The Nigerian Common Man And The Economy Of The Nation -By Idris Abdur Rahman Suleiman

Nigeria is a very wide country with over 250 ethnic groups,very high in population, different types of religious background, large in land mass (The GIANT of Africa), and many more. This means that Nigeria is a diverse country comprising of different kind of personalities,backgrounds and behaviors.

The Nigeria of yesterday was so adorable, where the citizens settled peacefully and with the mind of being the brother keepers of one another, the leaders were so kind and just to their ability (s), mankind in Nigeria was then in a very smooth environment. People in the neighborhood want to be in our dear country for a trade or education in order to have a beautiful living style, we were colonized, our Fathers suffered, and there was so much agitations for independence. In the special grace of the Almighty God, some set of people ( The Nationalist) from different part of the country came up and planned for it and it works, Nigeria gain her independence in the year 1960 (1st October). And from there, Nigerians continue to rule the country.

The early government was a civilian government, and then followed up by some military interventions. In the year 1999, the Nigerian Government was restored in the hands of the civilians again and since then it is the civilians that are ruling till date. We experienced many changes from one administration to another, almost every administration come with its style, and here we are today.

I relate with the past only to tell us that Nigeria has seen different system of government and that the leaders of yesterday were not the same as the leaders of today, the Nigerian citizens of yesterday were absolutely different from that of today. So where and when did we got it wrong?

Now starting from the citizens: are we really ready for a better Nigeria?
Is the change we are voicing not just a lips service?

We need to wake up from our slumbers! Yes it is very true that we are not the those ruling, but we have a vital role to play in the development of our father land. We should always endeavor to wish good for our leaders, saying bad about them or mocking them is not the way forward.

And now to our leaders: You should know that our well being is vested upon your shoulders because you were all sworn into your various offices, it is your responsibility(s) to do the best you can for your people and if you can not, then you quite out, doing it is not a must, but when you say you can do it, then it is a must to do it well only if we can tell ourselves the truth. The line in the national anthem that says( The labour of our heroes past,
Shall never be in vain) is no more secured, you do not take this line with a serious hand or if I may say, you did not know the complete meaning of it. The labour of our heroes (I.e the Nationalist who fought for the independence of the country is no more respected! Some of these Nationalists were killed in the affairs of this country, so why can you respect their blood by doing the right thing? It is in Nigeria that things became worse after Independence, instead of moving forward, example here is the educational system, then, during the colonists and the early leaders, pupils and students study free, they were taken care of, they were fed with the delicious and energy giving meals, but what did we have today? The educational system is collapsing and the leaders take their child(s) abroad to study while the common man’s Children are hopelessly at home. All source of technology and development is from knowledge and the poor children that you are trying to deny education are most a times who can be productive because they are those who experienced the difficulties of life and work hard to unlock their potentials. The common man is a full citizen and deserves a full treatment as a citizen.

The current administration is doing what it can to reduce the hardship on the poor man, example, like the 3months 25 thousand naira, student loan and many more, yes we say a big thanks, it shows that the government has her people in her mind but then, all hands need to be on deck, and the leaders too should try and put themselves in the shoes of the common man, the son of the President, Governor, Senator, Chairman and any stakeholder should study in Nigeria and the difference between the poor and the elites should be minimized.

Nowadays, the poor suffer and past through a lot to put the bread on his table while the family (s) some of the leaders and the rich people celebrate birthdays and other occasions abroad, food items are sky rocketing day by day and the common man’s income still remain or even go less, while those in power always do great.

Agriculture is the root to any business and gives a lot income but the typical village man who knows nothing but farming is now being threaten to go to farm, in some instances kidnapped and even killed when things go worse.

My worries is that when such things happened, you see less people talking about it as if nothing had happened, and if I may asked, where are our EMIRS, KINGS and ELDERS?.

I am using this medium to call upon the government, that in case you do not know, the poor man and his children are the reason why you are in office not your self and your family, they voted you in and they obey your commands that is why the atmosphere is still favorable for you to lead. The Nigerian common man needs a simply life not just a token that will not sustain him for a week, provide a stable and affordable economy system, ensure security, make education free, create jobs for the youths, provide social amenities like water supply electricity, e .t.c. That is what will ensure a long and peaceful co existence, but not the token you give.( Do not give me the fish, teach me how to catch it).

Furthermore, I will like the institution of government to look into this and plaese pick the sense from it.

May it be easy for us, and may Almighty God help our leaders.

IDRIS Abdur Rahman Suleiman (IBN KHALDUN).