The fundamental problems that are responsible for the degradation of the Nigerian State

Nigeria gained her independence from Britain in 1960, a nation with diverse  religious and ethnic beliefs, a strong man power base and the most populous black nation on earth. Refer to as the giant of Africa,who has found herself in a comatose state in major political, and economic revivals sweeping through the world.

The fundamental problems of Nigeria are not far fetched, and the solution are within our reach, but is the political class ready to take decisions that are not self centred on a few? 

Below are a few  reasons for the degradation of the Nigeria state.

1-Religious and ethnic fanaticism: 

This is the major problem for the cause of the failure nigeria finds herself, religious and ethnic fanaticism has clouded our judgements, destroying our sense of patriotism. Its disheartening to know that Nigerians identify with their religion and ethnic background before their nationality. This has cause major ill decisions to be taken to please certain ethnicity, without considering the effect on the nation at large.

Solution: Nigerians must learn to put the nation first before religion and ethnicity, identify as a Nigerian instead of a tribe.

2-Political Godfather-ism: 

This has been our major undoing as a nation, intellectuals are deprived political and elective positions because of their lack of political godfathers, mediocre are given juicy position because of their names and background influenced my political godfathers. This is the reason why square pegs are placed in round holes,and poor managers are at the helm of political offices leading the nation astray.

Solution: People should be made leaders because of what they are capable of doing,what they have done in the past and their intellectual prowess. Elective positions should be open to independent candidates, and the influences of godfathers brought to the barest minimal.

3-Inability of technocrats and men/women of Goodwill to venture into leadership/elective positions:  

This has been influenced mainly by the bloodshed involved in Nigeria politics, the shady processes and godfather-ism has made most intellectuals and persons of Goodwill to stay off politics for their safety and that of their families and loved ones. More proven individuals must be given fair playing grounds to take up leadership mantle in Nigeria.

Solution: Persons of Goodwill must strive to elective and leadership position, proven individuals must stand to be elected. Security of life and properties must be guarantee for all, and independent candidacy should be encouraged.

4-Wrong recruitment policies by government: 

Nigeria has one of the worst recruiting policy, dubious by every standards. Jobs placement are rarely advertised, or  new  recruits are hand picked by politicians, royal fathers and men/women of affluence leaving qualified individual without jobs or opportunity to secure the leftover positions .we must understand that when one is given a position by favour and not qualification, they tend to return the favour at all cost even if its at the detriment of the system.

Solution: Equal opportunities must be given to all not withstanding their political view or ethnic background. Only the qualified must be employed and all recruitment should be advertised, conducted by independent bodies/agencies, and the process transparent.

5-Corrupt tendencies of the average Nigerian:

Rated as one of the most corrupt nation on earth, has made corrupt practices seem the norm among Nigerians. With the overwhelming allegations of corruption by most leaders, law enforcement agencies, and governmental parastatal, its like pushing a truck drawn on the wall to move, asking a normal average Nigerian not to indulge in corrupt practices when an opportunity arises. Though it must be noted that Nigeria have men and women of undisputable characters at all works of life who are pace setters and upright .

Solution: Strict penalty to corrupt individuals, not withstanding their status and influence.

Written by

Udu Bright.