By Femi Aribisala AS Nigerians, we are all acutely aware of what is wrong with Nigeria, especially since we are all part and parcel of the Nigerian affliction. It is quite amazing that when you visit that uncle who stole government funds to build his mansion at Banana Island, he sits you down to talk about the problem of corruption in Nigeria. When this happens, you find it difficult to resist saying: “But, uncle, you are also a thief! I know you stole the money to build this house when you were the Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Culture.” Where two or three Nigerians are gathered, you can be sure we are busy running down our country. What we don’t do enough is talk about some of the things that are right with Nigeria. Let’s face it; there are quite a few of these as well, even if they are often quite enigmatic. The genius of Nigeria:One of the things right with Nigeria is Nigeria. It does not matter how the country came about. It does not matter if Nigeria is an accident of history. It does not matter that Nigeria is several countries haphazardly lumped together into one. Irrespective of the ifs and the buts, the fact remains that Nigeria is a pure genius of a country. The very existence of a country called Nigeria is a masterstroke of providence. As a graduating doctoral student at Oxford University, England, I was interviewed for jobs I did not apply for. Multinational organizations, including the World Bank and Bank of America, came on campus to interview us for jobs. In the case of the World Bank, I was even flown to Paris. There was always a sticking-point in the interviews I agreed to attend: my insistence on returning to Nigeria after having spent thirteen years abroad. What precisely is the attraction of Nigeria? Why is Nigeria such a difficult country to live in and yet, once we are out of the country, we cannot wait to get back? One of these days, I may be able to answer that. One thing I can say right now is that, without Nigeria, the world would be a much poorer place. Black man’s Prometheus:The first casualty of a world without Nigeria would be the black race. Never mind the fact that Nigeria remains one big mess, and has been for the longest time. This is perhaps inevitable, as we work out the curious alchemy of this peculiar nation of over 250 nationalities. The fact remains that the black man would be absolutely insignificant in the world without Nigeria and Nigerians. With a population of over 160 million and growing, Nigeria is difficult to miss on the map. As the most populous black nation, soon to be the third most populous in the world, Nigeria and Nigerians cannot be ignored. Nobody wonders why Barack Obama, the President of the United States, did not visit Burkina Faso on two different trips to Africa. But every student of international relations wonders why he did not visit Nigeria. If Obama visits Nigeria, he makes a statement. If he does not visit Nigeria, he makes a statement. The reason is simple: Nigeria, by its very essence, is a major actor on the world stage. The country, and its people, command attention and demand attention. If a Nigerian is somewhere, you will know. You will hear his voice because he will be loud and outspoken. It is not easy to pretend not to see the elephant in the room, and Nigeria is the only elephant in black Africa. However, the onus is on us to ensure that this elephant does not die of elephantiasis. Nigerian politicians:Don’t let me get carried away. Nigeria is important because it exists. Nigeria is a brilliant masterstroke, even if created by colonial happenstance. But one other thing that is fantastic about Nigeria, but that Nigerians themselves fail to realise, is that coupled with the enormous resource endowments and potentials of the country, Nigeria has some of the best politicians in the world. Yes, yes, yes; Nigerian politicians are thieves. They are crooks. They have stolen the country blind. They are leading the country into the ditch. Yes indeed! Nevertheless, they are excellent at what they do best. Nigerian politicians are devilishly excellent politicians. This country cannot do without them.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 07:45:27 +0000
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