Genuine Nationalism With Amah: To Be A Good Nigerian Citizen, I Must Be Identified With Her Glory And Shame

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One thing that is clear in my mind is that this Nation Nigeria is where God chose to put me, and I am both happy and thankful to the Almighty that I am a born citizen of this nation. I’ve no desire or plan to belong to any other nation on earth.

I am equally glad that I am an Igbo man, from the area called Enugu State today, but desire a nation where your State, Local Government, or even town of origin will not affect my acceptance anywhere in the nation. 

Now, I can’t deny the fact that over the years our military and political leaders have so devastated Nigeria that there is practically nothing to be proud of as gains of being a Nigerian, and this has invoked a form of carefree attitude towards citizenship and patriotism. I must confess that I have been tempted to join the band wagon several times. But I could see no solution in such stand. 

Yes, any Nigerian is allowed by our constitution to change nationality or seek for and obtain dual citizenship. Marriage, birthplace and several other circumstances have altered citizenship status for many. But of my own free will, despite the fact that I have all the opportunities to do otherwise, I chose to be ONLY a Nigerian citizen.

Sure, our nation and its people have done many shameful things within and outside this nation. I feel the pain of it, but I am not ashamed of being a Nigerian regardless. We have also done things that feel me with pride. I don’t hesitate to express my joy.

The Issue 

What this attitude has brought to me is a total deliverance from the sit-down-and-look attitude towards change. Whenever I see shame, I begin to think of what I can contribute to turn the shame around, and reduce the possibility of a repeat. Instead of sitting with hands akimbo, watching the nation jump into limbo, I look for what to contribute to raise her out of shame.

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