Home / News / Local / Who wouldn’t agree? By Onyeka Onyeibor
Bishop Hassan Kukah

Who wouldn’t agree? By Onyeka Onyeibor

Bishop Hassan Kukah

Bishop Hassan Kukah needs no introduction. In a country where religion has turned commercial and superficial, he brings a refreshingly new perspective. I still remember, very vividly, his contribution to the national dialogue on sales of national assets. He argued that our national assets are not in oil and gas but in the skills, capabilities and motivation of the citizens. Who wouldn’t agree?

A few days ago, at the ordination service of five new catholic priests in Abuja he added his respected voice to the raging fire of viperous and vituperative hate campaigns orchestrated by self-styled, self-appointed leaders of ‘ethnic nationalities’. He called where we stand today ‘the crossroads of shame’ and invited his followers to champion a new narrative and replace hate with love. Who wouldn’t agree?
He spoke of our resources and opportunities, our conquests and triumphs, our learning and diversity. At every turn he asked a very interesting question – ‘my people, what has God not done for us?’ We have been blessed beyond measure – arable land, sun in season, amplified optimism, warm heart, hardworking people, and wealth that nations covet, just under the ground we match. Who wouldn’t agree?
When you see a hungry man, be charitable. When you see a man that has food but is still hungry, be curious. When you see a man that has food but is hungry and begs for food, be alarmed. When you see a man that has food, but is hungry, begs for food and prepares for war, call for deliverance. Nigeria happens to be the 4th man. Who wouldn’t agree?
The dictionary defines wealth and prosperity in similar terms. The Nigerian experience challenges the appropriateness of that and calls for a subtle distinction. Wealth is what you receive. Prosperity is what you make from what you received. One is passive. The other is active. You may win a lottery and become wealthy but you need more than luck to create prosperity. Nigeria is richly blessed of God. Nigerians have not turned the blessings to prosperity. Who wouldn’t agree?
At this juncture, an easy escape is to point at leadership. A common rhetoric is that our leaders are corrupt and irresponsible. Every society creates the leadership it deserves. Our leaders are corrupt to the extent the followers excuse and celebrate corruption. So long as we define success in numbers and revere those with the highest toll without consideration for the means of ascent, for so long will our leaders be motivated to steal. If you fetch ant-ridden firewood, lizards will be your guests of honor. Who wouldn’t agree?
The rising spate of regional / ethnic agitations reflects the common man’s anger for the failure of the Nigerian state to convert wealth to prosperity. This is tragic. But what is more tragic is the deliberate hijack of this righteous anger by elites of diverse agenda but one goal. This goal is to shield the true enemy and perpetuate or at least extend the common misery. Imagine if our collective energy is directed at corruption, poor governance, nepotism, mediocrity and all social constructs that keep us away from the prosperity that is within reach. Wouldn’t that herald our glorious future? Who wouldn’t agree?
My problem is not the hardworking Adamu in Obolo-Afor diligently providing for his kith and kin. Your problem is not Emeka in Zaria legitimately exchanging service for money. Our problem is not who stands or kneels to pray to his God. Our problem is the mediocrity we accept and celebrate. Nigerians should rise; not against Nigerians but against corruption in all forms and shades. Who wouldn’t’ agree?
Onyeibor wrote in from Lagos, Nigeria.

About Global Patriot Staff

Check Also

Bridging energy access gap vital for Nigeria’s economic growth, says NNPC Chief

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has emphasized the critical importance of bridging …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *