TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORN
ABOLISH POLITICAL PARTY SYSTEM FOR PEACE AND FASTER PROGRESS IN NIGERIA
PART A
1. Heavily Endowed Giant of Black Africa, rendered Lame.
Nigeria, Great Nigeria, Beautiful Nigeria, naturally situated to enjoy abundant equatorial sunshine and Rainfall. Nigeria is richly blessed with a variety of high quality of solid Minerals, invaluable quantities of Oil and Gas, long and attractive Water-ways, vast and fertile Agricultural Land. Nigeria is endowed with a staggering population of 160 million of brilliant Scholars of international repute and a large man power of energetic, resourceful and hospitable people, to mention just a few.
But what has Nigeria not got ?

It is no gain-saying that many countries of the world cannot boast of having more than half of what Nigeria is endowed with. Yet, most of those other countries are “flying high”, performing admirably, and maturely, both economically and politically.

Nigeria which is expected to be the Giant and leader of Black Africa remains confused, unsettled economically and politically even in Sports.
Nigeria is in fact “Lame”

2. Reception Of Political Party System and Mis-Use of Public Funds.
a. Between 1956 and 1960, Nigeria was granted Self Government which was practiced under the watchful eyes of the colonialists. It was a Trail period for granting independence.

During that period, Nigeria, not yet independent, had to apply the political system practiced in Britain which was by the formation of Political Parties, Campaigning for votes, “One man One vote”, Election, leading of course to the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
Looked at critically, the establishment of the Two Houses appears to be Discriminatory, Segregatory and Exploitative. But that is beside the point, in this paper.

Importantly however, that system was evolved by the British, over several decades. They believed in it and it virtually became their culture and it is widely accepted as truly democratic.
Nigeria politicians were quick to grasp the system and to see the relationship in the system between the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria where Cash Control and Custody reside. But they had also secretly devised and reserved other uses to which they can be put.

b. On October 1, 1960, when Nigeria became independent of British Rule, one of the cardinal principles necessarily introduced for the formation of Government was the formation of Political Parties and it was ADOPTED because it looked democratic and it had become international.

But it needs to be pointed out that whereas the adopted principle of Political Party System had been developed in an advanced society, in Britain, where it had virtually become their culture, it was only just being introduced into a relatively illiterate and poor Society, Nigeria, where the principle was entirely new and unfamiliar.

Before long, when the time for Campaigning for votes came the Ruling Political Party, in order to win the votes of the largely illiterate population saw the need and advantage of distributing money, BRIBE, among the electorate, who were generally poor and inexperience.

And because the Ruling Political Parties either in the Regions, (there were only three then) or at the Federal level, had full and un-fettered access to public funds, in the Ministry of finance and the Central Bank and only had to devise a near legal (but fraudulent) means of Siphoning or LOOTING public funds, carried out by inflating contracts, or, by awarding Big Contracts which were half, or never executed at all, although fully paid for by the Treasury.
Elections were won with landslides, but the public did not quite understand how. Opposition cried foul, but all to no avail.

c. By 1970, Ruling Political Parties had deepened and perfected their nefarious activities. Several Postings and Appointments, were made, usually of round pegs in square holes in the Ministries and Parastatals by inter-ministerial transfers or even from the North to Lagos, as Heads of strategic offices and Positions, and were given flashy cars, fabulous salaries and allowances. They were hardly experts in those Ministries or Parastatals, but were given such appointments only because they attended one or two years at the School of Administration in Zaria.

Over the years the looting of public funds increased with impunity. Questionable Funding on elections and unessential things were becoming rampant. Agitation against the Ruling Political Parties even leasing to Commission of Enquiries or being taking to the LAW Courts were easily muffled, with non-challance, and nobody heard anything thereafter.

d. As at today, in 2012, CORRUPTION, in atrocious dimensions, has bedeviled the Nigerian Economy and of course Politics, as well as social life, manifesting in, hunger, mass un-employment and poverty everywhere.

Look at our Hospitals, our Educational System, Power, the Roads, Transport system, the Aviation, Pensioners, market prices of Commodities, everybody is unhappy. Labour is complaining. There are strikes everyday.
Un-employment figure is soaring, to mention just a few. On the other hand, Legislators who were put there by the Ruling Political Party, prescribe for themselves, outrageous Salaries and Allowances. They live in Government Houses, in Abuja, but they feel reluctant to pay N18,000.00, monthly minimum wage.-because of Insensitivity and man’s inhumanity to man ?

No Government Salary earner should earn more than a Don, or less than N30,000.00 per month.

It is all the work of the Ruling Political Parties. They dictate to the Government. They say, but do not believe that they were put there to serve the Nigerian people.

It is not surprising that they win all elections by large majority. It is clear, beyond doubt, that all these plans were concocted surreptitiously, by Ruling Political Parties by which they will get overwhelming majorities, to do whatever they like in the House. See what the investigation into FUEL SUBSIDY has brought; the Revelation of the Committee on Oil and Gas.

The Political Party System which Nigeria adopted in 1960 has been adulterated if not bastardised.
SADLY, LOOTING HAS BECOME INTERTWINED AND INSEPARABLE FROM NIGERIA POLITICAL PARTY SYSTEM In the past 50 years.
IT HAS INFACT BECOME OUR CULTURE.
Hence, Nigerians look perplexed, bewildered and apparently helpless, in the circumstances.
If we think of how Nigerian money is being spent extravagantly by the Ruling Political Parties on their Salaries, and Allowances, on their Primaries, for the campaigns, for the INEC and its Staff, for persuading people to vote for them on election day, their Housing, fleet of cars, etc. it is colossal. It cannot be less than half Nigerian National Revenue and never directly or indirectly in consultation with the masses who put them there, even in spite of Newspaper opposition, vehemently opposing. And yet, they tell us they are practicing DEMOCRACY.
But are they ?
But what is DEMOCRACY ?
Isn’t it:
“The Government of the people, for the people, by the people”
This definition does not include the use of Political Parties.
More-over, Democracy id practiced in different countries in different ways as it suits them.
Therefore, Nigerians can devise A NEW SYSTEM OF DEMOCRACY for themselves; in an uncomplicated, simple but by very effective System.

Fall outs of CORRUPTION in Nigeria today, include:
Mediocrity, Favouritism, Nepotism, Tribalism, Pedantism, Irridentism.
Our position is sad.

3. NIGERIA NEEDS A CHANGE – And now is the time ! ! !
- a change from the shackles of Political Parties
- a change absolutely without bloodshed
- a change that will free Nigeria from Corruption

All that is necessary is for us to:
TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORN
ABOLISH POLITICAL PARTY SYSEM in Nigeria
For peace and progress in Nigeria.
Can I hear Hue and cry in the air ?
Or a Stiff Opposition ? Yes, expectedly ! ! !

We do not need Political Parties to conduct a successful Election.

Politicians are merely riding on our backs and feeding fat on the populace.
Frankly, the Political Party System is an ingenious device to provide easy employment for the Elite to exploit and permanently dominate the masses.
We can conduct Elections ourselves democratically, peacefully, and very cheaply too.
IF The Nigerian Bar Association,
The Nigerian Medical Association,
The Registered Engineers of Nigeria,
Nigerian Labour Congress,
Even Church Councils etc, etc
– can appoint their President and other officials without supervision or SUPERVISING ORGANIZATION (like Political Parties are doing to Nigeria), then it follows that:
– Nigerians can invite Technocrats and experienced persons to prepare:
Any document that may be necessary for good GOVERNANCE
Imagine how much will be saved if Nigeria abolishes Political Party system. Un-healthy and riotous political rallies will disappear.

(After all, Nigeria Jettisoned the Parliamentary System of Government also adopted in 1960).

Dear Fellow Nigerians,
For how long shall we continue to live with the “Shackles” of Political Party exploitation: Looting, Ostentious spendings, Large scale un-employment, Poverty, appauling Infrastructure, neglect of Educational and Medical institutions as well as un-healthy Political Party Rivalries leading to Caius, riotous political Campaigns, Rigging of Election results, unlawful killings, Assassinations, Arson etc, all in a bid to win a majority Votes, with which to be able to form a Government by which to be able to rule with impurity.

Nigeria is not the only country suffering in the hands of Political Parties in power.
Reflect for a moment on the whole of Africa, in the past 50years.
Look round the whole wide world, as at today. It is virtually the same thing.
Un-healthy rivalry among Political Parties – which is inevitable to seize power.

Let us ABOLISH the POLITICAL PARTY SYSTEM.
By adopting the definition of our revered Abraham Lincoln (former President of the United State of America) by adding one essential word “themselves” in order to suit this day and age.

Viz.: “DEMOCRACY IS THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE,
FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE “THEMSELVES”.
– (NOT, repeat NOT by or thro. Political Parties).

The opportunity has now availed itself. Let us seize it!!!
It will be Easier to accomplish, Cheaper, more Peaceful, Transparent and much more Democratic etc.
The Peoples Government will budget for what the people actually need and will carry out those things as at when desired by them, without having to suffer, languish and begging the Ruling Political Party through the Government for things which truly belong to them.

Ruling Political Parties see themselves as Lords of the Manor instead of being “Servant Leaders” (Courtesy Policy of Late Nigerian President Yar’ adua, 2009 Anno Domino).

Nigeria should rise up. Insist on the change. Remove the Cabal.
Fly the Flag of real Freedom from the “Shackles” of
the Intrigues of Political Parties.

AND NIGERIANS SHALL HAVE PEACE AND PROGRESS EVER AFTER.

Bravo ! One Nigeria, for ever.

PART B
4) STATE CREATION

There is one more aspect of Nigeria’s ailing problems which ought to be mentioned. It is State Creation.

In 1960, Nigerian had only 3 (Lord Lugard) Regions later we added 1. Then we increased it to 12 (Gowon) then 19 (Babangida). Today we have 36 States (Abacha) and Abuja, the Capital (37).

Yet people are clamouring for more. It looks as if there will be no end to State agitation until the Last TOWN in Nigeria is made a State.

Is Nigeria not going to be made a laughing stock to other countries in Africa?
Everybody wants to be Governor, to be Commissioner etc.

Perhaps, it is not easily appreciated that the more the States created, the more will Nigeria become impoverished, and will not be able to provide sufficient funds for Infrastructure. It is no wonder Infrastructures are not provided or maintained. As a matter of fact a lot more money is needed for Infrastructure than for the maintenance of Administration.

Today, Demand for more States creation has risen to 45 in Nigeria. As can be envisaged it is going to reach 100.
Nigeria has been naturally classified into three.
But the SIX Geo-physical ZONES seem to be better and have tacitly received wider acceptance among most Nigerians.
Nigerian problem is not, as is generally believed, due to be Domination or Marginalization by a larger ethnic tribe over smaller ones.

CORRUPTION, but better described as, THE ABSENCE OF JUSTICE, IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF AMENITIES AMONG ALL NIGERIANS, irrespective of Tribe or where you came from, and Security of Life and Property. These are the most important factors which people cherish to be essential to be safe and happy wherever they live in Nigeria.

If Nigeria gets 100 Governors, 2,000 Commissioners, 3,000 Permanent Secretaries, etc and Parastatals with fat salaries and allowances, a Fleet of cars, Houses, etc & etc, what shall we have left in the Treasury for Infrastructure ?
PART C
5) TO SOLVE NIGERIAN PROBLEMS of CORRUPTION and WASTEFUL SPENDING; Perhaps the following point, in my humble opinion, maybe considered as crucial;

i. ABOLISH POLITICAL PARTY SYSTEM: It has been bastardized. (To avoid un-healthy rivalry and wasteful spending).
ii. LETS ADOPT THE SIX GEO-POLITICAL ZONES
(Zonal Governors/State Mayors Superintending Area Councils)
and abandon the 36 States structure. Agree on Federal Laws and Zonally doing things the way they want them (N.B. Boko Haram).
iii. Call Representatives of all Nigerian Tribal Sections to a Round Table Conference for the determination of essential issues that will lead to
THE PEOPLE’S CONSTITUTION.
IV. Adopt TRUE FEDERALISM.
V. Adopt ONE MAN ONE VOTE.
VI. Elections of THE PEOPLE;S GOVERNMENT can be done by Nomination, Selection and Election. – After all, Nigeria, like the NMA, NBA, or NLC is only a much large Society, and not really as complex as some people think.
VII. Every State shall make Laws that will suit her own people.
VIII. Apart from our President and his vice, no Public Servant in the Ministry, or Parastatal or as a Legislator, shall earn more than a University Don.
IX. Reliable Structures for TRANSPARENCY on Government Expenditure are most essential and shall be created.
X. Obas, Obis, and Emirs may be made our Second Legislative House, if necessary, but we can rely on the integrity of elected members of the First House. The Obas, etc, have been politically relegated into an unclear position in the system.
XI. SECURITY shall be dealt with appropriately. Every other thing depends on it.
XII. Importantly, Every Nigerian, eighteen years and above (better before WAEC Exams) shall have a Computer Registered Number and a Recorded Five Finger prints (as already done by INEC) for Identification and for Voting, also for Matriculation, Medical Treatment, before obtaining Contracts, or before opening a Bank Account etc. Falsification thereof should be criminal and liable to imprisonment, only, without an option of fine).
XIII. Consider retention, but review the rules of INEC
XIV. Retain most of the created Political Structures.
XV. The present Governors may become Mayors.
XVI. Nigerian Technocrats may consider the above, but they will certainly do what suits the People.
XVII. Unviable States should be scrapped (seems they have been created by Corruption)
XVIII. Better to have Zonal Police under Zonal Government.
XIX. Unless for an emergency, money shall only go from the Zone to the Federal Government and not Vice Versa.
XX. DERIVATION shall better be 25% to Zone of Origin, 40% to the Federation Account, and 35% to the remaining five Geo political Zones according to population.


May GOD BLESS NIGERIA, more abundantly (Amen).



“Scripsi Scripsit”

[b][/b]

Written by:

Oluwole Sholanke
(Legal Practitioner)
Dated in Lagos this 1st day of March, 2012

Revised Version posted on the Internet on Democracy day 29th May, 2012