The pride of being a Nigerian could not be contained on Sunday when our glorious Super Eagles against all odds became the champion of Africa. Friends and foes embraced one another; Boko Haram members took to the streets to hug believers and non believers in their struggle, Nigerians in diaspora flaunted the national flag with pride and for the first time in three years, Nigeria was trending on all news network and social media around the world not for suicide bombing, not for stolen fund, not for bribe kept in caps, not for lack of electricity but for something good. We won fair and square!
The Africa cup of nations has come and gone, but to us Nigerians it has taught us never to give up on our country, it has taught us that no matter what the situation is, we should embrace patriotism before any other. But above all, it has profound solution to the lacuna in our nation’s leadership affair. If the president would be humble enough I suggest he take a clue from the super eagles. From Coach Keshi, the president must learn that people don’t get to believe you until you have proven your worth in action. Few months ago when Keshi brought the list of players for the nations cup many of us rebuked him, in fact some called him names but he didn’t say a word. He was sure of what he was bringing, he never went to engage the service of Basket mouth or Julius Agwu to act as attack lion but rather he kept sleepless night mapping out strategies, he proved himself in action rather than unwarranted face fight with the press and critics. The president must also know that Harvard graduates are not the only individuals who can make things happen, they are just fortunate. He should realize that they are so many local leagues players in the country, some who attended Colleges and Monotechnics but are more sound and productive than those who have little or no knowledge of what Nigerians go through.
From Sunday Mba, Mr President must start seeing his position as one of the most powerful in the world rather than a local champion, just like Mba he must prove his ability to Nigerians and the rest of the world. The days of working to school without shoes are long pass, the agony of been made jest of by class mates and possible inferiority complex is long overdue. He should learn to stand tall when speaking with Amanpour, he should command respect from the United Nations and not made to address empty crowd, he should be able to confront the cabals that contributed money for his election and tell them 2011 is gone, he should be able to walk tall and talk to Nigerian press about the real state of things without jittering. The president should take a leaf from Victor Moses, that above all things, the country comes first and not personal pocket. Jonathan must start representing Nigeria as a whole rather than a sectional leader. He must learn to forgive the people who did not vote for him during election and the regions that are not ruled by his political party. Before all others, he must learn that the position as the president put him in the perfect spot to change the faith of Nigerians rather than been at the mercy of business moguls and captains of industries. Emenike couldn’t have been given a golden boot if all players decided to score goals rather than pass to him. The president must understand that no government succeeds without the support of the people, only the people can make or mar an administration not the political god fathers and associates. The most important duty of any government is service to the nation and not to party.
From Mikel Obi, the president must learn that no matter the medals one wins abroad, no matter the praises one gets from foreigners, no matter the number of times you make the Times magazine, if you are not been appreciated at home, you are nobody. It is only the people that can really judge you, and this only happens when they see your performance not on papers but with their eyes.
Finally, Joseph Yobo didn’t play up to 120 minutes throughout the competition but he lifted the cup. The president doesn’t have to be in all places at all time, he doesn’t need to be the minister of all ministries but he must supervise and ensure that he places responsibilities in the hands of those who can handle it. Yes, all praises will come to him if his cabinet members perform but same shall it be if they fail.
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