For a better Nigeria, the national spirit must come alive

It might seem unnecessary for me to write this, but as our people say, the old man does not have to stay idly at home and watch the goat commit suicide on its tethers. There are many pressing issues in our country today that demand serious attention, frank discussion, and positive action. We should be shedding some light on the urgent need to awaken our national spirit, if indeed we have developed one, in order to inspire our collective action against the adversities that threaten our corporate existence as a society and a people. And so, today I would want to point out a few things that need to be pointed out in the interest of Nigeria, the country we call our own.

First: It is an open secret that in our contemporary world, many of us live in fear of the "bad people" in our communities — the armed robbers, kidnappers, ritualists, and their ilk. For the avoidance of doubt, my definition of good people is those who believe in and practice the doctrine of 'live and let live'. And those who believe in and practice the doctrine of 'live and let die' are the bad ones.

Our plight generally blinds us to the fact that in reality, these bad people constitute only about 30% of the population. The remaining 70% are good people, yet this minority manages to intimidate and suppress the majority. The critical question is: why does this happen successfully?

The answer lies in the majority's reluctance to stand up and be counted, even when they are faced with significant challenges. Their criminal silence and inaction are what enable this minority to wield disproportionate power over and above the majority. The majority's refusal to speak up and take action in matters of national importance allows the nefarious activities of the minority to flourish unchecked. It might be said, and correctly too, that the fear of confronting evil is not unique to Nigeria. It is a global phenomenon. But the sooner we stand up in our numbers against these anti-social activities, the better it will be for everyone. Our people must understand that the consequences of nonchalance are particularly severe in a country where the rule of law is often compromised. To change this dynamic, the majority must find their voice and their courage. It will require a collective effort to stand against injustice and corruption, in order to foster and nurture a culture of transparency and accountability.

In the second place, I must point out that one of the serious mistakes some Nigerian political critics like Reno Omokri often make in the public space is attacking personalities rather than policies. A close examination of Reno's writings reveals his preoccupation with who should occupy the Presidency and who should not, rather than addressing substantive national policy issues. Characteristically, his vituperations are particularly targeted at Peter Obi, who appears to have become Reno's project to discredit. But let us make no mistakes about it. This focus on personality politics distracts meaningful discourse on governance and policy issues.

When political debate centres on personal attacks rather than policy critique, it undermines the potential for constructive dialogue and progress. It is essential for critics like Reno, therefore, to shift their focus from individual personalities to the policies and actions that impact the nation. Criticizing policies rather than personalities nurtures a more informed and a more engaging electorate. It encourages politicians to be accountable for their actions and decisions, promoting a political culture that values service delivery over tribal power struggles. By avoiding personal attacks and focusing on policy issues, the spirit of true nationalism can emerge, paving the way for a more unified and progressive Nigeria.

Contemporary Nigeria faces two major cancers: tribal politics and official corruption. Tribal politics perpetuates a divisive and counterproductive power dynamic, which is at variance with the modern politics of service delivery. This form of politics prioritizes ethnic affiliations over national unity and effective governance, hindering the country's development of a national spirit. Official corruption, on the other hand, erodes public trust in institutions of democracy and drains resources that could be used for national development. It undermines the rule of law, perpetuates inequality, and stifles national economic growth. Combating these Siamese-twin evils requires a concerted effort from all segments of the Nigerian society.

Critics like Reno Omokri should avoid attacking politicians based on their tribe and instead focus on their policies and actions. This approach would promote a spirit of nationalism and help to dismantle the structures that sustain tribalism and corruption. By advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, we can begin to heal the deep-seated divisions that hinder our progress towards genuine nationhood.

And thirdly is that the Labour Party in Nigeria should take a queue from its counterpart in the UK and put its acts together. The UK Labour Party has a long history of advocating for workers' rights and social justice, serving as a powerful voice for the working class. Similarly, the Nigerian Labour Party should champion the cause of workers and address the myriad issues that plague the country.

2017 should see all the workers in the country who must have learnt from their mistakes in 2013, taking over governance and correcting anomalies like non-payment or late payment of salaries, child labour, unemployment, and other social ills that have continued to bedevil Nigeria for so long.

By focusing on these issues, the Labour Party can become a formidable force for change, empowering workers and offering Nigeria a more equitable society. The Labour Party's success will depend on its ability to mobilize and organize effectively. This will require a clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to the principles of social justice and equality. By learning from the experiences of the UK Labour Party, the Nigerian Labour Party can build a robust platform that can comfortably address the needs and aspirations of the people of Nigeria. It should be all about the Labour Party, not all about Peter Obi. The national spirit must come alive if Nigeria is to overcome its challenges and realize its full potentials.

It will require a collective effort from all segments of the Nigerian society to stand up against the forces of darkness that seek to undermine our national progress. By focusing on policies rather than personalities, by rejecting tribal politics and corruption, and by empowering the Labour Party to advocate for workers' rights and social justice, we can build a stronger, more unified nation together.

The journey ahead, Reno and his sympathisers, is not easy, but it is necessary. As the saying goes, the old man does not have to stay idly at home and watch the goat commit suicide on its tethers. It is time for all of us to take a unanimous action, find our collective voice and courage and work together to create a better future for Nigeria. The national spirit must come alive to achieve this amazing goal, and it starts with each one of us, no matter the political party we favour.

* Asinugo is a London-based British-Nigerian veteran journalist, author and publisher.