Citizens As A Bedrock Of Nigerian Underdevelopment -By Abubakar Muhammad Usman

Nigeria, our home our proud. Since years of childhood, we have been singing our dreams of becoming united, peaceful and eradicate poverty. But, unfortunately, up to date we still sing without any change! Do you, do we ever ask ourselves the reason of our lagging behind all our dreams? As a father, as a youth, do you think of making change in any way or the other?

As a chauvinist citizen, one has to understand that, before any achievement of the country there must be a heartily dedication, selfless work and time sacrificing. Looking back to our past heroes, like Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardaunan Sokoto), Mr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and such of them have sacrificed their time, knowledge, and worked hard to bring Nigeria where she is today. Why, as a citizen, can’t you pursue in politics for the betterment of Nigeria? But, won an election and forget about who voted for you. First step to bring the dreamed changes in Nigeria is that, citizen to start politics with the intention of building the country not for achieving his ambitions of becoming a richest, building expensive houses and cars and tours to abroad. Then we can start seeing changes. If citizens continue politics for their dreams, not for the nation at large, then current difficulties will be worsen!

Behind any selfish leader, there is a contribution of the voters! Of course, because one will understand that by looking at how elections are done. The elected leader cannot visit to see what his voters want and how to solve their problems, but forgets about them till another round of election. The pain is that, citizens receive some pennies to vote for him again, despite the negligence he paid them with during his first tenure. What citizens want to know is that, when it comes to the development of the country, the zonal interest should be parked aside. But, one will see how citizens suffer without any attempt of the leader, but they keep voting for him because he hails from the same zone with them. What we need is to forget about zonal candidate and focus on the deserving candidate, who will fight for our right and give us what we deserve to be given; social amenities. Not who will use our sons in the thuggery. Voting for he who deserves not, is the mistake we ma have been making.

Lastly, all what Nigerians people need is to remember that, if changes are needed, then sacrifices are due.

I pray we become united, the wounds of our country – bokoharams, kidnappers, and selfish leaders – to be healed. Then “the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain” will be free from vain.

Abubakar Muhammad Usman writes from Gombe State. A poet, Essayist and a story-writer.