The Nigerian Psyche

THE NIGERIAN PSYCHE

There is an absence of a Nigerian Psyche among its citizenry. A total lack of self-image subsists in the mind of the people. This problem is congenital and has resulted in an attitude that affects the mind-set. To encourage a child to work hard a father must exemplify the act. My dad encouraged me to prominence by informing me of his top performances in class; but then, I came to find that the fathers’ of my friends in school were all also top guns.

A leader hell bent on reform is held in suspicion, while another that makes away with the booty gets the titles. The youth lives in perpetual wait of the day, his day when his time shall come: and he isn’t doting on thousands. Would his turn bring about a change? Not very likely: why should things change when he holds the four aces?

A lie gives birth to two, and the chain stretches. A people get the leader they deserve because the leader arises from among the people. Honor points in the direction that society should follow.

With the pre-colonial native, honor to the family name was sacrosanct. Anything to derogate from that was taboo. Responsibility was a matter of honor and a calling of duty. Concern for the neighbor reached inquiries into his health and meals, while collective responsibility overlooked personal gains.

With the partial imbibe of Western culture a hybrid attitude is nurtured to a fault. Community lands held in custody by the head on behalf of the people may now be commercialized for individual interest. Service to the state in the capacity of a civil servant presents opportunities of self-aggrandizement. Public service is attended by persons who know that to return home without substance to build a home is to be esteemed low as a fool.

The fear of sanction for embezzlement was a prospect no man would brave to drag his family name in the rough for good. With the new day, with money as the god of the age, anything goes for the cash. Concern for the generality is thrown to the dogs.

The ultimate sacrifice for the nation is uhuru. Nigerians are natural lovers of life so would need a good reason to die for: service to the nation does not number among such. Why should monkeys die for baboons to wax fat?

The classification of the ruling class as ‘them’ reflects their understanding of their political ostracism. The near absence of material stakes to lose gives little reason for a cause to fight for. Worldly possessions divide citizens like in the latter days of the French Empire when the rich got so wealthy they had no need for a further coin and the poor were so wretched daily bread had to be thrown out of windows for their upkeep. The poor were not inspired to fight for the empire when the fall came.

The more tender youth in the streets are increasingly of the understanding that progress cannot be made by a strait path.

Hasty generalization holds tribes indigenous to Nigeria to possess characteristic traits. This holds little truth, if any possibly among the unschooled minds. Outside the country, Nigerians identify simply as Nigerians and bear common traits.

Another categorization follows age and generation gap. From one generation to another relationships and behavioral patterns change. Each generation has next to nothing to pass unto the next. It takes very firm parenthood to break the jinx.

Unquestionable respect for elders, though wears thin with generational ascendancy, is a vantage tool exploited for personal interest. Top jobs are clinched to almost unto time of death. The fairest of females are colonized by these ‘Aristocrats’ who pay the drummer. The frustrated youth is turned aside against his peers for no cause he consciously is aware of. Some find vent in accolade courses, while others take to a life of crime to prove to themselves and others that they were always something.
The bulk of average Nigerians simply look away and take nothing to heart. Satisfied with the love of their lives, they preoccupy themselves building walls around their world. Raising stronger kids to face the future is the job most Nigerian do best. Questions on how to make things right hardly bother them in a silent surrender to destiny in God’s