Read the Part A (HERE)
Again, the character of the political class is a major source of contradictions. Most Nigerian leaders are materialistic and corrupt. Rather than representing the interest of the people, the product of their policies and the programs seem to reflect their personal interest. Our legal document (the constitution) and its content give us a clear example of this unfortunate situation. For instance, the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a created document arranged by a few elites who failed to put into context the diverse nature of our socio-political setting...
Again, the character of the political class is a major source of contradictions. Most Nigerian leaders are materialistic and corrupt. Rather than representing the interest of the people, the product of their policies and the programs seem to reflect their personal interest. Our legal document (the constitution) and its content give us a clear example of this unfortunate situation. For instance, the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a created document arranged by a few elites who failed to put into context the diverse nature of our socio-political setting...
Consequently, the
constitution was bereft of popular consultation. Interestingly, the irony of
how the 1999 constitution was born is well captured in what follows: “We the
people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Having firmly and solemnly resolved
to live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign
nation….Do hereby make and give ourselves the following constitution”
The phrase “we the people”
leaves us with a big question: “which people?” well, to my mind, the people referred
to here as the few self serving leaders who take advantage of their leadership
positions to benefit themselves. Sadly, the real people were never consulted as
to knowing whether and how they are to be governed. This is the long run, has
had serious implications for national integration.
The manifestations of
the colonial mistake are disturbingly glaring. It has assumed a more than worrisome
proportion. Recently, we are engulfed in a sea of crisis which takes different
dimensions. While some are politically motivated, others assume ethno religious
colourations, fuelled by ideological sentiments. The Boko Haram fundamentalism,
the power tussle between the north and the south among others lend credence to
the growing problem of national integration in Nigeria.
If there is any
question yet unanswered, it is whether we as Nigerians want to continue in this
association. Until we go back to the drawing board and begin to ask ourselves
some of these disturbing yet, important question, the desire of fostering a
united Nigeria would continue to elude us. In spite of all these odds, it must
be mentioned that Nigeria has gone a long way and cannot wish away her
problems. There is a need to chart a course and move forward. One possible way
of actualizing this dream is the call for a sovereign national conference. Here,
the various holders of this nation should be brought to a round table to
discuss whether they would want to live together and how this can be possibly
arranged.
Another possibility
could be the practice of true federalism. Given the preponderance of ethnic
leaning and regional bases, there is a need to structure a system that would
take into cognizance and accommodate these many divides so that an equal sense
of belonging in the whole scheme of things. A federalism that promotes social
justice, fairness and equality could be a vehicle for promoting national cohesion
in Nigeria.
Yet, a third option
is the infusion of national consciousness in the nation’s body polity. We must
learn as people to sacrifice our personal interest, sentiments and inclinations
for our national good. This could be achieved through the promotion of our national
symbols, value, reorientation, strengthening and restructuring of the National
Youths Service Corp (NYSC) scheme as well as the advocacy for patriotism.
In the final
analysis, an objective consideration of the emerging issues resulting from the
complex nature of our socio-political structure culminates into one obvious
fact-that Nigeria has a major problem of national cohesion and all hands must
be on deck to salvage this nation from the brink of collapse. “This house will
fail”, a popular pessimistic view of the Nigerian state by Prof. Soyinka maybe
our fate if we do not act now! Let us unite now, for Nigeria is ours and ours
to protect.
-Otu Simeon
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