An insight into Nigerian state -By Ibrahim Jabir Isah

A citizen ought to be patriotic, law abiding and contribute meaningfully towards the socioeconomic development of the state and the state will in return protect the rights of the citizen most especially their right to life.

The primary objective of every state is the security of lives and property of its citizens. 

Section 4 (b) of the 1999 constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria states thus ” the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”   

 Despite this provision in the Nigerian Constitution, the country has failed woefully on the aspect of security of lives and property especially in the Northwestern and Northeastern part of the country.

Where are we heading to as a state?

The security and welfare of the people as enshrined in the constitution has been swept under the carpet.

The relationship between a state and its citizen ought to be a symbiotic one. A relationship where the state will protect the rights of its citizens and the citizens in return carry out their duties and obligations diligently.

But the relationship between the Nigerian state and the citizens is rather asymmetric.

How can I put Nigeria as a country first in my affairs when the gullible leaders are looting the national treasury day in day out without given a damn and we the masses are not ready to rise against the mischievous act?

How can I be patriotic to a nation wherein my life is always at stake?

How can I have peace of mind and be rest assured that my right to life is guaranteed when my brothers and sisters are been killed in Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger among others on daily basis and the government is doing nothing?

How can I be proud of my country when the educational and the health sector are not performing up to expectation?

How can I be happy being in a country where everything is being politicized including the lives of people?

How can I be myself when the rate of poverty is on the increase on daily basis in my country?

Tell me why I shouldn’t be a party to brain drain when opportunity knocks at my door?

A state can never exist without its people so their lives and properties ought to be given utmost attention.

When a state fails to carry out its objectives, it becomes a failed state. The Nigerian state has failed in this regard;