Imperative of Salvaging a Blessed, Yet Poor Nation

By Engr. Sunday Samuel

Nigeria is indeed blessed among all nations of the world, yet it remains impoverished and vulnerable. The only path I see for this country to move forward is by shunning any form of tribalism and nepotism among ourselves. We must see ourselves as citizens of one nation and not as separate, sectional entities.

Insurgency has no tribe or ethnic affiliation; rather, it is a tool employed by the ruling class to divert the nation’s attention from its actual problems. This diversion leads to massive gains for the same political elites in power who created these issues in the first place.

The government of today is rife with bias and sectionalism, disregarding the integrity of its office as long as there is money to be stolen. They prioritize their share of the loot at the expense of the citizens and the economic well-being of what is supposed to be the greatest nation in Africa.

This government has no conscience, pity, or even regard for its citizens as long as they continue to steal and stash the country’s resources for their personal gain. Each day, the average Nigerian wakes up to face more intense hardships, implemented by a ruling class that doesn’t care because they have stolen enough to secure their future generations.

As a result, they remain indifferent to the suffering caused by the mess they created. Just today, the pump price of petroleum soared to ₦1300, exacerbating the pain and trauma already inflicted by the so-called subsidy removal. How then can one expect Nigerians to react to such a heartbreaking reality?

It is no wonder that insurgency persists in this country. How do you expect people to meet their daily needs when the government, instead of focusing on industrialization, is more concerned about buying a presidential jet and yacht, leaving the poor masses in a state of despair?

They say a stitch in time saves nine. The government of today should heed this advice and not drive its youth into terrorism out of desperation. It seems we may also have to carry guns before the government of the day will hear our demands, because that appears to be the only language they understand.

May God help Nigeria!