Tipping point “That magic moment when ideas, trends, and social behaviours cross a threshold, tip and spread like wildfire”*
Most Nigerians normally lament and decry the situation in our country, which is a desirable thing, since it shows some level of awareness: things are not the way they ought to be. However, in spite of this, we equally very often put an incredible amount of effort into convincing ourselves that things will forever remain as they are, no matter what anyone tries to do. The majority of us talk as if we are persuaded that there is something peculiar either about us Nigerians or our country, militating against all the forces which normally would yield more positive results and lead to the desired goals in other places. Social systems and institutions function better in other places than they do in Nigeria. We therefore conclude that there are more powerful, contrary forces arrayed against us, rendering those good forces completely impotent in our own land – you know, this is Naija!
No matter how frequently this point of view is repeated and despite the conviction with which it might be spoken, the fact is that it is one which could not really be sustained logically, anyway, for it has all that is known of science and history pitted against it. That is, science and history do not support the position that we Nigerians are stuck in our mess for good. One of the clear lessons of the history of all humankind is summed up in the conclusion reached by King Solomon, that great philosopher of old: “What is has already been, and what will be has been before.” In other words, there is nothing new under the sun. This means that human beings are the same everywhere (abstraction made of the external, merely cosmetic differences), and this has been proven by hundreds of years of scientific research.
To affirm that Nigerians are a special breed, if that position were to be pushed to its logical conclusion, would actually mean that Nigerians are not human! But do we not flee from danger as do others? Are we not sorrowful when bereaved? Do we not desire to live in peace and safety, just like the citizens of other countries? Do our hearts not yearn after the good things of life as well? Is it not our joy to see our children and our children’s children and know that we have provided for their future? Are we not as incensed about injustices done to us? Are we not capable of recognising it when enough truly is enough? Yes, we are!
As the country approaches the coming elections, there appears to be a movement now sweeping the land, drawing into its current the energies and passions of Nigerians young and old, both at home and abroad. Those who for years have espoused the “this-is-Nigeria-and-things-can-never-be-better” ideology should quickly have a rethink and come around to the other side, which says: “Now is our time and there is no stopping us!” Yes, passions are running high and the polity seems somewhat overheated at this time, but people appear to be set for change. I am firmly convinced that Nigeria is now on the verge of her tipping point. The political order, as we have known it up until now, is about to change – for good (in both meanings of the expression!)
An aspect of the change about to be witnessed may well be determined by women. More than at any other time in our history, there is greater realisation that it is time for Nigerian women to step up their game and play a more active role in the nation’s public life. President Jonathan, who has appointed more women into his cabinet that any other president before him, has expressed his desire to see a woman become the president of Nigeria in his lifetime. For the first time ever, we have a female presidential candidate. Nigeria may have reached a gender tipping point.
Beyond the gender issue, however, there are also constitutional matters which are engaging our minds, as they did especially during the recently held National Conference. Although the results of the conference deliberations are still awaiting implementation or submission to the larger Nigerian populace, there is little doubt that we have also reached a constitutional tipping point. Questions which for years had been taboo are now being publicly addressed, as was recently done in a radio interview with the president of the Association of Ijaw Professionals who was making an outright call for a return to the regional arrangement of government, where each region was independent but made contributions to the central government. We are thus being presented with the opportunity to carefully reflect on our Constitution and draft it in such a manner as to ensure the smooth conduct of our affairs in future. Some of those who should take decisive action in this regard may be hiding their heads in the sand; unfortunately, they will soon discover themselves totally blown away by the sandstorm which they could have helped to effectively manage.
The idea of the tipping point has also been characterised as “a fascinating idea that should affect the way every thinking person thinks about the world around him.” Powerful words. Nigerians have started to think, and once that happens to a people, it’s goodbye to the old order.
*Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point
