Leaders, history and memories

Nigeria, no doubt, is fast becoming a political theatre of the absurd. On account of a predominant collective historical amnesia and the growing penchant for self-adulation among past and present leaders in the country, villains are becoming saints just like one turns around a coin.

Beyond commonplace discourse, Nigeria indeed suffers a leadership deficit that cuts across spheres, generations, and time span. Yet, those who have found themselves as political leaders in the country always see their individual leadership tenures as models, surprisingly, in a country where potable water is still beyond the reach of many, stable electricity is farfetched, and many children are denied basic education even with many decades of huge petrodollars revenues.

The continual tantrums, self-praise and uncontrolled bashing among Nigeria’s club of leaders is not only a show of shame but a source of irritation and nuisance to the historical sensibilities and memories of concerned observers of Nigeria’s unfolding political trajectory in the last five decades.

On 1 October 1960, Nigeria gained political independence from Britain after over 60 years of colonial rule. At independence, hopes were indeed very high about the fortunes of a multi-cultural and populous African state seen as the beacon of hope for not only Africans, but the entire black race. However, six years after independence, Nigeria became embroiled in a political crisis that brought in the military into governance and prepared the way for a violent inter-ethnic conflict that manifested in a civil war. Post-civil war reconstruction coincided with an economic boom that was badly managed and which gave rise to the emergence of a greedy and rent-seeking ruling class. Politics and government have become instruments of oppression, wealth accumulation, alienation and vendetta. Nigeria’s post-independence experience has been a tale of failed aspirations – the frustrating story of a people steeped in water yet filled with soapy eyes.

The much-touted democratic form of government has been with us continuously for a decade and a half, but our leaders are still intolerant of opposing voices. Basic infrastructure is still inadequate in a society where public funds are like homing pigeons, and culprits are not only treated with kid gloves but courted and magnified like heroes.

The depth of infamy and depravity associated with Nigeria is a collective guilt traceable to the country’s club of leaders. None of the members of this club can and should be absolved. This club has not delivered any sustainable good. Any good at all from this club is like a flash in the pan.

Nigerians should at all times, even in the face of oppression or gerrymandering, not allow themselves to fall into any form of memory loss about the harm the club of leaders has done to the fortunes of a state that has all it takes to lead the world.

This season shouldn’t be one of buck passing for this club of leaders. The truth is that this ‘generation’ of Nigeria’s leaders has failed. And all members of this club of failed leaders should bow their heads in shame and guilt.