What Change?

Following my previous post,  I'd like to write this as a extention of sorts, to briefly talk about something i've always stressed, as far as change goes.

So, elections. That is the topic of discussion everyday. It is not going to stop anytime soon either, so the neutral, if you will, of us will have to deal with it I suppose. But that's not my topic of discussion, I have talked about it already. My topic for today is the citizens, and our readiness for change. 

You see, as much as we love to point fingers and absolve ourselves from any wrongdoing, we are very much part of the problem we so passionately denounce. I failed because the teacher hates me, no one told me I could not use it, I did it because everyone did the same. These are not words alone, these are the thought processes existing within a lot of us. This is even more dangerous because some of us are deeply entangled in denial, that the realities of our judgement, or lack off, become distant from us. 

There is no doubt that Nigeria is a corrupt country and there is no doubt that for years, resources have been mismanaged and power has been abused. There is certainly no doubt about the appalling state of the country today. And yes, the first and most important step for Nigeria to progress is to elect credible leaders that understand our suffering and are ready to represent us and our interests, and not their pockets and shady businesses abroad. 

However. As much as we love to suppress this fact, it will remain, till we tackle it head-on: That we are hypocrites. Don't call me a hypocrite you say, good on you because I am talking not to everyone but anyone, who has and till today continues to engage in behaviours or actions that contradict the principles he or she stands for as far as justice and integrity go.

We make it seem like our future can be written by two people alone, we make it look like we cannot make any positive change within ourselves, or throughout our community without two people endorsing us, we make it seem like everything will go away the moment one person wins. Like people will stop stealing internet data from MTN, or start following protocol and building gutters in front of their houses to avoid flooding, or stop trying to adjust contract materials to get as much profit, or start wearing seat belts, or getting a driver's license, or stop running shady businesses. 

If we can also strive to stop these things as we have strived to campaign for this year's election, then by all means, our enthusiasm for change is justified. But if by the time change comes, and we refuse to accept the realities of life in Nigeria, outside of the institutional problems we face everyday, then it is safe to say that we are not really ready for change. 

Not scolding anyone, more like I am trying to use this to have people reflect on the many things they have neglected, in the process of looking for change. Really,  a very competent and honest leader can change Nigeria for good, no doubt about that, but Nigeria, like any community requires everyone to take an active role in making that change happen. And what better way to make positive change, if not for the act of self-reflection and honesty with every endeavour of ours. 

There is a lot of potential in Nigeria, with many sectors begging to be tapped into and turned into something bigger and better. But it will take more than our President, it will take Nigerians to cut down on the narcissism and look at issues they can solve without a) complaining about it and b) outsourcing the solution to someone else. 

I agree that we have to start somewhere, and right now, our starting point is voting the right person, but all the activism I have seen should not end with the Presidential elections regardless of the winner. The same way you have all dedicated so much time and effort, supporting and endorsing your chosen candidate, you must actively participate in reforming the country, not only immediately, but also, long after all the hype has died down. 

Ideally, a democracy should have more people involved, and democracy everywhere can do with some improvements too. But this is all democracy has provided us with. So, we have to find a way to make it work for us. 

While people blame the government for incompetence and mismanagement, they often exhibit incompetence and mismanagement of their own, communities that refuse to build themselves, and expect the government to deal with every problem including the eradication of cockroaches that manifest as a result of lack of hygiene. People have to remember that the government is responsible for making things work at an institutional level, at a communal level, we are responsible for making things work as they should. 

In the end it is about what we are willing to do to change ourselves, and our communities that will carry the most weight in shaping what Nigeria will become moving forward. As I said, democracy should not be restricted to specific people, but at this point, we do not have much to work with. Still, as we all have someone we believe is capable of stabilising the country, let us also make sure we are as active when it is time to vote, as we are vocal today. And let us make sure this activeness will not die after elections are over. Amen.