BY ERNEST OSOGBUE

What really is the Nigerian dream? This question has agitated my mind over the years, and as much as I have made efforts to find answers to it, the answer remains elusive. In some countries, the vision of what citizens desire are variously articulated in the national constitution, and shape citizen attitude and perception of their country. In Nigeria, a careful scouring of the constitution through its various chapters and schedules, gives no clear indication of a vision for the citizen. In fact, the Nigerian constitution looks like an apartheid constitution, with clauses that elevate one section of the country above the other. The place of the citizen, in terms of his needs, desires, expectations, and personal fulfilment, are completely absent.

The issues of excellence, competence and ability, are subsumed under the search for national integration. Which presumes that the federal character principle is superior to excellence in the quest for national unity. This is not necessarily correct by my understanding. I believe that a productive country run by competent citizens from any region thereof, who ensure that the nation yields equally for all, stands a better chance of survival and unity, than a country where mediocrity is enthroned in the name of federal character for national integration.

I, however, digress, the purport of this piece is not to discuss the failings of the Nigerian constitution, but only to look at it, to the extent that it does not provide a clear vision of what constitutes the Nigerian dream. By dream, I mean what the average Nigerian should aspire to attain or to become. On a regular basis, we hear of the American dream, and while most countries may not articulate theirs in a single phrase, like the Americans did, the point remains however, that citizens of most countries have their inherent desires, and clear-cut processes for achieving them. In Nigeria, this is not the case.

It appears as if the Nigerian dream is a mirage; the closer you get to it, the more it seems farther away. For instance, the American dream is clearly defined and attainable without inhibitions. So much so that any American citizen desirous of achieving the dream, has access to it. The American dream, for example, postulates that; everyone, no matter where they come from, has equal access to opportunity as long as they are willing to work for it. This fact is so burnished in the American mind, that it is like a creed. You can get it if you really want it, is the title of a famous song by Jimmy Cliff, and could be said to be a paraphrase of the American dream. In Nigeria, there is inequality of opportunities, as opportunities are assigned rather than earned. Some citizens are denied opportunities which are reserved for others.

While the American dream infers that if you work hard enough, you will attain your goals, in Nigeria, however, you could work as hard as you want, and still be denied, due to several unexplainable considerations, which act as obstacles to citizen development. Obstacles such as quota system, federal character, state of origin, religion, tribe, etc. These factors, singly and collectively, conspire to thwart citizen desires, and combine to keep Nigeria down, despite the array of brilliant minds with which she is blessed.

One wonders whether Nigeria loves engaging in self sabotage. The country is more interested in regional/ethnic balance than in productivity. It is believed, and supported by the constitution, that the appointment of persons into office, from all the states and all the regions will engender unity. 64 years after independence, however, Nigerians and Nigeria are still divided. We still hear such comments as; this policy is against the North, by senators and governors, as if it is no longer one Nigeria. It has been proven that a productive country that meets the needs of its citizens, irrespective of where government officials come from, is likelier to engender unity than the application of federal character. A prosperous nation automatically breeds happy and satisfied citizens. As has been proven by the Super Eagles of Nigeria, nobody cares where the individual players in the team come from, or what faith they profess. When the team wins, the entire nation rises as one to celebrate. Why then does Nigeria not apply the Super Eagles principle in other aspects of our national life?

It is obvious that the federal character principle has failed. It has neither engendered unity, nor fostered prosperity. All it has done is to encourage corruption and laziness. The time has come, therefore, for Nigeria to adopt an approach that sets citizens free to express themselves to the best of their abilities. This would foster healthy competition among citizens, states and regions, and ultimately lead to every Nigerian being the best that they can be, and in the process, uplift Nigeria to her full potential. As it stands, Nigeria deliberately stifles her citizens, and prevents them from being the best of themselves. This is mostly responsible for the japa syndrome, as Nigerians feel more comfortable in countries that give them the opportunities which their own country denies them.  

It is high time Nigeria began to look into matters of citizenship and make efforts to harvest the brilliance and abilities of her citizens. It is wrong for a nation to fold her arms and watch her citizens run away to develop other countries, while she wallows in underdevelopment and poverty. Nigerians are respected and held in high esteem in every other country except in Nigeria. This paradox must end. Our leaders must begin to see beyond regional and religious prisms and must discard the perceived fear of one section dominating the other.

The insurgency and banditry in parts of the country, are products of the current system. Agitations for secession and other forms of breakup, are as a result of many Nigerians feeling marginalized and not being given opportunities to fully express themselves and contribute to national development. To dispel fears of domination, and foster oneness in our country, the issues of religion, ethnicity, and tribe, must be downplayed in national affairs, with all Nigerians seen as being equal. We must borrow from Rwanda; while praying never to go through what she went through. Today, being Rwandese, has been elevated above every other consideration. The results for Rwanda are obvious for all to see. We must therefore, follow the Rwandan example, if Nigeria is to survive and yield benefits to her citizens.