Let’s rebuild patriotism through responsibility and integrity: PRP presidential aspirant

A presidential aspirant of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Eng. (Dr) Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley (YMK), called on governments at various levels to restore integrity and accountability in governance in order to rebuild patriotism.

Kingsley, who is contesting the declaration of Donald Duke as winner of INEC’s May 25 poll and currently awaiting the Federal High Court’s November 2 judgment on the primary election dispute, expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of public institutions to reward hard work, ensure fairness and provide equal opportunities for all.

He spoke in a statement made available on Friday in Abuja titled: “Rebuilding Patriotism” by Restoring Faith in the Nigerian System.”

According to him, fundamental to rebuilding patriotism is the restoration of integrity and accountability in government.

He said: “The foundation of national trust must start from the top.

“When public officials demonstrate accountability, transparency, fiscal discipline and respect for the rule of law, citizens are much more likely to believe in the national project.

“Laws must apply to everyone, regardless of status, wealth, ethnicity, religion or political connections. Corruption must be addressed seriously and citizens must realize that there are consequences for the misuse of public resources,” he said.

He noted that for too long, Nigerians have been accused of a lack of patriotism, as if the gradual decline in national confidence and civic engagement was caused by citizens.

“The truth, however, is more complex: perhaps Nigerians have not stopped loving Nigeria, indeed, many have been discouraged by the reality of living in a country where the relationship between citizens and the State has too often been one-sided.

“People naturally find it difficult to remain deeply connected to a system that does not consistently make them feel safe, protected, heard, appreciated, or that does not give them a fair opportunity to succeed.

“When citizens struggle with insecurity, inequality, unemployment, inadequate public services and low trust in institutions, simply asking them to “be more patriotic” may seem unrealistic.

“Patriotism cannot be supported only by slogans, decrees or repeated appeals.

“It grows where citizens see a corresponding commitment from those entrusted with the responsibility of governing them,” he said.

Kingsley said the assumption that Nigerians are generally unpatriotic does not tell the full story.

“Beyond politics and government, Nigerians continue to demonstrate remarkable passion for their country.

The global achievements of Nigerians in Afrobeat, Nollywood, literature, fashion, science, business and other creative and professional fields continue to generate enormous national pride.

“Whenever Nigerian athletes represent the country in international competitions, Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political divides often unite behind the national flag.

“Across communities, citizens often organize to keep neighborhoods safe, maintain local infrastructure, and create informal social support systems where government services are inadequate.

“These realities demonstrate that the problem is not the total absence of patriotism,” he added.

He said the love for Nigeria still exists.

“What has weakened over time is the trust of many citizens in the institutions responsible for governing the country.

“Many Nigerians find it increasingly difficult to extend their emotional attachment to the Nigerian nation to trust in a system they believe has not consistently earned their trust.

“When public institutions fail to reward hard work, protect merit, ensure fairness and provide equal opportunity, the spirit of national service is weakened.

“When citizens are repeatedly confronted with corruption, insecurity, poor services, unemployment, damaged infrastructure and political uncertainty, many gradually become disenchanted with the system.

“When people see the normalization of favoritism, corruption, misuse of public resources, and the influence of “who you know,” some begin to wonder why they should continue to obey the rules when others appear to benefit from breaking them.”

According to him, economic difficulties also have consequences on civic commitment.

“It is difficult to ask a citizen struggling to feed a family, find work or access basic services to feel enthusiastic about national sacrifice without facing the conditions that make daily life increasingly difficult.

“Citizens are more willing to make sacrifices for their country when they believe that those entrusted with leadership are also making sacrifices, obeying the law and holding themselves to the same standards,” he said.

Kingsley, who urged leaders to ensure consequences for the misuse of public resources, called on government institutions to provide even the basic services that give citizens confidence in their country.

“Reliable electricity, improved infrastructure, quality education, accessible healthcare, security, clean water and efficient public services are not simply development goals; they are part of rebuilding the social contract between the Nigerian state and the Nigerian people.”

According to him, patriotism does not just mean waving the national flag, singing the national anthem or repeating national slogans.

“True patriotism includes understanding one’s rights and responsibilities, obeying legitimate laws, paying legal taxes, protecting public property, keeping communities clean, participating responsibly in elections, and holding leaders accountable

“Civic education in our schools must therefore go beyond the passive memorization of national symbols,” he said.