Patriotism is defined as love some one has for his or her country and willingness to defend it. And a patriot is a person who loves their country and who is ready to defend it against an enemy. Yes, watching and seeing the happenings in Nigeria one would conclude that there is no spirit of patriotism. When there is the spirit of patriotism in our country things will be better. Where are the patriots who have made sacrifices for the existence of our dear country? Is there any benefit of patriotism in Nigeria? Is Government at all levels, taking note of the efforts of patriots in Nigeria?
When patriotism is swept under the carpet in a country, chaos and corruption take over the system of governance. When patriotism is caged in the prison of unpatriotism, disunity, underdevelopment and bribery and corruption are let lose to intimidate the few patriots around the country. Nigeria as a nation is suffering from the spirit of lack of patriotism.
When a patriot is molested in broad light as a common criminal by the society by those in authority, what do you think will happen in such a society? There will be increase in social vices which will in turn endanger the progress of governance in the nation. Patriots are worried about the state of affairs in Nigeria. Our Nigerian anthem, the first stanza begins with this:
Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey. How can Nigerians be patriotic when the few patriots are not given due attention by the government?
History does not forget to inform the people of past events, no matter the suppression by the present circumstances. Inventors, discoverers, authors, scientists whose works help the world in away in other parts of the world were or are given national or international honors from their countries of origin. With a quick example, from the bible the prostitute Rehab who hid the two spies from being killed by her people was honored by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua.
On Monday night, 23 April, 2012, precisely at 9:00pm, I was dumbfounded while listening to a programme on silver bird television (STV). The programme called Head to I-lead was anchored by Mr. Victor Ayara and the guest was one Mr. Umoren Etim, a sacked costume officer. It was pathetic and heart breaking listening to Mr. Umoren Etim. This man was the person who aided the arrest of Charles Taylor the former president of Liberia who committed war crime against his people. According to him when he stopped the car, taking Charles Taylor out in a border town in Maidugiri, he was offered a huge sum of $450,000.00 (Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars) by Charles Taylor to let him escape from Nigeria. Mr. Umoren Etim turned down the offer which was mind blowing. It is very rare to reject such huge amount as bride. But a Nigerian in this modern age rejected such offer that would have made him a millionaire over night.
Indeed, by then in 2006, Nigeria was facing international condemnation for aiding and shielding Charles Taylor in Calabar, Nigeria. The international media beamed their search light on Nigeria. Mr. Umoren Etirn, the uncelebrated national Hero who frustrated the smart effort by Charles Taylor was embarrassed. In the words of Charles Taylor, to Mr. Umoren Etim the unknown patriot. “Take this money and save your job; for there are people in authority who are a ware of this”. Mr. Umoren Etim remained adamant and ignored the threat, and immediately made his arrest public. And suddenly, there was conspiracy to embarrass the patriot who loved the country and removed Nigeria’s name from international shame. The only national disgrace meted on him was to welcome him with a sack letter in 2006. It is unfair. Today, Mr. Umoren Etim is suffering for the good work he has done for cleaning Nigeria’s name from the mud. He has not received any benefit from the Nigerian custom services and the Nigerian government.
And every day we hear jingles on radios and televisions soliciting patriotism from Nigerians. Is it good to disgrace a Hero who has performed extra ordinarily? That alone kills the spirit of patriotism which we are yearning for as a nation. If the few Nigerians who are patriotic are treated like the ancient days armed robbers, think what will be the fate of intending patriots. Mr. Umoren Etim deserves a national honour in Nigeria and reinstatement from the Nigerian custom services.
When Idris Abulkareem released a piece entitled Nigeria Jagajaga the Nigerian Government did not waste time to ban the song. And in the song the artiste made reference to Charles Taylor hiding in Calabar. It is time for Nigerians to know the truth because the sets you free. Taiwo Ajdwonmi the man who designed the national flag was not honoured as Nigerian hero. But in some other nations of other world, his history for doing just designing “The green, white green” will remain indelible.
The issue is that the way government treats the courageous patriots makes others to join the crowd. It is not helping our economic and political system. Those who squander public treasuries are celebrated in Nigeria and red carpet is put for home coming. That is why Nigerians are afraid to cooperate with security agencies in the country when the offer ransom to aid the arrest of criminal elements. And again Nigeria as a country stands the chances of loosing man power to other nations of the world. How can Nigerians support government to succeed in fighting corruption? When the corrupt officials are celebrated and public party is organized for their release from short prison term? We need to change as a people.
It is time for government to build trust: That is encouraging patriots who have shown patriotism in the face of huge bribery that would have changed their entire lives for life. I know there are patriots and there will be patriots who will serve humanity without minding the ill treatment from those who suppose to promote them. That is why we n easily observe poor maintenance culture in the country. That is why some body can have to guts to vandalize public facilities and go scout free without arrest. Because if you dare report the culprits to the authority the hand of clock will be turned against you.
But for how long shall we continue in this obnoxious practice as a nation? This is the only time we have as a nation to promote patriotism. Let us not kill the spirit of patriotism that we earnestly need in Nigeria as never before. Patriotism will go a long way in eradicating corruption that is seen as a monster ravaging purposeful development of our nation. Help the patriots who support and render selfless services to the nation.
Frank Eneawail Ogwuonuonu
08028901682
