While Kanu's original metaphor was a zoo, I think a jungle is probably more accurate. In a zoo, at least, there's a zookeeper who runs the menagerie according to his rules and with a well-defined purpose. In the jungle, however, it's a battle of all against all, where the weak—meaning those unable to deploy means of coercion—are gobbled up or reduced to servitude.
When Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), characterized Nigeria as a jungle (Zoo), most Nigerians were quick to berate him. However, a closer, more sincere examination of the country's socio-economic and political landscape reveals a distressing validation of Kanu's harsh metaphor. Nigeria's societal interactions often resemble a ruthless struggle for survival, where the principles of "survival of the fittest" dictate the behaviors and decisions of its citizens.
Transactional Nature of Nigerian Society: In Nigeria, nearly every sphere of life—be it political, judicial, traditional, or religious—is marked by transactional relationships. This pervasive mindset is driven by what is colloquially referred to as "stomach infrastructure" or "where the belly faces," which underscores a culture where pecuniary interests take precedence over the common good. In this environment, individuals engage in various societal roles primarily for personal gain, often at the expense of broader societal welfare.
The political landscape is particularly illustrative of this phenomenon. Politicians frequently prioritize policies and decisions that serve their financial interests or secure their political survival, rather than advancing the public good. This self-serving behavior undermines democratic principles and perpetuates a cycle of corruption and inefficiency. Similarly, the judiciary, which should be the bastion of justice and fairness, is often tainted by bribery and favoritism. Judges and lawyers may prioritize cases based on who can offer the most lucrative incentives, thereby eroding public trust in the legal system.
The Difficulty of Truth and Accountability: In such a transactional society, speaking the truth and holding people accountable becomes exceedingly difficult. The culture of "what's in it for me" discourages individuals from calling out wrongdoings, as doing so might jeopardize their personal benefits or expose them to retribution. This reluctance to confront unethical behavior perpetuates a cycle of impunity, where wrong actions go unpunished and right actions are not rewarded.
This reluctance to speak out is not confined to the political or judicial arenas. Traditional and religious institutions, which should ideally serve as moral compasses for the society, are also entangled in this web of transactionalism. Leaders in these spheres often engage in practices that prioritize their material gain over their spiritual or communal duties, further entrenching a culture of self-interest.
The Collective Responsibility for the Future: The consequences of this pervasive self-interest are far-reaching. Our society belongs to everyone, and yet, there seems to be a pervasive indifference to the future and the welfare of the coming generations. The current trajectory suggests a neglect of long-term planning and a disregard for the kind of society being bequeathed to the children.
It is imperative to recognize that making decisions based solely on immediate personal gain will not propel society forward. Instead, it leads to a fragmented and dysfunctional system where collective progress is stymied by individual greed. There is a pressing need for a paradigm shift—a move towards a society where decisions are made with consideration for the collective good and the future.
Conclusion: Nnamdi Kanu's characterization of Nigeria as a jungle may have been met with outrage, but it also serves as a poignant critique of the country's current state. The socio-economic interactions underpinned by survival instincts, the transactional nature of all societal spheres, and the difficulty in upholding truth and accountability all point to systemic issues that need addressing. For Nigeria to thrive, there must be a concerted effort to prioritize the common good over individual gain, to foster a culture of integrity and accountability, and to ensure that the future of the country is safeguarded for the generations to come.
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