Nigerians, particularly the youths, are not just angry-they are frustrated, tired, and overwhelmed by the present reality. Our citizens (youths) are experiencing profound frustration and anger driven by severe economic hardship, rampant unemployment, high cost of living, and perceived bad governance.
Sequel to the aforementioned, Nigerians should be mindful of deception and not allow a “criminal ruling class” to further divide us with political and ethnic segregation. This is a concern that remains highly relevant now in 2026 and towards the journey to 2027 General Elections.
Our compatriots (Nigerians) are indomitable, we have such strength of character, sense of humor, and optimism, our warmth and basic human kindness are big for me. To be clear, where we come from are important but we must always see ourselves as Nigerians first. Holding that perspective demonstrates a commitment to the broader nation and its potential. While many hold this nationalist view, Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of balancing ethnic, religious, and national identities.
For me, I see myself first as a Nigerian, a nationalist before tribe. Prioritizing national unity over regional or ethnic affiliations is a key sentiment for fostering cohesion and development. Many people share that aspiration, looking towards a unified Nigeria that embraces its diversity while working toward common goals. Thankfully, there is a few of us that regularly brainstorm on Nigeria. I’d like to share one of the feedback from one of such personalities.
Most importantly, it should be noted that the viewpoint below is a different perspective essential for a thorough, well-rounded discussion.
It goes thus:
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“Good morning bro. I like what I have just read, but it is devoid of what can make Nigeria move forward. It is locked in what has kept us back. Realism is real and denial is a poison to progress. We have been sold a lemon by the British and we must critically think and shun all forms of colonial imposition on us, reflect and truthfully chart a workable path forward. Personally, I am unable to go along with mental laziness!
Now, my comments on the write-up Reflecting On A Deep-seated Frustration are enumerated below:
1. Nigerians, especially our current youth would remain frustrated till they all leave this world, unless, they change and stop point accusing fingers.
Nigerians should not allow a “criminal ruling class” to divide us with political and ethnic segregation,
2. Sorry, it is not only the ruling class that is as described in Nigeria. At least 90% of the population is guilty of what they point to. Nigerians must look at self first before pointing to anyone else. The so-called ruling classes come from the populace and exhibit what they learnt growing up – a deadly CIVIC CULTURE DNA. Further leadership is not just political, it has many facets that must work together in a democracy. Let all other leaders work towards progress. A concern that remains highly relevant in 2026 and worrisome towards the 2027 General Elections.
3. Every Nigerian has free will to act properly. The question we must ask is that of whether or not we have an educated voting public that would protect their self-interest through voting and defending their votes. My opinion is that this is what our press should focus on at this stage of our development – not the unrepresentative crap I see from our TV stations and other media – we are not at the stage where our Press should be functioning as if we are in Europe or America – for now, their role should be educational. Pls note that politicians don’t go to where rigging occurs, it is Nigerians that do it for them! Our compatriots (Nigerians), are indomitable, we have such strength of character, sense of humor and optimism, our warmth and basic human kindness is big for me.
4. My experience is that our society has shelved these characteristics for MONEY. To be clear, where we come from is important, but we must always see ourselves as Nigerians first.
5. While this is the ideal situation, human realities and psychology militate against this sentiment. Our not researching and thinking about our social psychology is causing us a major problem. Let me be very clear, if I am to create a model for Nigeria that all can understand, it would be more like EUROPEAN UNION or FORMER USSR. Nigeria is not like USA and people should see this as is in order to critically create a workable model of governance. We must stop being lazy about this. In fact, this is why we need a new constitution. Holding that perspective demonstrates a commitment to the broader nation and its potential.
6. No nation would ever grow out of an entity that has refused to understand that it was forcefully constituted as a jumbled construct without any consideration for the people who were put together. All the sub-nationalities in Nigeria would have to be accommodated in a workable model. Would we do this? You cannot create inhumanity condition for humans and expect them to like it – unless you practice fascism! While many hold this nationalist view, Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of balancing ethnic, religious, and national identities.
7. As I said above, the reason for this is that we are trying to solve a complex problem by creating more complexity. Let us go back to the drawing board and address our fault lines in a meaningful, rigorous and dispassionate manner. This seemingly onerous task must be addressed. It would be an iterative process that may last decades, but it must begin and done with honesty. For me, I see myself first as a Nigerian; a nationalist before tribe.
8. The word tribe as applied to us is an insult from the slave masters and colonialists. Just as the Scottish, Welsh, and Irish are not tribes in the UK, so are the different sub-nationalities in Nigeria not tribes. Each time I hear the word, I see our denial of who we are, hence our inability to create the solution that would take Nigeria forward. Prioritizing national unity over regional or ethnic affiliations is a key sentiment for fostering cohesion and development.
9. This is wishful thinking. We would not create a Nation until the framework and cornerstone – the peoples of Nigeria, and their subnational idiosyncratic tendencies are considered and addressed . Many people share that aspiration, looking towards a unified Nigeria that embraces its diversity while working toward common goals.
10. Yes, including me. This is exactly what I want, the question is that of how to achieve it. We would not reach this destination by just wishing. We must break the current building down, salvage what is still good in it and build a new one. This can be peacefully achieved in my opinion.
Above is my opinion and it is guided by my continuous thinking of the model that could work for this country’s rehabilitation.
Good morning.
Take care”.
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So, in concluding this piece, permit me to repost my closing remarks at the first memorial anniversary of Professor Chinua Achebe held at the London Hilton in April, 2014: I am a product of intertribal marriage; an Ijebu-man, born in Enugu by a northern mother; a miniature map of our beloved country Nigeria. A Mind Restructuring Enthusiast; a Missioner of Social Justice; a Political Commentator; a Social Scientist, and Historian. I drink, sleep, and wake up a full-time nationalist (NIGERIAN). I write Political Commentary. I conduct my own Research.
Finally, I salute my fellow compatriots with whom we share the same providential grace: Dr Tajudeen Adedeji Adeleke, Sen. Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Abba Risqua Muhammed, General (Sen.) Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu (mni) and many others too numerous to mention.
Richard ODUSANYA can be reached via odusanyagold@gmail.com, @richardODUSANYA
