The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Kuje jail-break: A callous connivance

    Kuje jail-break: A callous connivance

    SIR: For General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff from the minority Southern Kaduna in Kaduna which has borne the brunt of banditry in Nigeria, death is never far away. Apart from witnessing the death of his soldiers in a couple of operations around the country, and forcefully debunking a ludicrous rumour about his death, the CDS recently had cause to speak openly about the terrorist attack on the Medium Security Correctional Facility in Kuje that had left Nigerians shocked and shaken last year.

    On July 5, 2022, armed Boko Haram terrorists broke into the Medium Security correctional centre in Kuje, a suburb of the FCT.

    By the time their chilling temerity subsided after hours, they had successfully freed some of the highest profile members from the facility, as well as shredded the mystique surrounding the FCT as a safe space.

    A shocked President Muhammadu Buhari had lamented the attack, wondering why there were no CCTV cameras in the prison.

    Read Also: Presidency fires Obi over comments on VP’s residence

    More than a year later, it appears Nigeria is still in wonderland over what truly happened in the facility, especially regarding the conspiracy and collusion that crystallized into an attack so brazen that it left Nigeria’s seat of power rocking.

    The CDS has become the latest to wonder, pointing his powerful fingers at some prison officials whom he accused of colluding with the terrorists.

    Who are those who may have colluded with the terrorists who attacked Kuje? To answer this question, history immediately holds out an indictment to Nigeria. It grates to remember that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) once handed Nigeria a list of those it accused of sponsoring terrorism in the country. Until this day, it is not known that the powers that be have done enough to stamp out the menace.

    How can prison wardens in any sane country connive with armed terrorists to breach the security of such a prison and spring some of the most dangerous terrorists Nigeria has ever known?

    Since no less a person than the Chief of Defence Staff has confirmed that such a breach was brokered by people from within the correctional service, what has been done to hold anyone to account?

    Thankfully, there has been a lull in security breaches within the country since the new administration assumed power. But there must be accountability. Nigerians deserve to know by name, and in shame, all those responsible for insecurity within the country.

    All those who facilitated the Kuje Prison attack must be brought to book as should all those who have continued to facilitate insecurity in Nigeria.

    • Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • Great expectations from Tinubu administration

    Great expectations from Tinubu administration

    Sir: It is now five months since the Bola Tinubu administration took office. Although,

    President Tinubu had said that his administration would hit the ground running, stressing that he does not have the luxury of time; it has been five months of pains for the generality of Nigerians, triggered by the economic reforms instituted by the president.

    First was the removal of oil subsidy which saw retail price of petrol shoot skywards. The foreign exchange market was similarly liberalised, left to the forces of supply and demand.

    Mr. President acknowledges our pains and is begging Nigerians to endure, averring that they are only temporary while likening them to labour pains that are followed by bundle of joy. We are told that those rather harsh measures are necessary to save the Nigerian economy from collapse.

    Although President Tinubu had been saying rather cautiously that he inherited both liabilities and assets from his predecessor, some senior members of his administration have said pointedly that it inherited an empty treasury. And a respected economist who was a former governor of the Central Bank (CBN) stated recently that this government was literally handed a “dead economy”.

    Then arises, the question, when shall Nigerians begin to smile, when shall the economic pains start to ease?

    In June, soon after he was sworn in, President Tinubu was in France, for ‘A New Global Financing Pact’ summit. According to the presidency, Mr. President, apart from the official summit, also used the opportunity to hold high-profile meetings with heads of state and governments, global business leaders, chief executives of leading multilateral and development finance institutions. Then after the Id-el-Kabir (Sallah) festivities, the president headed to India for the G20 summit on September 9 and 10th. It was reported that Nigeria got pledges of about $14 billion to reflate its economy. Soon after, he and a select delegation were off for the 78th United Nations General Assembly wherein he addressed the world on September 20.

    And as is now usual, he held bilateral talks with presidents of some countries, among them, Germany, South Korea, etc., wooing them to come invest in Nigeria.   President Tinubu later headed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Saudi – Africa Summit and the Arab – Africa summit between November 10 and 11, coming back with some investment packages in especially oil and gas sectors.

    Read Also: Tinubu is taking bold decisions to change Nigeria’s economic fortune – Shettima

    Regarding local initiatives, chairman of Dangote Industries Limited (owners of Dangote Refinery in Lagos) Aliko Dangote missed the August date he gave Nigerians for roll out of products from his refinery when it was commissioned with pomp and ceremony by former president, Muhammadu Buhari. He now says it will start producing some 300,000 barrels of petrol yearly “soon”, promising that this would be scaled up to its full  yearly production capacity of 600,000 barrels by end of December, 2024.

    But some other refineries are expected to come up in December. For example there is one in Imo with small installed capacity though. And we are told that rehabilitation of the comatose Port Harcourt refinery would end in December to enable it start production again. Minister of State in charge of gas has set up a committee to remedy the supply hiccups that has shot price of this product to N1,100 per kilogramme (kg) up from the  former N700 per kg.

    The irony of it all is that Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of gas, much of which is wasted through flaring, unexploited. Government says it is already taking steps to crash the naira exchange rate through the Central Bank which essentially involves the CBN paying off its accumulated debts.

    With expected passage of the N27.5 trillion 2024 budget by end of the year, this administration should ensure that the goodies therein are implemented speedily so that by first quarter of next year, Nigerians can begin to be economically relieved. Otherwise, government might be tasking endurance of Nigerians beyond reasonable limits.

    • Victoria Ngozi Ikeano, victoriangozii@gmail.com 
  • Banditry: Zamfara’s elites deepening silence

    Banditry: Zamfara’s elites deepening silence

    • By Ibrahim Mustapha

    Sir: Whatever might have fuelled banditry in Zamfara State, whether it is poverty, illegal mining or government’s inability to manage farmers/herders crises, the state has become a Golgotha due to the frequent attacks by rapacious bandits.

    The state is always in the news for bad reasons. The abduction and imposition of taxes by bandits is no longer news. These audacious bandits have resorted to kidnapping en masse. Evidence is the recent abduction of over 100 villagers in well-coordinated attacks. The bandits attack, kill and steal anything they can lay their hands on, from the poor and helpless peasant farmers in porous communities of the state.

    Zamfara State is blessed with people of timber and calibre; men who have carved a niche for themselves in various aspects of human development. In the military, we have General Aliyu Gusau (Rtd). The state is also home to Colonel Bala Mande (Rtd), Senator Saidu Dansadau, Senator Sahabi Anka, Kabiru Marafa, Abdul’aziz Yari, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi to mention but a few. With these strong pillars or personalities, one expected united and conscious efforts by them towards bringing lasting peace in the troubled state. Alas, this has not been the case.

    These elders who ought to use their influence to fight the menace are obsessed with how to get power.

    Read Also: FG budget N200 billion for military operation, poverty reduction

    In 2019, there was an intense of power play between the camp of former governor of the state, Abdul’aziz Yari and Senator Kabiru Marafa. As a consequence, the ruling party lost all their seats through court litigations. Governor Bello Matawalle who became governor through the court had, at the tail end of his tenure, a frosty relationship with his deputy, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau over his defection to APC. Their feud lingered into the general elections in which Matawalle lost. Even after Matawalle lost the gubernatorial election and President Tinubu appointed him as minister, the state has still not known peace. With the appeal court quashing the victory of Governor Dauda Dare and ordering re-run election in three local governments, another chapter of dirty political struggle has been opened.

     It worries every right thinking mind the deafening silence and lacklustre attitude being displayed by the elites when the state faces existential threat from blood-thirsty bandits. Zamfara is dangerously drifting into abyss. It is high time the political class stopped politicizing insecurity and embraced various options available to nip into bud the persistent attacks by bandits in the state. The political class should close their ranks and work collectively for the return of peace and progress to the state. 

    •Ibrahim Mustapha,

    Pambegua, Kaduna State.

  • Electoral dispute: ‘Evidence settles every argument, doubt’

    Electoral dispute: ‘Evidence settles every argument, doubt’

    • By Dr. Goodluck F.T. Uguoji

    Sir: The failure of the Supreme Court to heed the prayers of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) to annul the election of President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the last general election underscores the place of evidence in judicial proceedings.  

    Many supporters of the two opposition parties who had expected the court to annul the election were disappointed. The Supreme Court’s affirmation of the presidential election victory was based on the premise that the opposition failed to back up their claims with the necessary evidence.

    The dictionary meaning of evidence is “to suggest, show etc. the facts, signs or objects that make you believe that something is true”. The word evidence, the innocent eight-letter word, which even the courts are familiar with, is the pillar of legal wisdom. 

    Without it, judges would be reduced to a little more than a pitiable group of men and women trying rather too much to be omniscient. Law, therefore, recognizes it as its cardinal principle, namely that a man is innocent until someone produces evidence that he is guilty. 

    Life’s battles – big and small – are won or lost on proof of evidence, school examinations compel students to show evidence of what lessons they have learned. 

    Every society demands of everyone evidence of who or what they are; evidence of maturity; evidence of loyalty and patriotism; evidence of love and care; and evidence of good thinking and judgment. 

    Society is never satisfied until evidence settles every argument or clears every doubt. Religion, for instance, is evidence of man’s belief in a Supreme Being – the great conductor of the great orchestra of charm and chaos – life success is evidence of assiduity. 

    Failure is evidence of indolence. Variables such as luck or ill luck sit between the two poles. Evidence is a burden; a burden on the individual in his private or public life and conduct; and a burden on the society. It is the milestone on the back of everyone; a cross on the back of every government. Every man must show evidence of what he is and what he is capable of doing; a government must show evidence of what it is, and what it can do.

    Read Also: Igboho to security agencies: step up efforts against killer herders

    Punishment and reward, fame and obscurity – each depends on what evidence the individual or a group produces. 

    In democratic societies, those who seek to lead others must show evidence of their ability to do so. 

    All things being equal, those given the gavel are those whose evidence of their abilities, demonstrated either elsewhere or obvious, is believable.

    Government is about people. Good governance is about meeting the great social expectations. In some societies, e.g. developing countries, these expectations centre on the basics of life i.e. social amenities such as water, light, roads, housing, educational and health institutions. 

    All governments are judged based on available evidence – evidence they meet social expectations and discharge social obligations or fail to do so. A government which shows poor evidence gets poor marks. A pass mark is so important that governments invariably tend to behave like students. They cheat, lie or steal to get it.

    •Dr. Goodluck F.T. Uguoji,

    Akute, Ogun State.

  • Rhoda Jatau: A confluence of contradictions

    Rhoda Jatau: A confluence of contradictions

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: Every now and then, in one corner of the country or another, confusion springs up sprinkling its fair share of chaos along the way.

    In May 2022, on flimsy excuses of blasphemy, 22-year-old Deborah Samuel was lynched by a crowd baying for blood in Sokoto State. By the time the smoke cleared enough for anyone to see, the student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto  had been killed in the most agonizing manner possible.

      While her devastated family was forced to collect her bones and ashes and attempt anything resembling a burial decked with dignity, Nigerians wondered aloud what their country was becoming in the face of so much lawlessness laced with lethal religiosity.

     Of course, there were immediate and harsh calls for the prosecution of the killers of Deborah. But more than one year later, they have remained just that—calls that no one has responded to, calls that have gone largely unheeded.

     The grating failure to prosecute the perpetrators of one of Nigeria’s most recent public crimes continues to claim victims.  For one Nigerian woman, Deborah Samuel’s victimhood has become a shared one.

     Since May 2022, Rhoda Jatau has been in detention. Her crime? A WhatsApp video condemning mob action on Deborah Samuel. No sooner had the video shared among her coworkers circulated than the victim also became the perpetrator. 

     The healthcare administrator with the Warji local government in Bauchi, was arrested a few days after forwarding the video condemning the burning to death of Deborah Yakubu.

     Prosecutors allege that by sharing the video, Jatau committed multiple offences of inciting disturbance, contempt for religious creed, and cyberstalking.

     How ironic!  More than a year after the gruesome killing, while the chief perpetrators are at large, a woman who has dared to speak up remains incarcerated.

     Nigeria remains one of those odiously unique countries where justice remains selective, defining its parameters of selection alongside religious and ethnic lines.

    Read Also: FG budget N200 billion for military operation, poverty reduction

     The danger in letting crimes go unpunished is that the perpetrators soon mark more victims and with time, the victims themselves are marked and perpetrators and their persecution takes wings.

     The gruesome killing of Deborah Samuel invariably set off a chain reaction. Since then, there have been other instances of people being targeted by mobs because of unproven allegations of blasphemy.

     The danger is great if people are allowed to take the law into their own hands and apply it indiscriminately, the society faces the danger of disintegrating bit by bit. 

     A society which lacks basic freedoms is a society that is leaking the rights of its most vulnerable members.  Such a society faces real danger.

     It is an open secret that in Nigeria, many of those awaiting trial have been unjustly accused and incarcerated.  They fill up Nigeria’s overburdened correctional facilities and generally smear a system desperately in need of a facelift.

    In public conversations, Nigeria must ask itself pertinent questions that border on national unity and cohesion as well as national interest.

    It is only a country where everyone can feel safe and secure that can boast of being a developed country.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com 

  • Time to focus on mental health

    Time to focus on mental health

    • Rasheeda Yakubu Usman

    Sir: The upsurge in mental health cases across Nigeria has become a pressing concern in recent years. The term “madness” commonly used in local parlance to describe mental health conditions, reflects a deep-seated stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these issues. This spike in reported cases is indicative of several complex factors intertwined within the socio-cultural, economic, and healthcare landscape of the nation.

    One significant contributor is the lack of awareness and understanding of mental health. Misconceptions prevail, often leading to individuals not seeking professional help due to fear of discrimination or societal ostracization. The persisting stigma attached to mental illness prevents open discussions and hampers access to vital support systems.

    In addition, limited access to mental health services exacerbates the situation. Nigeria, like many other developing nations, faces a shortage of mental health professionals and facilities. This scarcity amplifies the challenges faced by individuals seeking help, leading to untreated or improperly managed conditions.

    Furthermore, socio-economic stressors such as poverty, unemployment, and societal pressures weigh heavily on mental well-being. The adverse impact of these stressors on the mental health of Nigerians cannot be overlooked. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these issues, amplifying anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

    Read Also: MC Oluomo secures second term as Lagos NURTW chair

    Addressing this growing crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, awareness campaigns must be intensified to dispel myths and encourage seeking help without fear of judgment. Investment in mental health infrastructure, including more psychiatric facilities and trained professionals, is imperative. Collaborative efforts involving government, healthcare providers, NGOs, and communities are essential to bridge the gap in mental health services.

    Moreover, integrating mental health education into school curricula and workplace programs can foster a culture of understanding and empathy. Creating support networks and helplines for individuals in distress can provide immediate assistance and guidance.

    It is high time governments at all levels recognise mental health as a crucial component of overall well-being. By destigmatizing mental illness, improving accessibility to mental health services, and fostering a supportive environment, the nation can stride towards a healthier, more empathetic society that ensures no one is left behind in their struggle for mental wellness.

    •Rasheeda Yakubu Usman,

     Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • A budget prioritising Nigerians

    A budget prioritising Nigerians

    • Fredrick Nwabufo

    Sir: The place of investment in infrastructure cannot be vitiated or discounted. Investment in infrastructure is an essential ingredient for driving economic growth and development. But investment in infrastructure should go pari-passu with investment in human capital development. It should not be at the expense of human capital investments. In the case of Nigeria, a glut of priority should be on human capital development, but without diminishing infrastructure investments.

    On human capital investments, a World Bank article says inter alia: ‘There is a moral case to be made, of course, for investing in the health and education of all people.  But there is an economic one as well: to be ready to compete and thrive in a rapidly changing environment. ‘Human capital’ – the potential of individuals – is going to be the most important long-term investment any country can make for its people’s future prosperity and quality of life. Governments have long invested in economic growth by focusing on physical capital — roads, bridges, airports, and other infrastructure. But they have often under-invested in their people, in part because the benefits have been much slower and harder to measure.’

    Nigeria needs infrastructure. It also needs to put its human resources to the most productive and efficient use. There is a huge chasm in human capital investments not only in Nigeria, but across Africa owing to the prioritisation of brick-and-mortar development over human capacity building. Nigeria currently ranks poorly on the global Human Capital Index (HCI). It is among the bottom seven – 152 out of 157 countries.

    It is heartening that the Tinubu administration is prioritising investments on human capital – on Nigerians; a people immensely blessed with potential and boundless abilities. We have to create a knowledge-driven economy. Crude oil, gold, and other precious metals may run their finite course, but knowledge and skills, though ever changing, will always be the legal tender of now and the future.

    The Tinubu administration’s Budget of Renewed Hope is a prescient and prudent effort to build, harness, and deploy Nigeria’s greatest asset – its people. Nigeria’s wealth is not solely the tangibles of crude oil and solid minerals; it is the collective potentialities of its citizens — most of them unexplored and unexploited.

    President Bola Tinubu says defence and internal security, job creation, macro-economic stability, better investment environment, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security are the top priorities of the 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope.

    Read Also: Healthcare delivery: FG seeks private sector help to bridge procurement funding gap

    Addressing a joint session of the National Assembly on the 2024 federal government budget proposal on Wednesday in Abuja, President Tinubu said the nation’s internal security architecture will be overhauled to enhance law enforcement capabilities with a view to safeguarding lives, property, and investments across the country.

    Significantly, the president said the proposed budget prioritises human capital development because human capital is the most critical resource for national development. He is very right, and in harmony with the exigencies of the ever evolving world.

    It is foreseeable that investments will be tailored towards sectors with critical volume for mass skill acquisition, skill-upping, learning, education, science, and technology, as well as sectors with high-employment potential and capacity for job creation, food security, and poverty reduction.

    Investment in infrastructure is not marked down. The emphasis is on the completion of ongoing projects as well as projects and programmes that are consistent with the development objectives of the administration.

    The ministry of communications, innovation, and digital economy has been on a passionate endeavour to ‘inspire the use of technologies, especially Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies like UAV, IoT, AI and Blockchain to optimise different sectors of the economy’. The ministry has been initiating programmes for skills development and deployment, as well as mobilising support for the nation’s vibrant technology.

    The reality is, we have to prepare our people for the world of today and of the future. Skills, education, and knowledge are the new currency. The Tinubu administration is bringing the future to Nigerians by its resolve to prioritise human capital development.

    •Fredrick Nwabufo,

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement,

    Abuja.

  • Erosion of moral values, threat to society

    Erosion of moral values, threat to society

    • Kayode Ojewale

    Sir: Sometime last year in Abeokuta, Ogun State, three teenagers were arrested for beheading and burning the head of their female friend for money rituals. The teenagers confessed, while being paraded by the police, that they saw on Facebook the guidelines on how to perform the rituals and become rich. The boys admitted that they strangled the victim and then dismembered her body parts.

    The other day, a 24-year-old undergraduate was arrested for allegedly killing his 20-year old girlfriend in the same school and harvesting her organs for ritual purposes. Could it be said that these young ones have lost their conscience or that they were never taught good morals? The reason is not farfetched – poor upbringing. Parental functions have failed woefully in many quarters today. It all started from greed and metamorphosed to theft at an early age.

    Not too long ago, it was revealed that mothers of young internet scammers and fraudsters have formed an association. Mothers who should be moral and ethical guides have turned the other way. Maybe the association is to unashamedly enable them celebrate the unexplained wealth of their children. A new dimension of criminality which involves making rituals and harvesting of human organs, popularly called Yahoo-Plus, has now become order of the day as compared to the regular internet scam activities known as Yahoo-Yahoo. Your child is not a drycleaner, yet brings bales of cloth home and you as parents do not question that act. It brings to fore the question of parental functions!

    The glitz and glamour of a good life are the main things the society looks forward to. No matter the way or manner an individual, whether young or old, acquires or amasses their wealth, the society applauds them with huge respect. Only the rich have a say as they are always celebrated even if their wealth is ill-gotten. Material possessions are glorified while moral values are vilified and less talked about.

    There is no doubt that moral values form the foundation for a healthy household and in turn a sane society. The family values are good morals which include love, respect, honour, sharing and forgiveness. When a family fails to give their children the time and attention they need, it is the society that suffers the consequence. The society then begins to breed unbridled, unlettered and uncultured products.

    Read Also: MC Oluomo secures second term as Lagos NURTW chair

    Some factors responsible for eroded values in a family may range from physical to psychological and could be faults of either parents or the children. They include moral value decline, social attitudinal change, family formation, social media addiction, job loss, divorce, economic hardship, infidelity, sexual/physical abuse, extended family, adoption, peer pressure among many others. These factors also explain why the society at large is threatened and remains where it is today due to the negative consequences they have on our collective well-being.

    How then can these numerous challenges that are eroding important values and family unit be tackled head-on? There is a guiding principle in the Holy Bible which says: Train up a child in the way he should grow and when he is old he won’t depart from it’. Becoming parents isn’t just a mere status couples attain, it comes with huge responsibilities. Parenthood is not all about parenting a child; it encompasses taking charge of the whole life of that child from cradle to the age of accountability.

    The erosion of family values is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention and action as the buck does not stop at the table of government alone. The onus therefore lies on every family to be responsible for its members by preserving and enhancing good moral values. There must be a collective effort from individuals, community leaders, religious organizations and policymakers as they prioritize family values. Measures to alleviate strain on struggling families should also be put in place by concerned authorities. This way, the family can transcend adverse challenges besieging it, then by and large, we rebuild our society and restore those deteriorated values in the family system.

    •Kayode Ojewale,

    kayodeojewale@gmail.com

  • Northern Nigeria’s investment in digital marketing

    Northern Nigeria’s investment in digital marketing

    By Ismail Iliyasu Mohammed

    SIR: In recent years, Northern Nigeria has witnessed a significant surge in the adoption and investment in digital marketing. Historically known for its traditional and cultural richness, this region is now embracing the transformative power of digital strategies to drive business growth, foster economic development, and amplify its global presence.

    Northern Nigeria, comprising states such as Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and others, has seen a paradigm shift in its approach to business. The evolving landscape of technology and connectivity has played a pivotal role in this transformation. As internet accessibility continues to expand and mobile penetration rises, businesses are recognizing the immense potential of digital marketing to reach wider audiences, both locally and internationally.

    Several factors have contributed to the burgeoning interest in digital marketing among northerners. One of the primary catalysts is the escalating entrepreneurial spirit within the region. Ambitious start-ups and established businesses alike are realizing the cost-effectiveness and extensive reach offered by digital platforms compared to traditional marketing methods.

    Moreover, the youth demographic in Northern Nigeria is leveraging digital tools to create innovative solutions and promote products and services. This growing tech proficiency is encouraging a shift towards modern marketing techniques, stimulating economic growth, and fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and creativity.

    Read Also; Kano CTC: Judicial officers involved will be punished – NJC

    Despite the upward trajectory, challenges persist. Limited access to reliable internet infrastructure in some areas remains a hurdle for businesses looking to fully harness digital marketing’s potential. Additionally, while enthusiasm for digital strategies is high, a lack of specialized skills and knowledge in utilizing these tools effectively poses a learning curve.

    However, the resilience and determination of businesses in Northern Nigeria have paved the way for overcoming these obstacles. Collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and educational institutions are underway to bridge the digital skills gap and enhance connectivity infrastructure, thereby empowering entrepreneurs and businesses to capitalize on digital marketing opportunities.

    Looking ahead, the prospects for digital marketing in Northern Nigeria appear promising. Embracing innovation and leveraging digital platforms not only bolsters local businesses but also positions the region as a competitive player in the global marketplace. Encouraging partnerships, fostering mentorship programs, and investing in digital literacy initiatives will be pivotal in sustaining this upward trajectory.

    With determination, collaboration, and a focus on technological advancement, northerners are carving a path towards a more prosperous and digitally empowered future. As businesses continue to invest and adapt, Northern Nigeria stands poised to make significant strides in the digital era.

    • Ismail Iliyasu Mohammed, Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • Respecting diversity for the sake of unity and progress

    Respecting diversity for the sake of unity and progress

    By Abachi Ungbo

    SIR: The social media is routinely awash with acerbic comments that eloquently speak to the antagonistic relationship that exist amongst Nigerians- they come with heavy religious and ethnic connotations. The situation now amounts to a declaration of war against the country’s unity. The warriors in the battlefield are preponderantly youth which clearly places the country’s future in a quandary.  Sadly, moderating voices are few and far between.

    Nigeria is an intriguing weave of cultures, faith and tribes constituting a huge population that should ordinarily serve the union. Essentially, its rich diversity holds an abounding potential for collective progress and development.

    The history of the country is so steeped in mutual suspicion, mistrust enabled by religion and ethnicity which has reduced diversity to a disadvantage. The amalgamation of the country was clearly for administrative convenience as many commentators are wont to describe it. The requisite hard work in welding the constituent parts together was well and truly missing.

    After independence, development found fertile space to grow at the different regions. The regions developed at their pace under a parliamentary political arrangement. Though not a perfect situation, yet the leaders worked in instituting growth and development. However, thicket of problems which touched on rivalry, political tensions and ultimately, failure in blending the ethnic groups for synergy in achieving the bigger goal of nation-building led to a collapse of the democratic experience through ethnically related coups and counter coups followed by a civil war.

    Read Also: Ondo Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa resumes, to preside over SEC

    In a bid to fully integrate the nation with all the lines of difference completely blurred and to ensure that no part is left behind in terms of development, a new system of governance was introduced coupled with other interventions. Be that as it may, the country has remained a country of strange bedfellows after many years of being together and struggling for an identity as a nation.

    As things stand, the parts are at daggers drawn- placing the country on the edge. A cacophonous cry of secession remains deafening. Myriad of the disparate groups are not particularly comfortable being in the union owing to the poor handling of the country’s diversity. Political governance has failed to respect diversity- several interventions aimed at instituting equity and justice have been largely implemented in breach.

    It’s shameful that despite the spike in education and exposure, many citizens still view happenings largely from primordial lenses; incendiary comments continue to grow apace. It is pathetic that the whole idea of voting is simply to install a government that would place one group or religion above the other in the dispensation of political favours.  

    It still hard to come to terms with the thinking in some quarters that a citizen from another region is unqualified to oversee the affair of the nation’s capital- which is supposed to be a part of the symbol of our national unity. So, it is a difficult proposition to journey together with a warped attitude or mind-set. Many still don’t think of the country as huge and diverse.

    Truth is, the more the attempt to respect diversity, the better for any society. Some of the successful countries of the world had to manage their diversity to facilitate progress which effectively dismisses the common believe that Nigeria is too diverse to enable meaningful progress.

    The conundrum has always been poor leadership – some of the leaders remain tied to our past where our great leaders govern strictly on regional lines. And, their memories are still invoked to inflame passion in driving leaders not least in doing more to their regions- of course, at the expense of other parts which promote rent- seeking, corruption and mediocrity among other things. This is not to denigrate our past leaders or their achievements.

    The responsibility of present crop of leaders is to draw from their fountain of inspirational leadership, zeal, farsightedness in working for the collective good in building in a nation where everyone irrespective of tribe faith are respected. The recent election cycle exemplified the very problem of the country. The division was wide- that the world saw a riven nation.

    Socio-economic development requires that all citizens are engaged in harvesting the full benefits of the uniqueness of culture and talents of the disparate groups that constitute the country.  The military administrations in the past were a lot fairer and conscious of the country’s diversity.

    Accepting our diversity and ensuring it reflects in how the country in being administered is the path to achieving unity and by extension growth and development. Respect for diversity is about tolerance, peaceful coexistence and equal opportunity.

    • Abachi Ungbo, abachi007@yahoo.com