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 specie of leaders reliable enough to be trusted to keep their word? 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 man made 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.
This book 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 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.
While the three parts are very educative, deeply informative and revealing, the image concern is outstanding. Apart from being a major motivation for writing, past efforts on Nigeria's image question have not been very deep, revealing and incisive. And in fact the last major attempt was many years ago. While contributing to the body and expanding the frontiers of knowledge, the image issue has brought to the fore more than ever before the need for a better image and Image Management for Nigeria.
Zimako O. Zimako Ph.D
