Part 1: In the beginning
It seems to me that the founding fathers did not carefully consider the implications of the independence of a Nigerian nation - a nation not yet fully formed or structured, a premature birth that almost became a stillbirth only a few years down the line.
They did not consider in Myles Monroe's words, the burden of the freedom they sought.
Infactuated with the idea of sovereignty, not much thought was given to the path immediately following that sovereignty.
The same trend continues today. We seek the glory of Western advancement without laying the foundations to sustain the structure that will reach to the sky. Nigeria complies with literally every global standard, on paper at least. The reality is often far removed.
Even the infinitely wise God portrayed in the Scriptures, in granting us freedom from sin and its debilitating effects, did not leave us in any doubt about the weight of responsibility that was attached to the free gift He gave. The Scriptures labour to impress upon the follower of Jesus, the joys he will find, the peace he receives, as well as the tribulation that will follow his choice, the suffering that will try to frustrate his resolve...
Everything is clearly spelt out.
But our 'visionary' leaders did not see that far into the future. They were young and eager, excited at the thought of revolution. Did they seek counsel?
Today, many of those who were witnesses of the independence Nigeria, and have lived this long, still hold tenaciously to power - perhaps they seek absolution from their consciences for the mistakes of the past, mistakes that have now mutated into a monstr behemoth of trouble that seems suicidal to confront and resolve.
The solution points in one direction - a comprehensive review of our constitution - the definition of Nigeria and what it means to be Nigerian.
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