1There is no question that Nigerians are highly religious. However, this religiosity is often superficial, lacking true spiritual depth. Nigeria is likely to be at the top of the list of the most prayer-oriented countries globally. Indeed, we pray extensively. We pray in the morning, at midday, at night, at work, in the market, and everywhere else, not to mention churches and mosques. We pray at almost any time and in any place. The start of meetings where politicians divide stolen resources always includes an "opening prayer." Every gathering involving civil servants, who some refer to as evil servants, where they steal using pens, must begin with the common practice of an "opening prayer." Police officers leaving their heartless offices to set up illegal checkpoints where they extort and steal from citizens also fold their hands and lower their heads in prayer! So do the exploitative traders and the overweight contractors! It is said that armed robbers actually pray before starting their criminal activities. These prayers and wishes are not supported by spirituality, as the intentions behind them reveal a desire for materialism that degrades the soul and spirit. True spirituality is rooted in the soul and human spirit and operates on a higher level that surpasses the ordinary concerns that drive most Nigerians' religiosity. Spirituality is pure and guided by good intentions. And how many Nigerians, even among those who call themselves pastors, reverends, and bishops, can truly embody purity and good intentions?
Our intentions, actions, and the events that occur in our lives are deeply connected, shaping a significant portion of our existence. Unfortunately, regardless of how well-meaning we may be, we can still be impacted by the negative consequences created by others. Indigenous wisdom highlights this through a saying: "When one finger touches oil, it soils the rest." Thus, our individual experiences are inevitably influenced by the actions of others. We all find ourselves in an existential dilemma. When we wish, hope, and pray that "Nigeria should not happen to us," we often fail to recognize the futility of such hopes until we personally face the reality of Nigeria's challenges. Some manage to survive these experiences, while others do not. Somtochukwu Nwadiagwu and Barnabas were not among the fortunate ones; they did not live to share their stories. Many others have become victims of Nigeria's struggles and are no longer here to speak about their experiences. It has been reported that Somtochukwu posted on social media, praying that Nigeria should not happen to her, just before her tragic encounter with the situation. At twenty-nine years old, as a lawyer and television journalist, she likely had a detailed life plan filled with goals and aspirations set over specific timelines. She had studied in the United Kingdom and even held a passport from that country. While many of her peers are leaving Nigeria in large numbers, she chose to return home to help build her troubled nation. However, Nigeria placed obstacles in her path and ultimately gave her death. Nigeria happened to her—completely against her will.
The story is that Somtochukwu's residential building was attacked by armed robbers, and the police were called but, as usual, arrived only after the criminals had left. During the robbery, Somtochukwu, in fear, jumped out of her apartment window and suffered serious injuries. She cried and asked the police to take her to the hospital, but they allegedly refused. Eventually, a friend of her mother took her to the hospital, where, according to a source, the medical staff demanded her identification before providing care. Life left Somtochukwu, and she passed away. That's how it happened! First, the police not only arrived too late, but also reportedly declined to take her to the hospital despite her urgent requests. Second, if the account is accurate, the hospital staff showed unprofessional behavior that resembled witchcraft. Somtochukwu's story became known because of her status. However, she was not the only victim of that horrifying night of blood and death. Barnabas, one of the armed guards responsible for the building, who fought against the robbers, was also severely injured. A resident took him to the hospital, but the medical staff refused to treat him. Barnabas also died! This tragedy occurred to both of them. The two institutions that are responsible for the deaths of citizens Somtochukwu and Barnabas are supposed to be life-saving organizations, yet ironically, they have become life-taking entities in Nigeria. The police are meant to protect citizens, while the medical profession is intended to save lives.
When individuals pray that "May Nigeria not happen to us," they typically think of the government as the entity responsible for creating the "Nigeria" that should be avoided. However, we need to dig deeper and ask a straightforward question: what exactly is the "Nigeria" that should not happen to us? The answer is that we, as a people, are the "Nigeria" that should not happen to us. Indeed, we are constrained by poor leadership, but the populace has also let themselves down in every way. The armed robbers who attacked Somtochukwu's home did not come from Aso Rock, the country's emblem of governance. The police who failed to arrive during the robbery were not prevented from doing their job by Aso Rock, and it was not the government that instructed them not to assist Somtochukwu in getting to the hospital. If the story is true, the hospital staff who neglected to treat Somtochukwu and Barnabas were not acting on behalf of the government. The robbers, the police, and the hospital staff are all citizens who collectively caused the death of fellow citizens, Somtochukwu and Barnabas. It is true that our leaders have let us down and failed Nigeria; it is also true that we, as followers, have let ourselves down. Therefore, when we say "May Nigeria not happen to us," we are essentially saying "May we not happen to ourselves." Let us now start to recognize the fingers pointing back at us. Just before the tragedy involving Somtochukwu and Barnabas, another family mourned the loss of a family member. The victim was involved in a terrible road accident and was taken to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. She was left unattended for an entire day before passing away.
Nigeria is trapped because of poor leadership, immoral judiciary and indifferent people. A planned conspiracy by the elite is supported by the active involvement of citizens in their own and collective destruction. Civic awareness, love for the country and national agreement have disappeared. What Nigeria has become is just a name without any real meaning or importance in defining the values of a nation. We are here, just here, each person for themselves. Where do we go from here? Nigeria affects us all every day, if not every hour, and it appears in various forms. Poor roads, helpless hospitals, underdeveloped education system, insecurity, economic difficulties, unemployment, police abuse, extreme corruption and other signs of suffering continue to trouble us at every level. We have all become both aggressors and victims. The teacher who encourages cheating in exams, the doctor and nurse who take bribes before helping patients, the civil servant who demands money before processing documents, the street vendor or market seller who deceives customers, the neighborhood troublemaker who steals hoping to become a thief are all parts of what is ruining Nigeria. It's not only those in government who are destroying Nigeria. Those in government are probably less than one percent of the population. So, instead of saying "May Nigeria not happen to us," shouldn't we say "May we not happen to us"? Our country has just celebrated its sixty-fifth anniversary. Could this be sixty-five years of independence or of disappointment? Let us prepare ourselves and think about Nigeria, and give her a meaning and significance. Let us create new ideals and imagine what we want Nigeria to be. Let us ensure, and commit to a belief, that things will be well with Nigeria.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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