Photo credit: Steemit.

John Taiwo Adeniji 

Like a foregrounded event typical of theatrical and a prosaic piece, Nigerians have taken the fall of the president of the federation, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an indicator of his administration’s ineffectiveness, and the likelihood of difficult times to come. Comments such as “our fallen heroes”, “it is a fall for us all”, “the naira will rise again”. Further unsavoury and satirical comments have surfaced on the internet, since the incident of the president of the country tripping publicly during  the democracy day’s celebration. Interestingly, only a few commentators have reacted to this occurrence from a somewhat humanity perspective, after all he is human, and is not immune to falling, just like anyone. A closer look at the majority of these comments reflects the common disposition of an average Nigerian towards their leaders, and the resolution of many, as far as the entity called the Federal Republic of Nigeria is concerned. In fact many would assert that the nation is a ‘done deal’, and would even impulsively jest that the nation be sold and the return of such transactions, be shared among its citizens.

Recall that at the wake of the Tinubu-led administration, which commenced May 29, 2023, during the president’s inaugural address which held the Eagle Square, Abuja, President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy. A stimuli-like effect of this, to the perplexity of the average Nigerians, the following weeks witnessed the introduction of more policies which has proven to be largely anti-people, such as the approval of the proposal by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission to increase the electricity tariff, a development that eventually resulted in a 240 percent (%) hike in the electricity tariff; the signing of student loan into law, as public university students were tased with the advent of hike in fees, and introduction of unwarranted charges, and the more recent change of the country’s national anthem to an older, colonial version. The issue of the reverting to the old anthem being an undertaking of the Tinubu-led administration, considered trivial,  in the face  of  more important national issues that demands urgent concerns and attention. With the administrations’ antecedents of notability for economic unrest, and hardship, Nigerians are sure bent on not forgiving whomsoever they deem the agent of their sufferings. This is to say that any window of opportunity that chances can afford to get back at their tormentors are greatly maximised, no matter how minute and seemingly insignificant.

However, these behaviours and reactions are not appropriate pursuant to patriotism as a value that should saturate the disposition of loyal Nigerians towards the country’s plight and challenges. In what turns out to be a sad development, tons of Nigerians esteem attacking the government an act of a greater good compared to offering their unalloyed, constructive criticism, blindly arguing that the government’s refusal to embrace criticism is a justification for the countless, incessant name-calling and dragging of political leaders on the internet, without any provided solution. It is noteworthy that appraising citizens’ despicable kickback against the government is not a national healthy move any patriotic Nigerian should resort to. It must also be taken into note that this does not translate to the supporting or defending of the government in any corruption-related acts. Hence, two wrongs will never make a right.

In keeping up with democracy, Nigerians must demonstrate values that echo their devotion to the nation’s cause. Their responses to issues of national concern should be informed by the moment, under review in a worthwhile, constructive and a positive manner, accompanied with corresponding actions as much as possible. A good number of our forebears have unrelentlessly contributed to achieving a “working” Nigeria as a legacy, pledged to uphold in our avowal of commitment to not rendering the labour of our past heroes vain. Nigerians must strife to have the nation’s noble cause engrafted in their heart and guided by positivity, and a firm hope in a great Nigeria. Rather than revel in the misfortune of our current leaders. We must all come together, unitedly, to alleviate the causes of our recurrent failure while continuously occupied in that relentless strife to achieve a better Nigeria.

The ability to boast of citizens who are compassionate of their nation’s aspiration, aims, and goals is an hallmark of democracy. In addition to a democratic government being “the government of the people, for the people, and by the people” hence, the voice of the people, on their part must also identify with the nation’s principles and objectives as nationalistic armorial bearer of the nation’s herald of change, and a renewed hope.