Fourteen years into this democratic dispensation, not a few Nigerians are disappointed and frustrated that the anticipated "dividend of democracy" appears elusive. Despite our celebrated "potentials" for greatness, we are still yearning to be accorded our rightful place in the comity of nations. While our macroeconomic indices have improved by all the standard empirical measures, we still lag far behind on the world's human development indices. Our people long for a quantum leap in their quality of life. While change in human affairs is often by way of gradual improvement, the patience of Nigerians has been stretched thin. And discontent is evident in the cynicism with which most people greet indicators of progress. And can you blame those who want to see the Nigeria of our dreams yesterday?
So what really is our problem? Why is our hope deferred? We lament that we have poor leadership and bad governance. We point at the greed which has virtually canonised corruption in public service. But why do we really expect bad trees to bring forth good fruits? Why are we surprised when bad trees produce after their kind? Why do we expect sweet waters from fountains desecrated by bile?
It is futile to expect positive change when our politics and government officials at various levels are without morality. When truth is despised; when justice is trodden upon; when lucre is the object of all things; how will peace, progress and prosperity reign?
When I speak of Righteousness as one of the cardinal principles of my political philosophy (CREST: Courage, Righteousness, Equity, Service and Truth), some have presumed I speak of religion. Religion never did any good in the world. Religion is not righteousness. Righteousness is the genuine fear of God which produces right conduct before men and towards men. Righteousness: the Fear of God; the love of Truth, Justice and Equity; Goodness; Humanity; Transparency; Integrity.
Righteousness is what exalts nations. Nigeria will not be lifted by religion or religiosity. Nigeria will be exalted by Righteousness. Those who are in leadership or seek to be leaders must make righteousness their lifestyle if Nigeria is to be exalted. It is time we emplace a Righteous Order!
God bless Nigeria!
Nigeria di fure!!
So what really is our problem? Why is our hope deferred? We lament that we have poor leadership and bad governance. We point at the greed which has virtually canonised corruption in public service. But why do we really expect bad trees to bring forth good fruits? Why are we surprised when bad trees produce after their kind? Why do we expect sweet waters from fountains desecrated by bile?
It is futile to expect positive change when our politics and government officials at various levels are without morality. When truth is despised; when justice is trodden upon; when lucre is the object of all things; how will peace, progress and prosperity reign?
When I speak of Righteousness as one of the cardinal principles of my political philosophy (CREST: Courage, Righteousness, Equity, Service and Truth), some have presumed I speak of religion. Religion never did any good in the world. Religion is not righteousness. Righteousness is the genuine fear of God which produces right conduct before men and towards men. Righteousness: the Fear of God; the love of Truth, Justice and Equity; Goodness; Humanity; Transparency; Integrity.
Righteousness is what exalts nations. Nigeria will not be lifted by religion or religiosity. Nigeria will be exalted by Righteousness. Those who are in leadership or seek to be leaders must make righteousness their lifestyle if Nigeria is to be exalted. It is time we emplace a Righteous Order!
God bless Nigeria!
Nigeria di fure!!
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