The typical Nigerian Elite, and their “I beta pass my neighbour” mentality.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: By Olajumoke, A.B.

"The truth is, we each of us have an inborn conviction that the whole world, with everybody and everything in it, was created as a sort of necessary appendage to ourselves. Our fellow men and women were made to admire us and to minister to our various requirements". Jerome K Jerome (1859-1927)

"Now this is the Law of the Jungle—as old and as true as the sky;
And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die". Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

Going by the massive deterioration of every fabric of our Nigerian society, one might wonder if there are truly any elites left in our warped society. The truth is that many parade themselves as elites, in the political, social and religious establishment of our dear country, but in reality, are they?

In the history of the world, the elites are the ones who are visionaries and thinkers, while the middle class are the ones who manage and carry out the vision of the thinking elites for the society.

From my own subjective perspective, our elites are suffering from what I term the "I beta pass my neighbour" mentality. In a "face you, face me" rented rooms complex, the neighbour that has the small generator that can only power the lights in a room, power the black and white small TV, feels he is better than his neighbours who can't afford such mundane luxury.

So when you see our elites drive around in expensive SUVs and state of the art cars, on untarred roads, drive on the expressway and streets filled with pot holes and uncollected smelling trash; and visit their friends and relations who live in neighbourhood and villages, that the elites in the developed world will not house their domestic animals in and still feel COOL and unperturbed; just know that they are suffering from the "I beta pass my neighbour" mentality. Again, in reality, are they better than the rest of us hapless and helpless Nigerians?

If the basic amenities and infrastructure are provided for in this country, the elites would benefit more than the rest of the society, but because of their warped mentality, it never occurs to them to ensure that this is done. The Yoruba proverbs that says that the comfort of the tree ensure the comfort of
the birds that perch on the tree, says it all.

"What a terrible era in which idiots govern the blind"- Shakespeare.

Can you imagine if there is compulsory and free primary and secopndary school education; if there is free health services for children and adults of 70 years and above; if there is even guaranteed 12 hours electricity and even medium developed infrastructure.

Then many Nigerians won't go prostrating and begging the elites for crumbs to pay their children's school fees or to take their children and elders to the hospitals for treatment.

Then the elites won't feel so arrogant and uncaring, but would in turn enjoy their, albeit stolen wealth with some degree of peace of mind.

This is what investing in Human Resources means, and as reiterated by Mr. Bill Gates on his recent visit to Nigeria. Meanwhile, those who benefited from the free education policy of the western region then, are the ones saying that free education is not feasible and possible in our present stage of development.

So the next time they come canvassing for your votes, the next time your Pastor tells you to give generously so that he can buy a private jet, the next time they tell you to wait for your turn, tell them to first ensure that the basic amenities and infrastructure are provided for.

Personally, I am bothered by our lack of amenities and infrastructure, but are you? Or do you think that this country cannot do better than it is now?

Whatever your position is on these matters, it is worth giving it a thought throughout this week and beyond.