We complain how the government did not do well in a certain area of the economy and how they have failed in making policies that will affect our lives positively but in all our complaints and agitations, have pondered for a second to ask ourselves this pertinent question; how have I contributed to all that is happening today? A lot of persons will tell you out rightly that they did not contribute to whatever they are facing in their community or country. This article is meant to open our eyes towards that which is not seen by merely looking. I presume that those who will understand better are those who have asked themselves this soul searching question. If you are living in a country or state where things are not going on well, you will also understand what I am about to say. The truth is that every country of the world has its unique problems or should I say challenges that affect them negatively even when others who are watching from afar feel indifferent about whatever plight they may be complaining about.
Just in case you do not know, I am from Africa and I believe that Africa has a very unique problem that poses a strong challenge to every single country within the continent. It is common knowledge that most African countries suffer from a lack of electricity, good drinking water, housing, good road network, quality education and Insecurity which has become the number challenge in recent times. All of these have become the greatest threat African countries face on daily basis. If you are an African reading this article then you must pay rapt attention to the things I will outline here because I believe that Africa and the whole world have come to that stage where the truth must be told at all times without fear or favour.
How have we contributed to the backwardness that is facing Africa as a continent?
I will urge you not to see this as an article written out of hate for our fatherland but out of a pure heart of love for a better Africa. The above question is so important in the growth of any family, community, country and even continent at large. The reason is that most times we accuse others of the setbacks we face as individuals and as a country meanwhile when we critically look at the things that are happening and the role we have played, we will understand that we played a part that affected us negatively. Let me be more direct with what I am saying. Let’s look at Nigeria as a country in Africa. I want you to also look at your country, in the same manner, I will be doing with Nigeria because that is the only way we can understand better. Nigeria was colonized by Britain and in 1960, Nigeria gained her independence which meant that political, military and economic autonomy was handed over to her at that time. Now, Britain left the country in the hands of its citizens who were at that time among the elites. These elites took over the affairs of the country and after 61 years of gaining independence, the country is still battling with poor education, electricity, no good roads and so many other basic amenities. The question is; why has have we not conquered these basic amenities?
I have heard where some people will comment like; let Britain come and colonize Nigeria again because it is obvious that we do not know what to do. Each time I hear this statement coming from citizens of Nigeria it makes me cry because what it means is that we all have failed in our little ways as a people and as a nation. We all know that corruption strives where justice and equity have been sold over a pot of porridge. Now, looking at the case of Nigeria which is similar to all other African countries even though it might have a slight difference, one will want to know why and how the country has remained in this backwardness. The first thing I have come up with which is why I say that we have contributed to it all is our election process.
Election in Nigeria
It is no news that we see a lot of unqualified persons occupying the seat of power whereas there are over millions of qualified individuals are out there suffering from the decisions of these unqualified ones. When the election is approaching in Nigeria you will begin to see people who have never visited their grassroots (villages) come out with trailer loud of bags of rice, salt, yam and even cash. First, you will see that even before they get to their destination, a lot of people are already there singing and chanting the praise of this individual whom they all know and understand that he/she has not visited. Now, within a short time, this individual will mount the podium and reel out his fake manifesto which everyone sees clearly but because of what these people will gain at the moment, they will close their eyes and mouth to the truth and open their hands to collect what they call “our share of the national cake”.
It is very heartbreaking to see that most people will sustain an injury as they are trying to grab as much as they can but yet, they will choose to close their mouth and eyes to the glaring truth. The question I have always asked myself is; why would someone bribe me to vote for him if he does not know that he has nothing to offer? It may sound funny to you but this is the reality. Someone who has the people at heart and has drawn an achievable manifesto will not bother himself so much on trying to bribe the people to vote for him rather he will do everything possible to prove it to the people that he can deliver. Just imagine a situation where a student who has not been reading and attending class will come to the exam hall without expo or without making plans on how to cheat in the exam. Now, I guess you understand what I am driving at. This is exactly what these politicians who understand very well that they do not have anything to give will do. My anger is that we have been allowing this ugly trend to continue and that is why I have said that we contributed to the backwardness we are suffering in our countries and Africa at large.
If you don’t do this for them
It does not end at sharing food and money, these men go to the extent of using us to carry out their criminal activity during and after elections. Let me ask you; who are the people that cause chaos in the election? Who are the people who are paid to snatch the ballot box? Who are the people who help in the smooth process of rigging the election? Who are the people who are suffering the backwardness? I believe you know the answer to these questions but for those who might choose to claim ignorant, I will give you the answer. The answer to all the above-mentioned questions is YOU/WE/US. We are the ones who carry out all these things for these politicians and we still come out to complain when they do nothing to change the situation of things in the country.
Do you now understand why and how you have contributed to all the things that have been happening to your country? Whether you understand it or not just know that anytime you collect food items, cash or anything at all from anybody just to vote for them, just know that you have contributed to the downfall of your country. If you see anything going wrong and you decide to close your mouth without condemning it, you have contributed to the backwardness of your country. Do not forget that evil flourish when good people do nothing.
Play your part as an African to help lift Africa from this dark pit. I love you.
It a big sad truth. Here in my country is the same with yours and I am guilty of what you have mentioned above. My reason is that I am still with the roof of my parents thus whoever they choose to vote, I, too voted. This will end I guess if I will have my own roof. I know from the very beginning that the problem is us, is me. But then I kept myself quit because one right act wouldn't get the problem solved over billion of people who contribute the wrong act. Thanks to this article, it serve it purpose. I am awaken and see how much my one right decision matter and will start the big change.