“In this current crisis, government isn't the answer to our problem; government is the problem”- Ronald Reagan
During the swearing-in of the 40th President Ronald Reagan on January 20, 1981, conservative Republicans were pleased to hear the quoted statement, as it reflected their desires. Reagan, skillful with words, understood what party enthusiasts wanted to hear and delivered. This resulted in a loud round of applause from the audience, as Republicans were discontent with the government of the outgoing Jimmy Carter and the Democrats and sought a change in power, which they achieved.
In his historic speech, Reagan wasn't necessarily criticizing government as a system established to govern a state or community. His concern was not with the democratic concept of government serving as social control under which a particular group in society has the right to make and enforce laws. Instead, his issue was with a government that failed to meet the people's needs. Republicans support the government when a Republican is in power, but view it as a problem when in the hands of the opposition. Democrats often feel the same when Republicans are in power.
For some people, the government- at the federal, state, and local levels- has always been a source of problems, while for others, it has been a solution. Anglo-Irish Philosopher Edmund Burke once wrote that “government is a contrivance of human wisdom to provide for human wants, and men have a right that these wants should be provided for by this wisdom.” While the government is not a problem when it fulfills its responsibilities and acts in the people's best interests, millions around the world see it as humanity's problem, not the solution.
Every government should ideally have positive attributes. A good government is one in which every citizen feels included. However, in Nigeria, many believe that good government is rare due to the presence of corrupt individuals in power. A considerable percentage of the population perceives the government negatively. The effectiveness of government depends on various factors, including its structure, policies, leadership, and the socio-economic context it operates in. Therefore, whether government is the problem or the solution doesn't have a simple, universal answer. What could be good about a government plagued by waste, extravagance, and pervasive corruption?
It is impossible to summarize the numerous instances of waste in Nigeria within the limited space of this 1300-word column. When the government in Nigeria is mentioned, the issue of waste inevitably arises.
In Nigeria, various government entities such as the Customs Service, Immigration Service, Ports Authority, Police, Military, and many other agencies suffer from daily mismanagement of funds, leading to wastage and diversion of resources for personal gain. These funds could have been used to build long-lasting roads, construct life-saving hospitals, and facilitate education in the country. This squandering represents a loss for the entire nation's future. Without addressing this waste, a nation cannot advance. Is government causing problems or offering solutions? What truth is there in Ronald Reagan's statement 43 years ago that government is not the solution; it is the problem? In the case of Nigeria, since gaining independence in 1960, governments have provided few solutions and have often caused problems while attempting to do so. Numerous examples demonstrate this, which will be further explored in my next opinion piece.
However, the main idea of this paper is that Nigerians need to all come together and solve the problems where the government has always been the issue. Nigerians need to start realizing that the people in power making rules for some to follow and others to openly break are not the government. The people are the government. It's time for them to demand accountability from government officials instead of praising and supporting them when they steal from us, defend them when they manipulate the budget, and protect them when they use money meant for community projects on themselves. People are the government, and they alone have the power to oppose bad governments. Only what you oppose will stop existing. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said, "Victory will never be found by taking the path of least resistance." There can be no real peace without justice, and no justice without resistance. I do not advocate for pointless violent uprisings to remove bad behavior in government. Resistance is a strong call for accountability. A resistance movement is a warning to oppressors and a signal for them to change their ways. True resistance starts with people facing the pain that affects them and demanding change to improve the situation.
However, the journey of resistance is difficult and challenging, and the struggle may become a lonely path for individuals who yearn for change. Those resisting must understand the nature of the duty they have taken on for their country and the complexities involved. A non-violent resistance fight is just even in the eyes of the One who created the heavens and the earth. It may be surprising that corrupt politicians are waiting for the people to stand up and demand good behavior from them. They know that the people are the government. But deep down, they also know that the people are unaware that they are the government, which is why they do unethical things. Nigerians must consistently and persistently demand that genuine and effective changes must occur in the system. Without resistance, those in government will continue without any restraints. Until certain things in Nigeria come to an end, nothing positive can happen. Until certain negative elements are removed from among us, nothing good will manifest. Until some individuals depart, nothing will grow. I urge Nigerians from all over to pray fervently and beseech their sanctuaries with tears of supplication. Nigeria must progress, but not until there are reliable creators of practical solutions to the nation’s many problems.
- X: @FolaOjotweet
