Reason Why People Leave Nigeria- Etcetera Writes

The traffic situation on Lagos Island this week has been
atrocious. Out of necessity, I had reasons to be on the island everyday of the
week. I had the most harrowing traffic experience on Tuesday. It was so bad
that I had to wait in a pub till about 10pm when the roads became decongested.
While in the pub, I was accosted by two gentlemen who introduced themselves as
admirers of my work. We started a conversation and they told me about their
intentions to check out of the country for good. I was curious to know why and
they gave quite compelling reasons. These are some of the things they said. Continue below…

“We are checking out while we still can. Someday Nigerians
will realise that the Nigerian Dream is dead, and that they have been nothing
but pawns and slaves to the ruling class. When that day comes, do you think the
people in government are going to let them leave? Who will create the wealth
for them to loot? Nigeria will soon be locked down under the pretence of
something terror-related, and no one will be allowed to leave.

“The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. This is the
system today. The rich are the ones in government and they run it with bribes
and backroom deals. Do you really think they’re going to let you change things?
There’s an old saying which goes, “If voting could change anything, they’d make
it illegal. The system is riddled with corruption. How do you change a country
whose foundation is the opposite of the change you desire? If Nigeria really
does make the switch to a better form of government, how effective will it
really be compared to advanced nations?

We are not well structured politically. It may be difficult
for Nigeria to have an effectively system governance. The military (serving and
retired) will always be in control of this nation. It is obvious that there is
nothing anybody can do about it. Certainly, they are hiding their true power to
keep the masses believing they are in control of a democracy. Religion will
always have a stranglehold over the people.

Let us face it, when a pastor says “jump”, his followers
say, “How high?” If your wildest hopes and dreams for this country really do
come true, there will still be over 40% of the population fighting it at every
turn. “Nigerians won’t change their mindsets. They will use everything available
to oppose you at every given opportunity. Why bother yourself when you could
just go to a country that is already where you want it to be? That you don’t
want people to check out is not a good enough reason for them to stay. Are you
really going to keep playing against a stacked deck because you don’t want to
give the so called patriots the satisfaction of leaving? This isn’t a game.
This is my life I am talking about here.

I want to be living it in a country where they believe what
I believe. Not hitting my head against a brick wall just because it looks like
I may have made some superficial progress. I don’t need anyone telling me I
have a chance of being successful. I want to see it myself. The people have
been broken to the point that they are only concerned about their stomach
infrastructure. We can’t even demand for the basic things of life. It is quite
obvious that Nigerians will always be pawns of the politicians. The people only
get angry when they are told to be angry. We need to be in a more enlightened
country with more enlightened people who care about humans instead of
corporations.

“There is no benefit in being a Nigerian. What’s good about
people starving in the streets and children not being able to get health care
coverage for diseases? This country is no more special than any other, and
claiming so is nothing short of delusional. Even if we choose to stay back, the
change we are clamoring for may never happen in our lifetime. Why not make the
change now, move to a better country, and enjoy it, and let your kids enjoy it?
Why choose to fight for change all your life in a country that resists it, only
to have your children fight for the same change all their lives? Is this really
what you want?”

At this point I couldn’t say anything. I just sat there and
shook my head as their pain and frustration kept pouring out. I have always
been a supporter of staying home and build the country of your dreams. I have
argued with countless people with contrary beliefs. But I couldn’t find the
right words to ask these guys not to leave the country. I ended up telling them
that if they really believe all the things they have said then they should
leave. It was difficult to disagree with them on the reasons for their
intention. But on deeper reflection, I still believe this country, though is
still far from where it should be given its vast resources and enormous
potential, can be a better place for us all to live. If you have contrary
beliefs, and are truly honest with yourself about them, you should seriously
consider leaving the country if that is how you can live more happily.

Culled from Punch