Nigeria, Aug. 23 -- For decades, Nigerians have worn resilience like a badge of honour. The world praises us for our unique capacity to absorb pain, to navigate systemic indignity, and to survive where others would break. But let us be honest with ourselves, our celebrated resilience is no longer a virtue. It has become a curse. It is the psychological cage we have built for ourselves: the very anaesthetic that allows a predatory ruling class to pillage our homeland while we quietly pray for miracles and run abroad in search of a better life.

Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that, "the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government." Thus, it can be said that Section 14 (2)(b)...