We Need A Real Change

By Abibat Jimoh

Nigeria is one of the countries in the world that is endowed with so much natural and human resources but it remains undeveloped due to corruption caused by capitalism. Capitalism is a system under which a few people decide how the resources of the country are shared. This is the root cause of inequality and also corruption.

Because of capitalism, Nigeria has become a country where “Class Apartheid” exists i.e. where the working class that generates the wealth live an uncomfortable life in slums like Agege and Ajegunle; whereas the ruling class live a more comfortable life in Victoria Island and Lekki.

Now some people say that the masses should not depend on the government. They say graduates should create their own jobs instead of waiting for jobs from government etc. Already many Nigerians have to generate their own electricity and their own water, dig their own drainage and sometimes pave their own roads because the government has failed to do anything in the area of public infrastructure. So if on top of all these some still say the masses should not depend on government, I think we need to begin to question whether there is need for the capitalist government to exist at all if it is so useless that it does nothing for anyone.

But this situation can be changed by working class (workers, artisans, traders, unemployed etc.) through revolution not reform; by changing the capitalist system which creates inequality and corruption and replacing it with a new, democratic and equitable economic system. That economic system is SOCIALISM. I wish to see a Nigeria where:

1. The rule of law is respected.

2. Education is free at all levels.

3. Free Medical Care is available.

4. There is provision of affordable and decent housing by the government.

5. There is provision of jobs

6. There is abolition of discrimination against women.

7. Women are given equal political, social, economic and civil rights; where women can contest for top political post (Governorship, Presidential and so on).

8. The workers are free to form trade unions.

9. There is provision of good and efficient drainage system and good roads.

10. There will be no casualization of workers.

11. Poverty will be a thing of the past.

12. There will be rights for physically challenged people to work and not be treated like outcast.

13. There will be smile on the faces of Nigerians.