Nigeria: Dialogue and Dagger

[E.E. IMIAVAN]

To all readers,
Exactly three days ago the Royal Yacht, Brittania, a symbol of
British imperialism left Hong Kong and sailed into the sunset on her
return journey to Britain. Brittania we are told will be put to sleep
on completion of its Hong Kong to Britain trip.
After a 100 years (1898-1997), Hong Kong has returned to the embrace
of China, the motherland. The liberation of the prosperous island is
complete. China celebrate, but British media images of Hong Kong are
indicative of an indigenous people, who lack a national consensus on
the past or future of their territory. Were they better off under
Britain than they would be under China? The answer is for the
students of history, who decades from now, will almost certainly look
back, evaluate the situation and make judgemental statements.
Nigeria does not have the luxury of a few more decades to permit
of more time to make objective statements about the performance of
our leaders in comparison to British colonial rule. The depressing
truth is that we have made a mess of self-governance. We cannot
continue to make excuses for our own failings based on such reasons
as colonial rule, military intervention in politics, religious split,
ethnic divides, or economic fissures.
There is no point comparing Abacha to Lugard, or Ibrahim Babangida
to James Robertson. Every Nigerian seems agreed on the need to make
the country better. Of course our understanding of what better means
will differ, as will our strategies for achieving this purpose.
We could decide not to rock Abacha's boat and simply leave things as
they are, after all inaction I am told is a form of action.
Alternatively, we could choose to subvert the present order and
institute a democratic political system. If this option appeals to
you then force it on Nigeria. History provides ample materials to
support the stance that democracy was achieved by bitter struggle and
bloodshed in practising countries. Achieving an objective by dialogue
is commendable and good, but Nigeria like many other countries is a
jungle filled with opportunists, dialogue alone will not work.
So while we dialogue, let us not forget the dagger on the
kitchen work-top.
Warm greetings to everyone,
Emmanuel.

P.S.
Nigeria, good or bad.

[OMOIKE]

Dear Imiavan

Congratulations, you have now been officially nominated for the RTN award.
--Obe,USA