THE NIGERIA CONUNDRUM

Nigeria is on the march again, looking for Mr President. The past week witnessed many memorable events. The most topical issue of the moment revolves around the choice of running mates for the elected candidates of the two major political parties.

Some have said religion doesn’t matter. Those who take that position have their reasons. As things stand in Nigeria today, of course religion does matter. In a country where a particular faith is feeling persecuted, it sounds too simple to think that religion doesn’t matter in the choice of the combination of who lead Nigeria.

However, the relevant question we should be asking is if religion should matter in the choice of running mate for any candidate who has his roadmap for changing the narrative for a country deeply in the woods.

This is what I call the conundrum for my beloved country, Nigeria where merit panders to primordial sentiments. It is the failure of leadership that makes us to define competence by clan and/or religious affiliation.

The above is one reason we have found it difficult to move forward as a nation. If there is any single country that is so polarised along religious, ethnic and cultural differences, Nigeria takes the lead.

Difficult as it seems, I know that the political gladiators are on top of their game. Winning election takes priority over all. It is impossible to please everyone in a decision involving different interest groups and power blocs. The primary motive of any political party is to win elections.

That said, emotions of different interest groups are not meant to be ignored but if figures matter in election (I know it does), most times emotion gives way to reality, even at the risk of backlashes from interest groups who might feel shortchanged.

I am not sure if it is the right time to begin to ask these questions because I know the situation is so tensed up right now with high rate of insecurity, accusations and counter accusations of accusing fingers being pointed at particular ethnic and religious groups.

Do we need competent hands or do we need a perfect combination of Muslim/Christian from north and south and vice versa to have a president who can put this country on the path of progress? We resort to these sentiments because good governance has been elusive to us, the Nigerian people.

To undermine the impact of religious and ethnic bias on our polity is to underplay the complexities around the Nigerian project. These sentiments will continue to play a major role until the day Nigeria elects a leader in the true sense of the word.

The best way to situate the puzzle around the Nigeria conundrum is how the narratives quickly change with major events. For the first time after a long time, the three major ethnic blocs will have a candidate each on the ballot in 2023.

It is interesting how thickening agitations for secession from particular ethnic groups have suddenly abated as each region mobilises support for their candidates. The message is simple, make Nigeria work and see Nigerians declare for Nigeria.

These are trying times for Nigeria. A lot depends on 2023 and the choice Nigerians make as to who leads Nigeria. The hope for a turnaround was high when this government came onboard. The growing discontent in the land is an indication of dashed hope but Nigeria can find respite.

Dike Chukwumerije is a renown poet and social reformer. Just like Dike, I strongly believe that Nigeria will make progress the day we have a Nigerian as President.

Happy democracy day and happy holidays compatriots.

©️Akin OluwadareJnr
13 June 2022