From Paul Ibe in Osaka, Japan, 06.19.2009


Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sullivan Chime, has said that Nigeria could be transformed from its current state of underdevelopment to a robust economy if heed is paid to enthroning a regime of rule of law, zero tolerance to corruption, indiscipline and the culture of impunity and a firm commitment to the development of the country.
Also, he said that the country stands a better chance of attracting investments if efforts are made at putting in place basic infrastructure, providing security, instilling trust and confidence in the prospective investors and creating an investment friendly environment.
Governor Chime told THISDAY shortly after making a presentation at the 2nd Nigeria-Japan Business and Investment Forum (NJBIF) in Osaka, Japan, yesterday that Nigeria should take a cue from the success story of the Japanese transformation by focusing on the basics.
"First of all, we have to have that commitment; we have to believe in ourselves, shun corruption, and enthrone a new regime of rule of law and discipline. There is no how we can move this country forward if we are too interested in ourselves to the detriment of others. We must start thinking of the community and see ourselves as one people. There must be concerted efforts to develop this country, a full commitment to that purpose. There can be no shortcuts," he said.
He said Nigerians need to eradicate the culture of impunity by ensuring that people comply with the laws and defaulters punished to serve as a deterrent to others.
"Human beings ordinarily do not like compliance with rules except you have sanctions and you are in a position to enforce those sanctions. If somebody commits a crime and he is not caught or punished when caught, he is encouraged to commit a crime tomorrow. But here, the whole place is under surveillance; they have cameras throughout the whole country.”
So, when you break the law, you are caught and punished," he said.

we should just squint our eyes and eat indomie with sticks out of small boxes. . . .

What stops you from making Enugu State like Japan? Y'all guvnors irritate me

he should lead the way and stop the talking. actions speaks louder than words.nigerian leaders are known for just talking and not performing.

nobilia: What stops you from making Enugu State like Japan? Y'all guvnors irritate me

Thank you. We need more thinking along this line. The people should hold their state Governors far more accountable than they do now.


I don’t care what anyone says to the contrary, the key to the development of Nigeria lies in revisiting the idea of the state.

You have heard of location, location, location

Think here, the state, the s[b]tate[/b], the state

Good idea. However, flawed thinking! Japan do not have chronic problem of ethnic divide, different languages etc. Besides, they have something in their tradition called "Honour" this have worked to their advantage in getting them to where they are now. Nigeria do not have this.

It is possible to be like Japan, but before we need to breed doctors, lawyers, scientists, teachers, public speakers, congressmen etc,  and we must find a way to instill these alternatives into the minds of our youth. Even though it may take a little longer and they may have to study a little bit harder, the results will be long term success.