THE Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan has asserted that Nigeria is not yet qualified to be called a failed state even though it’s beset by multiple challenges.
Onaiyekan made the assertion when he presented a keynote address at the 70th Anniversary of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) (Pyrates Confraternity),
The Catholic Bishop said he cannot say that everything is bad in Nigeria.
“But having said all the above, I could not say that everything is all bad with our nation. Many people, especially foreigners have been predicting that Nigeria will soon become a failed state.
“I do not believe that we have reached that stage nor do I think that we shall reach that stage any time soon. The flag of the nation is still flying even though it is dirty and tattered.
“I am saying this because basic institutions are still functioning even though not at an optimal level. Bad or weak government is better than no government at all. I do not believe we have reached a state of total anarchy,” he said.
Onaiyekan further explained that Nigeria still has a police force and armed forces and other security agencies, once in a while performing their duties.
He said there is the proverbial Nigerian resilience constantly managing to survive under conditions that would appear unbearable.
“We must not forget the many Nigerians who are working hard to plug the holes and fill the gaps left by bad governance. Most of them continue to do their duty with little or no recognition or reward. I believe these are those who are still keeping the rickety system standing.
“We are hearing very wonderful news about our citizens abroad in the diaspora. They are easily now our most important foreign resources and as- sets, despite our just concerns about brain drain.
“Their brilliant performance gives us great hope that when our nation succeeds in organising itself well, the sky will be the limit for our citizens coming home from abroad”, he enthused.
The clergy stated that Nigeria has the great asset of men and women who sincerely have faith in God, believing in God and doing their best to do God’s will.
“That there are many charlatans in the market of religion in Nigeria should not be allowed to blind us to the positive im- pact of religion, Christian and Muslim and even our African traditional values in guiding the daily lives of our people”, he added.
Speaking further, Onaiyekan said there may be a few people who are in and outside of government who may be quite happy with the present situation. He said perhaps this may be because they are personally beneficiaries of the performance of the government.
“But I believe it is true to say that there is large-scale grumbling on the part of the vast majority of Nigerians”, he said.
“The ongoing political campaigns are replete with catalogues of failures of our government, even from candidates in the present ruling party. This sense of dissatisfaction and grumbling is obviously not without reason.”
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