Whenever I have had to ask myself the question why I have not left this country for good, many answers rush to my mind, each striving to be recognized as being the most cogent, I am remin8ded of the popular slogan that “this country belongs to us all; for which reason every Nigerian must join hands in trying to salvage it. I try to dismiss the argument by reasoning that it is foolhardy attempting to lend a helping hand where one’s services are apparently not required. Then I am reminded that if left the country in a hurry just because of our political instability and economic hardship, my commitment to my family and extended family to join me. Other financial problems at home would be taken care of by my regular remittance. Would I then never think of going back home in future? Not until the situation in the country improve considerably, I would answer. And who did expect to carry on with the task of national rehabilitation when the like of me are all out of the country? Those who messed up the country in the first place, I would agree. And so on. This self dialogue has been going on for the last ten years or so; meanwhile, I am yet to leave the country. When I wonder how many people share my kind of mental experience, I realize that we must be very few. For not many have the slightest opportunity of absconding from the country; they do not have the place to run to, nor do they have the means of escape. Even among the elite who consider this possibility, the uncertainty of a future outside their fatherland intimidates. And so we all end up standing and mumbling.
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