Nigeria: Navigating Pragmatism And The Kite Runner Dilemma

5 min read Post on May 20, 2025

Nigeria: Navigating Pragmatism And The Kite Runner Dilemma

Pragmatism in Nigerian Politics and Society

Nigeria's journey towards progress is often hampered by deeply ingrained societal and political challenges. Understanding the role of pragmatism in navigating these issues is crucial.

The Corruption Conundrum

Corruption is a pervasive issue in Nigeria, hindering economic growth and societal development. The short-term gains often outweigh the long-term consequences in the minds of some, perpetuating a cycle of unethical behavior. This “pragmatic” approach, where corruption is seen as a necessary evil or simply "the way things are done," undermines institutions and erodes public trust.

Examples: Rampant corruption exists across various sectors, from inflated government contracts and embezzlement of public funds to bribery in the police force and customs agencies.
Short-term vs. Long-term: While corrupt practices might yield immediate personal enrichment, they ultimately lead to infrastructure decay, stifled economic growth, and a lack of public services.
Pragmatic Justification: The argument often made is that “everyone does it,” normalizing unethical conduct and creating a culture of impunity.
Case Studies: Examining specific cases of corruption, such as the mismanagement of oil revenues or the siphoning of funds intended for public projects, reveals the devastating impact of pragmatic approaches that prioritize self-interest.

Economic Pragmatism and Inequality

Nigeria’s economic policies have often prioritized growth over equitable distribution of wealth, leading to stark inequalities. This pragmatic approach, while seemingly boosting overall GDP, exacerbates social tensions and fosters instability.

Neoliberal Policies: The implementation of neoliberal policies, often justified as necessary for attracting foreign investment, has sometimes widened the gap between the rich and poor.
Widening Gap: The concentration of wealth in the hands of a small elite contrasts sharply with the widespread poverty and lack of opportunities for many Nigerians.
Growth over Equity: The justification for this approach often focuses on the need to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth, even if it comes at the expense of equitable distribution of resources.
Social Consequences: This inequality fuels social unrest, crime, and migration, ultimately undermining the long-term stability and prosperity of the nation.

The Kite Runner Analogy: Moral Compromises and Redemption

Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner provides a powerful analogy for understanding the moral compromises often made in the name of pragmatism in Nigeria.

Parallels with Amir's Choices

Amir's inaction in the face of Hassan's assault reflects the silent complicity that often characterizes societal responses to injustice in Nigeria. His pragmatic choice to prioritize self-preservation over ethical responsibility mirrors the decisions made by individuals and institutions who choose to overlook corruption or inequality for personal gain.

Amir's Inaction: His failure to intervene demonstrates the devastating consequences of choosing self-preservation over justice.
Consequences of Pragmatism: Amir's life is irrevocably altered by his decision, highlighting the long-term costs of seemingly pragmatic choices.
Redemption: Amir's eventual journey towards redemption provides a powerful message about the possibility of confronting past mistakes and seeking atonement.
Long-term Costs: The novel vividly illustrates how seemingly small, pragmatic choices can have profound and lasting consequences.

The Burden of Silence and the Search for Atonement

The culture of silence surrounding sensitive issues in Nigeria mirrors the societal pressures that prevented Amir from speaking out. Confronting difficult truths, addressing past injustices, and holding powerful individuals accountable are crucial steps towards national reconciliation and healing.

Culture of Silence: Fear of reprisal or social ostracism often prevents individuals from speaking out against injustice or corruption.
Accountability Challenges: The lack of accountability mechanisms makes it difficult to hold powerful individuals responsible for their actions.
National Reconciliation: Addressing past injustices through truth and reconciliation processes is essential for building a more just and equitable society.
Societal Healing: Open dialogue, acknowledgment of past wrongs, and commitment to justice are vital for fostering healing and reconciliation.

Finding a Balance: Towards a More Ethical Pragmatism in Nigeria

Moving forward, Nigeria needs a more ethical and socially conscious approach to pragmatism, one that prioritizes long-term sustainable development and equitable distribution of resources.

Redefining Pragmatism

This requires a shift in mindset, prioritizing long-term gains over short-term benefits and fostering transparency and accountability in all sectors.

Sustainable Development: Investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure are crucial for long-term sustainable development.
Transparency and Accountability: Strengthening anti-corruption measures, promoting transparency in government, and ensuring accountability for all actions are essential.
Human Capital Development: Investing in education and skills development empowers individuals and fosters economic growth.
Citizen Participation: Encouraging citizen participation in governance and decision-making ensures that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.

The Role of Individuals and Institutions

Ethical leadership, a strong and independent media, and active citizen participation are crucial for fostering a more just and equitable society in Nigeria.

Ethical Leadership: Leaders at all levels must demonstrate integrity, transparency, and a commitment to the public good.
Media's Role: A free and independent press plays a vital role in holding power accountable and exposing corruption.
Individual Actions: Individual actions, no matter how small, can collectively contribute to challenging injustice and promoting positive change.
Institutional Reform: Strengthening democratic institutions, improving the rule of law, and promoting good governance are crucial for achieving long-term stability and prosperity.

Conclusion

This exploration of Nigeria pragmatism through the lens of The Kite Runner reveals the inherent complexities of navigating ethical dilemmas in a society grappling with significant challenges. While pragmatism often dictates immediate actions, neglecting moral considerations can lead to long-term social and economic costs. To build a more just and prosperous future, Nigeria must strive for a more ethical form of pragmatism—one that prioritizes long-term sustainable development, transparency, accountability, and the active participation of its citizens. Let us all work towards a Nigeria where pragmatic choices align with moral principles and a brighter future is secured for all. Embrace the challenge of navigating ethical pragmatism in Nigeria, and together we can create a better tomorrow.