Long before humans drilled into the earth, extracting its precious resources like oil, nature had its own way of utilizing the ground’s offerings. One of the most fascinating natural phenomena can be found in the behavior of the humble crab. Unlike the modern-day oil rig, the crab’s burrow serves as an early, natural oil extraction site, in a manner that humankind did not fully grasp until much later. The crab’s burrow, formed in the muddy shores of mangroves, brims with a mixture of decaying organic matter. Over time, this waste produces natural oils, which coat the crab’s underground home, giving it an almost oil-like quality. This simple, yet clever adaptation is not merely a quirky aspect of nature but a symbol that speaks to deeper themes that reflect the state of Nigeria today.
For many students of the University of Lagos, the most beautiful sight on campus is not the grand Senate Building or the golden-hued auditorium; it is the vast expanse of the Lagoon Front. Located where the Lagos Lagoon touches the shoreline of Akoka, this scenic view serves as both a mental retreat and an emotional refuge. It is where thinkers come to gather their thoughts by day, and where lovers seek solace under the soft, moonlit sky by night. I was one of those students, often walking along the curving path that runs by the lagoon, heading toward the vice chancellor’s lodge, feet dragging, thoughts flowing like the waters in front of me. I often found myself reflecting on the tranquility of the Lagoon Front, all the while contemplating the chaos in the country beyond.
It was here, in the soft murmur of the lagoon’s waves, that I first encountered the mysterious crab. The crabs dug burrows deep into the muddy banks, and their holes often seemed to contain an oily sheen. I couldn’t help but wonder: what is it about these crabs and oil? Little did I know that the answer to this question would unravel itself not just through the lens of science, but through the very metaphor that is Nigeria’s political system. The crab, an innocent creature, was about to reveal the darker, symbolic truth about the state of leadership in my country.
The Allegory of the Crab: Oil and Trickery
The Nigerian crab, in folklore, is more than just a simple scavenger. It is a debtor, a trickster, and a drunkard. It is a creature that habitually frequents the bar of Adaba the Dove, a local brewer. According to the myth, the crab regularly drinks at Adaba’s establishment without paying, promising to settle the bill the next day. However, the crab always returns with the same excuse: “I will pay you tomorrow.” Time and again, the crab avoids payment, dragging the process on for days, then weeks, until one fateful day, the dove enlists the help of the snake, known as Ejo, to collect the debt.
The snake, with its cold-blooded demeanor, agrees to help retrieve the money owed to the dove. As the crab heads for the door after another round of drinks, the dove calls on the snake to ensure the debt is paid. The chase begins, with the crab scurrying towards its burrow, the snake hot on its trail, and the dove calling out, urging the snake to “grab it tightly, grab it tightly!” The crab, however, narrowly escapes, retreating into its burrow where the snake attempts to follow. As the snake inches its head into the darkness of the crab’s tunnel, it is met with a sharp snap. The crab has severed the snake’s head, ensuring its escape and proving that it is indeed the master of trickery.
This story, though simple, has much deeper connotations. The crab in this tale is a symbol of deceit, evasion, and unfulfilled promises. It promises to repay its debts but never does, always offering a future date. It creates a false sense of security, a façade of compliance, while continuing its self-serving actions. This allegory mirrors Nigeria’s political leadership since the return of democracy in 1999.
Nigeria as a “Crab Republic”
Much like the crab in folklore, Nigeria’s leadership operates with a similar mindset. Over the years, politicians in the country have adopted a “crab mentality” that hinders the nation’s progress. They promise prosperity, justice, and change but fail to deliver. Instead, they thrive on deception, using promises of a better future to maintain power while serving their own interests. The leadership in Nigeria, much like the crab, has perfected the art of evasion—dodging accountability, and making empty promises of progress that never come to fruition.
Since the return of democracy, the Nigerian leadership has repeatedly failed to address the most pressing issues facing the nation: corruption, economic mismanagement, security challenges, and widespread violence. Just as the crab weaves its burrow in a way that produces oily residue, Nigeria’s political system has fostered a breeding ground for corruption and unaccountability. These leaders, who should be responsible stewards of the nation, have instead entrenched themselves in power, often at the expense of the very people they are meant to serve.
Nigeria’s “crab leaders” are no strangers to deception. They make grand promises of economic growth, security, and stability, but their actions reveal a different reality. The country’s oil wealth, for instance, has not translated into development for the majority of its citizens. Instead, it has been squandered by corrupt leaders who line their pockets while the masses suffer. They sell false hope, parading around with promises of a better tomorrow, but each day passes with no meaningful progress. Just like the crab’s empty promises to repay the dove, the leaders of Nigeria offer empty assurances that rarely materialize.
Herdsmen, Violence, and a Country in Ruins
One of the most disturbing aspects of Nigeria’s “crab republic” is its failure to address the growing violence, particularly the widespread killings by herdsmen. These attacks, which have left entire villages decimated, are often met with inaction from the government. The recent massacre in Benue State serves as a chilling reminder of the government’s failure to protect its citizens. Despite knowing who the perpetrators are, the government has consistently failed to bring justice to the victims. The herdsmen—who wield power and influence in Nigeria—continue to roam freely, slaughtering villagers without consequence.
The government’s indifference to the plight of ordinary Nigerians is perhaps best illustrated by the response to these killings. When President Bola Tinubu visited Benue State, it was clear that his visit was nothing more than a photo opportunity—an attempt to show concern while doing nothing substantive to stop the violence. The mass graves, the crying mothers, the burnt villages—all these paint a picture of a country where the leaders turn a blind eye to suffering. In the eyes of the government, the lives of rural citizens, particularly those from marginalized communities, are expendable. Just as the crab avoids responsibility, the Nigerian leadership avoids addressing the root causes of violence and insecurity.
The Crux of the Matter: A Nation of Deceit
As the myth of the crab illustrates, there is no true accountability in Nigeria’s political system. The leadership continues to make promises they have no intention of keeping, all while consolidating power and wealth for themselves. This “crab mentality” is deeply embedded in the nation’s psyche, from the highest offices in the land to the local government level. Nigerian politicians, like the crab in the story, care only about their immediate gratification and survival, with little regard for the long-term well-being of the people they govern.
The country’s obsession with power, wealth, and self-interest has left millions of Nigerians stranded in poverty, insecurity, and despair. And yet, the cycle continues. The masses are told to wait for tomorrow—tomorrow when things will get better, tomorrow when the promises will finally be fulfilled. But tomorrow never comes.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The time has come for Nigeria to break free from its “crab republic” mentality. The country must hold its leaders accountable for their actions and demand real change. The stories of violence, corruption, and deceit that have plagued the nation for decades must end. The government must take a firm stance against the forces of evil—whether they be herdsmen, corrupt politicians, or criminals—and put the interests of the people first.
Just as the crab is forced to retreat into its burrow after committing its misdeeds, Nigeria’s leaders must no longer hide behind empty promises and deceptive rhetoric. It is time for them to emerge from their burrows and face the reality of the country’s problems. The people of Nigeria deserve better. They deserve leaders who will work for them, not for themselves. Only then will Nigeria break free from its crab mentality and begin to build a future of true prosperity and justice.
