₦airaland Forum

IF YOU DONT WANNA READ THROUGH THE ESSAY YOU CAN glob comment on the topic


TOPIC: Legalization Of Abortion In Nigeria: A Freedom Of Choice

I trust our amiable judges are very much around.



Hidentity
Matthew Briggs

*grabs the mic*


let me officially welcome you to the second edition of NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE.....


The first edition is now erstwhile yes it is , all plaudit, acclamation and adoration to God for the megahit of the first edition, and also to our personage Judges and audience..... and here we go with the SECOND CHAPTER OF this esteemed interschool online debate i hope you find it more poignant, savory, piquant and educative.... Relax and read enthralling, bedazzle and spellbind write up from our portentous, stupendous and astounding contestant ... it's our relish to welcome you to the SECOND edition of the NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE. For those who have not been following, you may go through the history here:
https://www.nairaland.com/1851738/nairaland-interschool-debate-2013-2014
*grabs popcorn with smoov*



*drops mic*

fattbabakay:
.........Opens Floor............

NICE ONE CORD.

barackodam:
resent

SEEN

subbieD:
I Rep funaab....go funaab!!!!!

Omotayor123:
I just dey Observe.....

waiting for your comments........

Caracta:
Good one fynestboi...

Well done!

wow welcome ma....

jejemanito:
Fynestboi please were the typos from you or the original writer?

original writer

DeeTus:
What's the topic again please?

I love education

is religion and ethnic diversities in Nigeria really a trigger for national chaos or reason we still stand..... ?

Richiez:
Bravo! fynestboi ...i'm with you on this.

welcome sir...




*handover the mic to him*

khattab008:
Nice one from the debaters.

Fynestboi, what about the remaining representatives from Unilorin?

absent...

whats your say on the topic.......


is religion and ethnic diversities in Nigeria really a trigger for national chaos or reason we still stand.....[size=18pt] ?[/size]



let read from you sir/ma...

adamskutty:
Wait o, fynestboi, is there a price for the winner?

probably.

IF YOU DONT WANNA READ THROUGH THE ESSAY YOU CAN glob comment on the topic




www.nairaland.com/attachments/2408709_religion_jpeg3fd87c4c8a1ed8df94ac59a703bdf6e6

baybeeboi:
judge of Judges takin a sit

*grabs the mic*


let me officially welcome you to the second edition of NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE.....


The first edition is now erstwhile yes it is , all plaudit, acclamation and adoration to God for the megahit of the first edition, and also to our personage Judges and audience..... and here we go with the SECOND CHAPTER OF this esteemed interschool online debate i hope you find it more poignant, savory, piquant and educative.... Relax and read enthralling, bedazzle and spellbind write up from our portentous, stupendous and astounding contestant ... it's our relish to welcome you to the SECOND edition of the NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE. For those who have not been following, you may go through the history here:
https://www.nairaland.com/1851738/nairaland-interschool-debate-2013-2014
*grabs popcorn with smoov*



*drops mic*

keep them coming...

keep them coming..... more comment from audience.......

sammyscholar:
pls have you received my mail? i am soon to leave the cafe. or am i to post it on the thread myself?

yes

I trust our amiable judges are very much around.



Jarus
Caracta

barackodam:
you've got a mail fynestboi

None in my mail yet

To the audience read and comment.



Thanks.

To the audience read and comment.



Thanks.

To the audience read and comment.



Thanks.



I

pseudonomer:
Hope you've received my essay? And my partner's essay too

Yeah

sammyscholar:
finestboi, please Ibadan poly is submitting just one essay because my partner is currently doing his examinations. i was able to write mine because i have my examinations. pls reply.

Did not see any essay.

pseudonomer:
When is the debate going to hold @Fynestboi

Reading of submitted essay commence. 2pm.

Representing OAU
MIRACY

DECAMPING OF POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDER :AN INDICATION OF A BETTER NATION OR A REBRAND OF NATIONAL PROBLEMS?

many change their  minds in politics, some change their minds to avoid changing their party, some change their party  to avoid changing their mind" - Winston Churchill

    In politics, it is believed that whoever aspires to hold a public office do so because he/she wants to improve the quality of life of his people. Isn't it better that they change their party than change their mind about serving the people? Therein lies the crux of my argument today...

Before delving further, it's pertinent to give honour to whom it's due. Good morning  sagacious chairman, ever articulate and impeccable panel of judges,distinguished and assiduous coordinators, ubiquitous supermods,erudite learned co-debaters and my ever well-grounded and amiable audience/viewers. I am Miracy,a representative of  Obafemi Awolowo University and I am lending credence to the motion that "Decamping of Political office holder is an indication of a better nation"
However, we cannot just dabble and delve into the main issue of decamping of political office holder . It is pertinent to define the term political decamping . After all, ‘the cart must come before the horse’.
Political decamping  is  generally referred  to  as  party  defection,  cross-  carpeting,  party-switching,  floor-crossing, etc. Political  party  defection  or  decamping  occurs  when  a political office holder embraces  a  different  political  or policy  perspective  that  is  incompatible  with  that  of  the  party he  or  she  represents .  Basically, he/she feels  dissatisfied  and  discontent  with  his  or  her former  party  from  where  he  or  she  decamps .The general  reason  that  underpins  floor-crossing  is  that  given  the  dynamic  nature  of  politics,  public representatives  should  be  allowed  to  change  their  political  viewpoints  to  align  them  with  what they  perceive  as  changing  political  circumstances.

Cross-carpeting  in  Nigeria  pre-dates  independence.  Therefore,  it  is  as  old  as  Nigerian  politics.  In 1951  the  first  celebrated  cross-carpeting  episode  occurred  in  Nigeria, the late chief Obafemi Awolowo was reputed to have engineered the cross-carpeting in the western region parliament . It was a means of fortifying Nigeria's developing political process and the nation building. Perhaps, it was in recognition of the tremendous experience that those who drafted the 1999 constitution of this 4th republic made defection legal and constitutional.

In advanced  democracy, cross  carpeting  is  done  on  principle,  rather  than  on  selfish  and  personal interest. However, in  the  1999  constitution  of  the  Federal  Republic  of  Nigeria,  especially in  section  68  1(a)  and  109(1).  Although  section  68  1(a)  states  “a member  of  the  Senate  or  the House  of  Representatives  shall  vacate  his  seat  in  the  House  of  which  he  is  a  member  if  being  a person  whose  election  to  the  House  was  sponsored  by  a  political  party,  he  becomes  a  member  of another  political  party  before  expiration  of  the  period  for  which  that  House  was  elected.  Provided that  his  membership  of  the  latter  political  party  is  not    as  a  result  of  a  division  in  the  political party  of  which  he  was  previously  a  member  or  of  a  merger  of  two  or  more  political  parties  or factions  by  one  of  which  he  was  previously  sponsored”. This  last  part  of  the  foregoing  section  provided  a rational  root  for  politicians  to  cross-carpet since  there  are  always  divisions  within  the  political  parties.  It  provided  the  platform  for  many legislators  and  governors  who  defected  to  justify  their  actions  on  the  grounds  of  divisions  or crisis  within  their  political parties.

One veritable instrument by which politicians give eloquent expression to this concept of permanent interests as against permanent friends is through cross-carpeting from one political platform to another whenever the individual‘s interest is threatened or appears no longer protected by the platform. Over the years, decamping from one political party to another is seen as a tool for expressing dissatisfaction at intra-party matters to escape from political oppression and persecution. For instance, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other aggrieved members of the PDP defected from their original party to APC. They lamented that their defection was necessary because of injustice and lack of internal democracy in the PDP and so they had to switch their supports to the party where justice and recognition of party members is paramount. Atiku in a statement said that “the PDP has since lost touch with Nigerians and effort made by many well-meaning members and stakeholders to bring it back to the vision of the founders have been rebuffed... However, I am not invited to the meetings of those organs nor consulted on their decision. We have therefore, concluded that the party cannot be redeemed. In short, the PDP has abandoned Nigerians, the very people who gave it life and many electoral victorious... ".

Since  1999, when  the  Fourth  Republic  was  inaugurated,  political  parties  have faced  the  problem  of nondemocratic  practices. Whenever a party changes its position  on  major issues which is contrary to its members ideology, the members have a moral obligation to take a principled stand and demand  changes. If party refuses to change, a division exists in the party and anyone who so chooses can switch parties without vacating his/her seat. Decamping is right when you take into consideration that the parties have little or no defined ideology. If there was no right to freedom, legislators would have a binary moral choice to make.
It could be said that why join a party if eventually youre going to leave it for another. Politicians join a political party chiefly because they agree with its point of view and important issues. Any change in the major platform of political parties and division in the party is enough to cause significant unease among members. Decamping is seen as a solution to such upheaval  because political leaders are supposedly insightful and principled representatives deeply committed to their views.
Thanks.







Reference

squibguest..com/2009/11/history-and-law-of-political-carpet.html?m=1
http://www.peoplesdailyng.com/politics-of-merger-decamping-and-the-question-of-national-development/
http://thepointernewsonline.com/?p=28351
http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/08/party-politics-spate-decamping/
http://ojeniyiayokunnu..com/2012/04/sin-1-politics-without-principle.html?m=1
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/merger-or-cross-carpeting-/165800/ www.gamji.com/article9000/NEWS9870.htm
https://www.academia.edu/8867981/CROSS_CARPETING_OR_POLITICAL_DEFECTIONS_HOW_BIG_A_DEAL_IS_IT_IN_SIERRA_LEONE

Concise Oxford English Dictionary

REPRESENTING: FUNNAB


Religion and Ethnic Diversities in Nigeria: The reason we still stand

We are stronger with our diversity.

Nigeria is a diverse country with about 150 Million people; it is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious; hugely pluralistic and clearly heterogeneous. In fact, the beauty and strength of its existence as a nation lie in the variety and unity of its set up. Imagine the complexities and divergences that exist in the stretch from Port Harcourt to Sokoto; from Lagos to Maiduguri, or from Enugu to Yola. The geographical landscape of the country varies, stretching from the Sahel Savannah in the far North to the rain forest down South, just like the people who are also remarkably unique in their individual outlooks and orientations, but united in their humanity. These diversities are evidently manifested in the citizens’ cultural and religious practices. For instance, there are more than 400 documented ethnic groups across the land comprising of millions of people who are adherents of the two major religions of Islam and Christianity and, to a lesser extent, the traditional religion (Albert, 2002). The citizens are religious in profession and even the Constitution is religious, as it begins with the words “UNDER GOD”, though the Nation has not adopted any religion as a State Religion. God is centrally considered in the affairs of the people.


It has been established that no significant differences in human neurobiology exist to justify the preoccupation with human differences. An evaluation of the perceptions of ethnic identity among people in developed nations show that ethnic affiliation is a transient phenomenon; that people attach less importance to ethnic or cultural identity as their circumstances change. There is no reason to believe this evolutionary phenomenon will elude Nigerians since no organic differences exist between Nigerians and other human species.


Though some people continue to view ethnic affiliation in essentialist terms in Nigeria, signs of a gradual shift are evident. For example, most Nigerians do not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity until their primal sentiments are aroused or their economic or political interests are threatened. In other words, the social architecture in modern Nigeria is no longer grounded on ethnic affiliation, but on the temporal rhythms of the information age. Even among ethnic groups that have historically experienced intense conflicts, cultural diffusion is evident. Ethnic groups borrowed from the language and customs of close neighbors and those along trade routes. In some cases, relations have evolved to the extent that ethnic animosity does not manifest at all in social events: marriage, music and dance, individual relationships and other forms of entertainment.

The question that needs to be confronted is how to make the tough choice between ethnic sentiments and the opportunities offered by cultural diversity in Nigeria. Viewed differently, diversity offers an opportunity for people to re-evaluate how they perceive themselves as well as how they perceive others. This is crucial because tribal stereotypes and preconceived perceptions block out ideas that might benefit the nation.
Think of the richness ethnic diversity holds for Nigeria. People from diverse ethnic backgrounds bring individual ideas, talents and experiences that could be useful in addressing common problems. Embracing diversity will allow us to draw from a pool of talents to meet our developmental needs more effectively. Encouraging diversity in all spheres of our national life; work, sports, schools and colleges; civic and political organizations will empower and inspire all citizens to contribute creatively, and perform to their highest ability.


As a society we are enriched by contributions each individual member brings to the nation regardless of ethnic or perceived cultural differences. What is required in the 21st Century is a new national culture grounded on loyalty to the State instead of ethnic loyalties. We need to foster an attitude of openness in the national dialogue about the challenges confronting the nation and its people; encouraging citizens to express their ideas and opinions, and attribute a sense of equal value to all. Certainly, there will be resistance from those wedded to their primordial mode of thinking. We can ward off resistance with inclusion and by demonstrating positive attitudes toward ethnic diversity in our dialogue, and allow it to permeate our interactions.


Given the dearth of compatriots who could be regarded as positive role models in Nigeria, one would suggest a motivation to embrace diversity that draws from the line in the old national anthem that reads "though tribe and tongue, and religion [the latter added] may differ, in brotherhood we stand”

According to Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; The Sultan of Sokoto (2007), ”in pointing out that conflict between Muslims and Christians was, until recently, a rare occurrence it is worth in Nigeria; further families especially in the southwest and the north central zones, harbour members of different religious affiliations who had co-existed and continue to co-exist in peace and harmony.”


Are we the only country with ethnic or religious diversity? I want to bring our attention to nations that have embraced and exploited their diversity. Singapore is one country that has flourished with a multi-tribal society. They have been able to give equality to all Singaporeans regardless of age, tribe or religion. America is another country that displays the wisdom of handling complex diversity. A sign of ongoing victory is the emergence of the first black president, Barack Obama. They have an intentional immigrant system that sells “the American dream” – You can be, do or have anything regardless of your race, language, sex or religion.
Our national chaos is caused by poverty and bad governance, not by our religion or ethnic diversity. The Igbos are good in business, The Hausas are known for agriculture, the Yorubas values education, and so on… all these are what makes us a great nation, we need each other, thereby, the reason we still stand.

REFERENCES:
Dr. David Ogula: DIFFERENT LOOK AT ETHNIC DIVERSITY IN NIGERIA
olakunleorisanyablog.com
Religious Diversity and National Integration in Nigeria: Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, ISSN (Paper) 2224-5766, ISSN (Online) 2225-0484 (Online), Vol.4, No.25, 2014, www.iiste.org



WORD COUNT: 959

NAME: ANUNUKEM SAMUEL
SCHOOL: FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA (FUNAAB)
DEBATE TOPIC: RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC DIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA: TRIGGERS FOR NATIONAL CHAOS OR REASON WE STAND?

A religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural system, and world views that relate to humanity and order of existence. An ethnic is a general idea of belief relating to a particular race, nation or tribe and their customs and traditions that influences people’s behavior and attitude. Majorly, there are three religions in Nigerian – Christianity, Islam and the Traditional religion. There are more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria; examples are the Efik, Ibibio, Tiv, Fulani, Igala, Idoma, Kambiri, Gwari, Ibira, to mention but a few. Religious and ethnic diversities in Nigeria is the reason we stand. WHY?
In Nigeria today, it is now common to see an Igbo man get married to a Fulani lady or a Muslim man get married to a Christian woman. This is because of the understanding among both ethnic groups and religious believers and this brings about love among people of diverse religion and ethnic group, making us see one another as one family. In other words, ethnic and religious diversities help to achieve intertribal marriage in Nigeria which puts the nation in a peaceful state.
Also, religious and ethnic diversities bring about diversity in reasoning and ideas as people from different ethnic groups and religious beliefs gather together to bring different ideas and ways of tackling a particular issue brought before them. Diversity of ideas makes it quicker and easier to tackle any problem as everyone brings different ideas and opinion and the best way is chosen towards tackling the problem. This in turn brings about good and stable governance in the country and also brings about growth in the country’s economy.
Business wise, ethnic diversity brings about peace between tribes and people in terms of business dealing in the sense that when a Yoruba farmer goes to the north to carry out a business transaction with a northern herdsman, they sit down and reason together to achieve the aim of the meeting. When they have both reached a compromise, both parties go home smiling. This helps to foster relationship between the northerners and the westerners as so many other business activities and transaction would occur between both tribes and this brings about peace and tranquility in the nation, thereby moving the country forward.
When the country encounters challenges, different religious worshippers come together to pray to their respective Gods. While the Christians pray in the name of the Almighty God, the Muslims or Islamic believers pray in the name of Allah. Different people from different tribes also come together to reason the way out of the challenge facing the country at that moment, asking their God for assistance. In other words, religious and ethnic diversity brings unity among different religious believers in the aspect of prayers rendered towards the well-being of the country.
Nigeria is a country blessed with natural resources, each part of the country has a particular natural resource unique to that area. In search of greener pasture, people from different ethnic group, tribes or religion move from one place to another. They meet and interact with each other, work together, reason together and live together. Different resources in diverse part of the country bring people from different walks of life together.
When festivals take place, for example, the Eyo festival which takes place in Lagos state, people from other ethnic groups, states or religion in Nigeria gather together to celebrate in peace and harmony. Different ethnic festivals from different ethnic groups has made it possible for people to meet new people and interact with them and also learn new things from each other which ensures unity, peace and also brings about development in the nation.

In terms of agriculture, Nigeria is blessed with fertile soil in every part of the country. Different kind of soil type is found in different part of the country. Different agricultural produce from different ethnic groups also makes us to stand. For example, everyone eats beans and beans come from the north and this beans is being transported from the north to the west and to the east. In the east, palm oil is being produces and it is used in every part of the country. Yam flour produces in the West, cattle which serves as milk and meat reared by Fulani herdsmen are both used in every part of the country. This brings cordial relationship between citizens of the country.
Finally, in the aspect of clothing and textiles, different clothing and textile materials are found in different part of the country. As Kampala is produced in the West, Guinea is produces in the North and Ankara is produced in the East. Ethnic diversities has made it possible for Nigerians to have diverse choice of clothing and accessories and it is no more a surprise when you see an Igbo man wearing a cloth made of Guinea fabric produced in the North or to find a Yoruba man travelling all the way down to the East just because he knows the Ankara fabric produced there is the best and he wants quality material. This helps to promote mutual relationship among people because we wear new things, look good, everyone lives happily and the country keeps moving forward.
With the points stated above, I strongly believe that I have been able to convince you that religious and ethnic diversity in Nigeria is the reason we stand and is the reason we are still together as one despite the different challenges that we have encountered in this country. God bless Nigeria