THE EROSION OF HUMANITY IN NIGERIAN SOCIETY

The greatest problem we face today is the loss of humanity within our society. The word "humanity" is derived from the Latin humanitas, meaning human nature and kindness. It represents the quality of being kind, thoughtful, and sympathetic towards others. Unfortunately, this essence of humanity seems to be alarmingly absent in Nigeria today.

At the heart of this crisis is a fatalistic political class that is intentionally deaf to the cries and sufferings of the people. These leaders have chosen to be wilfully blind to the plight of the citizens, preferring to indulge in their insulated worlds, detached from the realities of everyday life in Nigeria. They exist in an imaginary realm where the struggles of the common man do not penetrate their consciousness.

In a democracy, the government is only valuable if it serves the interests of the governed. This basic principle seems to have been forgotten. Instead of focusing on the common good, many in the Nigerian political class have become more concerned with personal gain and power. While great leaders make sacrifices for their country, terrible leaders are those who sacrifice their country for personal interest. The current Nigerian leadership appears to epitomize this latter category, consistently placing self-interest above national interest.

The provocative arrogance of the political elite is a ticking time bomb. History shows us that when the people are pushed to their limits, they will eventually find ways to assert their will. This disconnect between the rulers and the ruled is unsustainable. One day, the people will rise to reclaim their dignity and demand accountability from those who have failed them.

A particularly troubling aspect of this situation is the normalization of corruption. Leaders steal from the public coffers openly and are celebrated rather than condemned. Our traditional institutions, once bastions of moral authority and cultural preservation, have been desecrated. They now hold little more than ceremonial significance, a shadow of their former selves. Similarly, religious leaders, who once commanded respect and guided their followers toward moral rectitude, are increasingly facing skepticism and loss of respect from their flocks.

The Nigerian challenge is compounded by the interplay of irresponsible leadership and unpatriotic, corrupt followers. This cycle of corruption is not limited to the leaders alone; it has permeated all levels of society. Many ordinary citizens, if given the opportunity, would likely exhibit the same corrupt behavior as the current leaders. Betrayal and self-interest have become the norms rather than exceptions. When individuals are entrusted with even the smallest responsibilities, betrayal is often the outcome. Our collective sense of reasoning has skewed toward selfishness and negativity.

What we witness today is a clear illustration of how far our society has strayed from the moral and religious values we once prided ourselves on. Our sense of decorum has plummeted, societal corruption has reached new heights, and our moral values have all but evaporated. We are experiencing a cultural decline, a deviation from the principles that once defined us as a people.

The erosion of humanity in Nigeria is a pressing concern that requires urgent attention. The revival of human values, integrity, and genuine leadership is essential if we are to address the deep-seated issues that plague our society. We must strive to rebuild a society where kindness, empathy, and respect for others are not just ideals but everyday realities. Only then can we hope to restore the humanity that our society so desperately needs.