Whilst world famous for his novels in particular, Achebe has
also published brilliant essays in works like Morning Yet on Creation Day, and
this "little book" which is very thought-provoking, showcasing many
of Achebe's personal beliefs and theories about his mother country. That
Nigeria has countless problems cannot be disputed. Achebe posits that (lack of
quality) leadership is the real problem and points out what he perceives as
personal flaws in early great men like Awolowo and Azikiwe. Yet millions till
date would never accept that Awolowo in particular had serious flaws as a
leader, considering his legendary status till date in western Nigeria, mainly.
Achebe is hard on both men, and others even when he admits that in a country
with so many tribes and languages like Nigeria, compromises just have to be
made. He is not too impressed with things like the national anthem and national
pledge either, and believes a large number of people continue to view the Igbos
(Achebe was an Igbo) with suspicion. There is no point over-flogging this
aspect, but Achebe does make a lot of sense with many of his comments,
especially alleged lack of discipline bedevilling the nation at large; and the
extraordinary cacophony and misplaced reverence that goes with things like official
cars for leaders, despatch riders and their sirens. He points out that the
hero-worship/egotism associated with the leaders, including governors, can be
sickening and counter-productive. But nowadays, would most pundits believe that
Achebe was essentially right to claim that a lack of leadership continues to
bring the country down? Probably...now we are told that fighting corruption is
probably the way to go, but we must still note that it is the
"leaders", top party functionaries, those in strategic positions et
al who have plundered the wealth of the country in horrific fashion...hence
cleansing the augean stables here is commensurate with cleansing the
leadership...hmmm
- O Bolaji
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