Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili's poignant prayer for Nigerians to gain a "second independence" from domestic colonialists is both inspiring and thought-provoking. This call speaks to the deep-rooted struggles within the country, where citizens face not only external challenges but also internal oppression by a political elite whose actions mirror those of former colonial powers. Ezekwesili's words resonate with the growing demand for liberation from the corrupt and self-serving leadership that continues to hinder Nigeria's true potential.
More than six decades after gaining independence from British colonial rule, Nigeria remains entangled in a struggle for true freedom. While the shackles of foreign domination were broken in 1960, a new form of oppression has taken root within the country's borders. This internal oppression is carried out by a group often referred to as "domestic colonialists"—the political leaders and public office holders who have subverted public office for their selfish personal interests, hindering the nation's progress. To move forward, Nigeria desperately needs a second independence, one that will liberate it from these domestic forces of exploitation and pave the way for genuine development.
Nigeria’s political leaders, since independence, have largely been entrusted with the responsibility of steering the country towards progress and prosperity. However, a vast majority of them have betrayed this trust, choosing to enrich themselves at the expense of the people they are meant to serve. These domestic colonialists manipulate public office to satisfy their personal ambitions, whether through corrupt practices, mismanagement of public resources, or failure to provide effective leadership. Their actions mirror the exploitation experienced under foreign rule, as they plunder the nation’s wealth while ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. In this sense, Nigeria’s political elite have assumed the role of colonizers within their own land.
Unlike traditional colonialism, where foreign powers controlled and exploited colonies for economic gain, domestic colonialism manifests through the actions of leaders who belong to the very communities they oppress. This creates a paradox: individuals who should be the champions of progress and development have instead become the architects of stagnation. Public office, which should be a platform for enacting policies that benefit the citizenry, has become a tool for personal enrichment. These leaders enact policies not in the interest of the common good but in pursuit of their own financial and political power. As a result, the country continues to experience poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and substandard education, all while a small group of elites thrives.
For Nigeria to move forward, it must undergo a "second independence"—one aimed at freeing the country from the grip of these domestic colonialists. This liberation requires more than just political reform; it calls for a societal awakening, where Nigerians hold their leaders accountable and demand transparency, integrity, and service to the nation. Just as the first independence movement was characterized by collective resistance against external oppression, this new struggle must unite Nigerians in opposition to internal corruption and the betrayal of public trust.
The path to this second independence is fraught with challenges. Domestic colonialists, unlike foreign powers, are deeply entrenched within the nation's political and economic systems. Their influence extends beyond government offices to the very fabric of Nigerian society, where they command powerful networks that make reform difficult. Nonetheless, history has shown that no form of oppression is insurmountable. The Nigerian people have the capacity to rise above this internal oppression, just as they rose against foreign colonialism. What is required now is a collective resolve to root out corrupt leaders and replace them with individuals who genuinely care about the welfare of the people.
At the core of this struggle is the need for a change in the political culture of Nigeria. Public office must be redefined as a space for service, not self-interest. Leadership should be evaluated based on the impact it has on the lives of ordinary Nigerians, not on the personal wealth accumulated by those in power. Additionally, a strong legal and institutional framework must be established to ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions. This would involve strengthening anti-corruption agencies, empowering civil society, and promoting active citizenship where Nigerians take part in governance beyond just elections.
Nigeria's journey toward progress and prosperity remains incomplete. While the country is no longer subject to foreign rule, it continues to be held hostage by a ruling class that prioritizes personal gain over national development. To achieve true independence, Nigeria must confront these domestic colonialists and demand leadership that is committed to the common good. This second independence is not just a political necessity but a moral imperative, one that will set the country on a path toward real and lasting progress.
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