The country boasts over 350 ethnic groups, over 200 million people, and a land mass of about 930,000 sq km. On October 1, 2024, green and white-coloured fabrics, and paint decorate almost every public building. Enthusiastic citizens took to the dusty streets to celebrate Independence Day with painted faces and green and white attires.
In one such city, three pairs of eyes watched the street parade from the window of an unpainted apartment facing the streets, with expressions ranging from fascination to boredom.
“For what exactly is the use of all these ruckus? Why is independence worth any celebration? I don’t think we are better off as an independent country”, grunted Peter, irritation thick in his voice.
“You only say this because you are not shackled to chains. All you know is the freedom of the post-colonial era.” Francis said in response to his younger brother, exiting the window. “The devil you know is better than the angel you don’t.” Francis finished.
“I think that’s a silly saying made to justify accepting nonsense. Isn’t a well-fed slave better than a starving king?” Peter asked, “Tell me, what is the gain in owning your land and starving in it all the same?”
“Would you rather be colonized then?” Francis faced him, smirking.
“That’s not what… whatever,” Peter said with a loud sigh.
“I believe the freedom fighters of sixty-four years ago had a good reason to risk their lives like they did. The problem is not the independence. Permit me to point out the elephant in the room. It is bad governance.” Francis said.
“That is one dead horse that has been flogged the most if you ask me.” Peter took a seat on the well-worn sofa in the small living room. “I have written on it countless times in school for English essays.” He let out a self-deprecating laugh.
“But why can’t we have a good, working government?” Nathaniel, the youngest, asked, turning away from the window too. “It’s been sixty-four donkey years, yet things are way worse now than in our parents’ days!” He fumed.
“See, I am as frustrated as you are.” Francis began.
“You don’t sound so,” Peter said from his seat, but Francis gave him a piercing stare and continued.
“Nathaniel, you’ve asked a fine question. Why can’t we have a good, working government?” Francis paused dramatically for effect.
“I’m sure you don’t have the answer,” Peter said curtly.
“Says who?” Francis replied.
“I hope you aren’t going to say corruption because I’m sick and tired of hearing that,” Peter said.
“But isn’t corruption the reason we are still where we are?” Nathan asked Francis.
“I think our problem is deeper than corruption,” Francis said.
“Yes, it is. The top countries we know also have corrupt officials, but they are not suffering like we do.” Peter said.
“That is true.” Nathan nodded his head in agreement.
“Papa and Mama believed so much in this country. They poured so much of their lives in service, but what did the government pay them in return? No pension, no welfare.”
The room got quiet- he struck a nerve and a pain point that still haunted them.
“I’m done with this country. It’s only our flag that’s green. The land is dry!” Peter rose from the seat and moved to the window. He breathed hard. The rave below had gotten drab.
“Peter,” Francis called.
“I don’t want to hear that this country is all I have.” He said with moistened eyes.
“Isn’t it all we have?” Nathan asked with innocence brimming in his eyes.
“No!” Peter turned to Nathan and Francis, “I’ll find a way out of this god-forsaken space called Nigeria.” He said and stormed out of their presence.
“I always knew he was full of hot air,” Nathan said.
“But today seems to rub off on him differently, don’t you think?” Francis asked.
“We haven’t eaten well since this weekend. I think Peter is hungry and angry.” Nathan said with a chuckle but stopped when his gaze met with a sombre expression on Francis’ face.
“It’s more than that,” Francis started, “Peter is hungry for change like we all are and angry that we are yet to see it. It is far out of sight.” Francis said.
“But who knows, maybe next year will be that year.” Nathan shrugged. Francis looked at Nathan and shook his head.
