By Alex Ogundadebe
We’ve redefined PATRIOTISM in Nigeria. If you speak out against bad policies and reflect on the effect they have on your country, you are “wishing your country bad!” Anyone who doesn’t see good in the government of the day is “demarketing Nigeria” and hates his own country. In the eyes of these NEW PATRIOTS, there are two groups in the country: Those who love Nigeria and are willing to overlook all the bad things going on as long as it suits their purpose. There are also those who hate Nigeria and see nothing good in Her and choose to highlight Her weaknesses, bad ideas, and the outcomes of all these flaws. Such undying critics are enemies of the state, and they belong to the other parties outside of the ruling party! I remember not too long ago when those in government now were also in the opposition. Of course they too were labelled unpatriotic elements, naysayers, and never-see-good-people. The cycle is complete, and the ranks of so-called critics are depleting because of blind loyalty, appointments, handouts, and crumbs. Right now the most outspoken group in the country has gone silent because their people occupy the juicy positions in the cabinet. We have disgustingly redefined patriotism. The real patriots are those who have become blind, deaf, and dumb in the face of hardship; perfunctorily, they wave off galloping inflation, high food prices, and high taxes as “part of the system!” Anyone who describes it to the contrary is a non-patriot. How dare they? Mr. President is doing a great job. Let us appreciate him. Wow! You are wont to ask how such psychology emerged. The answer is simple. Its called politics and its been with us forever.
… Ogundadebe who is journalist wrote from his bas in Ota, Ogun State.
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