ALFRED AJAYI
It was a former American President, John F. Kennedy who admonished his citizens, “Do not think of what America will do for you, but think of what you will do for America”. It is also true that most of the developed societies attained their present status through the concerted efforts of all citizens and residents. Unfortunately, same cannot be said of our dear country, Nigeria where citizens do and say unprintable things about their country without recourse to the impact of such on the nation. While Americans rise in the morning to bless their country, Nigerians on daily basis make negative confessions like “Nigeria is spoilt beyond repair”, “This country cannot be good again” et cetera.
Many endlessly expect what Nigeria can do for them and are not willing to do anything for the sake of the country. However, there are other Nigerians who still believe that the country will work and achieve greatness, regardless of its current state. With the transformation agenda already set by the Administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria is on its way to all round development that will meet the yearnings of all and sundry. Nevertheless, it must be stated that meaningful and enduring transformation is a challenge for both the leaders and the followers even as it demands attitudinal change across board. To this end, Government functionaries at all levels are expected to set the pace by curbing wasteful spending as well as reducing the cost of governance. The Federal Government’s efforts in setting up a committee to discover areas of waste in Government through duplication of functions in federal Ministries, departments and agencies is therefore commendable. Political Office holders should be patriotic in service and be accountable in all their dealings.
This is because ostentatious display of wealth as is the current experience by some of them is partly responsible for the increasing wave of crime and insecurity in the country. On their part, Nigerians should know that the onus is on them to give whatever they can in evolving a country of their dream. There is need for us to have a holistic reflection of our lifestyle and see if we have contributed anything substantial to the national drive towards economic prosperity. Those in the civil service and the private sector should use their positions to contribute meaningfully to the progress and growth of the nation. It is on this note that those involved in the recent threat to national unity and security are urged to have a rethink. It takes unpatriotic elements to bomb and destroy their country’s places of interest as being witnessed in the country, no matter the grievances or level of provocation. It is regrettable that this new dimension had put Nigeria in the global spotlight for the wrong reasons. Besides, security agents too must be seen to be nationalistic in the discharge of their constitutionally assigned duties.
It is a national demand on us as citizens to become more conscious of security and volunteer necessary information about unpatriotic persons. Patriotism demands that citizens toe the path of dialogue and adopt peaceful means of expressing their grievances against any policy or programme of government. Whatever we do, we must ask ourselves, how much does it enhance the transformation process? No matter how good the intention of the government, it is the patriotic zeal on the part of those in authority and the citizens that will translate to faithfulness and efficacy in translating them to the positive results.
Source: FRCN daily commentary
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