In my lifetime, Nigeria can work again

This is a clarion call to all Nigerians irrespective of age, gender, tribe, religion, political affiliation; it is time for us to come together, to make this country work again. We may not always agree on all issues, but for once, let us agree to make Nigeria work. 

Although tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand as one, in order to lead the way for other African countries to follow suit. The only hope Africa as a continent has is that Nigeria will one day lead the way for the liberation of the continent economically and politically. Our country is indeed a force to be reckoned with not just in Africa but the world. Therefore, we must change the ugly narrative of disunity among our people to be able to provide the much-expected leadership for the continent. However, we must set our house in order; charity they say begins at home.

Therefore, we must put our differences aside, and focus on the bigger picture which is to build a heterogeneous society; where the oppressed will no longer be oppressed, where there will be equal right, fairness, and justice for all, where no one will be discriminated against based on his or her tongue, where the majority and the minority will both have their say on how the country is governed, where as citizens, we will be able to live freely in any part of the country without any fear of threat to life and property. 

However, it is reassuring to see leaders rising up to speak on the need to chart a new course for the country. I am particularly, impressed by the resolution reached by the southern governors during their recent meeting in Asaba, Delta state to lend their voices on the way forward for the country. We hope this will not be a mere talk but matched with the required action plan for us to see the result. The governors must endeavor to “walk the talk” for them to be taken seriously. 

In the coming days or weeks, I look forward to seeing their counterparts from the north do the same in the interest of the country. This is a collective responsibility we all owe the country. No matter your political, economic, religious, or social status, you and I have a role to play in rebuilding our country into a more peaceful and prosperous nation to the delight of our people, the African continent, and indeed, the international community.

Nigeria is currently bleeding but we have a duty as a people to stop the bleeding by our actions and inactions. This is our home; we have no choice but to make it work again. 

There is only one solution to the multifaceted problems beleaguering this country and once the solution is applied, every other thing will naturally fall in place. Restructure! Restructure!! Restructure!!!

Let the restructuring process begin in earnest. I leave us with the famous song by Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye aka King Sunny Ade:

Come make we lift am o! 

Lift make I lift

Come, make we lift Nigeria up

Lift, make I lift

This Nigeria na we own

Make e no pafuka

No place wey be like our home

Home, sweet home

Make we join hands and think alike

Lift make I lift…!

John Kokome, a communications strategist & public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos. He can be reached via [email protected]