The late nationalist, Pa Anthony Enahoro, expressed concerns about Nigeria's readiness for independence in 1956, citing the country's lack of preparedness to take over from British rule. Enahoro recounted an incident in Ondo where an elderly man questioned his ability to lead the country to independence. This conversation has stuck with Enahoro over the years, and he often reflects on it when considering the country's current state. Enahoro's concerns were echoed by many Nigerians who felt that the country was not ready for self-rule.
Nigeria gained independence in 1960, but the country's development has been marred by political instability and economic challenges. The parliamentary system, inherited from Westminster, and an economy structured to produce raw materials for British industries, have hindered the country's growth. The First Republic, which lasted from 1960 to 1966, was cut short by a military coup that led to over 13 years of military rule. During this period, the country experienced an oil boom, but the wealth was not used to build lasting infrastructure or diversify the economy.
The military regime's transition programme led to the emergence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the country's first President in the current democratic dispensation. However, the country's problems persisted, including a dependence on oil exports, corruption, and decaying infrastructure. The 1979 transition to the Second Republic saw the introduction of a presidential system, but politicians in the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) were accused of being corrupt and irresponsible. The country's economy continued to decline, and hospitals became mere dispensaries.
The Khaki boys took over in 1983, and General Muhammadu Buhari and General Ibrahim Babangida exchanged power in 1985. Babangida's regime implemented an endless transition programme, which led to the June 12 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria's history. However, the military annulled the election results, leading to a crisis that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Nigerians and the imprisonment of dozens.
The Obasanjo administration, which came into power after the crisis, failed to address the country's ills and put it on a sound footing for growth and development. The military and their civilian counterparts had supported Obasanjo's installation, with the late Admiral Mike Akhigbe stating that the military wanted Obasanjo to be Nigeria's own Nelson Mandela. However, Obasanjo's regime did not bring about the desired change, and the country's problems persisted.
Today, Nigeria is 66 years old, but its development has been arrested. The country's ruling elites have been accused of being parasitic, capricious, and insensitive to the plight of Nigerians. The country's dependence on oil exports continues, and corruption remains a major challenge. The lack of effective leadership has hindered the country's growth, and it is doubtful whether the country's institutions and templates are in place to secure its future.
As Nigeria looks to the future, it is clear that the country needs a strong, visionary, and selfless leader who can make a difference. The country's development has been hindered by its history of political instability, economic challenges, and lack of effective leadership. It remains to be seen whether Nigeria can turn its development around and become a prosperous and stable nation.
Key points
- Nigeria's development has been hindered by its dependence on oil exports and lack of effective leadership.
- The country's history of political instability has contributed to its arrested development.
- A strong, visionary, and selfless leader is needed to secure Nigeria's future and drive its growth and development.
