By Emmanuel Sixtus
Nigeria, a nation renowned for its rich culture and determined and vibrant spirit, has also become synonymous with the phrase “suffering and smiling.”
This duality reflects a troubling acceptance of hardship and injustice, where citizens wear smiles despite their struggles. It also aids corruption and leads to right abuses, a freedom that leads to absolute corruption.
However, this mindset is no longer acceptable. It has led to complacency among elected leaders, who often act in their interests rather than those of the people. It is time for Nigerians to awaken, demand accountability from their leaders, and embrace a future where change is not just a wish but a reality. The core issue is not ethnicity but the collective unwillingness to confront the failures of governance.
Collective unwillingness led to the failure of the bad governance and hunger protests. The attempt to change the status quo failed even before it began, setting the country’s emancipation backwards.
The phenomenon of “suffering and smiling” illustrates a deep-rooted acceptance of poor leadership. For years, Nigerians have endured economic hardships, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services, all while maintaining a facade of resilience.
This attitude has inadvertently allowed leaders to evade responsibility for their actions. For instance, countless promises have been made during election campaigns, only to be forgotten once candidates assume office. Citizens have tolerated this behaviour for too long, conditioned to believe that suffering is a part of life. However, this acceptance must end. It is crucial for Nigerians to recognise that they deserve better and have the power to demand change.
One significant example of this awakening can be seen in the youth-led movements that have emerged in recent years. The #EndSARS protest in 2020 brought together thousands of young Nigerians who united against police brutality, demanding accountability and reform. This movement demonstrated that when citizens refuse to accept suffering, they can create ripples of change.
By standing together, individuals from various ethnic backgrounds showed that the fight for justice transcends tribal differences. This solidarity is a powerful reminder that the focus should be on holding leaders accountable rather than allowing ethnic divisions to distract from the real issues at hand.
EndSars yielded a significant result, forcing the government to disband the dreaded SARS after it had vowed never to do that. The resolve of young Nigerians showed that the impossible can be possible in the country if the right attitude is shown.
Furthermore, the importance of civic engagement cannot be overstated. Citizens must actively participate in the democratic process, ensuring their voices are heard. This includes voting, advocating for transparency, and demanding that elected officials prioritise the needs of the people.
By engaging in local governance and community initiatives, individuals can foster accountability at all levels. This proactive approach can dismantle the complacency that has allowed poor leadership to persist. The emphasis should not be on ethnicity but on shared goals and aspirations for a better Nigeria.
Nevertheless, the doubt that exists in the ability of civic engagement to affect change in the country is not thrown out of the window, but there is no point folding hands and looking at the leaders make a mess of our country without putting up a fight, irrespective of the doubt and how insignificant the action may appear.
Additionally, education plays a pivotal role in shaping the mindset of future generations. Schools should emphasise critical thinking and civic responsibility, teaching students to question authority and advocate for their rights.
By nurturing a sense of empowerment, young Nigerians can grow up knowing that they do not have to accept suffering as a norm. Instead, they can learn to challenge the status quo and demand accountability from their leaders. This shift in mindset is essential for fostering a culture of change where citizens believe in their ability to influence governance.
There is a need for a fundamental disconnect to accountability question, with most Nigerians believing that the government has nothing to do with them. So, the mindset needs to change from the basics, where education can be of great importance.
In conclusion, the time has come for Nigerians to awaken from the slumber of suffering and smiling. This acceptance of hardship has allowed elected leaders to neglect their duties, prioritising personal gain over the welfare of the people.
Ethnicity should not be seen as a barrier; instead, it should be embraced as a source of strength that unites individuals in the fight for justice.
By demanding accountability, engaging in civic processes, and prioritising education, Nigerians can pave the way for a brighter future.
The path to change begins with the realisation that suffering does not have to be a way of life. Only by standing together can the nation reclaim its power and create a Nigeria where joy and prosperity are the norms, not the exceptions.
