Title: 100 Years Later: Building a New Republic
Author: Asipita Muluku Aliu
Year: 2014
Publisher: Dulasip Int’l Ltd.
Pages: 284
This book is a compelling read especially because it touches the pivotal aspect of our National existence and lays bare the treasure trove the citizenry stands the chance of exploring so long as we remain united and stronger.
The basic essence of this book rests on the tripartite point of discovery that a strong nation is built on the inter-relationship between the leaders, followers and the ability to establish institutional frameworks and system that can guarantee a socio-political order which can earn the trust of the people.
The book talks about Pan-Nigerianism and nationhood by telling the history of Nigeria and the effort our past leaders have put in order to build a better nation and how Nigeria as a country has failed. The writer explained that the success of this country does not lie in the shoulders of just the leaders but also the followers. He further explained that the Nigeria of our dream can only be built by the citizens therefore; nation building is a collective effort. So if we fail, the blame shouldn’t be attributed to the leaders alone.
All the other chapters touched on the subjects of National Development, Democracy and Leadership, the last General Elections; the State of the Republic, the burden of National Transformation as well as how to build a new nation.
In the opening chapter of the book, Asipita Muluku states that the only way we can effect change in the country is to build a bridge of understanding, integration and unity across the creed. “The reason for failure is our inability to develop what we may term the national personality and ideology which is essential to developing our nation in the collective interest of the people.”
Muluku Aliu took a closer look at what has really caused the failure of the nation in the country and he discovers that it is because we have come to love our religion, tribe and region more than our country. “We have become so divided as a people by the deprivation of self-actualization.”
In chapter two where the author looks at the Rule of Law and Public Institutions, he talks about corruption and the culture of impunity which reigns supreme in the land. He therefore makes a wake-up call to Nigerians to effectively mobilise themselves for positive change. He says that change should first begin at the individual level.
It is only in love and oneness that we can really have a better Nigeria that we have envisaging. Soaking ourselves in the memories of the past is also capable of causing stunted growth to the nation.
He stated that another way we can effect change in the country is to discipline ourselves to playing our part as a people with common destiny. This will give room for people who possess the character and personality of leadership quality.
He also points out that Nigeria has failed in the aspect of education. It appears investment in education in the country has gone down the drain. “We have a lot of people who have become a misfortune to the country because of continuing lack of access to education resulting to massive illiteracy.”
He pointed out that the reason Nigerians are living in abject and under-development is because little attention is given to education population. According to Abraham Lincoln, he said: “Education makes people easy to lead, but difficulty to drive.”
He lamented that much attention have been paid to things that are not profitable. Paying heed to education is a step that can boost development in the nation. With high level of illiteracy in the country, it is very impossible to effect change.
He therefore beckoned that in building a new Nigeria, education should be given attention so as to boost development because educated men are expected to be the leading light and engine room for change in the society.
The author lists out the problems of the country, where it has failed and then proffers solutions to the problems: Change is very possible and in other to achieve this change, we must first be the change we seek to see and that we are the change we have been waiting for.
However, the wording of this book is elitist. Wrong pagination also is one of challenges that hamper comprehension.