The Unfortunate Reality: Why Nigerians May Never Know a Sane Society
As I reflect on the state of our nation, I am reminded of the stark contrast between Nigeria and Ghana. Our West African neighbor has consistently demonstrated what it means to have a functional and peaceful society, while we continue to grapple with the basics.
Let’s start with the recent general elections in Ghana. The transparency and peaceful conduct of the polls were a testament to the country’s commitment to democracy. In contrast, Nigeria’s last general election was marred by violence, manipulation, and blatant disregard for the electoral process. It’s clear that our politicians are more interested in maintaining their grip on power than in serving the people.
But it’s not just about elections. Ghana has made significant strides in providing basic amenities to its citizens. For instance, the government has introduced free fare for commuters, a move that has eased the burden on citizens and promoted economic growth. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, our politicians are too busy lining their pockets to care about the welfare of the people.
And then there’s the issue of electricity. Ghanaians enjoy a relatively stable power supply, while Nigerians are still grappling with darkness and generators. It’s laughable that our politicians promise to fix the power sector, but we all know that’s just a pipe dream. They’ve pocketed the nation, and we’re just along for the ride.
Furthermore, Ghana has managed to maintain a level of peace and stability among its ethnic groups. In Nigeria, however, we’re still struggling to overcome our differences. The constant clashes between ethnic groups are a testament to our politicians’ inability to unite the nation.
Lastly, Ghana’s water system is another area where they’ve shown us up. While Ghanaians enjoy access to clean drinking water, Nigerians are still struggling to get this basic necessity.
I challenge Nigerians to name one thing we enjoy more than Ghanaians. Is it our corrupt politicians? Our decrepit infrastructure? Our lack of basic amenities? I think not.
It’s time for us to face the music: Nigeria is a failed state, and our politicians are the ones who have failed us. Until we demand better, we’ll continue to wallow in this mess. Ghana may not be perfect, but they’re certainly doing something right. Can we say the same?