Nigeria: Liberation of a Dying Nation

If the events of the last few days or weeks did not trigger an emotion in you then I don't know what would. 

The anxieties, diatribes and resultant loss of lives and properties. The aggression, pain, agony and the blame games that usually follow our gradual but steady return to our old and unchanging routines got me thinking; Nigeria, will we ever get it right? When are we going to end the politics of violence fueled by either tribalism or religion? 

Anyway, today I want to share something most of you might already be familiar with. It's called; Maslow's hierarchy of needs as can be seen in the table below

I won't bore you with so much talk but a look at the table shows that physiological needs are basic needs which are vital for our survival. Some of these include; water, food, air and sleep. Maslow was of the belief that a person who does not have or is being denied these basic needs, would be unable to focus on the other necessary needs on that table. Infact the other needs would be irrelevant to him until and unless he is able to  satisfy his basic needs. 

Therefore, it is only when a person has achieved these basic needs would he turn his attention to his Security and safety Needs which are also important for his survival. By security needs, Maslow meant; steady employment, emotional and financial security, health insurance, safe neighborhoods and his overall wellbeing. For Maslow, neglecting these needs could result in a mental health condition such as anxiety disorder or even post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). 

At this point, it is important to mention that Nigeria as a nation recognizes the importance of these basic needs. As such Chapter two (2) of the 1999 constitution elaborately provides for the well-being of Nigerians but somehow, the drafts men decided to rob the people of their power of demanding for the enforcement of these rights by making them non-justiciable. This has resulted in chronic underperformance by our leaders and groomed their insatiable hunger for power and the national cake.  

Over the years these our smart leaders, who are aware of this major deformity in our constitution, have continued to drive the nail into this slowly capsizing ship called Nigeria by ignoring or outrightly turning a blind eye to the demands for an amendment of this section of our law. An amendment that would free our nation from the burden of corruption and open the doors to improvement and development. 

I'm sure you're wondering Why? The answer is not farfetched but this is not a political or legal essay and I will not derail by delving into an over flogged issue.

If you are still reading my thoughts, then some questions are undoubtedly running through your head at this point. Like you, I have some pertinent questions;

How would Nigerians ever get to the last level of need on Maslow's hierarchy which is self actualization? Will Nigeria as a nation ever be able to move on to this level of advanced development when more than half of the population cannot meet their basic needs simply because of the corrupt practices of a few who are continuously draining the system to enrich themselves?

Well, we all know our corruption is almost endemic but my main worry is; how and why would the same poor masses who have and are being robbed of their fundamental rights be clamouring, fighting each other and campaigning for these tin gods who are responsible for their woes? The same men and women who have over the years denied us all of our basic life needs?

After pondering and meditating for awhile I concluded that indeed, true change needs to start with the liberation of our mindset as a people and our choices as a nation. Only when that is done, would we become truly liberated and independent.

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