynZOGS, confessed,

I am tempted to want to give in to the school of thought that strongly believes that a demonic cabal is happy holding us down.

He then went on to share a quote that he believed was appropriate to Nigeria. It stated - 'In a sick country, every effort to cure its sickness is an affront on those who profit from its illness.''

After reading his post, I could not help but share my thoughts on the issue he raised and I have provided a copy of my comment below.

"... the issue you raise is one that millions have probably considered. I'm not sure if a workable answer/solution has been derived.

The only demons that hold sway over Nigeria, are Nigerians themselves. No one to blame but us. We have had the best opportunities to create a nation that should be a leading example for every human being, but we have failed.

Can we overcome this failure? Absolutely. Failure is simply an opportunity to revise the game plan and attack the problem(s) with a better and successful strategy. Why haven't we achieved this success? For the very reason you referred to with [the] quote - those who benefit from the status quo will protect it with everything they have.

That is basically the way of the world and it is not a new phenomenon. The issue, in my opinion, becomes when will the average Nigerian realize that they as a collection of individuals and interests can demand and work towards change that will benefit everyone and not just those that already are advantaged by the current status quo? I pray that that time will come sooner rather than later, because the Nigeria that I know, and the Nigeria I take pains to study does not have time to wait for the 'government' to make changes from the top to the bottom. Nigeria needs a bottom - up strategy that will likely be organic. It needs minds and psychology to change in order to have a populace that engages in democracy and the decisions that will transform the country."

Now, I know some will criticize this approach and stress that Nigeria suffers from the vestiges of colonialism. Technically, I do not disagree with that point. I however strongly believe that Nigeria is the one country that has everything it needs to overcome and surpass any disadvantages/hurdles. On this day, I point fingers at noone. We are all to blame for the situation Nigeria is currently in - every single one of us.

And as to my dismissing the influence of the "demonic cabal" AustynZOGS refers to, the Devil doesn't have to do much with Nigeria and its madness. He just sits back and watches us do the work for him. Yes, Nigerians make it easy. We give the Devil, and indeed the demons that might hold sway, a holiday.