The Nigerian Republican

I remember when a friend of mine say that I was a fan of John Mccain on my facebook page, he almost freaked out. How can you support John Macain he seemed to scream. I told him the best way I could explain myself, Ï AM A REPUBLICAN". Now some might not know it but it is not a sin to be a republican.

I have to admit that I wasn't born the United States and I do not even consider it my country even though I have lived here for years, but I have become fascinated with the way in which the run their political process. I came to take sides like many of us but I was not swayed by what I would call the aesthetic look of the parties but was more interested in what kind of values which the parties stood for.

I am not writing this blog to argue which political party is better but just to express my views on why I am a republican.

After living in Nigeria till my early 20s, I left for the United States only to visit again last year ( I am almost 30). I was not impressed at all with the development in the country. In fact I was really disappointed. You see, I had expected much more because I saw a lot of positive things in the Nigerian that I met who were visiting from Lagos and Abuja. The all seemed to me to be doing very well and I even wondered if life was better in Nigeria. However, all my expectations were dashed when I arrived home. First of all, there was no electricity and the police were so determined to collect a bribe from you.

I started thinking, what can be done to improve the situation in this country. I mean, Nigerians are intelligent people. In the US, many Nigerians are doing well, so why can't this be translated to the motherland.

The solution for Nigeria is a republican solution. This basically means limited government. The Federal Government is too powerful in Nigeria and control too much power. I feel that until we have limited government, not much will be done in the country. Government worldwide is known to be slow, corrupt and incompetent. This is clearly evident in Nigeria.

The government officials most of who have questionable backgrounds control too much power, infact they are practically worshipped since they are the only source of income for so many people. This was a case I saw first hand when the governor of my state attended a wedding which I was also in attendance. The huge crown got on their feet and practically bowed to the governor. I was shocked. If you are loyal to him, he can make you a millionaire I was told.

Why should government be this powerful. The belief that government will distribute the wealth equitable is a fable and the sooner we understand that the better for us. It has never worked and has usually left the people poor and dependant, which is usually the only way to ensure control.

We should learn from the what is going on in China and see how wealth has been created ever since government allowed for free market capitalism in certain parts of the country. It is also evident in the city of Lagos where most people do no depend on the government, the have managed to make things for themselves. The situation in the interior states is extremely bad because the are almost 100% dependant on the governor or his commisioners or his numerous adivcers which seems to be the most sort after position among the youths. In my state, the governor had tons of special advicers and personal advicers.

Well, I hope I have made my case for limited government in Nigeria. The Republican model.