Democracy & Governance
Beyond Just Criticism; Nigerians Should Play A Role -By Adesina Julius Oluwamayokun
As a Nigerian, What can you offer Nigeria? In your domicile, school, place of work, or the society you find yourself, how could Nigeria’s brouhaha be alleviated by you? Hopefully, Nigeria will grow, but play a role!
![Nigerians in Diaspora](https://www.opinionnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/images-2.jpg)
Plethora of times, I’ve come across copious miseducated Nigerians, who have delight in saying they just want to get to the throne and get their own fair share of the national cake, some will shamelessly say they would turn to vagabond causing havoc in the country if government refuses to provide them employment.
Meanwhile, some still believe in a better Nigeria, and with that, they continually lament, and cast devastating blames on our leaders for failing to implement a pertinent course, or their promised plans.
Truly, criticism is good, as political opposition is not hatred, it’s a necessary ingredient of democracy; for it’s to flourish and grow without which the government will soon become dictatorial and take the people for granted. But deep with our criticisms, how have we been able to restructure this country? Do we only clamour for change from one corner of our rooms, while we keep thriving with fraudulent act?
Do we only criticize them on social media saying our government is bad, and still, we exhibit all sort of humiliating and unruly attitudes being orchestrated by our leaders?
Remember that,citizens are the government, and the government is us. Then, What role do you play as a Nigerian?
Effective nation building starts when everybody goes back to his community to contribute his quota at ensuring a meaningful development.
Selfless service to our community is one of the social obligations we must observe religiously, and as we demand for accountability and stewardship from our leaders every now and then, we should also present our score card if not to the community, at least to ourselves. We need to assess ourselves and ask ourselves some rhetorical questions. Like what have I done for the past few years for the betterment and development of my community,? How can I help my community?, How can I help the government?. Gone are those good old days when members of our communities trooped out every weekend to engage in one community service or the other.
Let me wrap this up from the eternally truthful words of the hard hitting Unitarian Minister and one of the most celebrated American author, Edward Everett Hale who opined that: _”I cannot do everything. All because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”_ Government won’t offer you everything. Nigeria’s problem can’t be pacified only by the sagaciously corrupt APC, nor by the sophisticatedly incompetent PDP, but by our collective responsibility.
As a Nigerian, What can you offer Nigeria? In your domicile, school, place of work, or the society you find yourself, how could Nigeria’s brouhaha be alleviated by you? Hopefully, Nigeria will grow, but play a role!
Adesina Julius Oluwamayokun.