SURVIVING NIGERIA

One of the major challenges I encounter daily is the reality of being a Nigerian. For the most part over the last four years, I have been insulated from the realities of the average Nigerian.

Nigeria isn't anything short of a failed state and there is no redeeming this country. I do not believe in Nigeria or the illusion that it would get better. Every day I am here is a cause for anxiety. I cannot, in any way, formulate a viable solution to the culture of impunity that has bedevilled this country.

Regardless of where you find yourself on the social hierarchy, Nigeria can still happen to you. It's beyond just bad governance. Our problems trickle down to our collective consciousness as a people which is nothing but disgusting.

Irrespective of what Nigeria throws my way I know I would thrive, mainly because we've all--speaking of Nigerians--worked in difficult and dysfunctional systems that are inhumane. Nigerians do not understand normalcy. It's something we can only try to conceptualize but we do not live it.

They say it is easy for one to spot problems but difficult to find solutions. Nevertheless, I do not think Nigeria's problem is going to be solved. I think the state of Nigeria will disintegrate into nothingness, which is the reason for my anxiety.

When will it all happen? The full bloom chaos every Nigerian envisions but tries to whitewash. I was listening to Dele Farotimi today analyzing the deplorable state of the nation. As much as I would like to be optimistic, I can't help but agree with him.

Almost every Nigerian is turning a blind eye to the woes in our country, with the mindset that if we solve our issues then we are immune from the systemic disease poisoning our nation, but it's only a matter of time before it gets to our doorstep and by the looks of things, the end is nigh.

We all cannot escape Nigeria. As much as I want to leave I do understand this is my reality and I cannot wish it away. Sometimes I try to laugh it off because none of it makes sense. How are our streets so unsafe? How is the police my greatest nightmare when I am not a criminal? How are we letting these political nitwits turn our lives and country upside down?

Speaking of politicians, the general election is right about the corner and it has been creating a lot of buzz. The other day someone was trying to sell one of the major aspirants, Tinubu, to me. I have said this to my friends and I will say it again here if Tinubu becomes president of this country and can categorically say it would be the end of Nigeria as we know it today and that for me will be my cue to leave. It doesn't matter where my destination would be but I will leave this country and never look back.

I do not think Tinubu has anything to offer Nigeria and I think most Nigerians know this, however, many of us are either defeated by the system or do not believe in it, this, the status quo continues. I do not believe in Nigeria, nevertheless, I will exercise my right to vote for change. I do not know what impact it would have but I will--if I am still on the shores of this country. It is the least I can do.

In conclusion, I don't think Nigeria can be fixed, thus, it will disintegrate at some point. There needs to be a total overhaul of what we know as Nigeria today and it will come at a great cost. We all know this as Nigerians and we are unwilling to pay – including me. "I no fit die for nothing." As I have said in the past, I do not believe in patriotism. I do not believe I owe a country that has done nothing for me and taken so much from me. Let it burn to the ground.