It is three years today I wrote the article titled: Nigeria and ‘Nigeria’. I decided to bring it back (although a little edited) for your reading pleasure as some of the issues I wrote about are still relevant, even today.

From where I sit, there was country called Nigeria. And there is one called ‘Nigeria’.

Nigeria was a country that was birthed by the strongwill and singularity of purpose of visionary citizens of a state amalgamated, almost against their wishes by the colonial masters, who put in their years to see their joint-state become the envy of all and the leader of the black race. ‘Nigeria’, on the other hand, is the country we live in: one our heroes past would never have thought will become of their beloved fatherland.

But here we are. Nigeria is now ‘Nigeria’: a product of our own maladministration and gross disregard for all forms of accountability. We have made emperors of public servants and watered down the sufferings of the common man for whom they are supposedly in office.

The fight for independence (and subsequent transition to a Republic) was for Nigeria: a self-governed state of opportunities and freedom where things were done in accordance to set laws of the land, and orderliness is the anchor-act.

‘Nigeria’, on the other hand, is a state ruled by carefrees and well-known, the world over, for its institutionalized acts of corruption, moral decadence, cultural mis-orientation, religious fanaticism, and vices those who fought for independence wouldn’t have thought possible to find amidst the citizens of Nigeria, for whom they fought with the pen and might, almost always putting their individual lives at risk.

We are where we are. I once read someone say the problem with ‘Nigeria’ is ‘Nigerians’. I also once heard a revered man of God speak about how badly ‘Nigerians’ are viewed abroad so much so his police commissioner-friend in the United Kingdom assumed there are three sets of people in the world: the whites, the blacks, and ‘Nigerians’.

How did we get here? How did Nigerians get to become ‘Nigerians’? Isn’t this the country that once had the best military in Africa? Is not this the nation whose Head of State at the time told the world money isn’t the problem with us, but how to spend it? I guess that was Nigeria: ‘Nigeria’ is the world’s poverty headquarters now.

Nigeria began its shameful transition to ‘Nigeria’ from the absurd end of the First Republic. It just didn’t seem so at the time. It takes time for a diseased leg to rotten: and, of course, smell afterwards. The military coup that ended the First Republic didn’t help the country.

As bitter as it is to admit, that singular act of forceful power-grab by the military, which led to the emergence of the then General Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi as military Head of State, still haunts the Igbos. That, on its own, is special discuss.

From the end of that very founding Republic, the country – Nigeria began her unenviable developmental decline to the nation – ‘Nigeria’. This is not to say the country was perfect its Nigerian days, but it was better at that time.

In those days, national leaders had visions they lived and led by. Visionaries called the shots and were doing the dig in sharp contrast to what is obtainable in ‘Nigeria’. Politicians, these days, are all about self-interest and self-wealth-amassment.

What’s the way forward? From where I sit, it’s about unlearning the “self” mantra and picking up the “us” banner. It is generally assumed that ‘if the head is faulty, all other body parts will not be well’. Our leaders should sit up and be ready to be held accountable when the people they serve demand accountability.

Leaders from the Second Republic to this present crop of leaders haven’t really had the interest of the nation at heart. The General Ibrahim Babangida-led administration clandestinely institutionalized corruption.

President Muhammadu Buhari promised change from the status-quo. How much has he faired? If anything, he has only selectively prosecuted perceived enemies and almost free them the moment they become members of his ruling All Progressive Congress.

I wonder what Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, is still doing in office with the evidence of corruption against him. Corruption is an impeachable offence, but man is dancing free and living large off his state.

Our anti-corruption ruler even raised his hands for a second term. Around the retired General’s cabinet, there are endless lists of persons involved in sharp practices and other acts of betrayal of public trust.

We can be great again. We can rise from the ashes of our present state to be the epicenter of world morals and good governance, if only we are willing. Nigeria isn’t short of smart people: the country have just had the misfortune of being ruled by people who are all about self.

There is one thing these ‘rulers’ don’t know: eventually, one day, the people will be tired of being ruled without empathy and will face them, no matter the weapons at the disposal of government or personnel they recruit to protect themselves.

Nigeria was a pride. ‘Nigeria’ is a shame. It is only right government consider the Mali situation, and adjust its policies to make the people its priority.

A word is enough for the wise.

Akintomide Aroso is a public commentator
Twitter: @tomidearoso