Skip to main content

NIGERIA: A Nation of Indigenes, Not Citizens

Nigeria is a paradox—a country governed by its own people but fractured by tribal loyalties. Despite the challenges, I love Nigeria. Not because I have a choice, but because it’s who we are: resilient, extraordinary, and perpetually on the brink of self-destruction, yet miraculously never tipping over. We live on the edge of chaos, hovering at 11:59, but midnight never strikes.

But here’s the bitter truth: Nigeria is not a country of citizens; it is a country of indigenes. Your rights, privileges, and opportunities hinge on your "indigeneship"—your tribe, not your nationality. Loyalty to Nigeria is almost nonexistent because tribal allegiance overshadows national identity. Everyone is a tribal lord, fighting for their ethnic group, not the nation.

Even national institutions like the Army reflect this divide. A child born in Kaduna to parents from Abeokuta or Potiskum is not seen as Nigerian but as an outsider in their place of birth. If they apply to join the Army, they must return to their "state of origin"—a term that epitomizes our disunity. Forms, policies, and interviews demand to know your tribe and religion, emphasizing indigeneship over citizenship.

Government officials are not representatives of Nigeria; they are ambassadors of their tribes, looting public resources to serve ethnic interests. Patriotism is a luxury we can’t afford because the system prioritizes tribal sentiments over national unity. Policies are designed to exclude true Nigerians—those who transcend tribal lines—and reinforce divisions.

This harsh reality dawned on me early. I was denied admission to secondary school because I was not an indigene of the area. That was my first lesson: in Nigeria, to be someone, you must belong to a tribe.

True Nigerians—those who strive for a united nation—are sidelined and left to struggle while the "newspaper readers" benefit from the chaos. Meanwhile, Nigerians die in stampedes over N5,000 charity or a bag of rice, their dignity sacrificed at the altar of poverty and neglect.

As another year ends, we remain a nation debating progress, stuck between hope and despair. Patriots strive tirelessly to build a better Nigeria, while "buccaneers" relentlessly dismantle the nation's progress. Will we ever get it right? Only time will tell.



Ideas derived from Prince Charles Dickson, PhD 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

OBOREVWORI: How Not To Glorify A 'One Chance' Governor - By Zik Gbemre

It is appalling how, in desperation to sustain its thieving hegemony over the Delta State Government since 1999, the Delta PDP had the audacity to impose the weakest, most uninformed contender, a local champion, as Governor over a state replete with accomplished men and women of immense capacity. Given this unenviable privilege, one would have expected the fortunate placeholder governor, Sheriff Oborevwori—whose only election campaign manifesto was pledging to improve on the failed leadership of Ifeanyi Okowa, his predecessor—to engage creative minds and individuals of proven integrity to assist him in making a difference. Rather than doing the needful, Oborevwori has worsened matters by electing to engage the same spent leaders, deadwood, and gluttons that have gained prominence in running the state down over successive administrations. The result has been a government of mediocre officeholders competing to run the state for their pockets at the detriment of the populace, under a gove...
Post a Comment
Read more

EDO GUBER ELECTION: Omo-Agege, Faith Majemite, Others Appointed Into APC National Campaign Council

Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unveiled a 197-member council on Wednesday to lead its campaign. According to the list released by APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has been appointed as the chairman of the campaign council. Governor Otu will be supported by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda as co-chairman and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole as deputy chairman. Other members of the 197-member team include Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who will serve as Assistant Secretary; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Hon. Faith Majemite; and other governors elected on the APC platform. The recently reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu, who recently defecte...
Post a Comment
Read more

THE ENDURING LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP: Chief James Ibori Celebrated for His Impact on Delta State

On Friday, May 31st, during the funeral service for the Late Asagba of Asaba, the essence of true leadership was vividly displayed. The service featured the introduction of various dignitaries, including Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation who represented President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. As each dignitary was introduced, the church remained silent. However, the atmosphere dramatically changed when the name of Former Governor James Ibori was announced; the congregation erupted in wide jubilation and applause. This reaction was so profound that even Senator George Akume and Governor Obaseki could not hide their astonishment. The enthusiastic reception for Chief James Ibori during this solemn occasion highlighted his enduring legacy among the people of Delta State. Despite having left office seventeen years ago, he continues to be celebrated whenever he attends public functions i...
Post a Comment
Read more