My country, Nigeria, gained independence from the British government in 1960, and ever since, the country has been running a democratic government. A democratic government is a type of government in which people are free to elect their representatives without fear or intimidation. According to my elementary school definition, “It is a system of government by the people, for the people, and of the people.” However, this definition of democracy is just mere words on paper as citizens are often intimidated during elections. I’m aware that there are so many bad things you have probably heard about this country. I mean, I could spend a whole day talking about the rotten system of government or the destroyed-beyond-repair economy. With the way things are going, the economy is receding and no one is doing anything about it- it is tempting to assume that the country is cursed.
However, this is not the case. Nigeria is one of the most blessed countries in the world, it is just unfortunate to have rotten leaders. In my last post, I discussed natural disasters. I'm sure you have heard news of how countries suffer from natural disasters like frequent earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, and volcanic eruptions. Nigeria is lucky enough not to experience these things. Of course, sometimes, natural disasters happen, but it is nothing compared to other countries. Nigeria is also blessed with natural resources. Nigeria is one of the fore distributors of petroleum as it is a natural resource obtained in our country. Yet, the price of petroleum is more expensive compared to countries that buy from us. How ironic! When it comes to agriculture, Nigeria is well blessed. Throw a seed into the ground, water it and after some days, it starts growing. This is not the case in some other countries.
So, what could possibly be going wrong? If the country is blessed with these resources, why then is its economy declining? is it referred to as an underdeveloped country, not even a developing country? Well, in the end, it all comes down to corrupt leaders who misuse the country’s resources for their personal interests. Today’s edition of Hive Learners prompts asks us to share a little history about our country. What happened in the past that has affected us today and what changes can be made to ensure that mistakes of the past are not repeated?
There are so many things to discuss. I could discuss the mistakes we made before independence or the first 30 years after independence, but that would be too far. Two years ago, after many years of suffering, Nigerians had the opportunity to change things for the better. The key to opening the golden door was in their hands. But instead, they threw it into the ocean, far beyond reach. The last presidential election was held on 25th February, 2023. Before this period, the country was ruled by APC, the leading political party, for eight years. During these eight years, the economy of the country declined. Every sector of the country suffered due to bad governance. After the 8-year rule finally ended, people were relieved for two reasons. One, it was time for another person to rule. Two, a new presidential candidate who seemed to care about the country emerged. People referred to him as the “savior” who would come rescue Nigeria from the mess they had been for the past 8 years.
Before and during the presidential election, people, especially youth, campaigned for this “savior.” It was time for a change. However, during the election, Nigerians made the worst mistakes and are paying for it till today - they let tribalism and bribery distort their mindset. One of the issues Nigerians face is tribalism. Years ago, tribalism led to war which caused the death of more than 100 people in my state. Instead of voting for the right candidate, so many people voted for the opposing political party simply because they allowed their tribal differences to get the better of them. The least we could have done was to overlook the differences, consider ourselves as one Nigeria, and vote for the right person- the candidate who'd change everything.
Another mistake many Nigerians made was to let themselves get bribed. I witnessed firsthand scenes of how citizens were bribed with 5 thousand naira and some cups of rice. It doesn't make sense to me in every aspect. Why would you sell your vote for five thousand naira and some cups of rice, only to suffer for the next four to eight years? Two years ago, Nigerians made these grave mistakes and we are paying for them now. Today, the price of things has skyrocketed. Literally, everything has gotten really expensive. Well, sometime in the future, Nigerians will be presented with this opportunity again, and I hope they learn better and do not repeat the same mistakes.
Thanks for reading.
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Too sad. 🥲
Nigeria is still blessed but then, we are too blinded by our foolish actions that we fail to recognize that we are the major cause of our problems.
Our leaders are the major people we blame but if you look closely, we the people are the major problem, why? Because these leaders didn’t fall from the sky, they came from a home and it is majorly what they have learnt at home that they are exhibiting. As they say, charity begins at home.
We are still making the same mistake everyday and when these little ones grow and become leaders, they might likely do worst because we have failed to look at the root source of our problems and focus on the peripheral problems.
I hope we will learn, I hope I’d do better and I hope everyone will too.
Thanks for sharing this with us, love. 🤗❤️
Of course, Nigeria is still blessed. We still have these resources, but they are not well managed.
I absolutely agree with you that not only the leaders are to blame. The people, too. Most people blame the leaders and fail to acknowledge that the people are also ruining the country. Your point is valid. However, if we take a closer look, we'll know that the people are only reacting to the leaders’ actions. It still comes down to bad governance.
I hope we learn and do better.
Thanks for stopping by, Hopey.❤️
The earlier we learn to be responsible for every of our actions, the best it will be for everyone. At this point, if the people of Nigeria start focusing on themselves and try to do the right things despite how hard it is, the government will have no choice but to follow suit. No one is ready to take the lead (not even me because I have already given up I guess and that’s why I’d accept things anyhow I see it). The government is bad is just the excuse of so many to be apathy towards things.
It’s always a pleasure stopping by. ❤️
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Thank you. 🙏🥰
Thank you.
You didn't hear of those that sold their vote on credit? Lol.
They were promised that the money will be transferred and they wrote their account numbers. The country is a very funny place, and people won't learn. Next election we will still see such things happening.
Ahh! Some people too do oo. 😂🤲
Let’s hope the next time will be better.
This is correct because we just hear that it is the government of the people by the people and doe the people. Hahaha 😂. It is funny because it is just written down but nothing is done about it.
Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, it’s really funny but sad.
Thanks for stopping by, Ma.
My brother, it was a shame that a citizen of this blessed country will allow himself to change his mind with just 5k. What on earth can 5k solve in this present economy.
Seriously, the last election was an opportunity for us to change the narrative but it is so sad how everything turned out
It was just really sad how everything ended. It’s only God that can help us help ourselves. 🙏
Bro I don't think people will ever learn from their mistakes we are currently in a big dilemma at the moment all because some people choose to vote the wrong person. See the way mtn increased the prices of data,I a struggling country, honestly it's sad.
But then i don't even think it was their votes that gave the current president the win. Whether or not you choose to vote for him he is still going to be elected as the president which is why I don't think we can move forward in this country. The political members are all just corrupt and I don't think there is anything that can be done to it at this moment, maybe in the future.
Corruption is one of our biggest challenges and the more we look for ways to sort things out, it feels like there is no way out.
It's very sad that history in your country is my friend, people still want to be bribed for 5 thousand naira with one vote, they don't know that 8 years later they will suffer, it is very unfortunate for my friend.
Yeah, it is really unfortunate. 🥲
Very interesting, history shared. Concerning the presidential election, the Nigerian's made the right choice. 80% of Nigerian's voted for the right but that was declined and download by the opposing party. It is left for us to pray for our current president that his heart would be soften about Nigerian's economic situation. It devastating and discouraging. We should be enjoying and not suffering.
God's hand will show upon us.
Thank you for sharing this history.
Actually, a lot of people were determined to change things this time but then, there are so many other problems that have been ignored so things still happened the way they did anyways.
It is sad but we can only keep hoping.
Hello sir fav, how are u it's been long not seeing you. Well I feel sad for you guys hope your government does not make the mistake again.
Hello, Chinay. I’m doing fine and I hope you are too.
Yeah, it’s sad what my country is going through but I hope things get better.
I have a question, in your region, is rice something valuable compared to other foods? Unfortunately, the issue of bribery happens everywhere, but I think that the majority are looking for the improvement of the country, so I'm sure that more good things will come.
I hope that people and politicians learn from the lessons of the past, because for that things happen, history educates us and teaches us not to make the same mistakes again.
I really hope we all learn. That’s just the only way things might start getting better.
Thank you.
It’s the same here in Ghana when it comes to general elections. But looks like we learnt our lessons as the last elections held in 2024 wasn’t based on tribalism. I guess we had just had enough.
That’s really nice for you guys. I hope we will get to a point when we will really be tired of all of these because I thought this past election was that point for us but…
Thanks for stopping by, Nhaji.
I’m sure next election will be better for you guys.
You’re most welcome
It is true that natural things exist in every country but the rulers do not take interest and therefore the lives of the people living there are in a lot of trouble.
You’re right. I hope they start considering the masses when they do things.
In fact, bad politicians push the country towards destruction, they never want the country's good. Moreover, they are concerned about how to loot everything through corruption. The situation in our country is exactly the same as yours. However, one day the people will rise up and take the country forward in the right direction.
You’re right, brother.
It’s sad but like you said, I hope one day we all will be able to stand up for what we want and stick to it.