By Bashir Othman Tofa
President G. E. Jonathan's acceptance of the National Conference/Dialog on the 53rd Independence Day, may be a Greek Gift. He was adamantly against it just a few months ago; and was Senator David Mark, just a few weeks ago. For them both to make such a sudden and complete U-Turn, makes the whole thing suspicious. If they plan to use it to cause some confusion toward the 2015 elections, then they better make another U-Turn in the best interest of stability, as well as the existence of this country. If that is not the case, and I want to believe it is not, then they should only receive and widely publish the report of the Committee just formed, but suspend all other actions on the Conference until well after the 2015 elections. In fact, I would want such suggestion to come from the Committee themselves. No such a Conference or anything about it, besides the ad-hoc Committee's work, should take place before the elections.

Better still, this Government should hands off this matter, and leave it to people to organize their conference. I say this, not only because of the negative subterranean influence the government will certainly exert, but also because of the billions of Naira that will be stolen in the name of the conference. President Jonathan should please pay more attention to our educational, health and infrastructural etc problems that bedevil the nation presently.

The way this conference is being conceived by it's initiators, as a negotiation forum between the various nationalities (that is, the tribes) of this country, will be a very difficult, if not impossible, conference to organize. First, they have to define who are these nationalities, and how they would elect or nominate their representatives. They also have to define the role of the civil society in all this, who they represent and how they should be nominated. I am sure also, that State and the Federal Governments, Youth and Women Organizations would need to participate, and we cannot be sure whether the criteria they will use in nominating their delegates would be the same or on equal basis. God knows who else would demand to be represented! No one will accept to be left behind. But, we all know that certain nominations are made in order to steer meetings like this to some specific outcomes. That is where we must also be very careful.

With all these people populating the conference, you certainly need a huge indoor Stadium, to accommodate all these patriots, zealots, fanatics, terrorists, militants, anti-unity and anti-democracy groups, secessionists, fundamentalists, and whatever else you might think of. These are the representatives of the people, and all would demand seats and stipend and accommodation etc. That will be too expensive for the country to bear, especially at this time when the Federal Government, it is said, cannot fully pay the States their monthly allocations.; when they cannot settle with ASUU and the students; when some doctors are planning to go on strike; when nothing really works.

And, if you deny any of these groups and go for nomination of participants By some other means using other criteria, then the conference will not be properly representative, and will be dead on arrival. And, if you gather all those people listed above by whatever means, the confusion will be endless, and may even precipitate the unthinkable.

And how do you protect the conference from a terrorist attacks?

Or, may be the other alternative is to elect a new Constituent Assembly to debate the Constitution and make the necessary amendments in the vital areas that concern most Nigerians. But then, some will say, "that is what the National Assembly is doing right now". Or, they will say, "the National Assembly should convert itself into a Constituent Assembly, and do the job. Some nominated members from the Civil Society groups may be added to it to bridge some of the gaps of representation, and to allow some advocates to participate. And, they will add that, whatever they produce should then be put to a national referendum; and the new constitution will then be a truly peoples constitution. Even these suggestions, I am sure will be objectionable to the agitators of the SNC, whose real agendas are unknown.

Many people have in the past said the question to be asked is, "do we want to remain as one country? If so, under what conditions?" What if this question when asked, the resounding answer is, "No! We do not want to remain as one country?"

Whether this type of risky questions will be asked and negative answers be given, it has to be warned that separating this country is not going to be an easy task. Any such attempt may land us into another war, in which the country will end up completely destroyed and millions killed. And, we must not forget, we are in an era of war throughout the world. We certainly cannot escape it. Separation can only come by itself, if for example, a section, on their own, decide to leave the union. In that case, they should be allowed to do so, completely with their people. Another war to keep the counry one, will result in the same destruction and loss of lives and, therefore, defeat its purpose.

Many of people will not like anyone to die, or even to spill a drop of blood to keep this country one. It cannot be kept one if a war happens between these "nationalities"; it will be destroyed. So, the best thing to do, is for the National Assembly, and any other groups to continue debating on what is really wrong with us? How do we make the necessary adjustments, structurally and politically, that will ensure we remain one in whatever form?

If the truth is to be told, we all know of a few matters that truly disturb and distort the minds of Nigerians, about the country and it's remaining united.

1. Many people feel completely dominated in their own States, by people from "other" places. We do not like to say this, but it is now important to say it. It is natural for people to feel this and resent it, and even become violent because of it. Even in Europe, we've just been hearing David Cameron of UK and Angela Markel of Germany saying openly that multiculturalism is not working; that it is dead. This is mostly because "foreigners" are beginning to dominate them and take away their jobs and their livelihoods. In the UK, for example, the Asians, Middle Easterners and East Europeans are the new middle-class.

Almost all of the corner shops -dry cleaning, news agencies, green groceries, restaurants, food halls, even the traditional fish & chip shops are being taken by foreigners. Building works, house refurbishing, repairs and decorating by East Europeans. Even the pimps and their commodities are foreigners!

We have also seen what is happening in other countries that were once peaceful, but now almost on the verge of violence, or already doing it against new comers. In Italy, in Russia, in Burma, even in Britain and Australia. Nationalist Parties are spring up to challenge immigration and beat up or even kill immigrants! The world is becoming smaller, population growing at an incredibly fast rate, and resources getting meaner! The same thing is happening to us in Nigeria, because we still regard ourselves as foreigners to one another in our own country. This is a contradiction, but we cause and encourage it. We senselessly say bad things against each other, without thinking of the consequences to our national unity. For example, "northerners are useless, they are parasites etc. Or, the Igbos have dominated us. Or, the Yorubas alone don't own Lagos, we built it. Or, it is our Oil, or, it is our land, get out of it and so on." Clearly, some Nigerians do not have the freedoms they ought to have in other parts of their country. Everybody is on every other body's nerves. Every body believes that his/her problems are caused by some one else, especially if that some one else is doing much better.

It was not this bad before, even though there were signs of worry. Poverty is a very dangerous catalyst for violence and even war, because peaceful revolutions are rare. And, one of the most obvious cause of all these is the reckless corruption, the carelessness and the impunity in our country. The Chinese know all these too well. They shoot corrupt officials after they confiscate everything from them. Corruption is still there, but it is a daring thing to be openly corrupt. In Nigeria, it is the vogue. People are becoming poorer in a wealthy country. People who should be condemned to the gallows are applauded. It is this poverty and frustration that are the enemies, not anything else.

I believe it is because of all these that we are not at peace with one another; that we hardly appreciate our country; that we call for this and that to be done. The choices For us are really few and difficult, may be even unnecessary if we can do the right thing. But, one choice that is a dangerous choice to make, is to devide the country. But, even if that can be done, the same problems will persist in each of the new countries created. However, let us look at the to her choices open to us:

1. Revert to our four regions structure: The North, The West, The East and the Mid-West, and either remain Federal or Choose to be Confederal. The latter is the beginning of dissolution. And who would say that there will be no demand to further break up the regions. Wasn't that the reason the States were created, and there are still demands for more States?

2. Abolish the States and revert to the old Provincial Structure and establish a Parliamentary System of Government. The Parliamentarians of the majority party will tear themselves apart in choosing the leader to be the Prime Minister.

3. Abolish the States and revert to autonomous Local Governments Structure (as in the UK) and establish a Parliamentary System of Government. Even bigger problem in the national parliament

4. Remain just as we are, but deal head on with issues of domination, corruption, poverty and the distribution of the wealth of the country in a manner that is acceptable to all. We either agree that whatever belongs to us belongs to us all and share it equitably, or we may just as well choose any of the above. But the issue of domination will still be contentious. So long as we are in the same country, every Nigerian must be free in whatever part of the country he/she chooses to live.

If we continue to allow any section of this country to wallow in poverty, people will continue to ask what is the use of the Union. I heard many Northerners, for example, complaining that one of the reason they are in this dire situation is because some other people from other parts of the country live in their millions in the North, eating up space and resources of the North, while at the same time saying that the North is a parasite, and should not receive equitable share from the nation's resources! That, whatever little they receive, they share it with other Nigerians living amongst them. They also say, Northerners, especially in the SE and SS are not as well treated.

In the same vain, other parts of the country have similar complaints, even if for a different reason. And, that is the reality in our country.

It is all these treatable, but deliberately ignored complaints that land us in this situation. If only, we would find a way for the right people to lead us; to treat us equally; to ensure equal justice to all; to give every Nigerian a chance and equal opportunity and to feel at home and safe wherever in Nigeria; to share what God Has endowed us with in an fair and acceptable way; to make us love one another and stop calling each other nasty names.. If only...

And for those who advocate the separation of the country, they must remember that if that happens, even peacefully, then very body must go back to his/her country. How we implement that peacefully, is what the secessionists must think about.

GEJ Inaugural Speech of the Advisory Committee on the Proposed National Discussion


1.     Today, we are taking historic and concrete steps that will further strengthen our understanding, expand the frontiers of our inclusiveness and deepen our bond as one people under God.

2.      In my address to the Nation on the occasion of our 53rd Independence and Golden Anniversary as a Republic, I announced that in response to the yearnings of our people, we had decided to take on the responsibility of decisively and genuinely exploring the option of a National Conversation.

3.    In furtherance of this objective, Government announced the names of some Nigerians, with wide experience from various disciplines, to form membership of an Advisory Committee to facilitate a most acceptable process that will bring our aspirations to fruition. Our gathering here today is to formally inaugurate this child of necessity, the Advisory Committee to midwife this Conversation.

4.    Permit me to very quickly review the foundational principles that drive our action, and also address a few matters arising. Firstly, let me emphasize that this is a National Project, a sincere and fundamental undertaking, aimed at realistically examining and genuinely resolving, longstanding impediments to our cohesion and harmonious development as a truly united Nation.

5.            There is a view by some of our people that we do not need to sit together to dialogue over the socio-political challenges facing our country. Some believe that because we have held several Conferences in the past, we do not need to hold another one. I was one of those who exhibited scepticism on the need for another Conference or Dialogue. My scepticism was borne out of the nomenclature of such a Conference, taking into cognizance existing democratic structures that were products of the will of the people.

6.            However, we are in a democracy, and in a democracy; elected leaders govern at the behest of the citizenry. As challenges emerge, season after season, leaders must respond with best available strategies to ensure that the ship of state remains undeterred in its voyage.

7.            Nations rise to the challenges that each epoch presents. It is imperative therefore, that in our march to nationhood, we have to be dynamic in our approach and response to the problems, even as we seek solutions to them. We cannot proffer yesterday's solutions to today's problems.

8.            Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let us remind ourselves of the gains from previous Conferences and Dialogues. The Conferences that were held before 1960 were designed to produce a political system and a roadmap to Nigeria's independence.

9.            The Constitutional Conference of 1957 in London, for example, effectively prepared Nigeria for Independence. The Eastern and Western regions were granted self-government in 1957, while the Northern region got its own in 1959. The Office of the Prime Minister was created and it was also decided that the Federal Legislature would be Bi-cameral.

10.       Furthermore, the Constituent Assembly of 1978 gave us the 1979 Constitution and also created the current Presidential System with its attendant checks and balances and Fundamental Human Rights provisions. The 1999 Constitution we operate today, is a successor to the 1979 Constitution and records show that the 1999 Constitution also benefited from reports and recommendations arising from the 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference.

11.       Although not enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the idea of the current Six Geo-Political Zones that have become one of the avenues for equitable distribution of projects and public offices in Nigeria was also a product of Dialogue that emerged from the 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference.

12.       The 2005 National Political Reform Conference produced a number of key recommendations that were sent to the 5th Assembly, which were however not perfected. In 2010, I reasoned that the outstanding recommendations from the 2005 Conference be revisited.

13.       It was my view that Government is a continuum and that we must find ways to strengthen the foundation of our Union. I proceeded to set up the Justice Alpha Belgore Committee with a mandate to review the report for possible implementation, especially the areas where there was a common agreement. The committee worked hard and came out with its report that included a number of Bills, which were forwarded to the National Assembly.

14.       We believe that these Bills will form key components of the on-going Constitutional Review by the National Assembly.

15.       Clearly, every dialogue adds something valuable to our evolving Nation. The urgency of a National Conversation in the present therefore, need not be over emphasized.

16.       Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as we continue to strive to build a strong and virile Nation, especially in the midst of agitation and tensions, we cannot deny the fact that sitting down to talk is one right step in calming down tensions and channelling our grievances, misgivings and suggestions into more positive use for the good of our Country.

17.       Let me use this opportunity to thank the Senate President, and the leadership and members of the National Assembly for the support they have given to this important National Project.

18.       The concept of participatory democracy is such that even after the people have given their representatives the mandate to make laws and act on their behalf, there is also a space for the governed to make further input into the political processes, without undermining the authority of the statutory bodies. Sovereignty continues to be with the people even as the people evolve strategies and tactics to strengthen its foundation for the benefit of successor generations.

19.       It is this sort of collaboration between the people and established institutions of government, that will allow for a robust outcome that leads to greater understanding and a more cohesive and inclusive Union. For me, there is no alternative to inclusivity, equity and justice in a modern democratic state.

20.       I will therefore like to allay the fears of those who think the Conference will call the integrity of Nigeria into question. This National Discourse will strengthen our union and address issues that are often on the front burner, and are too frequently ignored.

21.       Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Committee Members, this is a serious task, and history beckons on you not to disappoint our people. I want to charge you to consult widely before sitting down to develop the framework that will guide and guard the proceedings of the discussions.

22.       In the task before you, no voice is too small and no opinion is irrelevant. Thus, the views of the scepticsand those of the enthusiasts must be accommodated as you formulate this all important framework. This Conversation is a People’s Conversation and I urge you to formulate an all-inclusive process that protects the people’s interest.

23.       Let me also urge the Advisory Committee not only to be alive to the expectations of our people, but to bear in mind, that what we desire is what can work for the good of our people and country.  The goal is to bequeath a better and a greater Nigeria to the present and the generation that is to come.

24.       Ladies and Gentlemen, We have wasted too much time and resources, bickering over sectional versions of what define reality. This is an open-ended luxury we can no longer afford. Let us move forward, with honest conviction and patriotic courage, to strengthen this Republic, and get it to work better and brighter, for all of us, to the glory of God.

25.       On this note, I hereby inaugurate the National Advisory Committee on this significant National Assignment and give the Committee six weeks to submit its report. I thank you for accepting to serve and I wish you the very best of wisdom in this very important call to duty.

 

26.       Congratulations. I thank you.

Double post