Dr. Alex Otti’s Dream For A New Abia State
By Charles Chinekezi
For Dr. Alex Otti, there are the real issues of what makes a great society. The concrete question is, “What constitutes good followership?“. Pointedly put, one can say that the attitude of an average Nigerian to the common good leaves much to be desired. Almost at all levels of society the Nigerian compromises the common goods and beliefs that by serving the ego first, in total neglect of the interest of all, he can serve himself best. This approach to issues though wrong has almost become a
norm.
The diversion of money meant for public projects, fraudulent acquisition of property, concealing offenses, taking and receiving bribe are now seen as normal. For instance, a person occupying an elective position is expected to build a mansion, drive exotic cars and have money stashed away in foreign bank accounts even when his salary can not acquire all that. When he leaves his position without fraudulently making money, his kinsmen would be the first people to call him a fool.
Hence such unpatriotic tendencies as tolerance of corruption, indolence, wrangling, deceit, 419 etc are upheld as legitimate, even when they impede nation building these are vices humanity has always tried to battle and overcome. To see them as integral patterns of a culture is to put the mind to violent distortion. But these are all wrong values we must do away without delay for our collective survival and progress.
It has also been argued that the failure of people, institutions and governments have to do with the inability and unwillingness of the people to learn and implement those positive ideals that augur well with their interest.
All positive values such as cleanliness self-consciousness, punctuality, reliability, basic hygiene are deeply entrenched in human nature and are inventions of no particular culture. They are tacit canons of man’s quest towards contented living. The same is applicable with regard to the sense of justice and fair play, ability towards sensible management of resources, dependability, respect for law and order, respect for human freedom and exercise of franchise.
People have argued that for a transformation to take place, the need arises for a thorough overhaul of the meaning our people attach to such issues as morality, immorality, public property, private interest, patriotism, tribe, peace, poverty, wealth,election, justice and freedom. Other include nepotism, embezzlement, bribery, corruption, wastefulness, negligence and exploitation.
Nigeria and Abia State in particular can be modern and industrialized while retaining the positive values of traditional African societies. We cannot archive this through a free ride on on the back of others. On the contrary, this can only be achieved through hardwork, self discipline, dedication and ability to learn in the systematic process of rediscovery. These are the points and the targets of Dr. Alex Otti’s dream for a new Abia State that will make the pride of the Nigerian Federal Republic and Africa’s great example.
Dr. Charles Chinekezi is a chartered management professor (CMP) of the Nigerian Institute of Management, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.