By Ayodele Samuel Adepitan Llm, Bl, Llb

Patriotism according to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary 10th edition defined Patriotism as love of your country and the desire to defend it.

Patriotism is the emotional and moral connection citizens have with their country. It is demonstrated through respect for the nation’s laws, active participation in civic responsibilities, and actions that prioritize the well-being of the nation above personal or sectional interests. A patriotic citizen believes in the growth and unity of their country and works tirelessly toward its advancement, even in the face of adversity.

The leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch said on different occasion via different means of communication thus:
“I identify more as an ethnic Yoruba rather than a Nigerian, “she said, noting that she would never be associated with northerners whom she said are apologists of the Boko Haram insurgency. The British politician also addressed the question of corruption in Nigeria, describing a lived experience in which the Nigerian police stole from her brother.”
“I grew up in Nigeria, and I saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, when they use public money as their private piggy banks, when they pollute the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others,”
“The police in Nigeria will rob us. When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m Black, I say well … I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.”
“I come from a thoroughly broken, dysfunctional society to this great country that has worked for me, and for this, I am grateful. We must not let outsiders mess up this place with ways of life that are contrary to the culture here. I stand as the representation of the ‘British dream’, a first-generation immigrant that has risen from the base of the ladder to the top in less than two decades, and I am ready to lay down my life for this country to keep what we have going.”
On the 10th day of December 2024, the Vice President Kashim Shettima accused Badenoch of “denigrating her nation of origin,” contrasting her approach with that of former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who, despite his Indian heritage, “never denigrated his nation of ancestry.

Why Must I Be Patriotic for Nigeria?
Nigeria, with its abundant human and natural resources, stands as a beacon of hope for Africa. A citizen must be patriotic for the following reasons.

Patriotism inspires citizens to take active roles in governance and societal development. Voting during elections, paying taxes, and volunteering for community service are patriotic acts that build a stronger nation. Patriotism encourages hope and resilience, even during tough times. A patriotic citizen does not abandon their country in the face of challenges but works tirelessly to create solutions.

With over 250 ethnic groups and diverse religious affiliations, Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. Patriotism unites citizens under a common identity as Nigerians, promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding.
Corruption, ethnic and religious divisions, economic hardship and brain drain remains a significant barrier to Nigeria’s progress. A patriotic citizen acts with integrity, rejects corrupt practices, and demands accountability from leaders.

As a patriotic citizen, you must respects the constitution, supports the government’s efforts for development, and refrains from activities that undermine the country’s sovereignty.
A Patriotic citizen contribute to the growth and development of his or her country. This could be as simple as maintaining a clean environment, mentoring young people, or investing in local businesses.

A patriotic citizen speaks out against injustice and promotes fairness, ensuring that no individual or group is marginalized. A patriotic citizen respect his or her country’s flag, singing the national anthem with pride, and observing national holidays which are symbolic acts of patriotism. A patriotic citizen strives for peace by rejecting violence, hate speech, and actions that can destabilize the nation.

Analysis of Perceived Unpatriotic Behavior
There is no doubt that Badenoch’s remarks exhibit unpatriotic tendencies for several reasons:
1. Focusing solely on negative experiences without acknowledging the country’s strengths and progress can present a skewed perspective, disregarding the efforts of Nigerians striving for positive change.
2. Highlight negative aspects of Nigeria in international forums can perpetuate unfavorable stereotypes, potentially affecting the nation’s global image and the self-esteem of its citizens.
3. By emphasizing ethnic distinctions and expressing reluctance to associate with certain groups, such statements can exacerbate internal divisions, undermining efforts toward national cohesion.

Balancing Critique and Patriotism
While acknowledging a country’s challenges is essential for growth, the manner and context in which such critiques are presented matter significantly. Constructive criticism aimed at fostering improvement differs from statements that may be perceived as distancing oneself from the nation or its people.

The UK Conservative Party leader’s comments are not only derogatory but also unacceptable, especially considering Nigeria’s significance to her personal life – the country where her parents hail from and where she spent some of her formative years. It’s essential to show respect and loyalty to one’s country, refraining from disparaging remarks unless absolutely necessary. Nigeria has made remarkable strides in earning its place among the world’s nations, and its achievements should be acknowledged and celebrated.

One’s country of birth is an indelible part of their identity, and it’s unacceptable to disparage or abandon it for personal gain, regardless of the cost. Your roots and origin remain a constant aspect of who you are, unaffected by geographical relocation or travel. Loyalty and pride in one’s homeland are essential, and its significance should never be compromised for fleeting benefits.

I want to clarify that my comments about Nigeria are not meant to be overly critical. As a nation, we are a work in progress, and it’s unrealistic to expect perfection overnight. Just as a child takes time to grow and develop, Nigeria will also reach its full potential with time. I have faith that Nigerians will rise to the challenge and excel in all sectors. As citizens, it’s our duty to remain patriotic and loyal to our country, acknowledging its flaws while working towards a brighter future. After all, Nigeria is our homeland, and there’s no substitute for it.

There are countless ways to practice the act of patriotism for one’s country. A citizen of a country can engage in active and constructive criticism with policymakers and this can help address issues such as poor governance and social injustice. Also, promoting unity by embracing and respecting the cultural and religious differences that make Nigeria unique and lastly by sharing knowledge and resources with others to reduce ignorance and poverty. Education is one of the most powerful tools for national transformation. Lives have been transformed by this and it is still been transformed.

Conclusion
According to Archbishop Ignatius in response to Badenoch’s statement, “It is worth noting that narratives about Nigeria, or any country, are often influenced by those who control the global conversation. For every criticism, there should be an equal effort to highlight the country’s resilience, cultural richness, and untapped potential. A nation’s story is multifaceted, and no single aspect should define it. The demonization of our country should not be a prerequisite to winning a leadership contest of a political party in a foreign land and if it is, one cannot expect any self-respecting Nigerian to applaud it,” He urged Nigerians to take control of the narrative about their country. “From the halls of Westminster to the streets of Lagos, every Nigerian has a role in shaping the image of the country. While acknowledging our flaws, we must also celebrate our strengths, countering negativity with hope and progress,” Kaigama said.
Patriotism extends beyond the nation’s borders. Nigerians abroad who uphold and celebrate their heritage contribute to improving the country’s reputation on the global stage. Highlighting Nigeria’s achievements in arts, sports, technology, economy and academia such as Anthony Joshua, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Akinwumi Adesina, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Israel Adesanya and Tunde Onakoya (to mention but a few), can counter negative stereotypes. Standing fall for your country matters a lot and that’s should be the less you should do.

The writer can be contacted via his email address: [email protected]