I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. I want to thank Marcel Okocha for inspiring this video. He made a statement that Nigeria was programmed to fail. While I may not have his exact words, the reality we see today was largely programmed by the British, possibly influenced by our cultural disposition.
As a social scientist with a master’s degree in Public Administration, I understand that societal trends can be predicted. Many of the issues we see today have historical roots and continue to follow predictable patterns. When I previously described Nigeria as a “Kasongo Republic,” I overlooked one crucial element—the police force. The way they operate today is a remnant of colonial tactics designed to suppress indigenous expressions of dissent.
The Predictability of the System
The Nigerian security system is highly predictable. When police anticipate protests, they organize a “show of force,” parading through the streets with trucks and heavy gear. This colonial-era mentality has persisted, where the objective is intimidation rather than crime prevention. Similarly, the placement and behavior of police at roadblocks follow a pattern: they slack off in the heat, reassemble in the evening, and prioritize locations where they can extract bribes.
This predictability extends beyond the police to politicians. When accused of wrongdoing, Nigerian politicians often resort to tribal sentiment, digging into their opponents’ pasts to deflect from their own faults. This repetition of tactics shows that our leadership and institutions have been programmed into certain behaviors.
The Psychological Programming of Nigerians
Nigerians, regardless of location, have been conditioned to see work as an opportunity for personal gain rather than responsibility. This traces back to colonial times when our ancestors worked as gardeners, stewards, and domestic workers for the British. The small gifts and tips from their employers influenced a mindset of “work and chop”—a culture that persists today, where public office and employment are seen as avenues for personal enrichment.
This mentality extends into family structures, where children are often rewarded for tasks instead of being taught responsibility. As a result, work is rarely viewed as a form of religious devotion or service to humanity, but rather as a means to extract benefits.
Tribal and Religious Programming
Another major issue is tribal and religious programming. Many Nigerians fear and distrust those from other ethnic groups unless they have been exposed to diversity through education and travel. This ethnocentric mindset continues to shape our politics and social interactions.
Religious programming is even more dangerous. Many religious institutions have conditioned people to think in a particular way, discouraging independent thought and questioning of authority. In some Pentecostal circles, accountability is non-existent. Unlike mainline churches that hold financial meetings, many Pentecostal leaders do not disclose financial records. Members are taught to associate giving with blessings rather than productivity and value creation.
In religious circles, hierarchical structures are reinforced through acts of submission, such as bowing before spiritual leaders. This cultivates a culture of unquestioning obedience and prevents critical evaluation of leadership.
The Future of Pentecostalism
In the next ten to fifteen years, a crisis is likely to emerge in Pentecostalism. As current leaders age, many will attempt to pass their ministries to their children, further reinforcing the perception that Pentecostal churches operate as family businesses. This transition will create frustration among long-serving members who expected more democratic succession plans.
Political and Structural Reprogramming
Nigeria’s political structure has also been programmed to favor certain groups, with government positions often allocated along tribal lines. This perpetuates systemic exclusion and reinforces ethnic tensions. To break free from this cycle, Nigeria needs a radical overhaul and mental reorientation.
One proposed solution is to restructure governance by dividing Nigeria into geopolitical zones, each electing its own leader. Instead of a single president for eight years, we could have multiple regional presidents serving collaboratively for twelve years. This would distribute power more equitably and encourage regional accountability.
Another necessary reform is limiting political campaigns to within candidates’ regions, reducing excessive campaign spending and ensuring leaders are directly accountable to their people.
A Call for Mental Reset
Nigeria deliberately needs a reset—an intentional reprogramming of the national mindset. Protests and violent revolutions have not successfully transformed struggling nations like Libya, Egypt, or Sudan. Instead, we need an ideological revolution that changes how we think about governance, responsibility, and service.
The future depends on a shift in mindset—one that prioritizes integrity, accountability, and productivity over entitlement and exploitation. The time to start this transformation is now.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki.
Let’s keep the conversation going and work toward the Nigeria we desire.
