The stark reality of Nigeria’s situation is disheartening. The pervasive culture of endless grabbing and exploitation has become entrenched. Speaking truth to power is often met with resistance, and those who dare to challenge the status quo are frequently maligned (Corruption fighting back)
The critical question remains: who will make the necessary sacrifices to bring about transformative change? The entrenched interests of corruption will continue to fight back, often vilifying the very individuals committed to driving positive reform.
Nigeria’s struggle for genuine emancipation from mental slavery persists. Our people remain shackled by self-interest and shortsightedness ( Yi o bunmi lo so talika di eru), rather than embracing selflessness and collective empowerment.
History has shown that great nations are built by selfless leaders who prioritize the welfare and empowerment of their citizens, rather than personal aggrandizement. It is time for Nigeria to embark on this path.
We urge brave and courageous individuals to step forward, willing to challenge the entrenched interests and fight for a better future. We must support these champions of change, rather than allowing selfish forces to silence them.
Together, we can break free from the cycle of corruption and build a nation founded on justice, equality, and selfless leadership.
The Nigeria Quagmire: Breaking the Silence and Challenging the Status Quo
Edmund Burke did say:
“ The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing …”
Many await a miraculous solution to Nigeria’s woes, remaining silent in the face of injustice and evil. Some conform to the crowd, compromising their values for fleeting favours or personal gain. The insidious phrase “every man has a price”
“ these riff-raffs that I will wrap around my fingers”
perpetuates a culture of corruption.
We are complicit, waiting for a heroic figure to rescue our nation. But heroes emerge from among us. It’s time to break the silence, challenge the status quo, and confront the forces of oppression.
We must recognize our collective responsibility to drive change. The change Nigeria needs begins with each individual’s courage to:
– Speak truth to power
– Refuse to be swayed by bribes or favours
– Stand against injustice and corruption
– Demand accountability from leaders
The wait for an Angelic saviour must end. We are the agents of change Nigeria needs. Let us rise above apathy, unite, and forge a better future for our nation.
Conclusion
-stop dwelling on what you can grab or gain but what you can offer and give to make a change
– Encourage collective action and personal responsibility.
– need for selfless leadership.
– historical precedent of successful nations built on selfless leadership.
– need to inspire and mobilise individuals to drive positive change.
– Avoid inflammatory or divisive rhetoric, focusing on constructive critique and solutions-oriented dialogue.
– shun ‘the pull down’ Syndrome
– ’sit down look’ syndrome
– ’yi o bunmi lo so talika di eru’ syndrome ( expectations of crumbs from the masters table turned the poor man to a slave)
– Emphasize the need to break silence and challenge corruption
– unsettle the settled
– Inspire individuals to become agents of positive change.
– Utilize persuasive language to mobilize and motivate.
– respect the human dignity of every human being.
– join the change agents to build the Nigeria of our dreams
Thank you.
Mandy Demechi-Asagba
President
African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)
