EVERYONE IS NOT CORRUPT IN NIGERIA 

In Nigeria, there is usually enough blame to go around. And I am not one favorably disposed to the "everyone is corrupt" doctrine. There is nothing wrong with us as people. The international community is beginning to understand who we really are - sharp, smart, intelligent, fashionable, daring, and loving. They are beginning to blame our woes as a country on the poor leadership that we have. 

How was it possible for Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his Governors of the Action Group party in the First Republic and the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic to implement free education at all levels? How come Chief Asiwaju Tinubu couldn't replicate Papa Awo's populism? Was there more money coming to the West and Midwest during Awo than during Asiwaju? Asiwaju was able to govern Lagos State and pay salaries without the monthly allocations from Abuja when he had some problems with President Obasanjo.

In other words, he could have comfortably implemented free education at all levels and free healthcare comfortably in Lagos State if he had wanted to.  It is the same argument to all in all the states in the old western region, including Edo State. Why are they not implementing free education at all levels? Governor Ambrose proved beyond every reasonable doubt that it is doable. If it is not happening, it means the leadership is swindling you. because the fund is there. 

My brother, it is not out of error that I began this essay with references to Papa Awo's performance in the old western region in this essay. I did it to prove two points. One, motivation in power - why do I want to lead this country? That's your aspiration. You have to believe in something. Papa Awo believed in free education at all levels and he went for it and proved to the whole world that it is achievable. Number two is to show that free education at all levels is surmountable. 

Why is it not happening right now in the West and in the entire country? Leadership. If President Buhari takes a stand today, ASUU will go back to classes. And it is the same thing with fighting corruption. President Buhari had my support in 2015, believing that he will send all the thieves to jail and restore probity in the land. Not exactly as expected. The vindictive President's modus operandi is to prosecute known enemies and rewards his people and friends, family members, and cronies with lucrative contracts and appointments. 

Obafemi Awolowo stood for something. Obafemi Awolowo laid a solid foundation for his Governors to build on. Nothing like that is going on right now. According to William Shakespeare, uneasiness lies in the head that wears the crown. And according to U.S. President Harry S. Truman, "The buck stops here." 

Leadership is not for the fainthearted. If you must wear the crown, you must endeavor to wear it well. Not every fight is worth fighting, but fight you must fight, if need be, to protect the just and what is right. Right now as it relates to ASUU and Nigerian University students, President Buhari is not wearing a crown, he is not fighting, and he is not protecting the just and the righteous ones. 

Merry Christmas, brother. And thanks as always for stopping by.