Synopsis of Nigeria Needs a New National Model

Professor Chinụa Achebe must have had today’s Nigeria in mind, when he chose “Things Fall Apart” as the title of his epic novel. For indeed, things have fallen apart in Nigeria and the center can no longer hold.Recent events in Nigeria clearly depict that the country is in the throes of death. Without doubt, this country is passing through a critical phase of acute and agonizing crisis of consciousness, and it does appear that we have all woken up to the realization that we are strange bedfellows. This has given vent to tendencies suggestive of a paralysis of will, and a traumatic identity crisis is starring us in the face. This little book is motivated by the fact that, as a patriot, I am distressed for Nigeria. I am pained that in my lifetime, Nigeria has negated the high expectations of her founding fathers; that we have become a failed state even when we strive to deny this fact. My heart bleeds for this country. How are the mighty fallen! Oh! Nigeria, very promising were you at independence such that the world awaited and coveted you like a beautiful maiden. Now, the world now mocks us as charlatans to superintend our lives and make nonsense of our humanity.