By Darlington Onyebuchi Agoha
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The fundamental tragedy of the modern Nigerian state does not lie solely in the corruption of its leaders, but also in the psychological capitulation of its citizens. As a nation, we have perfected the art of being intensely religious while remaining devoid of the foundational principles of justice, accountability, and righteousness. We have substituted active citizenship with emotional tribalism. The devastating consequence of this moral deficit is a political class that easily manipulates our collective intelligence, exploiting ethnic fears and loyalties while the country continues to bleed.
Consider the grim reality facing the average Nigerian today. Citizens are buckling under the weight of systemic poverty and hunger. Parents endure the agonising humiliation of being unable to put food on the table or pay basic school fees for their children. Yet, through a bizarre form of socio-political conditioning, a leader is instantly absolved of incompetence, economic mismanagement, and governance failures the moment he shares the same region, religion, or dialect as the suffering voter. This blind loyalty is not merely misguided; it is a form of intellectual bankruptcy that actively subsidises our own oppression.
We have travelled this ruinous path before. Millions of Nigerians enthusiastically supported former President Muhammadu Buhari, shielding his administration from legitimate criticism largely because of identity politics. The consequences of that uncritical loyalty are evident today: a prolonged wave of insecurity that has transformed the country into a theatre of fear and uncertainty, where many citizens can no longer sleep with both eyes closed.
Yet history appears to be repeating itself with alarming speed. Under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the federal government has continued to accumulate significant debt, raising concerns about the long-term implications for future generations. Critics argue that excessive borrowing risks placing the Nigerian economy under increasing financial pressure and dependence on external creditors.
Astonishingly, despite these concerns and the economic hardships many Nigerians face, a vocal segment of the populace continues to defend government policies primarily through the lens of ethnic, regional, or partisan loyalty. Supporting a leader solely because he is your kinsman, despite policies that negatively affect your wellbeing, amounts to an act of profound self-sabotage. It is time to speak truth not only to those in power but also to those who enable and validate poor governance. Those who defend destructive policies under the guise of tribal solidarity risk becoming complicit in undermining the future of their own children.
Nigeria cannot survive on a diet of ethnic bigotry and superficial piety. True patriotism requires that we place the survival and progress of the nation above the narrow boundaries of tribe, religion, and sect. We must begin to judge our leaders by their competence, character, vision, and commitment to institutional accountability.
Until the Nigerian electorate learns to love the country more than its regional champions and political benefactors, we may continue to witness the paradox of a richly endowed nation populated by citizens struggling to survive.
The clock is ticking, and the choice remains ours.
*Darlington Onyebuchi Agoha is a Political Analyst and Public Interest Advocate who writes from Abuja.
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