The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has raised alarming concerns regarding Nigeria’s future, declaring the nation “terminally sick.”
During a keynote address at a workshop organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja, Amadi warned that if the current issues of poor governance and resource mismanagement continue, Nigeria could face significant challenges in the next three years.
Urgent Call for Change
Amadi criticized President Bola Tinubu for what he described as “exclusionary politics,” implying that the current administration operates with a smaller governing minority than previous ones. He emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to move from a state of “intensive care” to a place where recovery can begin. He stated, “The country is terminally sick. The only difference between Nigeria and a person in intensive care is that Nigeria is presently not receiving any care.”
Youth Activism and Potential Revolution
Highlighting the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, particularly among youth in northern states like Kaduna and Kano, Amadi pointed out the nation’s precarious state, suggesting that ongoing hunger and despair could spark a revolution. He called for substantial electoral reforms and a radical restructuring of political parties, asserting that the Labour Party has a unique opportunity to lead these changes.
The Role of Political Parties
Amadi lamented the lack of coherent ideologies among Nigeria’s political parties, contrasting the current situation with the more ideologically driven parties of the past. He noted that the political parties of earlier republics aimed to aggregate diverse opinions and mobilize resources for national development, a stark contrast to today’s parties, which he described as “Special Purpose Vehicles” primarily used to gain political power without a clear vision for governance.
NLC’s Commitment to Political Engagement
In response, Prof. Theo Ndubuaku, Acting Chairman of the NLC Political Commission, attributed Nigeria’s developmental challenges to fractured politics. He advocated for a political overhaul based on ideological and pragmatic principles. The NLC has developed a Workers’ Charter of Demands to engage with political candidates and promote issue-based politics, aiming to change the narrative through active political engagement rather than mere rhetoric.
Conclusion
Amadi’s remarks underscore a critical need for reform in Nigeria’s political landscape, emphasizing the importance of cohesive political parties and active citizen engagement in addressing the nation’s challenges and preventing further decline.
