The Book
FACE OF A NATION
(Democracy in Nigeria, Foreign Relations and National Image)
By Zimako O. Zimako Ph.D
Structured into three parts, Face of a Nation discusses three core features of modern Governance: Democracy, Foreign Relations and National Image. It goes further to chronicle the abuse to which Democracy has been subjected in Nigeria. The book also recognises the fact, that one element which has roundly challenged the creativity, innovativeness and determination of Nigerians to grow and develop as a nation is the gargantuan and very hostile pandemic called “Corruption”.
While the three parts of the book are very educative, deeply informative and revealing, the image concern is quite outstanding. Apart from being a major motivation for writing, the image issue has brought to the fore more than ever, the need for a better image and more effective image management for Nigeria.
As a project borne out of a mutually shared patriotic sentiment, aspiration and hope that only Nigerians committed to a better Nigeria can bring about the realization of the Nigerian dream, the book aims at starting a national conversation, with the hope, that the process of national re-orientation will ensue. And while it articulates the issues and challenges confronting Nigeria and creates a veritable framework for analyzing and solving those key national challenges, the ultimate goal is to initiate a cause that will lead to national renewal and re-emergence. This feeling, stands out because, only purposeful and visionary leadership, a sharp focus on holistic national development, respect for the rights of the people and responsible governance will give the country a place of influence, respect and relevance in the scheme of global affairs.
The journey to make Nigeria realize her manifest destiny has been tough, if not rough. Some have pursued it with vigor and zeal, others with a touch of patriotism and enthusiasm. But one common thread that should run through all the efforts and hold together the fabric of the consciousness of all Nigerians, is the sense of commitment of the leaders and the led and the political will, majorly and principally on the part of the leaders to do things properly, rightly, fairly, justly and appropriately. This common thread, most people argue, is in short supply in the land, with the result that the deeper we dig, the wider we spread, and the higher we climb in our quest for good governance and a more transparent society, the less the positive results thereby leaving most Nigerians in a pool of bewilderment, chagrin, utter consternation and disbelief.
Order is an imperative condition in every society. Consequently, it is the responsibility of any responsive government to establish and maintain order. Even though there are different forms of government, democracy as a form of government appears to have attracted worldwide appeal to different people irrespective of race, creed and culture. In modern international relations, government, people and country generate a perception before outsiders, much as nations interact for different purposes.
Economists generally acknowledge the need for international trade, more so that nations are not equally naturally endowed with resources, thereby prompting the imperative of interaction among nations, governments and people of different races. This underscores the inevitability and prominence of external relations, partly determined by the circumstances of each nation, its foreign policy and the character of the political leaders at a time. A good national image has become one of the modern characteristics which a nation must possess in order to attract goodwill, investment and cooperation from other members of the international system. Any nation that nurtures a good image in addition to endowment with natural and human resources, is a potential powerful leader in international affairs. Such nation is bound to command attention, respect and dictate opinion. However, extension of knowledge through research and experience provides new dimensions which shape human behaviour in international affairs. Consequently, from the trends in modern international politics and the emergence of an increasing number of international organizations, all combining different roles for the promotion of peace, order and harmony, three core variables of democracy, external relations and national image are universal concepts and must be thoroughly and professionally managed.
Questions have been asked variously and variedly. Are Nigerian politicians strong enough in character to be entrusted with the solemn responsibility of managing and superintending over the nation’s destiny? Are certain species of leaders reliable enough to be trusted to keep their words? Have both the leaders and the led shown enough commitment towards the progress and development of the land?
In analyzing the Nigerian situation, the book attempts to establish that focus should not just be on democracy but ideal democracy, pragmatic external relations and good national image borne out of respect for core ethical values at home and abroad. Most African nations indeed have problems establishing and maintaining what may be considered as ideal democracy. There is therefore a new challenge for African nations, particularly Nigeria, to re-examine and re-order their practice of democracy, re-define their external relations and attach value to the cultivation of good national image. A good reputation, according to biblical injunction, is better than silver and gold.
Nigeria today faces a lot of challenges on many fronts. But these challenges, many agree, are avoidably preventable. Succinctly put, these challenges majorly and principally are manmade and self-inflicted. The country is endowed with the best resources and opportunities both in human and material. The book seeks to highlight some of those challenges so that more attention could be paid to them. The book further seeks to arouse the consciousness of every Nigerian with a view to securing our individual and collective commitment for the urgent need to re-invent Nigeria and reclaim its destiny. In the process of doing this, Nigerians will, most probably realize past mistakes, resolve some of the yawning differences and forge a common humanity for a common purpose crucially and urgently required at this time in our nation’s history for national growth and development.
One element that has roundly challenged our creativity, innovativeness and determination to grow and develop as a nation is the gargantuan, hydra-headed and very hostile epidemic called Corruption. This general pathological malaise and national pandemic seem to have been elevated to the status of an Art in the conduct of our affairs. Internally, it has not only debased, decreased and demeaned our national dignity; it has also punctured and ruptured our external image. The situation is surprisingly embarrassing because in the days of yore, it was neither part of our National ethics and legacy, nor traditional inheritance. This cankerworm, no doubt has disheveled our individual and collective spirituality. More worrisome, is the fact that it has stunted national development and left the people not only poor and helpless but has reduced their life expectancy.
Face of a Nation is a product of research by the author on Nigeria’s experience of democracy, external relations and image from within and outside the country. The book, as earlier stated, is structured into three parts. Part I examines democracy, Part II reviews foreign relations while part III highlights the concept of national image in relation to Nigeria.
COMMENTS
“The theme and theories in the book are thorough analysis of the Nigerian Society today, coming at a time when the realities of current development in the country are very daunting and compelling.
While we commend the thoughtfulness of the author, we endorse the book which is a must read for every elite and nation builder seeking solution to the problems in the Nigerian Society”.
O.C. Meregini
Editor-in-Chief,
Western Africa Magazine, London
“Highly condensed, authoritative, well-written and comprehensive … will definitely appeal to politicians, public administrators, diplomats and international relations students”.
Rev. Prof. Anselm Uba
Igbinedion University, Nigeria
“No doubt, the author has done well to have crystallized his observations on Nigeria’s experience of democracy, external relations and image into a book. This book will find a home in academic institutions and governmental bodies in Nigeria and abroad”.
Prof. Tony B.E. Ogiamien
President,
American Heritage University
California, USA
