Today our nation, Nigeria, celebrates 51 years of independence from our colonial masters.As it was back then, with the feeling of euphoria gripping the whole nation, so it is now-but only for a few.You see the Nigerian story isn't the stuff fairy-tales are made of, where there is a happy ending.In Nigeria, life is real, grim and thorny.The only celebrating most people would be doing today is toasting to the success of their favorite clubs in Europe.
Isn't it a sign of failure in our leaders that there isn't anymore patriotic pride among the vast citizenry of this country.Ask a regular youth who is the Minister of Finance and you're most likely to get a blank stare.The youths are not fascinated with government, because they have lost faith in them.Who can blame them!Most of our politicians are just there for their own selfish interest.Their main agenda is to line their pockets with unlimited amount of cash.What they don't know is that "no king rules forever".Case in point Muammar Gaddafi, Hosni Mubarak, etc.They will have to give account of their actions some day.Unfortunately, history has a way of repeating itself.
For the Jonathan Administration, they should focus on driving the nation forward and create programs that would enrich the lives of Nigerians-even if they have to borrow to do it, Nigerians deserve it.Vision 2020 is laudable, but lifting the fuel subsidy isn't-for now at least.It would only serve to compound the problems of the masses.Creating a national database of its citizens is prudent, but spending 30 billion naira on such a project is astoundingly over the top.Our government needs to check its excessive spending.Moreover, much of these funds are not accountable for in the long run.Unemployment is terribly high among the youths, to boot.The President has his plate full.
Most nations celebrate independence with pride and patriotism.Well, in ours it is in distaste, ignorance of what our founding fathers fought for and for the common man it is penury.Our leaders should seize the moment to reflect on their policies, so that for the man on the street, Independence Day should be a day of patriotic pride and not one of regret.God bless Nigeria.
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