The euphoria of xenophobia

Wikipedia defines the word ‘Xenophobia’ as _”the fear or hatred of that which is perceived to be foreign or strange. Xenophobia can involve perceptions of an ingroup toward an outgroup and can manifest itself in suspicion of the other_”. Going by these interpretations, one would easily hold sway to the fact that we, Nigerians, are not new to xenophobic tendencies.

Truth be told, it is Xenophobic for a select few, armed with political and economic power, to deliberately destroy our educational system which ought to have been the bedrock to Nigeria’s fortune. Today, these individuals export their children abroad for schooling, while the children of humble ‘citizens and patriots’ are abandoned to be educated in roofless classrooms across the country.

In fact, the activities of South Africans are as demonic as those of Nigerian political and religious leaders against her citizens. So, why suddenly, do we find ourselves consumed by unholy game of pretence? In this country of ours where tyranny has overshadowed patriotism, it is not surprising that our government (s) with her agent (s) continue to restrain Nigerians from reprisals.

Tentatively, one must applaud the exceptional gesture exhibited by Air Peace in their Voluntary Service to repatriate stranded Nigerians in South Africa who are willing to return home. However, it is so saddening to predict that majority of Nigerians in South Africa would rather be destroyed over there than to accept the bait of returning to Nigeria-a squalor called home! Hence, ‘No, Thanks’ is the ideal word, for most of them. Instructively, it is high time the numerous ‘Handlers’ of the Nigerian State took lessons from the recent outburst of Xenophobia. The message is succinct, “Leave our Country. Go, and Fix Yours!”

Our system of education has to be overhauled, improved health care system, job creations and the likes must be considered as top agendas. Also, the fight against corruption must be thorough with all sincerity rather than selective, merits should be prioritised in all circumstances rather than the current mire of celebrated nepotism. Anything short of these, the tragedy ahead, if not abated, is a red flag signalling an oncoming implosion by Nigerians against Nigeria. It’s just a matter of time! May the sun rise tomorrow…

Comrade Muhammed Adoke,

University of Abuja

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