By Milcah Tanimu
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will heal their land” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
The above passage from the Bible speaks volumes about the state of a nation’s health, likening it to that of mere mortals. A nation becomes sick when its economic, political, social, and spiritual foundations are irreparably shattered, resembling an open wound.
Drawing from the Holy Bible, we learn of instances where divine intervention was necessitated due to societal corruption and violence. In the Book of Genesis, God’s decision to cleanse the earth with a great flood, sparing only Noah and his family, underscores the severity of the sickness of corruption and violence.
The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, as depicted in Genesis 19:24, serve as poignant case studies of societal sickness. These cities reached such depths of depravity, particularly in matters of sexual immorality and antisocial behavior, that they incurred divine wrath and were ultimately destroyed.
Much like medical textbooks catalog various illnesses, Nigeria’s ailments are manifold, inviting divine ire. Eedris Abdulkareem, a gifted musician, aptly captured the nation’s sickness in his song “Nigeria Jaga Jaga,” portraying the pervasive disarray. However, speaking truth to power often invites scorn, as evidenced by the backlash faced by Abdulkareem from a former president.
When corruption festers unchecked, it corrodes the very fabric of society. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron’s characterization of Nigeria as “fantastically corrupt” struck a chord of truth, albeit controversial. Recent revelations, including the uncovering of a ₦37 billion fraud in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, highlight the depth of Nigeria’s corruption.
Corruption transcends political boundaries, implicating administrations past and present. Under various regimes, from Obasanjo to Buhari, allegations of corruption have tainted the corridors of power. Efforts to combat this scourge are often stymied, with cases languishing and perpetrators evading justice.
Leadership, or the lack thereof, compounds Nigeria’s malaise. Chinua Achebe aptly diagnosed Nigeria’s “trouble” as rooted in failed leadership. Rather than emulate visionary leaders like Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, Nigeria has often been saddled with despots akin to Mobutu Sese Sekou and Idi Amin.
In the political realm, subservience often trumps scrutiny, as evidenced by the “rubber stamp” Senate under Ahmed Lawan and now Godswill Akpabio. Governors prioritize personal enrichment over governance, while ministers prioritize personal agendas over public service.
Religious leaders, entrusted with moral guidance, are not immune to corruption’s allure. Transparency International frequently cites Nigeria as a case study in corruption, underscoring the pervasiveness of this societal ill.
To cure Nigeria’s ailments, a multifaceted approach is required. The fight against corruption must be relentless, with stringent penalties for offenders. Similarly, the electorate must demand accountability from their leaders, rejecting those who prioritize self-interest over national welfare.
Dr. Uche Akunebu, Head of Poets of the World in Nigeria and Editor of African Book Series at the International Human Rights Arts Festival, New York, offers a sobering diagnosis of Nigeria’s sicknesses, prescribing vigilance and accountability as the antidotes to national malaise.