In a speech delivered on January 7, 1965, at the Militant Labour Forum in New York City, African American revolutionary and human rights activist Malcolm X remarked, “You are not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or who says it.” This profound statement resonates deeply with the current state of affairs in Nigeria, where blind patriotism has become a veil preventing many from confronting the nation’s stark realities.
While every citizen has the right to hold their opinion on Nigeria’s progress and prospects, it becomes concerning when certain groups label those who critique the nation’s inadequacies as “wailers” or “unpatriotic.” Constructive criticism is often dismissed under the guise of patriotism, silencing voices that seek to hold leaders accountable for systemic failures.
The harsh realities facing the majority of Nigerians today are evident to all. Yet, a section of the elite, in their perceived show of patriotism, churns out narratives of impending economic transformation, urging the masses to endure hardships and “make lemonade out of the lemons life hands them.” This rhetoric often disregards the lived experiences of millions struggling daily to survive in a system that seems designed to stifle their progress.
A particular statement frequently propagated by this group is, “It’s not what Nigeria does for you that matters, but what you do for Nigeria.” While this sentiment aims to inspire civic responsibility, it fails to account for the systemic obstacles that hinder even the most determined individuals. For every story of success in Nigeria, there are countless tales of hardworking citizens whose aspirations are crushed under the weight of systemic inefficiencies and corruption.
I recall a poignant conversation with a secondary school colleague years ago. Jokingly, he said, “Marcus, I’m praying to get arrested this weekend.” Stunned, I asked why he would wish for such a thing. He explained that being arrested would guarantee him a place to sleep and food to eat, as he was homeless and had no one to turn to. Weeks later, I would often see him selling caps and towels in traffic after school. His story, like that of thousands of children across Nigeria, is a glaring indictment of a system that fails to guarantee even the most basic needs for its citizens.
While many Nigerians live in deplorable conditions, struggling to make ends meet, politicians and public officials continue to plunder the nation’s wealth with impunity. How can we inspire genuine patriotism in a country where the majority are left to fend for themselves while a privileged few enjoy the spoils of corruption?
A system where corruption thrives has reduced hard work to the identity of the naive. Daily, we witness politicians embroiled in corruption scandals walk away unscathed, reinforcing a culture of impunity. The judicial arm of government, once a pillar of justice, has been rendered a toothless entity, incapable of holding the powerful accountable. As a result, the masses increasingly turn to social media influencers like VeryDarkMan to air their grievances, bypassing the courts entirely—a stark reflection of the eroded trust in the legal system.
How do we inspire patriotism among young graduates thrust into a labor market riddled with scarce opportunities? Many who muster the courage to venture into small-scale businesses find themselves battling an unforgiving business environment. Despite their determination and resourcefulness, they watch helplessly as the enterprises they poured their savings into are stifled by systemic inefficiencies, crippling policies, and an unsupportive economic climate.
I grew up among a generation with tall dreams, children who looked into the future with hope, who gave their all to make this hope a reality, right before our eyes, we saw the system making a meal of our dreams, with majority settling for less in the long run, you might want to argue, isn’t that life? But then I must say, we are found of attributing every misfortune to fate, right before our very eyes, our rights were turned privileges, and when we pay dearly for this, we are always made to believe that it’s God’s plan, and we should simply submit to God.
As children, we watched our parents in the prime of their youth, heading out each day and working tirelessly to secure a decent living, care for their families, and build a legacy for their children. But before our eyes, time took its toll—they aged, their hair turned grey, their skin wrinkled, and their once vibrant energy faded. When the time came for them to receive the support of the system they had served with the best years of their lives, we saw them struggling under the rain and sun, fighting to access their rightful benefits. Meanwhile, somewhere, a politician was embezzling public funds—sums large enough to sustain two generations. The most disheartening part? These same politicians walk free, contest elections, win, and amass even more power.
As students of history, we read of men and women who in the real sense should be considered the real patriots and nationalists, men and women who paid the ultimate price with their lives all in the name of fighting for a better Nigeria.
After witnessing these systemic injustices, the elites still seek to dictate how the average person should respond. But the bitter truth remains—you cannot guilt people into patriotism. Let’s call a spade a spade: the fact that one part of the system shows signs of functioning does not mean the entire system is working.
When the average person cries out or speaks truth to power, the elites have no right to dismiss them as wailers or label them unpatriotic.
It’s rather sad that our political class who will go any length to retain power have now mastered the art of using stupidity to push their agenda.
Stupidity is a far more dangerous enemy to the good than evil. Evil can be protested against, exposed, and, if necessary, suppressed with force. But against stupidity, we are defenseless—neither protests nor force can prevail.
In our political landscape, evil is not our greatest foe; our true struggle lies with the stupidity of those who willingly become tools in the hands of the political elite. These are the ones who, fattened and enriched, are cloaked in the guise of patriotism and charged with silencing and condemning those courageous enough to speak truth to power.
Life is but a fleeting moment; children of yesterday are adults today, and before we know it, time slips away. Yet, many choose to squander their brief time on earth by selling their souls to the oppressors, bowing in allegiance to those who have made it their life’s mission to burden and exploit the common man.
In the end, patriotism must transcend empty slogans and blind allegiance; it must be rooted in a shared commitment to justice, accountability, and the collective good. True love for one’s country is demonstrated not in silencing dissent, but in amplifying it when it calls for change. It is found not in glorifying the status quo, but in challenging it to meet the needs and aspirations of its people.
Nigeria’s potential is undeniable, but its progress depends on a citizenry unafraid to demand better and a leadership willing to deliver it. To build a nation worthy of pride, we must confront uncomfortable truths, dismantle systems of oppression, and replace them with structures that prioritize equity, opportunity, and integrity.
Patriotism is not a shield for incompetence or corruption; it is a call to action for a better tomorrow.
And it is only when the voices of the people are heard, respected, and acted upon that we can begin to heal, rebuild, and realize the Nigeria of our dreams.
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