Anthony Joshua: A Wake-Up Call on Road Safety –By Matthew Ma

Whenever a tragedy strikes in Nigeria, there is always a tendency among the populace to place the blame overwhelmingly on the government. This reaction often occurs even when the root causes of the situation stem from carelessness, irrational behavior, or negligence on the part of those affected. When individuals act recklessly with their own lives, they frequently turn to social media platforms to voice their frustrations, holding the government accountable for their personal choices and missteps. This habitual tendency to scapegoat the government plays out in numerous contexts, perpetuating a narrative that consistently centers on leaders, political figures, and institutions as the primary culprits in any crisis. Regardless of the specific circumstances surrounding a tragedy, whether a natural disaster, a public health crisis, or an accident, the focus tends to be on government inaction. This inclination does not just reflect a societal inclination to vent anger or frustration; it also underscores a deeper issue of accountability that overshadows personal responsibility. As a result, discussions about the complexities of these incidents often get oversimplified into a dialogue solely about governmental failure, neglecting the multifaceted nature of responsibility that includes individual conduct and societal factors.

On December 29, the world-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua had a serious car accident in Makun, Ogun State, while traveling along the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway. According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred when the sport utility vehicle carrying Joshua and his companions collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadside. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of the Ogun State Command investigated the crash and determined that it was primarily caused by two factors: over-speeding and improper overtaking maneuvers. Reports indicated that the driver of the Lexus SUV transporting Anthony Joshua was driving at an excessive speed and attempted to overtake vehicles on the right without ensuring the path was clear. The news of the accident quickly spread, sparking public concern on social media. Many Nigerians expressed their apprehension and frustration regarding road safety and the state of transportation in the country. Prominent political activist Omoyele Sowore also joined the conversation, taking to social media to criticize Joshua for what he described as a failure to distance himself from Nigeria’s problematic leadership. Sowore argued that Joshua had previously aligned himself with leaders who had contributed to the country’s failures. That is why Nigeria happened to him. He urged the boxer to consider turning away from those whose actions have led to Nigeria’s ongoing struggles.
Several Nigerians expressed their discontent with Sowore’s comments, arguing that, although Nigeria undeniably grapples with numerous critical issues—especially in areas like governance and public safety—it is essential to approach times of tragedy with a mindset rooted in restraint, empathy, and respect for those who have suffered losses. Many believe that in such moments of grief, the focus should be on honoring the deceased and supporting the affected communities, rather than resorting to political opportunism or uttering statements like, “I warned you.” This type of rhetoric can be seen as divisive and unproductive, doing little to foster healing or prevent future tragedies. Other critics argue that Ayo Makun’s comments about Mr. Joshua’s accident overlook the driver’s reckless behavior, which caused the collision with a stationary vehicle. They point out that clear photographs from the accident scene show the truck parked safely and in compliance with traffic regulations along the roadside. These critics urge the government to adopt a more proactive stance to address erratic driver behavior in Nigeria. Advocates emphasize the need to hold the driver of the vehicle carrying Mr. Joshua accountable for his actions and call for his arrest for speeding. They also advocate that the legal system intervenes and consider prosecuting the driver for his reckless conduct, especially given the serious risks associated with driving at such high speeds, which endanger both passengers and other road users.

Concerns surrounding reckless driving have emerged as an issue among drivers in Nigeria, particularly when those behind the wheel are responsible for transporting high-profile personalities, such as celebrities or top officials. It has become increasingly apparent that these drivers often display a blatant disregard for road safety regulations. In many instances, when traffic enforcement officers attempt to stop a driver from exhibiting unsafe driving habits—such as speeding, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals, the driver often ignores the officer’s warnings. What is even more disconcerting is that, in some cases, the celebrity being transported may exit the vehicle to confront or berate the officials enforcing the law. This confrontation not only undermines the authority of the traffic officers but also exacerbates the situation, putting everyone on the road at greater risk.

Nigerians frequently respond to national tragedies—such as road accidents, building collapses, public health crises, and security failures—by promptly blaming the government. While it is undeniable that governance failures exist and should not be overlooked, the inclination to attribute all responsibility to the State is neither accurate nor constructive. First, individual responsibility often contributes to many preventable incidents. For instance, preventable accidents include excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, neglecting proper vehicle maintenance, failure to obey traffic laws, and engaging in unsafe overtaking maneuvers. These reckless actions not only endanger the driver but also put the lives of passengers and other road users at risk. Attempts to correct such dangerous driving behaviors often result in hostility or insults directed at the person offering guidance. When people consciously disregard safety regulations and subsequently blame the outcome entirely on governmental failures, accountability becomes skewed, and valuable lessons remain unlearned.
Second, societal attitudes and cultural norms play a crucial role in perpetuating recurring tragedies within Nigeria. The nation faces a concerning normalization behavior ingrained in daily life. This manifests in several ways, such as overcrowding vehicles beyond safe capacity, deliberately ignoring critical warning signs, neglecting established safety protocols, and resorting to bribery to sidestep regulations. These actions are not government-imposed but rather choices made daily by individuals and communities. This reflects a broader societal mindset that prioritizes short-term convenience and economic gain over long-term safety and well-being. When a society tolerates, or even encourages, these dangerous shortcuts, it creates an environment in which individuals cannot reasonably expect different, safer outcomes. Without a collective reevaluation of these behaviors and a commitment to safety, the cycle of tragedy is likely to continue unabated.

Third, the weakening of institutions stems not solely from inadequate leadership but is significantly compounded by the citizenry’s complicity. Regulatory agencies, which are designed to uphold standards and protect public welfare, frequently falter in their mission due to active resistance from the very individuals they are meant to serve. Citizens often engage in unethical practices, such as offering bribes to inspectors to bypass regulations or demanding exceptions that compromise safety protocols. Moreover, when members of the public exert pressure on safety inspectors, whether through ridicule, intimidation, or attempts at corruption, these officials can find themselves unable to perform their duties effectively. This creates a perilous environment in which regulatory failure is not merely the result of poor leadership or inadequate policy, but rather a collective breakdown of responsibility. Thus, the collapse of regulatory frameworks becomes a shared failure among citizens and institutions alike, underscoring the need for robust governance and active public engagement to uphold the integrity of regulatory systems.

Fourth, over blaming the government for social problems and tragedies can foster dangerous passivity among citizens. When every misfortune or crisis is portrayed as solely the fault of government shortcomings, individuals may unconsciously begin to relieve themselves of any sense of personal responsibility. This framing can create a culture where citizens become overly reliant on external authorities for solutions, fostering a passive attitude that discourages initiative engagement in community affairs. This mindset not only diminishes civic responsibility but also undermines the importance of community initiative and individual vigilance. As citizens come to expect the government to rectify all issues, they often neglect their own roles in addressing the challenges their communities face. A vibrant and functional society thrives on the principle that individuals take initiative and act responsibly, even amidst imperfect systems. When citizens actively engage, collaborate, and hold themselves accountable, they contribute to a stronger, more resilient community rather than waiting for government intervention.

This discussion should not be misconstrued as a justification for ineffective governance. The government must be held accountable for its shortcomings, particularly in law enforcement, sound policy development, and effective leadership. However, the concept of accountability becomes diluted and loses its potency when it is perceived as a one-way street. Genuine national progress relies heavily on a robust and collaborative partnership between the government and its citizens, anchored in a shared sense of responsibility. In this dynamic relationship, both entities play crucial roles. The government creates and enforces fair policies, while citizens collaborate to uphold the laws. We must understand that far too many preventable road tragedies are mistakenly attributed to bad luck or fate. In reality, these incidents often stem from a breakdown in judgment—whether it be a driver’s poor decision, a pedestrian’s moment of inattention, or a systemic failure in governance and road safety measures. Recognizing the implications of our choices and actions is vital in fostering a safer environment for all road users.

Tragedies continue to thrive in Nigeria, not only because of systemic failures within our institutions but also because individuals’ behaviors and attitudes often lack critical thinking and growth. As we usher in the New Year, we call on citizens to move beyond simply voicing their dissatisfaction with the governance and policies being implemented by our leaders. Rather than remaining passive observers, we must actively engage in the democratic process and fulfill our roles as responsible citizens. This means not only demanding better governance but also cultivating a sense of ownership over the civic responsibilities that come with it. The dual demand for accountability from those in power and active participation from the populace is vital for meaningful societal progress. Change cannot stem from the top-down; it must also be nurtured from the grassroots level. Until a genuine commitment is made to share the responsibility for nation-building among all community members, we will continue to encounter a cycle of accusations and blame that stifles constructive dialogue and problem-solving.

As the public wishes Mr. Joshua speedy recovery, there lies a larger, more profound hope that this moment catalyzes. This incident serves as a poignant reminder that enhancing road safety measures can save far more lives than any single event could ever account for. Thus, our roads should not merely serve as thoroughfares rife with the ever-present threat of danger and death. Instead, they should evolve into essential arteries that promote safe mobility and communities. To achieve this, we must shift our focus to prioritizing and investing in comprehensive, effective road safety initiatives. This includes introducing advanced technologies to monitor road conditions and traffic patterns. Such measures are crucial to ensure that every individual can navigate our roads with a genuine sense of security and peace of mind. Thus, this discussion extends far beyond the recovery of an individual; it encompasses our shared responsibility to create a safer environment for all who journey along these routes. Let us use this moment to galvanize our efforts toward a future where every person can travel without fear, knowing that their safety is paramount.

Rev. Ma, S. J., is a Jesuit priest and a public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.