Saving Nigeria from Nigerians: Time to be a 'Realistic Optimist'

"When plans and theories seem to have failed and the path ahead appears crooked; when today looks bleak and tomorrow appears dreary; when the systemic stench signals a deepening and the societal decadence portends a protraction; when the citizens’ strength to keep holding on has dissipated and the inner push to keep up the fight for survival has waned, there, then, comes only one option available to the besieged and beleaguered people of a nation like Nigeria. HOPE! They have to keep HOPING that the tide will turn. That is all that the hapless people can do in the face of hard times that are now pounding hard on the country."
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No doubt, we have reached a stage that can be tagged 'a fool's paradise'. Things are not going well, but it seems a certain section of people fail to agree with this. The irony is that they know that things are out of hand, but accepting this fact is like standing against the 'new sheriff' in town.

This is the worst situation ever, and this has given birth to numerous calls of "Bring Back Our Corruption". While some are students of this school of thought, others are optimistic that things are going to be better. The anti-corruption crusade has given birth to pros and cons, though many argue it is a sentimental war against perceived political opponents.

TIME TO BE REALISTIC
At first, I was a student of the latter school of thought. I opined for patience, saying time is the master of all things. "Let's give the time more time," I said back then. But that was then, I'm not a student of this school anymore. I have been optimistic, but now, I want to be a 'realistic optimist'. Things are not okay, Nigeria has become a moribund structure, facts are there to prove it. But I keep hoping.

We have a government that does not want any opposition. Speak against the government, then you are "wailing wailers". A scenario where people are afraid to speak against governmental policies is the worst, many activists seem to have have gone on a journey of no return.

Many embassies shut down!
Substandard National Assembly!
Wrong priorities!
shrinkage in economic activities

There are many things wrong. But I want to concentrate on those who know things are not going well, but fail to accept the simple fact. Those close to Mr President are the worst of this section. The first step towards failure is surrounding one's government with sycophants. The see red but call it white, so that they can remain in the President's league of favour.  Who will save Nigeria from this type of Nigerians?

These sycophants are going to (or may have) jeopardized the President's good plan for Nigeria, that is if there is one anyway. Nigeria is down, we cannot but accept this simple fact. This is a period to be optimistic, but we have to be realistic also. This is why I have decided to be a 'realistic optimist'. And I keep hoping, just as I keep playing working (in my own way) towards the actualisation of a better Nigeria.