In the beginning of the article, Achebe explains that Africa has long been colonized by the Europeans, starting from the "Scramble For Africa" until the 20th century when most European countries relinquished their grasp of their African colonies. Due to the long amount of time under the rule of European powers, African countries have long forgotten how to govern themselves. Achebe explains that "Africa's economic failures and political instability" is not because of the backwardness and incompetence of the people native to Africa, but because of its mismanagement by the Europeans. The dissension among the African people native to their lands are brought upon the European's tendencies to create political, economic and territorial barriers among the same ethnicity or group of people in order to break upon past rivalries to be able to control them. Achebe quotes, "It created new boundaries in ancient kingdoms, and nation-states resulting in disjointed, inexplicable, tension-prone countries today."
As soon as the African people have gained their freedom, their will to rule justly and fairly for the sake of the people has been nonexistent. Instead, they saw their major opportunity to become wealthy and powerful and thus created a system of political instability and economic downfall. Chinua Achebe states Nigeria is a "cesspool of corruption and misrule." Chinua Achebe then begins to explain that he is not shifting the blame upon others for the failures of Africa and Nigeria, but states that the nations who helped to create this conundrum to help and rebuild the African countries it left in pieces. The "political ineptitude, ethnic bigotry and corruption of the ruling class" serves as a plague to the people of Nigeria, and thus limiting the success of Nigeria.
However, Chinua Achebe still has high hopes for Nigeria, his homeland. He believes that not all democracy or great societies came immediately and instead believes that the success of Nigeria will come in stages. Achebe's fondness of his homeland is apparent, almost as if admonishing his country and political leaders to do better. But he believes in a leader, a person who is aware of the government's corruption and is willing to lead the people. A person who is made humble by the trust given to him by the people, someone will who be ready to use the power given to him for the good of the people.
As soon as the African people have gained their freedom, their will to rule justly and fairly for the sake of the people has been nonexistent. Instead, they saw their major opportunity to become wealthy and powerful and thus created a system of political instability and economic downfall. Chinua Achebe states Nigeria is a "cesspool of corruption and misrule." Chinua Achebe then begins to explain that he is not shifting the blame upon others for the failures of Africa and Nigeria, but states that the nations who helped to create this conundrum to help and rebuild the African countries it left in pieces. The "political ineptitude, ethnic bigotry and corruption of the ruling class" serves as a plague to the people of Nigeria, and thus limiting the success of Nigeria.
However, Chinua Achebe still has high hopes for Nigeria, his homeland. He believes that not all democracy or great societies came immediately and instead believes that the success of Nigeria will come in stages. Achebe's fondness of his homeland is apparent, almost as if admonishing his country and political leaders to do better. But he believes in a leader, a person who is aware of the government's corruption and is willing to lead the people. A person who is made humble by the trust given to him by the people, someone will who be ready to use the power given to him for the good of the people.