Will You Die for Nigeria? – By Prince Charles Dickson

Posted by admin Articles, Columnists, NNP Columnists, Prince Charles Dickson Sunday, December 23rd, 2012

By Prince Charles Dickson / Jos, Nigeria / Dec. 23, 2012 –

“Facts are stubborn things…” John Adams

During the week, I sent out the above question across various platforms in and out of Nigeria, we discussed it in various forums with friends and ‘foes’ of Nigeria.

I have chosen to share excerpts from the volume of responses I got with us as an admonition. The respondents cut across creed, ethnic groups, faith, age groups, area of domicile, and gender but the core is the Nigerian question and the subject is ‘YOU’.

I start with Lekan who said: Capital ‘YES’. The reason is very simple: I have no other country that I can lay claim to. I’m not a dual citizen like some of you. I don’t even own a Ghanaian Green Card not to mention American citizenship.

Kamal responded: Yes, because I have faith in Nigeria.

For Toska it was: No, you can only make sacrifice where and when it can be appreciated. Nigeria is not worth dying for as it has not made life worth living for its citizens. Nelly answered in the affirmative too: Yes, to sanitize the rot.

“Sorry, I won’t die”, was Femi’s simple answer. Livy added: …Nigeria is not worth dying for.

Hilyeng in typical Nigerian fashion answered a question with another: Am I crazy, why should I die for Nigeria? People embezzle monies meant for development yet they collect national honors. People steal plenty money chieftaincy titles accompany them. Why should I, I have not stolen and you want me to die?

Shanono in his answer pointed out: No, I am sure all the police personnel killed by BH, just died for nothing, what has government done for their families?

Francis is patriotic in his response: Yes, Nigeria is same as me. I can die for myself. And Joe added bite: I can because no matter what the circumstances, it is still my country.

Aurora saw it in this manner: I would die for a Nigerian not Nigeria. While Heni’s response was dual, no reasons though, “Yes and No”.

Gen. Magada blurted: Never! I can’t spare even my finger nail for this country for very obvious reasons too numerous to mention…Oga I am only telling you the truth. The country has for long been for the highest bidder, so what do you expect sir?

Freddy: Not for any reason, I have never stolen money before so why should I?

Tonia: No, Nigeria and Nigerians are presently confused. If you do someone a favour, you are expecting either of two things. One, you want the person to feel indebted. Two, you want the person to say thank you, I appreciate you. But the present Nigeria won’t do any till you are dead. Why, tell me thank you after I am dead? I rest my case.

Taiwo: …. except one wants to deceive oneself there are no Nigerians (I mean ‘ordinary’ Nigerians) that are not risking their lives living in the sharks hole called Nigeria presently. It is a high risk job mere living in Nigeria!

Christian: Yes, anytime, anywhere. And Ugo countered: No! Tell why I should waste my precious life.

Victor reflects: The issue with Nigeria in my view, is a deep lack of patriotism in high places. Our leaders see politics with the same lens a business man sees his profit. People are not going into power because they are passionately driven by patriotism but to have a share of their national cake that could serve them, their family and friends for decades and long after they are out of power.
CAN I DIE FOR NIGERIA? He continued “Nigeria is my country and I have a great sense of love, passion, and commitment to contribute and impact greatly to its second birth”.

He ends by saying, “Nigeria is not going to be changed by the growing mountain of prayers that booms out of our churches and mosques daily; rather, the transformational revolution which our country needs would be possible through redefining our patriotism. Only Nigerians in Nigeria through formidable institutions can do this. If the radical transformation of Nigeria is dependent upon my dying, then I’m ready to die for my homeland. That would mean: the new nation after my death shall serve the needs of the future generation equally; build a transparent, air and truly independent judiciary. An executive totally incorrupt and accountable to both the man in suit as well as market women on their duty…then I’m ready to die in order to stop this gross economical assault, unbalanced deprivation and inhuman treatment of generations past and present”.

Wind: Die? I’m already dying for Nigeria, everyday! This present condition is it life?

Atayi puts it this way: Nigeria is only worth living for!

Kingsley says its “A big NO…I can’t be the only one making the sacrifice; at least if we are all making the sacrifice, no problem; but from the look of present day Nigeria, I still re-emphasize no.

Let me end this admonition by commiserating with the people of Kaduna state, the people of Bayelsa, families of Daba, and Sowole and thousands that don’t even get a mention.

The death of Gov. Patrick Yakowa, and the conspiracy theorists again highlights whether Nigeria is worth dying for, it’s been trivialized to a Muslim/Christian thing. And the key issues pass us by.

I will ask us to please reflect on the Nigeria in you, would you die for Nigeria, is there a Nigeria, are there Nigerians…A Dane gun is mere wood, it is the bullets that give it life, and yet in all its life, it brings only death, it cannot cause rain to fall. Nigeria is you, what happens only time will tell.

Prince Charles Dickson
Editor, burningpot.com
Nigeria’s 1st Online Newspaper
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