As we all know, the different components that made up Nigeria are endowed with beautiful cultures, irrespective of where the component naturally located....that they are preciously cultured and religious. Respect for elders and constituted authorities were their trademarks.
There were research conducted then, that Nigerians respect and obey religious leaders first, then traditional leaders then political. There was a time, particularly in the north, when people waited for their elders to tell them who to even vote and not to, where to follow politically and otherwise.
In Hausa culture, young cannot utter a word or interrupt when elders are speaking, they (young ones) don't shake hands with elder unless the elder extends his hands to the young. This is same in the other regions.
In the Igbo traditional set up, council of elders constituted and served the responsibilities of the three organs of government. Youths had no say or functions except to respect and follow orders given by the elders. They so much attached success, tranquility and prosperity of a person to the level of respect he renders to elders and ancestors.
That's why in their traditional political system, they had no emir nor chief, but council of elders and they would abide by whatever decision that council takes for the benefit of their nation. Youths wait for their turn after they have learned wisdom and become elders themselves.
The same thing when you go to Yoruba race. They are known for respecting elders and even bowing or prostrating to the elders, all for showing respect towards their elders. This is virtually applicable to all the more than 300 tribes we have in this country.
However, what's happening in Nigeria of today is not in our character. Today, we are no longer what we were. Today, in the political and social dispensations, our elders have no role to play in the management and act of our endeavours.
They are reduced to followers instead of the musketeers.
Today, in the north, with all our rich religious and traditional heritages, those talking on our behalf are no longer our elders, but the young among us. With all their radicalism and youthful exuberance, they decide the fate and direction the north will take. And despite all the wisdom, experience and maturity of our elders, they are reduced to followers.
In the north, some youths in the name of northern coalition decide on their own that the Igbo should leave the region before October while Organisations like Arewa Consultative Forum and Northern Elders Forum still exist.
In the eastern region where there is agitation for secession, the frontiers there are the youths who spoke for the entire region led by one young and clueless called Nnamdi KANU while the elders of the region helplessly watching and afraid to call him to order despite having a regional organisation that comprises the region's elder personalities.
Same thing when you cross to western region.
In spite of the existence of Afeniferi cultural organisation, OPC that comprises clueless youths are the ones sending warnings to other regions trying to dare them. The elders are no more the pacesetters.
You don't talk of the South South where exist, different militant organisations that spoke for the region. There, to make things worst, these militants organisation are even governments of their own.
Can only the young lead a people and take them to the promised land? Certainly no!
MAY ALLAH COME TO OUR RESCUE. BUT THINGS ARE NO LONGER THE SAME.
Salis Muhammad Moriki
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