The Equity of Opportunity In Nigeria, by Tony Osakpamwan Agbons

 The Nigerian eco-system has been rocked by a nationwide protest in the last few days. A lot of apprehension across the length and breadth of the nation as many citizens feared for their lives, and properties. Prior to the commencement of the protests, it was difficult to decipher precisely what was in the `mind` of the protest organisers. It was also an uphill task to read and understand what was in the `mind` of the government. The mind is perhaps one of the most intricate parts of the human anatomy. For laymen, the mind is sometimes used interchangeably with the heart. Over the centuries, medical scholars have been dazzled as to the exact identikit of the human mind within Neurobiology. They postulate the human mind is the seat of reasoning, and practically impossible to know what a person has in mind merely by looking or hearing them speak.

Sigmund Freud, a neurologist, and father of psychoanalysis is one of the most influential men of the 20th century. Freud founded psychoanalysis; a subject that explains why humans behave the way that they do. In addition, Freud birthed the theory that the mind is basically a complex energy system, the structural investigation of which is the proper province of psychology today. Freud also articulated the concepts of the unconscious and repression, to name just a few.  Freud believed that the mind is responsible for both conscious and unconscious decisions that it makes on the basis of psychological drives. This is the very premise upon which we will attempt to dissect the conundrum that is Nigeria. What really is in the mind of the average Nigerian? What is on the mind of the Nigerian ruling class? What is it that drives them to say, act and do what they do? What is the intent of our ‘ruling’ political elites? How has the actions of the ruling political class damaged the moral fabric of the Nigerian society? Why is there so much disconnect between those in power and the people they swore by the constitution to serve? Why is there a seeming lack of opportunity for the vast majority of our citizens? What is it that limits the latent potential of the Nigerian youth within our stratosphere?

The mind of majority of politicians in the Nigerian space is certainly convoluted like the arms of the Aquarian Octopus. Their mind is also ‘nitrogenously’ polluted. Like hot burning lava in a volcanic eruption, these class of ‘mindless homosapiens’ are daily defying all logic of human reasoning and existence by their brazen, wicked appetite for filthy lucre. This filth is not restricted to just one political party. It cuts across all of them. So do not be deceived dear reader. The political parties are really not different from each other. However, there are a few good men and women in each political party. The antidote for this is for citizens to align with the individual or personality they know is of good character and integrity and support such for elective positions. Lumping all persons in the opposite political party together will deprive us of the opportunity to have such kind hearted persons in power.

Ours is a country with an impoverished population of nearly 70% (133 million plus) while its luciferous ruling political class continues to leech our collective patrimony and live in their bubble of affluence. The fundamental base of any fledgling democracy is the independence of the tripod components of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. This is the age long principle of separation of power and buffer of checks and balances. If we must get our democracy right, this axis must be sorted. Also, our electoral system must be such that it must not just be free and fair but seen to be really free and fair. The outcomes of elections in Nigeria must be determined at the polling unit, and not by a few Judges at the election tribunal, appeal court or at the supreme court. Our democracy (after 25 years) must begin to feel like a democracy in every sense of the word and not be Plutocracy and/or Kakistocracy.

The `moral damage` done to the `mind of the Nigeria state` in the current system in our country is heartbreaking. Whichever side you look, politicians are just hopping around all the `special purpose vehicles(SPVs)` they can conveniently sit on to reach Power. Be it APC, PDP, LP, NNPP, APGA, the people of Nigeria are finding it difficult to differentiate between the political players. Today, they are driving one SPV and the next year, they kick off in another SPV. There is a complete absence of party ideologies and principles. What moral values are the political elites and their collaborators passing on to our younger generations?

A signal that `corrupt practices` is rewarding spells doom for our nation. The earlier this grave moral error is rectified, the better for everyone as no society can build its foundation upon nothing. As Sigmund Freud posited, “We are what we are because we have been what we have been”.  Hence, there must be an intentional deconstruction of our socio-cultural fabric where the corrupt is regularly rewarded. An awakening for us, is to challenge the non-moral celebrated norm where excellence is frowned on, and corruption laced with an equal measure of mediocrity is celebrated.

For this reason, the followership must hold leadership (at all levels – federal, state, local councils) accountable. The government and security services should ensure that protesters are not subjugated. The voices of the people must be heard. Importantly, the guiding principle for the protesters is to make sure the protest is peaceful. No wanton destruction of properties, arson or looting of businesses of ordinary citizens should mar our interrogation of those in Government. Such, if it happens would be a whirlwind that does nobody no good.

As for the government and those in position of authority in the land, it is time for them to take a deep breath, remove all prejudices in their minds and adopt a measured, wholistic and pragmatic approach to resolving all the contending issues amicably. The average Nigerian is not asking for too much. They just want a place where they can have and live a decent life. They want a place of opportunity for all. An intentional place where the son or daughter of a nobody can become somebody and flowing with equity. God bless Nigeria! Amen.

Dr Agbons is Lead of the Institute of Leadership and Good Governance @www.twin2.org