We need a flood

There has been a lot of tension lately, a lot of things are going wrong, in as much as I don't want to write about it, I have to, considering the current state in which our beloveth country is, which is alarming.


I feel sad each time I turn on the television after a busy day and all I see on the news (international channels) is the chaotic state Nigeria is in. It would be all over the Internet and a lot of neighboring countries are interested in these news even more than us (citizens). Each time there's a bomb blast or any event raising chaos or disarray, the following day becomes a "story day" for we Nigerians living in the neighboring countries. They follow every event and are aware of it even before some of us (citizens) are. This has moved me to revive my zeal of writing in order to shed more light on some issues a lot of people MAY not be aware of.

There has been a lot of talks about civil war, religious war, Nigeria dividing, South & Northern Nigeria etc and even the book of Amos 3: 3 from the Holy Bible states that "Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?" (NIV), definitely not is the answer but before we jump the gun in answering this same question, we need to think deep on the possible outcomes which in surgical practice, is termed complications & in medical therapeutics, the phrase "undesired/side effects" is used i.e. an outcome not desired or wished for. The article "NIGERIA IS NOT EASILY REVERSIBLE" written by Col Abubakar D. Umar (rtd) on 05 February 2012 (naijapundit.com), lays emphasis on just the challenges to be faced in "rearranging the country tribally or religiously" due to geographical relocation of people from different tribes to a place other than their place or state of origin but there's more to it and I will say Nigeria is just not easily reversible but is irreversible. There are a lot of intertribal marriages and union, inter religious unions and relationships, business partnerships etc. A lot of people from other tribes or religion(s) have set up businesses in places other than their place of origin and have even created an avenue for people in that region to make a living from. All these and more got me thinking and made me answer the above stated question "Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?" and my answer remained "definitely not" but in another perspective. Let all Nigerians reach a consensus, agreeing on what direction we want to go, what developments we desire, the way we want things to be done, and together as one, not walk with people who are antagonists to this common goal, common vision in which we (as one) have set.

We need a flood, we need to prepare an ark just as God instructed Noah (Gen. 6: 14) and put all the people who are genuine and not corrupted, people who are not after their own personal gains like some lawmakers who are being exposed but are still denying their act which breaches the trust we citizens have in them. We need a flood, to cleanse us and wipe our immorality. The flood will not spare any selfish or corrupt leader, but will give us a new start, first as individuals, then the system (which involves the government and the people in power) and then as a nation. We need a flood!!!

How can we get this flood? Its by determination and getting rid of all forms of bias,  selfishness, tribalism, favoritism, greed, lawlessness etc. in us, unite as one and join hands in fighting for our unity, our peace, and Nigeria our pride. This will make me point out the lyrics of our anthem viz. "Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria's call obey, to serve our Fatherland with love and strength and faith. The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain, to serve with heart and might, one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity. O God of creation, direct our noble cause, guide thou our leaders right, help our youth the truth to know. In love and honesty to grow, and living just and true, great lofty heights attain, to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.

None of the words can be left out, they all point to our obligation as citizens of this great country which, if you travel a lot, you'll discover that a lot of citizens of other nationalities want to be like Nigerians because we are hardworking, smart and lucrative.

Oluwafemi D. Ajibade