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Tag: national unity

  • Mark canvasses national unity, cohesion

    Mark canvasses national unity, cohesion

    •Returns to alma mater 51 years after

    Former Senate President David Mark has called on Nigerians to unite irrespective of tribal or religious inclinations to move the nation out of socio-economic quagmire.

    Mark noted that despite the many misgivings about national unity, Nigeria remains greater and better as one indivisible country.

    He pointed out shortcomings can be addressed through the application of justice, equity and fairness to all.

    Speaking as a special guest of honour at the graduation ceremony of the Nigeria Military School Zaria in Kaduna State yesterday, Mark stated that Nigeria has come of age as a nation where primordial prejudices should not be tolerated.

    Mark, who graduated from NMS, Zaria in 1966, noted the institution has remained the benchmark not only for academic excellence but also for character moulding and national unity.

    He said: “Let me emphasize on the issue of national unity and cohesion because friendship made in NMS cuts across ethnicity, tribe and religion. It is indeed a genuine centre of true national unity.”

    Feeling nostalgic, Mark noted: “I can tell you categorically that the lessons I learnt here (NMS) are primarily responsible for my success in life so far.”

    He advised the outgoing boys to hold on tenaciously to the ethos of discipline, Knowledge and patriotism which the school has imparted in them.

    Such ideals, the Senator assured, will make them men of honour, integrity, courage, character and moral uprightness.

    He added they will also be able to compete favorably in any field they may find themselves in future.

     

  • UFUK Dialogue on national unity

    Recently, Nigeria has come under a deluge of hate speeches threatening to rend its very foundation apart. From provocative and violent language by Biafra separatists in the South-east, to the corresponding incitement by Arewa youths, the country has simply been pushed to the edge. Although those causing the trouble belong to the younger generation, some elders from both northern and southern parts of the country have done nothing to lower the political temperature. Rather, they have caused further tension.

    In reaction, acting President Yemi Osinbajo summoned major ethnic leaders to Abuja. During the meeting, he threatened fire and brimstones to ‘troublemakers’, insisting that the destinies of the various ethnic groups that make up Nigeria are permanently interwoven. Since we did not know what they told Professor Osinbajo, should we assume that what happened at the meeting was a monologue rather than a dialogue?

    Meanwhile, a civil society organization brought together opinion leaders in Abuja in a dinner dialogue. The event, organized by UFUK Dialogue Foundation and themed “Friendship and Dialogue Dinner”, had in attendance prominent religious leaders from both Islamic and Christian faiths, traditional leaders from both southern and northern parts of the country, prominent political officeholders, amongst others. They all preached peace and urged all to bury the hatchets.

    Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who was in attendance restated the importance of cautious utterances and peaceful coexistence. He said there was no alternative to living together as One Nigeria.  ”God has put us all in this one boat called Nigeria,” he said. “And we really have no other option than to try to live together in peace with all our differences. We all must recognize and respect these differences. If we do not take that route, I do not see another alternative.”

    He reinforced the fact that the alternative to living in peace was a civil unrest.

    Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, spoke in similar fashion. He said the principle of UFUK Dialogue could resolve current challenges bedevilling the country. “One thing that struck me at this UFUK Dialogue programme is this saying, ‘Reserve a seat In Your Heart for Everyone’,” he said. “That is the solution to the complexity that constitutes the problem in a country like Nigeria, in terms of interrelationship. If you reserve a seat in your heart for everyone, you won’t promote insurrection. You won’t demand for your own republic. If you reserve a place in your heart for everyone, you wouldn’t give a Quit Notice to anybody on the basis of tribe.” I cannot agree any less.

    I believe that behind every veil of agitations and tribal jingoism are dissatisfied politicians. The average Nigerian, on his own, does not really care where his fellow countrymen hail from, by and large. When doing business, he will not abandon a good transaction or better product on tribal sentiments. When seeking for the services of an artisan, he simply wants someone who can do a good job. He doesn’t care if the plumber is a Yoruba, Hausa or Ibo. He won’t go looking for a Niger Delta plumber or Middle Belt mechanic. He will ask for a good plumber or mechanic.

    A look at the reaction that trailed the recent bank robbery video in Owerri will further reinforce this point. In the video that went viral, a policeman was seen gallantly engaging the armed robbers, and, as we later learnt, lost his life in the process. In other to support the family he left behind, a national daily, with some civil society organizations, set up a fundraising with a $15,000 target. This target was exceeded within 24 hours. And who were the donors, considering that the event happened in the South-east and to an Igbo? The larger part of the funds came from non-Igbo living outside South-east.

    The illustrations above indeed show that the threat to national unity does not come from the average Nigerian. Politicians are directly or indirectly responsible. I, therefore, urge them to desist from actions that are inimical to our unity. As the US-based Islamic cleric, Fethullah Gulen, recently noted, dialogue, mutual respect, meeting at universal human values and instilling security for people are necessity to our survival as a nation. “Although there have been some recent provocation based conflicts that appear to be religious oriented,” he said, “I hold the belief and hope that Nigeria is strongly proceeding towards a peaceful and happy future thanks to the broad-minded people and the educated generations, who view the future with hope.”

    Although Gulen, whose works were referred to by the President of UFUK Dialogue Foundation, Mr Kamil Kermabci, expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its challenges, I must add that such optimism can only materialize if Nigerians are resolved to extol national unity above all else. The followership must realize that the ‘leaders’ only play the tribal card when they are not personally benefiting from the ‘national cake’. That is when you hear the song of marginalization. We must remember that the current Biafra agitation began with complaints that Igbo were being left out from federal political appointments. But in reality, what has the ordinary citizen from the North benefited from this administration despite its so-called deep northern coloration? Is he better off because the President and his inner circle hail from his region?

    The truth is, the real marginalized are the poor, whether from North or South. The real marginalized are those who cannot have education. The real marginalized are those that cannot afford good medical care. The real disadvantaged Nigerian is the one that does not have decent roof over his head. Thus, we, the ordinary Nigerians, should not add to that list by creating victims of civil unrest because in the event of tribal conflict, our rulers won’t be the ones to be affected. They will be on the next flight abroad with their families.

    So as Cardinal Onaiyekan said, there is “no other option than to try to live together in peace with all our differences. We all must recognize and respect these differences”. If we do not take that route, the consequences, I’m afraid are too grave. We must, indeed, reserve in our heart a seat for everyone.

     

    • Oboh is an Abuja-based public affairs analyst. 

  • A grand narrative on national unity

    Nation As Grand Narrative – the Nigerian Press and the politics of meaning by Wale Adebanwi, a Professor of Political Science at the University of California, USA, is a chronicle of Nigerian political history dating back to 1953.  In a reading recently in Lagos, Adebanwi took guests through those turbulent years leading to the independence of Nigeria.  He did not only give a deeper insight into those years when it wasn’t clear whether Nigerian leaders would be able to handle the teething problems of a nation on the threshold of freedom, but the book also went deeper into the political crisis that threatened to break up colonial Nigeria.  Those ugly events, as it were, made it look as if independence was no longer possible.

    Reading from the portion entitled Nation as Grand Narrative, Adebanwi, a political scientist and public commentator elaborated, on how those problems were carefully articulated, narrated, elaborated and reported by the ever-sensitive Nigerian press at that moment.  “And so on, March 31, 1953, the Honourable Anthony Enahoro submitted a motion in the House of Representatives for a resolution as a primary political objective that Nigeria achieve self –government in 1956.  Enahoro added that any other proposal short of full political independence for Nigeria has ceased to be a progressive view, because Nigerian nationalism has moved forward from that position.”

    However, “in a response that showed the fault lines of Nigerian nationalism in the late colonial era – and since then – Sir Ahmadu Bello, leader of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), introduced a dilatory motion substituting the phrasing ‘as soon as practicable for the year 1956 proposed by Enahoro.”  Thus, began the bitter rivalry and political acrimony between the North and the South which has up to date pitched Nigeria on a path of divisiveness, ethnicity and hatred.

    With the reading set in place, it was time for guests to begin the debate on the reason why Nigeria needs to sit up in order to make for a comprehensive society.  Present at the occasion, were Professor Niyi Osundare, Professor Adigun Agbaje, Jimi Agbaje, Olakunle Abimbola.  Others were Bisi Fayemi, Tunde Fagbemi, Tayo Koleoso, Fafaa Dan-Princewell, Funke Awolowo, Yinka Odumakin and others.

    In his response to the issue of national question which the book raised, Osundare insisted that time has come for Nigerians to move away from the normal habits of making corruption a way of life.  “I’ve known Adebanwi for a long time.  And he writes to correct the wrongs of the past and to point the way forward.  At times, I wonder whether he still finds time to sleep.  But he helps us to focus on how to make Nigeria a better place through his many scholarly works.”  For Osundare, a professor of English and a renowned poet, this is the time for both the leadership and followership in Nigeria and Africa to look at those sensitive issues to help the societies move on to the next level.

    The debates dwelt more on those salient issues needed to make the nation work.  Abimbola explained that Nigeria is a Federation and all we need is to work together to make it work.  “Yes, we can work to build on that foundation.  This is a federation,” he insisted, noting, “all we need now is to work on the fundamental issues that will help for restructuring.  This means, we have to sort out the fundamental issues that tend to put us apart.  This done, we can then fix Nigeria as a society we can be proud of,” he said.

    But for Dan-Princewell, it is not so much as to whether Nigeria can survive as a nation, but that individuals and ethnic groups should stop lording it over others.  “The Ijaws, where I belong have as much stake in this project as any other ethnic group in Nigeria.  It is unfortunate that each time we gather like this all we hear are Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa/Fulani as if other groups do not exist.  But we have forgotten that the Ijaws are scattered here and there in Nigeria and can be said to have a bigger stake here”.

    He noted that if Nigeria has to be restructured, those who feel aggrieved must be allowed to air their views.  “The nation has to listen to know why they are aggrieved and what needs to be done to appease them.  This unity has to be made concrete for Nigeria to make progress.”  He, nonetheless, traced the origin of the dispersion of the Ijaws in Nigeria and their strength.  “It is time to recognize the place of the minorities and their intellectual contributions to the Nigerian project.  Is it Federation that we want?  Then let’s work seriously to let it favour everyone”, he remonstrated.

    Jimi Agbaje in his contribution drew attention to the place of the young author who has left Nigeria in search of a saner clime to operate and said, “We thought we could keep him (Adebanwi).  But he left before we could do that.  I think he is safe where he is.  This is so because we do not value what we have.  But for us to make progress as a nation we have to bring different things to the table of discussion.  It is the solution that we give to those issues that will determine our progress as a people and this is the time for it.  Leaders have to arrive at a consensus on how to make it right.”

    Odumakin who is known for his firebrand comments on national issues noted that the author is one of the most gifted writers of his generation –”a rare breed, a gift to Nigeria”.  But again, he pointed out to the gathering that the writer needs to remain in Diaspora.  “Stay where you are in the US,” Odumakin advised.  “If you are here in Nigeria, your intellectual input will be stifled or rendered useless by the system.  Our greatest problem in Nigeria is that there is no consensus among the elite.  Can Nigeria then be built without the consensus by the elite?” he asked, insisting, Nigeria has to be made a better place for us all.”

    Describing Adebanwi as a rascal, intellectual rascal for that matter, Professor Agbaje, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, said, “it takes a rascal to be a good scholar and that is what Adebanwi has proved so far.  He got distinction in his master’s degree in my class.  I supervised him.  Both in masters and Ph.D., he was so excellent.  He was always very serious and I needed very little to do.  Today, he has two Ph.Ds – one in Political Science and the second in Anthropology.  His journalism background has indeed helped him to come this far.  His respect for deadlines is indescribable.  He is not only good in the use of language but also in the area of timeliness.  From 2009 till date he has written eleven books.  He is the 4th Rhodes Professor and the first in Africa.  This is indeed unprecedented,” Agbaje, a professor of Political Science explained.

    Although there was no consensus on how to ensure a better Nigerian society, what was obvious is that time has come for Nigerian peoples to come together to rethink the society.  Whether it is restructuring, negotiation or the like, this is the time to work for a better Nigerian society where fairness to all is the key.

  • A grand narrative on national unity

    A grand narrative on national unity

    Nation As Grand Narrative – the Nigerian Press and the politics of meaning by Wale Adebanwi, a Professor of Political Science at the University of California, USA, is a chronicle of Nigerian political history dating back to 1953.  In a reading recently in Lagos, Adebanwi took guests through those turbulent years leading to the independence of Nigeria.  He did not only give a deeper insight into those years when it wasn’t clear whether Nigerian leaders would be able to handle the teething problems of a nation on the threshold of freedom, but the book also went deeper into the political crisis that threatened to break up colonial Nigeria.  Those ugly events, as it were, made it look as if independence was no longer possible.

    Reading from the portion entitled Nation as Grand Narrative, Adebanwi, a political scientist and public commentator elaborated, on how those problems were carefully articulated, narrated, elaborated and reported by the ever-sensitive Nigerian press at that moment.  “And so on, March 31, 1953, the Honourable Anthony Enahoro submitted a motion in the House of Representatives for a resolution as a primary political objective that Nigeria achieve self –government in 1956.  Enahoro added that any other proposal short of full political independence for Nigeria has ceased to be a progressive view, because Nigerian nationalism has moved forward from that position.”

    However, “in a response that showed the fault lines of Nigerian nationalism in the late colonial era – and since then – Sir Ahmadu Bello, leader of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), introduced a dilatory motion substituting the phrasing ‘as soon as practicable for the year 1956 proposed by Enahoro.”  Thus, began the bitter rivalry and political acrimony between the North and the South which has up to date pitched Nigeria on a path of divisiveness, ethnicity and hatred.

    With the reading set in place, it was time for guests to begin the debate on the reason why Nigeria needs to sit up in order to make for a comprehensive society.  Present at the occasion, were Professor Niyi Osundare, Professor Adigun Agbaje, Jimi Agbaje, Olakunle Abimbola.  Others were Bisi Fayemi, Tunde Fagbemi, Tayo Koleoso, Fafaa Dan-Princewell, Funke Awolowo, Yinka Odumakin and others.

    In his response to the issue of national question which the book raised, Osundare insisted that time has come for Nigerians to move away from the normal habits of making corruption a way of life.  “I’ve known Adebanwi for a long time.  And he writes to correct the wrongs of the past and to point the way forward.  At times, I wonder whether he still finds time to sleep.  But he helps us to focus on how to make Nigeria a better place through his many scholarly works.”  For Osundare, a professor of English and a renowned poet, this is the time for both the leadership and followership in Nigeria and Africa to look at those sensitive issues to help the societies move on to the next level.

    The debates dwelt more on those salient issues needed to make the nation work.  Abimbola explained that Nigeria is a Federation and all we need is to work together to make it work.  “Yes, we can work to build on that foundation.  This is a federation,” he insisted, noting, “all we need now is to work on the fundamental issues that will help for restructuring.  This means, we have to sort out the fundamental issues that tend to put us apart.  This done, we can then fix Nigeria as a society we can be proud of,” he said.

    But for Dan-Princewell, it is not so much as to whether Nigeria can survive as a nation, but that individuals and ethnic groups should stop lording it over others.  “The Ijaws, where I belong have as much stake in this project as any other ethnic group in Nigeria.  It is unfortunate that each time we gather like this all we hear are Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa/Fulani as if other groups do not exist.  But we have forgotten that the Ijaws are scattered here and there in Nigeria and can be said to have a bigger stake here”.

    He noted that if Nigeria has to be restructured, those who feel aggrieved must be allowed to air their views.  “The nation has to listen to know why they are aggrieved and what needs to be done to appease them.  This unity has to be made concrete for Nigeria to make progress.”  He, nonetheless, traced the origin of the dispersion of the Ijaws in Nigeria and their strength.  “It is time to recognize the place of the minorities and their intellectual contributions to the Nigerian project.  Is it Federation that we want?  Then let’s work seriously to let it favour everyone”, he remonstrated.

    Jimi Agbaje in his contribution drew attention to the place of the young author who has left Nigeria in search of a saner clime to operate and said, “We thought we could keep him (Adebanwi).  But he left before we could do that.  I think he is safe where he is.  This is so because we do not value what we have.  But for us to make progress as a nation we have to bring different things to the table of discussion.  It is the solution that we give to those issues that will determine our progress as a people and this is the time for it.  Leaders have to arrive at a consensus on how to make it right.”

    Odumakin who is known for his firebrand comments on national issues noted that the author is one of the most gifted writers of his generation –”a rare breed, a gift to Nigeria”.  But again, he pointed out to the gathering that the writer needs to remain in Diaspora.  “Stay where you are in the US,” Odumakin advised.  “If you are here in Nigeria, your intellectual input will be stifled or rendered useless by the system.  Our greatest problem in Nigeria is that there is no consensus among the elite.  Can Nigeria then be built without the consensus by the elite?” he asked, insisting, Nigeria has to be made a better place for us all.”

    Describing Adebanwi as a rascal, intellectual rascal for that matter, Professor Agbaje, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, said, “it takes a rascal to be a good scholar and that is what Adebanwi has proved so far.  He got distinction in his master’s degree in my class.  I supervised him.  Both in masters and Ph.D., he was so excellent.  He was always very serious and I needed very little to do.  Today, he has two Ph.Ds – one in Political Science and the second in Anthropology.  His journalism background has indeed helped him to come this far.  His respect for deadlines is indescribable.  He is not only good in the use of language but also in the area of timeliness.  From 2009 till date he has written eleven books.  He is the 4th Rhodes Professor and the first in Africa.  This is indeed unprecedented,” Agbaje, a professor of Political Science explained.

    Although there was no consensus on how to ensure a better Nigerian society, what was obvious is that time has come for Nigerian peoples to come together to rethink the society.  Whether it is restructuring, negotiation or the like, this is the time to work for a better Nigerian society where fairness to all is the key.

     

  • Minister tasks media on terrorism, national unity

    Minister tasks media on terrorism, national unity

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged the media to galvanize support among the populace for the war on terrorism, which he described as a major challenge facing the nation.

    The minister spoke yesterday when he met with representatives of media professional bodies in Abuja.

    He said: ”The war against terrorism is not a war for the military alone but for all Nigerians. The media must reflect this in their reporting and galvanize the people to know that it is not just a battle against a few insurgents but a war for the very survival of our nation.”

    He said it is important for the media to report the fact that the military has turned the tide against the insurgents, degrading their ability to carry out spectacular attacks and retaking captured territories, ”thus paving the way for displaced persons to gradually return to their homes, for schools that have been destroyed to be rebuilt and for pupils who could not go to school to do so.’.

    Alhaji Mohammed also stressed the need for the media ”not to remain on the fence” over the issue of national unity.

    ”Apart from the challenge of terrorism, there is also the issue of national unity. If anything, we have taken our unity for granted and have not made a conscious and concerted effort to constantly service and strengthen it.

    He said: ”Unfortunately, what started as a crack is now widening into a gorge. The media must not remain on the fence when the issue of our national unity is involved. They must carry out their duties in such a way that will unite, rather than divide our people.

    “Our unity is fragile, and the fragility comes into the open at a time of economic downturn as we have now. We cannot afford to be neutral on the issue of national unity.”

    The minister assured that the government would work with the media in the interest of the country.

    He said: ”For example, we are working on forging a partnership between the government and the media that will see military and intelligence chiefs interfacing with you to give you first hand information on the progress of the war against terrorism.

    ”We believe it is important to carry the media along, because if you are well informed about the war, you will be in a better position to inform Nigerians about it.

    “In this regard, you will hear more from us in the days to come.”

    Alhaji Mohammed assured that under his watch, the Ministry of Information and Culture will ensure that the media get timely and accurate information from the government, saying ”if you run into any roadblock while seeking information from any government establishment, kindly notify us.’.

    He hailed the media for effectively playing their watchdog role during the last elections that saw the opposition ousting the ruling party for the first time in the history of our country.

    ”Whereas a few media establishments fell short during the last elections, jettisoning professionalism on the altar of political expediency, the media largely availed themselves creditably by maintaining their professional integrity,” the minister said.

     

  • Museum as agent of national unity and cultural integration (11)

    Museum as agent of national unity and cultural integration (11)

    The communal nature of the Nigeria life with roles to be played by both the living and the dead.

    The acceptance of re-incarnation as a fact of life.

    That the conducts of the ancestors could act as a form of social control to regulate individual and societal moral life.

    Fertility in traditional Nigerian societies

    In our traditional settings involving the entire ethnic groups, some festivals are done essentially to celebrate the god/goddess behind either a high yield production of farm crops or fertility in either man, animals, or plants. These gods are sometimes represented in carved wooden figures. During the celebration of these festivals, some objects are either worn or carried by the devotees of this god/goddess as their emblem or symbol of office.

    Yoruba sacred art is the point of contact with the invisible world forces. The sacred arts serve to focus and intensify worship by attracting spiritual forces with their aesthetic power. They are not only objects of worship but also they help to intensify and add focus on deities.

    Thus the belief is that “deities do not come because of the images but images come because of the deities. The ideal of sacredness of the objects is upheld because of the belief that the spirit reside within the article/objects.

    In Yoruba mythology, some deities are directly related either t human fertility or farm yield. When there is a need for increase farm yield or a child is being sought for a barren woman, it is believed that these deities, when appease, they can give either children or bountiful harvest, these deities include the following:

    Orisa Oko: The actual staffs are made of hoes beaten together, the staff is strongly associated with the power of the hoe and protects the fruits of the farm in the sense that should a man rob the farm, the staff will curse him to cut himself with his own hoe, cutlass or instrument of him.

     

    Sango Objects: Sango was the forth king of the Yoruba and was defied by his friends after his death. Sango ruled over all Yoruba including Benin, the Popos and Dahomey for the worship of him has continued in all these countries to this day. He was of very wild disposition, fiery temper and had a habit of emitting fire and smoke out of his mouth.

    Sango Double-Axe: The sculpture usually seems to suggest the union of worshippers with fire of the deity. The thunder god is usually believed by the devotee to grant the special gift of twins to the parents of the world. They also believed that Sango is the protector of the twins, thus the cult of the twins has an interpersonal relationship with the cult of Sango.

    Arugba Bowl Carrier: In the bowl carrier devotee keep Neolithic, Celts thought to be thunderbolts which Sango held’s in judgment upon who do not acknowledge his authority in their lives or are due for his righteous judgment.

    The fertility related festivals of the Igbos

    The fundamental element of action and value in the Igbo world is Ala or Ani who is the earth or land goddess. She is the basis of life. She is simultaneously, substance and spirit. The Centrality of Earth undoubtedly stems from the fact that agriculture is the economic mainstay while uncertain yields, dispute over farm lands and land tenure are resolved through her mediation which gives rise to her spiritual and legal sanctions.

    Agbogho-Mmanwu: The fame of Maiden “Udo Agbogho” A festival called the fame of maidens use Region of Eastern Nigeria. The festival is usually used in honoring important patron deity. During the festival adolescent female marks “Agbogho mmanwu” are featured. These male performances embody the ideals of youthful feminine beauty though in an exaggerated style.

    Ogbom – Headdresses: These are full figure headdresses worn in Ogbom dances. They are one of the finest Igbo works of Art. The Ogbom dance is known among many region of Eastern Nigeria. Ogbom displays honor “Ala” i.e. the earth. This projects her role in human and agricultural fertility and increase. The carvings are used to emphasize the connection of the ceremony with female productivity and nurture. The carvings are usually females with large full breasts; the absence of arm is to enhance the prominence of the breasts. Mostly often the Ogbom figures are young females seated on stools with often protruding bellies to depict fecundity. The Ogbom carvings might be only heads or single heads with a bar. Around the cylindrical base basket work are woven which enabled the carving to be strapped to the dancer’s head. Ogbom dance are danced in some areas without these figure.

     

    Fertility related object from the North: Mama (mangam) cap mask

     

    At the southern Jos Plateau near Wama line the Mama ethnic group people. They are good warriors with unique sculptural pieces. They have developed the most abstract sculpture of animal’s forms in Nigeria in form of Cap masks. They are mainly represented as bush cows used in fertility (Mangam) dance.

    The National Commission for Museums and Monuments established by Decree 79 of 1979 as the custodian of the nation’s cultural heritage has from its existence, champion the promotion of our cultural integration through its numerous exhibitions, establishment of Museums, creating awareness and reaching out to the communities on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

    Presently, the Commission through the leadership of Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman Director General with the cooperation of the Directors, management team and staff have been trying their best to move the Museum to the next level in partnership with other International bodies. It organising exhibitions, training programs for staff in order to enhance professionalism. Also, efforts are being made to partner with other stake holders to establish more museums both privately and state owned. More importantly, as agent of cultural transformation of Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, the commission is strategically positioned to propagate the cultural transformation of the government.

    However, more still need to be done if we must reach that international standard as both the privates, NGOs, cooperate organisations and Government at all levels must join hands together to assist the NCMM as it is practiced in other parts of the world.

    This paper has attempted to draw the attention of all to the fact that Nigeria is not only rich but share a common cultural belief as regards its ancestral beliefs and fertility in its traditional society.

    Even in accepting other religious beliefs, Nigerians have not by any means abandoned these beliefs. In fact, they constitute the pragmatic and spiritual foundations on which Nigerians build their acceptance and practice of the new faiths. The belief has become, the dynamics of cultural and religious adaptation for the converting religions to take root and become meaningful to Nigerians. Finally, it is safe that Nigerian traditional beliefs will continue to be relevant in our quest for cultural integration irrespective of whatever religious dispensation the Nigerians find themselves. The objectives of this lecture is to show that not only does indigenous religion have its own ancestral beliefs, that the beliefs and concepts are the same across the country Nation which served as products of a well grounded cultural integration amongst the ethnic groups.

     

    •Onime is of the National Museum, Lagos

     

  • North’s position over PIB, threat to national unity —Izoukumor

    North’s position over PIB, threat to national unity —Izoukumor

    Niger Delta activist and leader of Ijaw (Izon-Ebe) Oil Producing Communities and spokesperson (Fiyowei) of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Favour Izoukumor, in this interview with Shola O’neil, spoke on a number of burning issues, including the contentious Petroleum Industry Bill, submitting that the position of the north over this bill is a threat to national unity. Excerpts:

    What is your view on the Petroleum Industry Bill?

    First, let me state that the process leading to the drafting of the bill (PIB) was not inclusive enough for us in the Niger Delta region. This is a bill that concerns us directly on the question of the oil produced from our back yards. We expected the Presidency and those involved in the process to carry us along from the time it was first mooted under the late President Musa Yar’Adua’s administration.

    On northern leaders’ and governor’s opposition, I have not been privileged to read the full content of the bill because there were so many versions in circulation and we do not know which is the right one. My reaction to the north’s opposition is that I do not blame them because they are playing the African politics where people protect the interest of their people at whatever cost. So, I see their opposition as a stance to protect the welfare and interest of their region.

    The Niger Delta politicians are our problem. They are not speaking out because they do not have the interest of their people at heart. Now, the north has taken a position that the bill will only favour the South-south and that it will make the people of the oil producing areas richer. It is now left for our leaders to make their position clear. The reason the north opposes PIB is because of our leaders. They see it as another avenue to enrich South-south state governors. Remember, in the past they have criticised our governors that they are not utilising the money as expected.

    So, I can understand their position because if I am in their shoes, I will never allow a policy that will empower individuals to the detriment of the nation. It is a dangerous step to the collective interest of the country.  It is expected that our governors will use the 13percent to develop the region. The money does not belong to them.

    To the best of my knowledge what is happening is a national risk because we cannot have individuals richer than the nation. It is a risk to have individuals richer than the collective. Money plays a big role in African politics and if these persons (governors) are allowed to continue to amass so much wealth, they will become very domineering for good or evil.

    So, while not justifying the north’s position, I support the call for direct payment of the money to the oil producing communities. If the money will not be paid directly to the oil producing communities, there is no need for more money for the governors because they are using the fund as they please without being accountable to the people. That is my position.

    What is the way forward?

    Having spoken on the shortcomings of our governors, let me state that the position of the north is a threat to national unity. Their position is a call for anarchy and threat to the survival of the nation. If not because of our politicians’ nonchalant attitude, our position has been for resource control, like what former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently said that he expected all the regions to control their resources and pay tax. That has been our agitation until our political leaders betrayed us by accepting the stipend of 10% in the PIB.

    My advice to South-South leaders, politicians and others, is that we are in democracy and this is not military era – democracy is about lobbying and sound arguments. Let them lobby their colleagues and give them reasons why the south needs more money. If they are really developing the region as the money was meant for, then the position of the north would have been an insult to our people.

    Some people feel that paying 13% fund to oil communities will cause crisis

    Those holding that view are those in government and that is a typical African phenomenon. If they are privileged to be in government they use their influence to oppress the people they are governing.  Are these persons speaking the voice of the people they are supposed to be representing? I tell you they are not. They feel they govern themselves and not the people and this is because they are not genuinely elected by the people. If they were elected, they will respect the views of the electorate.

    What the oil producing communities want is very clear – we want a direct control of the 13% and whatever revenue is coming from crude oil production from our communities. I have a formula that will benefit everybody. The agitation is as a result of the failure of the governors of the South-South, who are enriching themselves with the fund. We no longer have confidence in the state governors. My suggestion is for the Federal Government to find a way, either through a trustee or commission, to set aside at least 30% for the non-oil communities because they also feel the brunt of oil exploration. Pollution does not discriminate between those producing and those not producing the oil. Everybody suffers, so everybody should benefit and develop.

    Is what you are suggesting different from the oil producing areas development commissions across the states – DESOPADEC in Delta, OSOPADEC in Ondo etc?

    Let me state that there is nowhere the 1999 Constitution stipulates that the fund should be paid to the coffers of the state governments – if there is, I have not seen it. I am not a lawyer, but I have read it so that nobody can intimidate me with it.

    Now to the issue of the state commissions, I want to state that they are also subject to the same political manipulations. If you have a PDP-led government as we have in most South-South states, then only PDP members will be appointed into the boards and they become a tool for political handouts. What this means is that if my community is not a PDP-leaning one, we may not get our dues for obvious reasons.

    We will consistently agitate until we are allowed to control our resources. Our youths – MEND and others – tried, but because their struggle is not ideological, they have not been able to stand the test of time. If their agitations had clear ideology, today the agitation would have continued – through  legal means. We intend to achieve our desire through agitation.

    Are you saying that the MEND uprising was a failure?

    No, that is not what I am saying. They did not fail; they made some gains but those are peripheral achievements or what I would call temporary gains/achievements. Even in the means of the leadership getting appointments, the group ought not to have died. Today, even some of the founders are saying that MEND has gone to the grave.

    The federal government needs to be sincere with its policies towards the development of this region – they should stop this divide and rule policies. They have to be sincere; we cannot expect the Niger Delta development master plans to become a sing song, year in year out. We want to see practical developments in terms of human resources, practical development, human development and all forms of development.

    If those things are not done, this carrot giving to agitators to quell the tension and all that will not help the nation.  They are just postponing the evil day.

    If you have a Niger Deltan as the President of the country, what else do you want?

    The president is an individual and nobody should expect that the individual (president) can singlehandedly develop the region. It is the institution, that is the FG, that can develop it. My reason is that we know what is happening in the country. What we want the FG to do is to take pragmatic approach and implement the various plans they have put in place. It is the obligation of the government, not president. Individual appointment does not attract development…

    If so, why do you agitate for a South-South  president?

    A South-South President (or President Jonathan) wasn’t part of the agitation of the Niger Delta people. We never expected that merely producing a president is the solution. We do not need to agitate, as Nigerians, to be president – that is our birthright constitutionally as Nigerians.

    Do you think the president has done well considering the myriad of problems and particularly the issue of corruption in the FG? Will you say after his tenure that a Niger Deltan made the difference or did better?

    To my view, I think he has done very well but people are collaborating to frustrate his efforts. If you judge the president based on what people are saying in the papers, you will feel that he is not performing as expected. I have a contrary view and not just because he is from this region. You cannot judge the president in isolation – you must consider the National Assembly and a lot of intrigues going on.

    Right from the day he was elected, there has been no peace especially from the northern parts of the country. How do you expect the president to be focussed when his people (Nigerians) are being killed on a daily basis? His attention is being distracted. How can a leader be focussed when you hear reports of deaths, bestial killings of the innocent in parts of the country you lead?

    But do you think the president is doing enough in terms of security?

    I think he is. Don’t forget that he is a purely civilian president…

    He is the C-I-C of the Armed Forces and people expected him to rise up to the security challenges in the country. We also have civilians as head of government in over half of the world’s nations.

    That is not what I am saying. As a civilian president, he is performing. The point I am trying to make is that Nigerians have military mentality because of the long years of military rule and we want quick results. The JTF and others are all over the place protecting lives and properties. Boko Haram did not start with President Jonathan. The difference is that during his time, it has assumed political dimension and has become an instrument for politicians who have lobbied and infiltrated them. In spite of all these, the president is trying. He needs our support.

    There was uproar recently when supporters of the president flooded the streets of Abuja with his campaign posters…

    ..(cuts in) Let me state it outright, those who pasted those posters are opponents of the president who merely want to use it to heat up the polity. And that is wrong. 2015 is  a long way away and the president has said so on a number of occasions.

    The brouhaha over 2015 is completely uncalled for at a time when the president is trying to fix the country. I see it as a ploy to distract Mr. President. Why not let’s wait till he has declared his intention.

    Let me also state here that it is very disheartening the way certain leaders, former presidents and others are taking these issues. I expected people of their calibre to be talking about the issue of the peace and unity of the country. Unfortunately, nobody is doing that at the moment. What they seem to be interested in is, which region will produce the president and all that. All the past leaders are holding meetings about how to produce the next president. Is the issue of the next president more important than the peace and unity of Nigeria? Where are the nationalists, everybody is now about region? I am surprised.