The Trouble with Nigeria
In The Trouble with Nigeria
‘The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership.’ Pg1
Although this book is only sixty-eight pages long, it provides a powerful analysis of why Nigeria has failed as a country. The chapter titles clearly spell out the problems that Achebe identifies – Tribalism, False Image, Leadership, the Nigerian Style, Social Injustice and the Cult of Mediocrity, Indiscipline, Corruption among others.
On corruption, Achebe poses several questions – What is Corruption? What has become of Corruption in Nigeria? Is corruption on the increase or decrease in Nigeria? And, here, Achebe does not mince his words:
‘My frank and honest opinion is that anybody who can say that corruption in Nigeria has not yet become alarming is either a fool, a crook or else does not live in this country.’ Pg 37
Achebe goes on the write about the publication of the Weekly Star of 15 May 1983 that had on its front page under the title, ‘The Nigerian and Corruption’. It reads:
‘Keeping an average Nigerian from being corrupt is like keeping a goat from eating yam.’ Pg 38
The writer uses these essays to show where the trouble with Nigeria really lies and I could not agree more with the author. This is one book that may interest citizens and leaders alike. Although the title reads, ‘The Trouble with Nigeria,’ I strongly believe that this is a book that applies not only to Nigeria only but also to so many other countries in the world.
Achebe’s The Trouble with Nigeria
You May Also Like to Read…
Book Review: Things Fall Apart (by Chinua Achebe)
Book Review: The Education of a British Protected Child (by Chinua Achebe)
Book Review: A Man of the People (by Chinua Achebe)
Book Review: No Longer at Ease (by Chinua Achebe)
About Geoff Gyasi
Well said Chinua Achebe….This is a book i think every Nigerian should read.
Achebe is actually right when he talks about corruption in Nigeria.It depends on the people for them to be able to curb it in their on county.They can make it if at all they want to do it.
It’s kind of funny to think Achebe had such strong words for corruption in Nigeria in 1984. Little did he know back then that he was just witnessing the proverbial Dawn of The Corruption Dinosaur. The eggs were just hatching. Today 2011, the original Raptor has produced fully-grown grandchildren!
I love the way you write, and if possible, i would like Achebe to do a review on current status of Nigeria, and tell us, if his expection are still high about this country or if he has lost hope or resigned to the faith that Nigeria is a failed federation.