"Governance, let alone democracy, faces grievous, structural challenges in Nigeria," says Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Senior Fellow and Former Ambassador to Nigeria John Campbell in his book Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink. "Popular alienation and a fragmented establishment have contributed to Nigeria becoming one of the most religious and, at the same time, one of the most violent countries in the world." Of course REVOLUTION is inevitable. However, in my opinion the only revolution Nigeria needs now is the total overhaul of values principles and morals of many Nigerians.
This lucidly written book will appeal to scholars, policymakers, and in particular, the incoming administration of Tinubu's 'Unity Trinity' Presidency. John Campbell explores key political, economic, and social issues and frankly evaluates U.S. policies in helping or inhibiting the building of a stable, democratic, and less corrupt Nigeria. It is essential reading for all concerned about the unfulfilled potential, and uncertain future, of this complex nation given the significance of a time like this with heightened tension.
Considering the recent happenings in our beloved country Nigeria and how they affect and relate to the wholesomeness and development of Nigeria as a nation, before and after the election results of 2023. it is expedient to ask if Nigeria is on the precipice of an abyss. Should we be afraid for Nigeria? And is it the fear that Nigeria is on the brink of state collapse that makes people push for a quest out of the Nigerian condition? This then brings us to the question, what is the Nigerian condition?
Although there is no evidence of efforts to specifically ignore the plight of the Igbo, generations of corrupt and selfish leaders have entered and vacated office with no real plan to rebuild the East from the ruins of war, neither have they done anything for the insurgency-ravaged North-East. They have been filling their pockets with public funds while ignoring a disenchanted youth and growing anger in the voices of our compatriots particularly of the Igbo-nation Eastern region of Nigeria.
The unfolding tragedy in Sudan is a strong message and a a wake up call to a country like Nigeria. With its peoples deeply divided along ethno-geographic and religious fault lines, under a tense socio-political atmosphere arising from heightened of the 2023 general elections, the situation in Nigeria today reads like a tragic plot from the Sudanese playbook. Like Nigeria, Sudan was a British colonial creation, in which the colonials lumped racially, ethnic and religiously diverse peoples together in a self-serving scheme of nation-building experimentation.
Nigeria, like Sudan, is almost evenly split into a predominantly Muslim North and a Christian South. Our situation is delicate and made worst by the recently concluded general elections. This is exemplified by Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Peter Obi and some disgruntled elements hiding behind religion to create dissatisfaction with the intent to profit from such crisis that may ultimately send us as a nation towards the road to Sudan. What is more, the news coming from Sudan is a sad reality of leadership failure.
To prevent a slide back to violence, the incoming administration of Tinubu's 'Unity Trinity' must deploy whatever it takes to reunite the three major tribes, that is; Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba great people leading to the much expected reunion with the other smaller tribes. Our dear President-Elects Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Bola with the wisdom of king Solomon - will rise above the mischiefs of hangers-on and compromised elements so as not to be deceived like in the past with shallow mindedness "97&5%" mantra. This is part of what the reasons why we are were we are today as a trouble nation. The road to Sudan must be avoided at all cost.
Africa is at war: from within, sadly, more from without. Our fathers did their best, it’s time to be on the qui vive, extra vigilant, even as we tread the same earth they walked on. Hence, the tripod of fair play, equity and justice which are harbingers of unity in any country, particularly a nation like Nigeria given the level of despondency and shortchanged feelings amongst others. To be clear: the issue of perceived marginalization of the South East region should be properly addressed and ensure adequate representation at the highest level of Government. Finally, the Presidency of Tinubu's 'Unity Trinity' needs to use such loud statement to signposts the beginning of a new era, heal the wounds and bring every part of this country together.