I am excited about the framework for the National Conference as
announced by the Federal Government yesterday. The system of
representation and the guidelines are reasonable, fair, equitable and
achievable. The budget of N7Billion is prudent and a worthwhile
investment in our posterity.
Kudos to GEJ!
Some have raised concerns about the only "no-go area": Nigeria's indivisibility and the nature of representation at the National Conference.
On the one "no-go" area, I think that is rational. Some people were afraid of the National Conference only because of the prospect of it being a step towards the disintegration of our beloved Nigeria.
I believe the things that bind us together as a nation are actually much more than the things that appear to divide us. There is no evidence to believe most Nigerians are no longer interested in remaining in one country. Even the MASSOB guys who want a Biafran state do not represent the mainstream Igbo view. Separatist groups in Nigeria are largely on the fringes and a minority.
If the issue of Nigeria's existence is on the agenda at the National Conference, it will undermine the Conference and distract it from addressing the more important issues which are the real causes of our distrust, suspicion and disunity. If issues like resource control, true federalism (or confederalism), fiscal federalism etc. are well addressed, the issue of Nigeria's continuity as one country would have been effectively resolved.
And, if indeed our separation into small countries is what most Nigerians actually want, I am in no doubt that it will still happen eventually whether or not it is discussed at the National Conference. But there is no credible evidence that most Nigerians really want the country broken up. It is frustration with the injustices and inequities manifest in our faulty foundation that make some suggest we part ways. When you have MASSOB-type militant separatist groups replicated in most ethnic groups across the country one will need no other evidence that most Nigerians want the country broken up. As at today, MASSOB is still the only visible and vocal group formally advocating for the formation of a separate country for their tribesmen. And MASSOB does not even command the support of most Igbos. I doubt if their members are up to 10,000 persons world-wide.
We are better off as one country. The National Conference will help us resolve the issues of injustice and inequity which have hampered our unity and progress since 1914.
On the issue of representation at the National Conference, a general election is not feasible at this time and in the run-up to the 2015 General Election. The logistics and huge cost of organising a natioal election, ensuring it is free and fair, and giving room for litigation where there are allegations of rigging make it unviable.
Each sub-group attending the National Conference (the two main religious bodies, ethnic socio-cultural groups, professional groups, civil society groups etc.) will choose their own representatives. Democratic representation does not only happen by a general election. Each group has its own mechanism of selecting representatives who would truly represent them.
The nomination of persons by the President and the State Governors to attend the Conference is also in order. I am certain that they would ensure that they bolster their credibility by nominating only persons widely regarded as "fit and proper persons". And as elected representatives of Nigerians, who says they are not in the position to choose nominees who would go and advocate the popular views of our peoples?
The National Conference is our chance to rebuild our nation's foundation. Let us make it work.
God bless Nigeria!
Nigeria di fure!!
Kudos to GEJ!
Some have raised concerns about the only "no-go area": Nigeria's indivisibility and the nature of representation at the National Conference.
On the one "no-go" area, I think that is rational. Some people were afraid of the National Conference only because of the prospect of it being a step towards the disintegration of our beloved Nigeria.
I believe the things that bind us together as a nation are actually much more than the things that appear to divide us. There is no evidence to believe most Nigerians are no longer interested in remaining in one country. Even the MASSOB guys who want a Biafran state do not represent the mainstream Igbo view. Separatist groups in Nigeria are largely on the fringes and a minority.
If the issue of Nigeria's existence is on the agenda at the National Conference, it will undermine the Conference and distract it from addressing the more important issues which are the real causes of our distrust, suspicion and disunity. If issues like resource control, true federalism (or confederalism), fiscal federalism etc. are well addressed, the issue of Nigeria's continuity as one country would have been effectively resolved.
And, if indeed our separation into small countries is what most Nigerians actually want, I am in no doubt that it will still happen eventually whether or not it is discussed at the National Conference. But there is no credible evidence that most Nigerians really want the country broken up. It is frustration with the injustices and inequities manifest in our faulty foundation that make some suggest we part ways. When you have MASSOB-type militant separatist groups replicated in most ethnic groups across the country one will need no other evidence that most Nigerians want the country broken up. As at today, MASSOB is still the only visible and vocal group formally advocating for the formation of a separate country for their tribesmen. And MASSOB does not even command the support of most Igbos. I doubt if their members are up to 10,000 persons world-wide.
We are better off as one country. The National Conference will help us resolve the issues of injustice and inequity which have hampered our unity and progress since 1914.
On the issue of representation at the National Conference, a general election is not feasible at this time and in the run-up to the 2015 General Election. The logistics and huge cost of organising a natioal election, ensuring it is free and fair, and giving room for litigation where there are allegations of rigging make it unviable.
Each sub-group attending the National Conference (the two main religious bodies, ethnic socio-cultural groups, professional groups, civil society groups etc.) will choose their own representatives. Democratic representation does not only happen by a general election. Each group has its own mechanism of selecting representatives who would truly represent them.
The nomination of persons by the President and the State Governors to attend the Conference is also in order. I am certain that they would ensure that they bolster their credibility by nominating only persons widely regarded as "fit and proper persons". And as elected representatives of Nigerians, who says they are not in the position to choose nominees who would go and advocate the popular views of our peoples?
The National Conference is our chance to rebuild our nation's foundation. Let us make it work.
God bless Nigeria!
Nigeria di fure!!
The opportunity to talk has come and Nigerians should take advantage of it. Every time you can talk to one another reduces the mis-understandings you have of each others positions and feelings.
ReplyDeleteThe conference should be held and the people of Nigeria should talk - sincerely and truthfully without over playing personal or ethnic agenda.
I believe this conference will reveal new potentials in leadership for Nigeria. We desperately need fresh hands to lead this country. By this I don't necessarily mean young persons but "HANDS" that have been waiting patiently who have not been able to play the " rig n fraud n violent" card. I pray God in His mercies will bring them out and give them the opportunity to lead and serve.