These past few weeks, I have carefully observed commentary about the recent Afrophobic attacks in Johannesburg and Pretoria, including several excellent pieces published by different reputable media outfits. It might be true that improving the socio-economic circumstances of disgruntled South Africans may ease tensions and prevent future outbursts, but that in my opinion, is not the point at all. Also, while the outburst did not target Nigerians in particular, I will like to clarify here, that the rest of this essay focuses on what Nigeria should do to protect her citizens from future humiliation and brutality.  

Nigeria now exports its very best talents and lays its citizens bare to the worst forms of exploitation, living as second-class citizens in practically every corner of the world. Many Nigerians living in the diaspora whether they own up to it or not, have to tolerate shabby treatment and even abuse because their Fatherland has become inhabitable. Many in postgraduate programs abroad pay and continue to pay a steep emotional price to acquire already rigorous degrees. Amongst many other potential problems, having to complete a thesis far from your family is very tough. Regardless of work or social status, many Nigerians have to grapple with all manner of social complications, sometimes with lasting impacts on people’s self-perception and or esteem. Even in parts of the world where hostility is not as blatant as it is in South Africa, there is oftentimes a polite, cuddly, and sometimes condescending mien that makes it imperative for some people to go over bounds to prove themselves. Many Nigerians however, just seem to suck it up and forge ahead. Now, I am not saying that living abroad is completely gloomy, no; my main goal is to make a strong case against desperate migration. I also think it is important to make clear, that while I do not think there is any justification whatsoever for brutally attacking other human beings, the phenomenon of hostility towards foreigners is not totally unusual. Might I remind us of the infamous ‘Ghana must go’ agitation? More so, no one is obliged to be compassionate towards you as a Nigerian national in a foreign land; it is just the way it is. 

Whether we like it or not, xenophobia in its variants is here to stay, and possibly, for good reason. Look around you; does the recent advancement of Boris Johnson, Marine Le Pen, Donald J Trump, Viktor Urban and Matteo Salvini not indicate something? This sustained popularization of what some have termed ‘extreme right winged’ sentiments is a real reason to pay attention. By the way, for the record, I like Boris Johnson and I admire Marine Le Pen very much; be sure about that. But you see, If you think Trump is dreadful, be prepared as a ‘Trumpier’ Trump is in the making. In fact, our pervasive inability to develop and transform our country is going to create a more formidable Trump in various parts of the Western World in the near future. Migration evidently drives recent rhetoric and global political trends, which I think makes it imperative for us to create a new society that will serve as a homeland for the next generation, so that they can stand strong because of our sacrifices. Wherever on the globe you live in as a Nigerian, I think we are at a historical junction, where we must task ourselves on nation building. As long as we are undeveloped, we are justifying racism and hostility (I have made that case in the past, please see here https://daraalegbeleye.com/2019/06/17/make-nigeria-great-now/). We should stop doing that and work to prove ourselves a diverse, yet functional country. If you were incensed (and I know a lot of us were), by the recent violent outburst in South Africa, I hereby urge you to channel your anger towards the right issues; revolving around nation building. The time is now upon us and we have a lot of work to do.

First, there is no doubt that our political leaders are very bad. Actually, without meaning to be vitriolic, I consider them a shameless, inept and monstrous bunch, in every sense of it. I have wondered over the last several weeks, just how these people can live with themselves, seeing the horrific treatment the people they govern have been subjected to. Nigerian Leaders (former and current) are horrid, no doubt, but many of us have been complicit and even conspiratorial in creating this dystopian Nigeria. Whether by sheer carelessness or deliberate intent, we have created this sorry state of affairs and I think it is prudent to set aside blame apportionment, roll up our sleeves and get to work.  

Foremost, we need a complete overhaul of our political system. While I understand that we are evolving and ours is a young democracy by many standards, our political practices are so bad, that I think in the current form, there is hardly any sort of fine-tuning that can make it more effective. Fundamentally, obtaining funds from mega-donors means that no matter how lofty the ideas or how good the intentions, some bad players will continue to disproportionately influence political and economic decisions. One potential solution is to expand government and provide more support for politicians, although, this is likely to be a hard sell as practically every player is perceived to be corrupt. I have in the past, described how citizens can better finance or participate in local and national politics as well as other approaches to improve our political practices. You may see https://daraalegbeleye.com/2019/09/17/citizens-as-agents-of-change/ for details.  I also recommend that we all familiarize ourselves with our electoral laws; the stipulations as well as limitations and monitor enforcement closely. Elections in Nigeria are insanely expensive and the government must put a strict limit on how much money can be expended on election campaigns. Further, we need to create a political climate that would force parties and candidates to actually compete in the arena of platform and policy. We must insist on decisive, comprehensive agendas, rather than continuing to adopt the cloak and dagger, lesser of two evils and other fear based tactics that compel people to vote for candidates who do not represent their inclinations/interests adequately.

In addition and possibly more importantly, Nigerians need to be properly educated on traits and qualities to watch out for in potential candidates. It is good to avoid bloviating suave individuals who demonstrate gross ineptitude on key policy issues. Governance is not about being a motivational speaker, corporate lobbyist, or any of that, no. A good presidential or governorship candidate must have a clear plan on how to solve specific problems. There must be an emphasis on effective solutions, smart prioritization, competence and integrity. The candidate must demonstrate a level of kindness and must appreciate the human right for people to live decently. He/she must provide a realistic framework for providing the essentials of life, which include power, safe water, healthcare, education and sewage service. The candidate must demonstrate how his/her government will invest in citizens, generally, but more specifically provide meaningful jobs that will instill dignity and pride in people. This, according to documented best practices in advanced countries and sound economic research, has great potential to not only boost the socio-economic wellbeing of citizens, but tackle deep-rooted vices including crime, substance abuse and prostitution. I also suggest that we adopt an approach where presidential candidates prior to elections, identify capable hands to fill ministerial positions, who will with clear-eyed precision articulate policies and implement economic fundamentals that will improve our lives. These individuals should be screened alongside the main candidates.

As voters, we have to make conscientious efforts to avoid the ballyhoo that typically accompanies mildly impressive political performance that should ideally be the norm. We deserve more and should persistently demand for more. We can also task our elected officials on electoral promises and protest against flagrant negligence or other forms of misconduct, poor governance or political corruption. There is safety in numbers in relation to protesting and we must learn to peacefully, but resolutely hit the streets from time to time.

I have nothing whatsoever against old leaders, but it is crucial that my generation sifts young leaders with the same authoritarian and exploitative legacies of our predecessors from the flock and make a point of keeping them out of electoral office. This is arguably, the most difficult task and I hope to provide workable strategies on how to achieve this in a future article. It is also important to move away from ‘Politics by insult’, which is now so rampant, with some chief players who seem to lack tact playing Mr Shtick. That has so far not proven helpful and is frankly, not constructive. These by my assessment, are the short-term priorities. In the long haul, we should pay attention to how candidates can improve infrastructure, good capacity in science and technology, revitalize our withered institutions and develop sustainable schemes for initiating and adopting scientifically informed policies. Poverty eradication, which can be attained if we are serious, is key to achieving any tangible goals. Poor people will continue to vote for the wrong candidates, because of all the wrong motivations. Overall, we must be consistent and tenacious, as things will not dramatically change in four or even ten or twenty years. It will likely take a very long time, but we should start now. 

Apart from reordering our political practices, we will not achieve much with a morally and ethically bankrupt judicial system, as a functional judiciary is symbolic to the health of the entire system. Therefore, we need an independent, transparent and efficient judicial system such that all segments of our society can be confident in the administration of justice. Like our civil and public service, there are some rotten players in our judicial system that we must find a way to be rid of. The judiciary is also overworked, and there is a need to appoint more judges to enable cases move faster. Improved funding and technological innovation are also necessary to enhance efficiency. Lastly, all of us, but more importantly the experts need to correctly understand the rules that constitute our laws and agitate for amendments, where necessary.

It is undeniable that government action and lead is crucial, but every one of us at all levels, in public, private and voluntary sectors have a responsibility to ensure that we furnish the much-desired change. For those who are employed in any capacity, we can try to do our jobs more conscientiously. There is the morally urgent issue of government officials stealing public funds. I wish to suggest that henceforth, before misappropriating funds, you should consider your children and grandchildren. Think about how rewarding it will be for them to live in a country with fantastic healthcare, education, and social infrastructure. I believe that is more fulfilling than whatever current gain you may derive from mismanaging public resources today. Focus on that and do not divert funds. Cast your vote wisely, make a point to be orderly in traffic and queues, dispose of your waste like a decent person and as much as possible, just try to be civilized. Promote meritocracy by offering the most qualified candidate a position. I am not saying I am perfect myself, but before doing anything nowadays, I think about the quality of Nigeria that I will be leaving behind for my lovely niece, nephew and god-children and I encourage you to do the same. Focus on your children, so that the likelihood of anyone getting burned alive outside Nigeria becomes considerably minimal. Finally, it is prudent for us all to mentally prepare for political and socio-cultural grift and we should thus, be ready to set aside our seemingly rife virtue signaling, moral narcissism and pedant tendencies. As a people, we have to tolerate opposing notions, give in to superior arguments, and be ready to make pragmatic compromise, where necessary. I am aware of the general sense of hopelessness among Nigerians, but we can create a truly great Country. Actually, we have to make a strong resolve to try.