A lot of Nigerians complain daily about the deplorable state of the country but have never wondered what role they themselves have played in making the mess out of the country. Home and abroad, Nigerians are quick to blame all the woes of the country on politicians and castigates our previous leaders. However, if we check ourselves, we will realise that some "little things" we sometimes do are as capable of bringing down the country as are the acts of our politicians and past leaders.

If you have ever engaged in any of the acts listed below, then you have equally contributed negatively to the state of the nation.

1. A lot of Nigerians now pay for mercenaries to sit exams (WAEC, JAMB etc) for their child/ wards and turn around to blame government for the state of education in the country.

2. Many people in Lagos and other cities tip NEPA (or PHCN) officials to alter their meter setup to charge less and then complain of erratic power supply.

3. Many people don't see anything wrong in buying Tokunbo cars from Cotonou and proceed to obtain fake papers in Nigeria ports, depriving the country of potential revenue.

4. Self employed people who never pays their taxes also blame the government for failure to provide amenities.

5. A civil servant, police officer or any other person who demand gratification or bribe before discharging his obligation has no moral right to blame any corrupt govt official.

We can go on and on, these seemingly little things also contribute in no small measures to the backwardness we experience in the country. If we want the country to move forward we need to play our own positive role.