Nigeria is tough but who says we are alone in the struggle for survival? The whole world groans under the harsh reality of the times in a world best described as a global village. What separates my country from the rest is the willingness to stand up and be counted when the roll call of patriots is made. Truth be told, it takes more than courage to stand up for a country that sits when her citizens cry for help.

Tough as things are, Nigerians are unable to get emotionally detached from Nigeria for whatever reason. It is not for nothing, this country is great and has all it takes to be greater. What defines the emotional attachment of Nigerians to Nigeria is inexplicable but a nation where the citizens first identify themselves by ethnic nationality and/or religious affiliation has failed her people.

Nigerians love for Nigeria is not in doubt but daily and increasingly, Nigerians struggle to find reasons to continue to love Nigeria. The many things Nigerians love about Nigeria are gradually becoming questions unanswered. If I am in position to dialogue with my country, I will choose conventional method of communication, perhaps my message could travel slowly but find genuine answers devoid of deceit.

If I’m opportune to have a tête-à-tête with my country, I will task her to help me ask the handlers of political leadership how they feel when they flaunt the success of their children in foreign universities whereas the universities are closed in Nigeria with no holiday jobs for the students. I will be discreet with the answer, perhaps the things they know are classified information not meant for public consumption.

Few questions I will ask because I know the business of government is serious business and handlers of government are busy people. I will seek knowledge how the presidential aspirants got supply of dollars that was exchanged freely at the presidential primary elections when manufacturers struggle to get dollars to keep oiling the engine of production that keeps the country running.

Very many other questions I had wanted to ask but for the fact that election season is near and the handlers of government already have a divided attention between the business of governance and politics. I’m thinking if I make the questions few, the answers can be quick in coming. Perhaps I can be encouraged to ask more questions and find genuine answers I can take to the bank.

If there is any hope I have, it is that votes are beginning to count in Nigeria. What Nigerians make of this is best at their own discretion. One assurance I have is that if Nigeria gets leadership right on account of the commitment of Nigerians, this country will be great again.

Hello Nigeria, you may know this and you may not know it but the feelers on the streets is that your citizens are weary, they need succour.

©️Akin Oluwadare Jnr
18 July 2022