By Muhammad Ajah<\/p>\n
Coming from the most neglected, dejected, suppressed, denied, relegated,
\nmocked, downtrodden and unwanted minorities of the Nigerian nation, I
\nshould have been convinced by a reluctant conscience that this effort of
\nwriting a memo to a Nigerian National Dialogue Conference (NNDC) would be
\na trash. Maybe, as irrelevant as I and my people have been
\nunpatriotically, surreptitiously or overtly regarded by other components
\nof Nigeria, this will end up being a garbage, however heavy, in the
\nassembly of people who do not recognize minorities and do not care or fear
\nabout the patience of the oppressed.<\/p>\n
Well, it is said that a single written idea is better that many unwritten
\nbooks. Again, it is better to explode with a conviction than to die with
\na simplest idea that can effect a change however long. Most sincere
\nNigerians, like most great revivalists and revolutionists, struggle for a
\nchange that will live after them i.e. come into effect long after they
\nhave gone.<\/p>\n
This is because for a full hundred years of the creation of Nigeria, 53 of
\nwhich Nigeria has remained a so-called independent nation, many solutions
\nhave been proffered by many Nigerian individuals and groups on how to
\nplace the nation among the comity of united, stabilized and developed
\nnations. It is hard to believe that the more prescription is given, the
\nsicker the nation becomes. Heads of state, presidents, philosophers,
\ntechnicians, socio-cultural, socio-political and religious establishments
\nhave analyzed, talked, discussed, dialogued and deliberated on the
\nNigeria\u2019s question in many fora. What do Nigerians expect from this?<\/p>\n
Never a pessimist! Why should I be, especially coming for the unheard,
\nunnoticed and nay unwanted minority in Nigeria. It is unarguable that any
\nNigerian president since 1914 and from 1960 has ever thought that there is
\nany minority from the Igbo extraction worthy of mention at Lugard\u2019s House
\nor Aso Rock, not to talk of recognition. General Yakubu Gowon, as then the
\nHead of State, liked a minority leader of Igbo extraction, Sheikh Ibrahim
\nNwagui. That\u2019s just all I can remember. Igbo man a Muslim! He must be a
\nkparawu! Hausa man a Christian! He has chosen a true path! Yoruba man a
\nMuslim or Christian! Good omen!<\/p>\n
I have never seen a people so neglected. I have never seen a people so
\nplotted against. I have never seen a people whose crosses are totally left
\nto them to carry by themselves in a nation where God created them like
\nother inhabitants. And I have not seen a people whose cries are hardly
\nheard by even their brethren in faith and fraternity.<\/p>\n
This memo to those who have been chosen, by merit or demerit, to gather
\nand dialogue on behalf of ALL NIGERIANS is intricate. They are going to be
\nour National Assembly for the number of days that would be. They are going
\nto collect taxpayers\u2019 money. So, this is a difficult task because it is
\nbelieved that a lot of Nigerians are too self-centered. If not, a nation
\nwith 109 distinguished senators and 360 honourable members of House of
\nRepresentatives at the National Assembly would have changed this country
\nto good. Unfortunately, there are those who collect fat amounts but do not
\ncontribute anything to the nation up-making, year in year out.<\/p>\n
The membership of the conference is more in number than the membership of
\nthe National Assembly. With their assistances, drivers and aides, the
\nnumber may surpass the number of National Assembly staff. It may well be
\nthat Abuja is going to face traffic and accommodation challenges during
\nthe period of the conference. It is therefore hoped that the effect of the
\nAbacha one-million man march will be less. It is also hoped that the 2005
\nnational conference will not be referred to better, despite the walkouts
\nby several interest groups.<\/p>\n
Nonetheless, the leadership of the 492-member conference is made of known
\nNigerians. The conference Chairman, Justice Idriss Legbo Kutigi, Deputy
\nChairman Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Secretary Dr. (Mrs.) Valerie Azinge,
\nAssistant Secretary, Conference Proceedings Dr. Akilu Indabawa, Assistant
\nSecretary, Finance & Administration Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Assistant
\nSecretary, Media and Communications Mr. James Akpandem are Nigerians who
\nthe citizens know their contributions to the nation building in their
\ndifferent capacities. The ship they are going to captain shortly is
\nNIGERIA and they have no option than to be extraordinarily careful not to
\nwreck it under whatever pressure, lobbying or force. Rather, it would be
\nhonourable to resign midway if integrity is to be compromised and a
\npullout becomes inevitable.<\/p>\n
Yes, never a pessimist! Let me explore what have been going inside the
\nminds of Nigerians earlier before this national conference. The question
\nis: What is the cure for Nigeria? Is it faith and piety? Is it
\nselflessness? Is it patriotism or chauvinism? Is it real self reliance? Is
\nit human beings with feelings for other existences? Is it individuals who
\ncan look beyond their own feet? Is it justice and fairness? Is it love for
\ndeath and hatred for life? Is it disamalgamation? What is it that can cure
\nNigeria???
\nNigerian leaders have proffered solutions to the nation\u2019s multi-faceted
\nproblems. Let\u2019s look at the positions of Nigerians, with emphasis on the
\ncommon points. President Goodluck Jonathan, in a national broadcast on the
\nCentenary celebration said the creation of Nigeria and sustenance of its
\nunity are sacrosanct. \u201cI have often expressed the conviction that our
\namalgamation was not a mistake. While our union may have been inspired by
\nconsiderations external to our people; I have no doubt that we are
\ndestined by God Almighty to live together as one big nation, united in
\ndiversity. Unification was followed by independence and democracy which
\nhave unleashed the enormous potentials of our people and laid the
\nfoundation for our nation\u2019s greatness.”
\n\u201cIn challenging times, it is easy to become pessimistic and cynical. But
\nhope, when grounded in realism, enables and inspires progress. I believe
\nthat it is vital that we focus our thoughts on the vast potentials of a
\nunified and progressive Nigeria; and build on the relative stability of
\nthe Fourth Republic to achieve accelerated national socio-economic
\ndevelopment. I also believe that the future greatness of our country is
\nassured by the favourable tail winds of a resilient population, ecological
\ndiversity, rich natural resources and a national consciousness that rises
\nabove our differences. We are a unique country. We have been brought
\ntogether in a union like no other by providence. Our nation has evolved
\nfrom three regions to thirty six states and a Federal Capital Territory.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy call for the National Conference in this first year of our second
\ncentury is to provide the platform to confront our challenges. I am
\nconfident that we shall rise from this conference with renewed courage and
\nconfidence to march through the next century and beyond, to overcome all
\nobstacles on the path to the fulfillment of our globally acknowledged
\npotential for greatness. The coming National Conference should not be
\nabout a few, privileged persons dictating the terms of debate but an
\nopportunity for all Nigerians to take part in a comprehensive dialogue to
\nfurther strengthen our union. I am hopeful that the conference will not
\nresult in parochial bargaining between competing regions, ethnic,
\nreligious and other interest groups but in an objective dialogue about the
\nway forward for our nation and how to ensure a more harmonious balance
\namong our three tiers of government.\u201d<\/p>\n
In his a message to the nation on December 25, 2012 President Goodluck
\nEbele Jonathan, GCFR, as in many other fora observed that the lessons of
\nJesus Christ\u2019s mission on earth have great significance for Nigerians as a
\npeople and there can be no doubt that all Nigerians, irrespective of their
\nreligious beliefs, can draw immense strength and inspiration from the
\nChrist\u2019s enduring personification of selflessness, dedication to duty, and
\ncommitment to the well-being of others.
\nIn another massage to the nation at the 2013 May Day celebration Wednesday
\n1st May, President Goodluck Jonathan said, diversifying the economy away
\nfrom the oil sector into agriculture, housing, manufacturing, creative
\nindustries, and other sectors that generate jobs and grow the economy has
\nlong being a national goal.
\nIn his address at the Special Convention of the People\u2019s Democratic Party
\n(PDP) at Eagle Square, Abuja, Saturday, 31st August, 2013, he identified
\namong others job and wealth creation through the local content law,
\nmassive investment in the oil and marine business, provision of power for
\ndevelopment, gender equality, security of lives and properties of the
\ncitizenry, fight against corruption, poverty and destitution and upholding
\nthe tenets of democracy for national unity, equity and justice as
\ningredients for growth and stability.
\n\u201cWe must insist on justice and equity. We must insist on defending Nigeria
\nfrom those who threaten her in words and deeds. We are a nation in God\u2019s
\nhands and we must keep it so\u201d, the President noted in the 69th point of
\nhis speech.<\/p>\n
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in a letter to President goodluck
\nJonathan had this to say, \u201cWe must all remember that corruption, inequity
\nand injustice breed poverty, unemployment, conflict, violence and
\nwittingly or unwittingly create terrorist because the opulence of the
\ngovernor can only lead to the leanness of the governed. But God never
\nsleeps; He is watching, waiting and bidding His time to dispense justice.
\nIn a democracy, leaders are elected to lighten the burden of the people,
\ngive them freedom, choice and equity and ensure good governance. Nothing
\nshould be done to undermine the tenets, and values of democratic
\nprinciples and practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe virtues and ideals of peace, tolerance, faithfulness, honesty,
\njustice, fairness, true wisdom, knowledge and understanding which Jesus
\ntaught and exemplified also remain very relevant to us in Nigeria as we
\ncontinue to grapple with the challenges of development and
\nnation-building.\u201d
\nOne former Head of State, General Muhammad Buhari, GCFR at his party\u2019s CPC
\nNational Convention in Abuja on May 11, 2013 lamented over an
\nunprecedented fall in the nation\u2019s standard of living and an astronomical
\nrise in the standard of dying, believing that Nigeria has become a nation
\nin which nothing works as it should or works at all.
\n\u201cThey promised to give the nation credible elections\u2026They promised to
\nfight corruption\u2026They promised to stop the insurgency\u2026henceforth our votes
\nmust all be counted\u2026never again tolerate or allow to pass the mayhem the
\ngovernment deliberately creates in order to cover up its guilt, obscure
\nthe issues and then blame the opposition in order to deceive gullible
\nfolks.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a communiqu\u00e9 titled \u2018Strengthening the Unity of Nigeria\u2019, issued after
\na meeting of the leaders and elders of the South-South and South-West
\nregions held at the Efunyela Hall in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State home of Chief
\nObafemi Awolowo,
\nthe group observed that war against corruption without fear or favour must
\nbe paramount. The meeting attended by highly placed Nigerians such as
\nChief Edwin Clark, Senator Felix Ibru, the Obong of Calabar, His Royal
\nMajesty, Dandeson Douglas, a former Petroleum Minister and Amanyanabo of
\nNembe, Dr Edmund Daukorie, Professor Saleba Mukoro, the Orodje of Okpe,
\nHis Royal Majesty Major-General Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) a former Inspector
\nGeneral of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, Rear Admiral F.B.I Porbeni,
\nBrigadier-General S. E Oviawe, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, the Ooni of
\nIfe, Oba Okunade Sijuwade as well as many royal fathers from the South
\nWest zone, Chief Olu Falae; Lieutenant General Oladipo Diya; Professor
\nOladapo Afolabi; Professor (Mrs) Adenike Grange, Senator Femi Okurounmu,
\nProfessor Tunde Adeniran; Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, Chief Gani Adams, Rear
\nAdmiral Akin Aduwo, called on Nigerians to support the probe of the
\nactivities of the fuel subsidy and sanitization of the entire oil and gas
\nindustry that has always created overnight briefcase billionaires at the
\nexpense of the masses and enjoined the president to commence steps at
\nreducing the cost and size of governance branches of government.<\/p>\n
In a communiqu\u00e9 after an International conference on Biafra Greenbelt ,
\nMaryland on October 18, 2003, delegates resolved on the possibilities of
\nforming a government in exile in six months if the federal government
\nfailed to organize a conference of ethnic nationalities, in order for
\nthese nationalities to decide how they want to associate with one another.<\/p>\n
They believed that the first post War International Conference on Biafra
\nwas concluded with the agreement that the conditions that led to the
\nBiafra-Nigeria War are still present and worse; that the persecution of
\nNdigbo in Nigeria continues to dictate the overall and specific policies
\nof the Federal government. The effect of this has been the gradual
\ndestruction of the country itself, its economy, and its overall pride.<\/p>\n
Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Arewa Consultative
\nForum (ACF) in a communiqu\u00e9 signed by the President General of Ohaneze
\nNdigbo, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue and the Chairman of ACF Executive
\nCouncil, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed, agreed that dialogue with one another and
\nsearch for solutions to the major issues of concern to Nigeria was
\nparamount. The joint meeting held at the Universal Hotel, Enugu where
\nformer Vice President Alex Ekwueme, former President-General of Ohanaeze
\nNdigbo, Chief Mbazuruike Amaechi, Pa Onyeso Nwachukwu, former Governor of
\nEbonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu, Senator Joseph Waku, Senator Ladan Shini,
\nMajor General Lawrence Onoja and Alhaji Aliko Mohammed, among others
\nattended.<\/p>\n
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in a communiqu\u00e9 jointly signed by its
\nleader, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed, and Rev. Emmanuel Gbonigi of Yoruba Unity
\nForum, said the socio-economic and political challenges such as
\ncorruption, bad governance and insecurity were all traceable to bad
\nleadership.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat we are all committed to the unity, progress and stability of
\nNigeria, governed with a sense of justice, equity and fairness. That
\nNigerians should de-emphasize issues that divide us such as ethnicity and
\nreligion, while emphasizing issues that bind us together as a nation. We
\nshould strive to live together in peace and harmony irrespective of tribe
\nand religion, there is no religion in the world that preaches violence.
\nPoverty is a major source of agitation and violence among the people and
\nas government, we should be able to provide basic amenities for our people
\nin order to reduce violence and crises in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in a communiqu\u00e9 after an emergency Joint
\nmeeting of its National Executive Council and the Board of Trustees in
\nAbuja and signed by the ACF\u2019s National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani
\nsupported any political strategies that would put the North in a position
\nwhich will enable it negotiate with other sections of the country from a
\nposition of strength and secure some favourable terms.<\/p>\n
The Middle Belt Forum in a communiqu\u00e9 issued signed by the Chairman, Mr.
\nGabriel Adenyuma, and Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Njoku at the end of a
\nsensitization workshop held by Stefanos Foundation under the auspices of
\nthe Middle Belt Forum on minority interest rights in Jos called on all
\nminority groups in the North to rise up to the challenge of carving out a
\ndistinct identity for themselves in the region. According to the
\ncommunique, the larger majority in the North are using religion to
\nmarginalize the people of the zone.<\/p>\n
\u201cConference notes with concern the use of religion as a divisive tool to
\nsuppress Middle Belt ethnic minorities. Conference strongly suggests that
\nNigeria remains a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state.\u201d<\/p>\n
In an address to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday, March 3,
\n2014 Governor, Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, said a country is
\nnot simply judged by how long its democratic structures have been up but
\nby the very substance of those structures and what they represent in the
\neyes of its people. As Nigerians prepare to talk about our nation and
\nwhere it should be heading to in a national conference whose agenda we
\npray is not premeditated and whose outcome we hope is not already pre
\ndetermined.<\/p>\n
Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda said, \u201cWhat I have always said is that
\nany person who goes there to talk about partitioning Nigeria should be
\nstoned out of the conference because I believe in the unity of this
\ncountry. Our parents could not have shed blood to unite this country only
\nfor our own generation to decimate the country or partition the land and
\nsay we cannot live together. Nobody in Nigeria is greater than the
\nAlmighty God, who carved out a country called Nigeria. It is also the
\nAlmighty God who put the resources we are enjoying today and nobody should
\nuse religion or tribe to break our country. The conference should rather
\nfocus on issues that will unite us and not divide us.<\/p>\n
In a communiqu\u00e9 issued at the end of the all Ijaw Youths Conference which
\nheld in the town of Kaiama on 11th December 1998, the Ijaw youths
\nresolved among others cessation to recognize all undemocratic decrees that
\nrob Ijaw peoples\/communities of the right to ownership and control of
\nlives and resources, solidarity with all peoples, organizations and ethnic
\nnationalities in Nigeria who are struggling for self-determination and
\njustice including the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), the Movement for the
\nSurvival of Ogoni People (Mosop), Egi Women’s Movement etc.<\/p>\n
In a communiqu\u00e9 issued at the end of the 7th Council meeting of Ijaw
\nyouths held at Kalabiama community in the Opobo clan of Ijawland on 20th
\nMarch, 1999 and Felix Tuodolo, Oronto Douglas and Kingsley Kuku, delegates
\nand council members agreed that the oppressed and deprived people of the
\nNiger Delta will reject all the oppressive policies that have been
\nfashioned against her these past 42 years and demand for justice.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe future belongs to us all, whether as ancestors, elders or youths.
\nThere is a great life after the pain of every struggle. Let us learn from
\nhistory of other struggles where internal conflict could stunt giant
\nstrides towards freedom and justice.\u201d<\/p>\n
In an address presented by the Council of Ijaw Associations abroad to The
\nPan Ijaw Conference held at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Center Port
\nHarcourt from Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2, 2003 and signed by
\nGodfrey Ambakiderimoh Okoro, MBA and President, CIAA Executive Council,
\nthe group believed that a candid and meaningful dialogue was imperative to
\nachieve the goal of unity and progress that have been elusive for long. \u201cA
\nfrank and forthright exchange of ideas is necessary if we are to be
\neffective advocates of our rights and responsibilities as a people, and be
\nrelevant in the scheme of things in so far as Nigerian politics is
\nconcerned. Our political and economic destiny is eternally in our hands.
\nIndeed, quite a number of our tangible and intangible personal actions and
\nchoices effectively negate the basic principles known to foster unity,
\npeace and substantive progress within a community.<\/p>\n
A consultative meeting of Ijaw elders and leaders of thought held in
\nGovernment house , Yenagoa on Sunday 30th November, 2013 and chaired by
\nPa E. K. Clark and attended by over 200 Ijaw heavy weights, called on all
\nNigerians to work with the Federal Government to build a Nigerian Nation
\nin peace and progress, while condemning the various voices of distraction.<\/p>\n
Prof. Joe Ebiware, Moderator, All Ijaw Conference, Julius Enarusai,
\nPresident, INAA
\nDr. Ruben Mietamuno Jaja, Chairman, Ijaw Foundation Board of Directors,
\nJustus Wariya, President, INC North America and Col. Godfrey Okoro (rtd),
\nIjaw Nation Forum in a communiqu\u00e9 of the All-Ijaw Conference held at the
\nSheraton Airport Hotel, Newark, New Jersey, USA from 28th to 30th May,
\n2010, under the aegis of the Ijaw National Alliance of the Americas (INAA)
\nduring its annual \u201cBoro Day\u201d Summit and 13th \u201cService and Devotion\u201d Award
\nceremony, advocated for good governance, electoral reform, power and
\nenergy self-sufficiency, and zero tolerance for corruption, upheld the
\nsanctity of the Nigerian Constitution and the inalienable constitutional
\nright of every Nigerian to contest election for any office including the
\npresidency.<\/p>\n
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria Ayo Oritshejafor, in a
\nspeech said the Christian Community was fast losing confidence in
\ngovernment\u2019s ability to protect their rights to religious liberties and
\nlife.<\/p>\n
Elder statesman and Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark as a guest
\nlecturer at the 7th Distinguished Lecture Series of School of Media and
\nCommunication, Pan Atlantic University, Victoria Island, Lagos, said \u201cWe
\nhave been together for the past 100 years. It was in 1914 that Lord Lugard
\namalgamated the Northern and the Southern protectorates. Don\u2019t ask me why
\nthe amalgamation because I do not want to dwell on that. But firstly, it
\nis apt to note that there was a true federation particularly in 1961.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa\u2019ad Abubakar, at a meeting with Islamic
\norganizations during the visit of the Secretary General of JNI, Khalid
\nAliyu, to Sokoto State said \u201cA more united and prosperous Nigeria is all
\nwhat well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians should aspire and tirelessly
\nwork for.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a communiqu\u00e9 issued at the end of a meeting by the South-South Caucus
\nof the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Asaba, Delta State, on 12th May
\n2013, the group reviewed the state of the nation and the topical issues
\nconfronting Nigeria\u2019s maturing democracy and resolved specifically to
\nsupport the initiative, industry and commitment of the administration to
\nthe Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB); review of Nigeria\u2019s over 20-year old
\nRevenue Allocation Formula to achieve vertical and horizontal equity
\namongst the tiers of government and better enable the Federating Units to
\ndrive development across the country as was the case up to the 1963
\nRepublican Constitution; drastic and further devolution of functions and
\nfiscal powers from the Centre to the Federating Units, towards the
\ndirection of the 1963 Republican Constitution, to make States the
\neffective engines of growth and development, and decentralize, localize
\nand ease governance across the country. They urged the Executive at
\nFederal and State levels to work with both the National and State
\nAssemblies to strengthen the System of Local Government prescribed in the
\n1999 Constitution (as Amended),<\/p>\n
\u201cThe legitimate exercise of \u2018Separation of Powers\u2019 must not become
\ntantamount to, or metamorphose into, \u2018Separation of Interests\u2019 with the
\nattendant negative repercussions. Caucus notes the anxious calls in some
\nquarters for a constitutional amendment for the Offices of the President
\nand State Governors to have a tenure of one single term of 6 (six) years
\nas a means of lessening the tension often generated by second-term bids,
\nbut finds nothing wrong with the current tenure of a maximum of two terms
\nof 4 (four) years each, subject to performance and the will of the
\nelectorate.\u201d<\/p>\n
In an address to the President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House Abuja
\non 3rd September, 2012, the Ogoni leaders led by Chairman, Supreme Council
\nof Ogoni Traditional Rulers\/Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional
\nRulers, His Majesty King GNK Gininwa, OFR, Chairman, Senate Committee on
\nPetroleum (Downstream), Senator Magnus Ngei Abe and Chairman, Provisional
\nCouncil Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) Professor
\nBen Naanen observed that the devolution of power to local entities to
\nreflect true federalism upon which the Nigerian nationhood is anchored and
\nthe protection of lives and property in every part of the nation and in
\nkeeping the country united were paramount.<\/p>\n
The Igbo National Council (INC) on Sunday 28th October 2012 at Owerri Imo
\nstate met and took strong decisions. In an 8-point communiqu\u00e9 signed by
\nINC National President Chilos Godsent and National Secretary Dr. Ekele
\nIkpegbu, the group canvassed for good governance, development of
\ninfrastructures in Igboland and initiation of pro-people policies to
\nencourage investments in Igboland. INC decried total collapse of roads in
\nIgboland, poor performances of governments of Igbo states, formation of
\nanti-trade and anti-peoples policies.<\/p>\n
In a communiqu\u00e9 issued at the end of a national conference on \u201cthe role of
\nMuslim scholars in fostering unity, peace and security in Nigeria\u201d and the
\nannual pre-Ramadan meeting, organized by the Jama\u2019atu Nasril Islam (JNI),
\nheld on Sunday 30th June, 2013) and Monday 1st July, 2013 respectively and
\nsigned by Chairman, LOC Professor S. W. Junaidu and Secretary General of
\nJNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the meeting under the chairmanship of His
\nEminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa\u2019ad Abubakar, CFR, mni.,
\nattended by a cross-section of distinguished Royal Highnesses, Emirs and
\nChiefs, renowned Muslim Scholars from all parts of the country and the
\nMuslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN) and a good representation of
\nMuslims from the South-East, resolved among others, that Muslim scholars
\nmust harped on good governance; fight against endemic corruption in the
\ncountry by strictly upholding the rule of law against the perpetrators and
\npromoters of the national scourge, the three tiers of governments should
\nbe alive to their responsibilities by facilitating conducive economic
\natmosphere for youth employment and by providing social amenities and
\ninfrastructural facilities as a guarantee people\u2019s welfare and comfort;
\ngovernment should protect the rights of its people with a great sense of
\nequity and justice to all for the purpose of entrenching peaceful
\ncoexistence and inter-religious harmony in the country according to
\nNigerian Law.<\/p>\n
Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua who governed the old Ondo state, then
\ncomprising the Ondo and Ekiti states between 1991 and 1993 under the
\ndefunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in an interview finds a big problem
\nin governance in Nigeria. He declared that Nigeria\u2019s leaders get into
\noffice unprepared. \u201cIf you don\u2019t create jobs you will not be sleeping with
\nyour two eyes closed because you don\u2019t know what may happen the next
\nmorning. We must solve unemployment by creating avenues whereby we can
\nlearn and earn income. Ekiti government wanted to recruit 1600 teachers
\nand more than 20,000 people applied. So unemployment will be solved if we
\nuse what God has given us justly, equitably. Leaders are not expected to
\nenrich themselves at the expense of the people they lead. But some people
\ntake everything for granted. In our days some people were arrested because
\nthey abused security votes.<\/p>\n
Revealing another problem, Brigadier General John Atom Kpera a military
\ngovernor of the old East-Central State and later Anambra State between
\n1975 and 1978, Benue state from 1984 to 1985 said over-dependence on oil
\nhas done Nigeria more harm than good. Nobody wants to work; all of us have
\nbecome lazy hangers-on. We have totally neglected other sectors of the
\neconomy for oil so that when the oil dries up we all catch cold and this
\nis not good for our economy. We in the states are just sitting down idle
\ndoing nothing to get internally generated revenue; federation account is
\nwhat matters.<\/p>\n
Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, lawyer, activist and founder Nigerian Advance Party
\n(NAP), recently posited that there is no election in Nigeria because the
\nelectoral system cannot contain people with integrity. Unless we have a
\nconstitution acceptable to Nigerians instead of the military handed down
\ndecree known as 1999 constitution before 2015, there will be no election
\nin this country.<\/p>\n
In a communiqu\u00e9 issued by Igbo Muslim Youths under the aegis of South East
\nMuslim Youth Organization of Nigeria (SEMYON) and signed by its national
\nChairman, Alhaji M. O. Ajah Jnr. and the national secretary Ustaz Muhammad
\nChidiebere Mbonu, the SEMYON postulated that the Igbo Muslims have been
\nrelegated to second class citizens of Nigeria without recognition, but
\nisolation and disconnection from the Nigerian nation. SEMYON said \u201cThe
\nIgbo Muslim community has suffered a lot of catastrophes, dislocations and
\npredicaments. The Federal, State and Local Governments of Nigeria through
\nthe National Assembly and State Assemblies should put in place rules and
\nregulations that effectively recognize every minority group in Nigeria.
\nNigerians need to recognize the Igbo Muslim community for development and
\npeaceful growth of the nation, which cannot be achieved through violence,
\ndiscrimination and isolation, but through common understanding and
\npeaceful co- existence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Nigerian government should empower the Igbo Muslim youngsters because
\nyouths are the key resources to the nation. Igbo elders use to say \u201cA
\nchild that is well trained is a good asset to the parents.\u201d SEMYON also
\nnoted that as minority group, Igbo Muslims should be given an
\nambassadorial appointment, a ministerial appointment and an executive
\nposition that would strengthen them and inculcate in them a sense of
\nbelonging to the Nigerian nation.<\/p>\n
After the Grand Yoruba Summit held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament
\nBuilding, Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, the Yoruba demanded for regional
\nautonomy within a united Nigerian federation, a new Nigeria consisting of
\na central union and six regional governments, based on the current six
\ngeo-political zones, operating federal and regional constitutions
\nrespectively. The Summit Coordinator, Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd.), in a
\n12-point resolution also sought for a just and equitable taxation system
\nthat would make the federating units equal and coordinating at the federal
\nlevel in order to eliminate the current rentier syndrome.<\/p>\n
They also wanted all elections organized and conducted by regional\/zonal
\nelectoral commissions in the regions, with the electoral commissions
\ncomposed of equal representatives of contesting political parties, and
\nalso equal representation of each of the zones or regions in the
\ncomposition of all judicial, legislative and executive institutions of the
\ncentral government. Sensitive resolutions at the conference included:
\npreference of the parliamentary system of government; each region in the
\nenvisaged Federal Union of Regions to have its own Regional Constitution;
\nright to self determination on and up to the right to secede; each region
\nto have and exercise control over its natural resources, subject only to
\npayment of 25% of net earnings there from to the government of the union;
\nabolition of Nigeria Police Force and in its place a new policing system,
\nreflecting the true character of a Federal Union i.e. Union Police,
\nState\/Regional police, Community police; organization of the Armed forces
\nin the new Nigeria Federation on the basis of strong Regional Commands.<\/p>\n
In a communiqu\u00e9 issued at a southern leaders\u2019 summit held at Tinapa
\nbusiness and resort, Calabar, Cross Rivers state on 24th February, 2014
\nand signed by Chief Olu Falae, Chief Tony Anenih, Governor Liyel Imoke,
\nGovernor Peter Obi, Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Governor Martin Elechi,
\nGovernor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor Godswill Akpabio and Mr. Rasaq
\nOladosu, the leaders pushed for a united and indivisible Nigeria based on
\nthe principle of justice, equity and rule of law, with ample respect and
\nunderstanding for cultural, religious and linguistic differences. We
\nsupport the re-establishment of a truly federal Nigeria with the following
\nkey elements; devolution of power to federating units, and co-ordinate and
\nequal powers between the central government and the federating units.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn line with the principle of democratic governance, decisions at the
\nforthcoming National Conference should be by simple majority. We endorse
\nan increase in revenue allocation to the federating units in a way that
\ntakes cognizance of the new responsibilities and residual powers of the
\nfederating units. We recommend the design of roles for traditional rulers
\nby respective federating units. And the federal Government must re-visit
\nthe issue of the loss of territory particularly as it relates to the loss
\nof the Bakassi Peninsula.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Kano State Coalition of Ulama (Islamic Scholars) and Civil Society
\nOrganisations, in its memo to the Advisory Committee on National Dialogue
\nsigned by the Coalition\u2019s Chairman Dr. Musa Muhammad Borodo, decried
\nsubtle attempt to phase out religious instruction from the curriculum of
\nsecondary schools, the withdrawal of petroleum subsidy, the attempts at
\ndomesticating western amoral ways of life in our society through the
\nenactment of certain laws, and the lackadaisical handling of security
\nchallenges most especially in the North East and parts of the North West
\nof Nigeria, the unfortunate reality of the inability of the Nigerian state
\nto do justice to the Muslims of Nigeria in many areas of our national life
\ngenerally.<\/p>\n
A final stand on desirability or otherwise of Nigeria\u2019s continued
\ncorporate existence; mode of separation, should any part desire so;
\ndesired changes should the choice be on corporate existence; e.g. type of
\npolitical system; nature of separation of powers; nature of distribution
\nof powers; etc.; citizenship, indigeneship and nationality questions;
\nresource allocation; the role of religion in national life; and national
\nlanguage(s).<\/p>\n
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) in a statement signed by
\nits director, Idayat Hassan after a stakeholders\u2019 meeting noted that the
\nnation needed a workable marshal plan for poverty alleviation and
\nde-radicalization strategy that reflects existing legal framework of
\nlicensing on preaching.<\/p>\n
Prince Tonye Princewill in his statement titled Nigeria At 100: Let\u2019s Take
\nThis Country Where It Needs To Go noted, \u201cLet\u2019s all in our little
\nconstituencies, preach the word of peace, forgiveness and sincerity and
\nleave the rest for our creator. Politics should be helping us achieve
\nthis, not used as a tool to achieve selfish personal ambitions at the
\nexpense of the people. Be not deceived. No one party can solve these
\nproblems just as can no one region. Let\u2019s break all divides of party,
\ntribe, religion and misplaced loyalty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the economy, Dr. Ngozi
\nOkonjo-Iweala would say in an address she delivered at TEDxEuston in
\nLondo, \u201cWe need to create jobs and include those at the bottom of the
\nladder. We are struggling with so many problems; governance and issues on
\ncorruption are also inclusive. Yes, we have problems. Corruption
\nundermines development in Nigeria and the continent at large. It deprives
\nus of resources with which we can fight poverty and create wealth for
\npeople. It is also corruption for a business man to support a politician
\nin return for inordinate access to contracts or resources. All of these
\nundermine development and the very fabric of our society. Trivializing
\ncorruption is going on mightily in some of our countries right now. You
\ntrivialise corruption when there is evidence that an act or a policy is
\nlegitimate and yet for your own purpose, either political or otherwise,
\nyou label it as corruption. When people divert attention from the real
\nissues and focus on issues that are not relevant, that is a way of
\ntrivializing corruption. You trivialize corruption when you use it as a
\nweapon to castigate other people; whereas the evidence is there.<\/p>\n
In a statement signed for International Society for Civil Liberties & the
\nRule of Law by Chairman of the Board, Emeka Umeagbalasi, and Head,
\nPublicity Desk, Comrade Justus Uche Ijeoma, averred that the best solution
\nto social disharmony in a consociation democracy and ethno-religiously
\ndivided country like Nigeria is power rotation. \u201cIt is an established and
\nincontestable opinion that Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gun powder. All
\nforms of parochial and ethno-religious interests must be nailed in a
\ncoffin and collectivist national interests made to hold sway. And the
\nchief among the collectivist national interests is the constitutionality
\nof rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones.<\/p>\n
From all these submissions, some facts are laid bare to make Nigeria grow.
\nSignificant amongst them are: Nigeria\u2019s unity is not negotiable;
\nrestructuring of the federal system of government in a way that every
\nethno-religious group, including the minorities, are represented and they
\nparticipate in governance; the restructuring of the security and defence
\napparatuses, and more importantly an autochthonous constitution that would
\nbe home-grown and all-inclusive to be voted through referendum. Nothing
\ncan be more tasking at the conference than the preservation of Nigeria\u2019s
\nunity in diversity!<\/p>\n
Muhammad Ajah is a writer, author, advocate of good governance and
\nhumanity, Abuja (mobahawwah@yahoo.co.uk)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Muhammad Ajah Coming from the most neglected, dejected, suppressed, denied, relegated, mocked, downtrodden and unwanted minorities of the Nigerian nation, I should have been convinced by a reluctant conscience…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22534,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24058","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles-opinions"],"yoast_head":"\n