ithout question there is political retrogression in Nigeria. Volumes of writings on the problems of Nigeria are in the archives. Thus, it appears a waste of energy and time to rehash the problems working against the building of a solid foundation for the nation. Undoubtedly the issues that need addressing are how to arrest the deteriorating quality of life and the injection of true service into the psyche of all Nigerians. No gainsaying that lethargy has become an ally of our people. This is borne out of the fact that all facets of the socio-economic ladder have collapsed and daily existence is a tortuous process.

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In the period between 1999 and 2007, billions of naira was appropriated for the energy sector by the Olusegun Obasanjo government. It is now clear that the sum was mismanaged as perennial darkness envelopes the country. A country that generated 2000 MW a couple of years ago currently produces 1000MW of electricity? This is a saddening statistics when compared to the megawatt usage of a small township in a developed economy; a scenario that informs of the unserious comment made by the current government of making the nation technologically vibrant in 2020.

It is in the light of the above observation which calls for practical solutions to increasing the electricity generating capacity in particular and the overall infrastructure in general that an attempt is being made in this write up to proffer solutions. The engine that drives a productive economy and subsequent improvement in the quality of life is adequate power generation.

Before one turns to suggestions about resolving this recurring malady which has rendered the country economically prostrate, it is important to address the ingredients needed to actualize the dream of a good quality life. Money is not Nigeria's problem but profligacy and misplaced priorities are the main adversarial factors standing in the way of revamping our economy. Conjoined with the latter is the mentality of (s) elected politicians, whose main objective is seeking power for personal interests. In most instances, they are not prepared for the offices held rather have a contemptuous view of the average Nigerian in believing that nothing will happen if they do not deliver in creating an enabling environment for socio-economic growth.

Clearly, the Umaru Yar'Adua government, so far, has not inspired optimism for the next three years. He appears to be a visionless president, oblivious of the rigorous mental task needed to fashion solutions. While the rest of the world is absorbed in soaking positive technological innovations which make nations competitive, Nigeria plummet into a primitive existence with no light, no water and no roads. Yet the 'servant leader' is legalistically consumed with tackling corruption in high places with no deterrent capability. Expositions of fraud with no punitive actions are the order of the day. Transparent cases of corruption have suddenly gotten subtle reprieve and ex-politicians culpable in stealing their states blind are suddenly in the power seat again and visible in the affairs of the nation.

Then what is nationhood? Why is Nigeria still a nation? With the endowment of resources there is no reason whatsoever why our lot should not be better. Rather as a people we are so divided that regional patrimony and 'elitist interests' overshadow the fundamental drive to create an egalitarian society. Our people are so confused regarding the role of government forgetting that the presidency and legislature are collecting salaries and perks with no dent made to improve living conditions?

True, Abuja was built with oil money but only the few nouveaux-riche, the looters of our commonwealth and the fraudulent have access to buy prime real-estate to enjoy the sweat of our brows. Our lands are allotted to politicians by executive fiat and the artisans, farmers and ordinary citizens wallow in an existential realm of hope with no means to partake in enjoying the luxuries which that capital and parts of Lagos provide. But those in power are continuously manufacturing a world of opulence in the midst of devastating poverty and failures in all sectors of our socio-political life.

No nation ever attains greatness without a massive dosage of discipline, foresight, ruthlessness and law. Today, the whole world focuses on China, a country that just hosted the 2008 Olympics. About four decades ago, China was immersed in a revolution led by Chairman Mao Tse-Tsung. Then the country was firewalled by an isolationist policy that unquestionably has made Chinese technology and products now household names all over the world. Libya with the fiery Muhamar Gaddafi used oil money to provide basic amenities for her people, and despite having been in power for almost four decades, Gaddafi does not live in an Aso Rock mansion. He lives a life close to his ancestors in a Bedouin tent in the Libyan Desert.

Closer home, Ghana had the spirit of service and pride injected into the body politic at independence by 'the Osagyefo,' the charismatic Kwame Nkrumah. Jerry Rawlings continued this legacy and his regime was a blessing to Ghana, irrespective of the methodology employed. He gathered those that sent Ghana on a downward spiral and pumped the hot lead into them. At that time it was thought that the regime's firing squad technique was inhuman. It is gladdening to now note that Ghana has stepped forward to be the true Black Star. It has enjoyed ten years of uninterrupted power supply and has a virile democratic set up. Point made that a season of insanity can produce a better tomorrow.

Even those nations that have not gone through the route of totalitarianism and military dictatorships have been blessed with dedicated and committed visionaries, who are intent in making their nations better. A peep at Dubai tells about the blessings which petro-dollars can shower on a country as a tourist industry in the making has attracted some of the world's best architects and civil engineers to design and build edifices that will welcome visitors to spend their leisure and money; thus boosting the economy of the country.

Nigeria as currently run has a clique of pathological gluttons at the helm of affairs. Their attitude implies that they and their progenies along with acolytes own the nation. But the truth remains that Nigeria is for Nigerians as a whole and not for any particular constituency. Until the pauperized masses are sensitized to their rights as bona fide owners of the country we shall as a country go in circles.

Is there a solution to the status quo? Of course there is. The people must wake up from apathy to stir the very soul of the nation. A mass rebellion against the charlatans in power surely seems the best alternative to rescue our pathetic existence from the parasitic politicians draining the lifeblood of the nation. Some of us are tired of the divide and rule stratagem of the political class. There is no North versus South palaver in Nigeria rather it is the deceptive politicians against the rest of us. No part of Nigeria is isolated from the evil that have been unleashed on it.

This writer saw the good old days in Nigeria, when the real-founding fathers were busy thinking of providing affordable education and basic health care delivery for all. The interests of the people and the dignity of the black race were paramount to them.

Nigeria for my generation has been a great disservice. One cannot continue to whine about the mess. It is important to inform those who are afraid of power to shed that fear and tackle the ugly monster of power head-on if they are to escape the debilitating poverty and inhumanity unleashed into the society.

Until we are united in that practical quest to eliminate or subdue those who have taken our goodness for granted, I am afraid that the dark days will still be with us for a while. This elimination cannot be by a military putsch as we have lost that opportunity. Neither can it be by the ballot box as these have perfected the art of rigging elections. It is by a mass unrest, a civil and non-violent disobedience that will make the evil politicians sleep with eyes open.

All Nigerians by birth or by association wherever they may be dispersed in this wide world must answer the call to duty and salvage what is left of our roots. Nature's benevolence cannot be allowed to slip us by. An emergency situation has been fostered on the country. This emergency is not strait-jacketed to the power sector alone, our educational sector is in shambles; federalism has been replaced by unitary government and an unnecessary 36 state-structure is being serviced from a common purse. Personal emoluments of state and federal legislators, civil servants, teachers of all cadres (state universities, federal universities, polytechnics, nursing schools, health institutions, high schools, primary schools, etc) rely on the center. In fact the government is the largest employer of labor. In the end, nothing is left for development. The latter must be redressed by any means necessary.

Yes, a plot that is moral and not violent, a strategy of pouring invectives on the thieves and their collaborators. We all must go into the villages, towns and slum cities of Nigeria to inform our family, friends and elders of the need to reject this ugly mess and nonsense which we have been enduring. Until the roads are made safe and repaired, the motorists and truck haulers must refuse to move goods. The airline operators must refuse to use our airports until the necessary safety equipment are installed. Whenever merit is sacrificed then those who are cheated must disobey authorities until such anomalies are rectified. We can pray all we want but no end will be in sight until we take the bull by the horn.

Finally, Nigeria must be paralyzed until concrete efforts are made to restructure the whole edifice of governance. The Nigerian Labor Congress, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Nigerian Union of Journalists, National Association of Nigerian Students, the Religious leaders (Christians, Muslims and Animists), all associations and town unions must belt up to inform our ignorant masses that the 'tree of liberty is watered by the blood of patriots.' Nigeria needs drastic change from the bottom up. There is no sense in living a worthless life imposed on us by some greedy politicians; a life that can be truncated by insecurity to life and property, bad roads and abysmal living standards at any time? To allow this to continue is to mortgage the future well being of generations yet unborn and to declare openly that we are subhuman, unable to rescue ourselves from the bondage of fear and evil. God created us better than the current condition that we are enduring.