The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Unity

  • Lagos APC leaders preach unity

    The apex body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos East met last Friday at Ikorodu under the leadership of Otunba Bushura Alebiosu (Bush) to discuss “issues as they relate to the progress of the senatorial district, its residents and the fortunes of the APC within the district.’’

    The group condoled with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the death of his son, Jide.

    A statement by the Secretary, Joko Pelumi, said the group discussed issues pertaining to “the unity of the senatorial district, and progress of the party”.

    The statement said the apex body commiserated with Asiwaju Tinubu and prayed for his family.

    It hailed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his “exemplary performance”.

    The apex body said it called the meeting to foster unity among all groups in the party in Lagos East, in line with the desire of Asiwaju Tinubu to have all sub-groups collapsed into one body to present a strong, united and formidable party in the district.

    The statement added: “The leadership of the apex group acknowledges the exemplary performance of Governor Ambode and his unparalleled drive towards urban and rural regeneration of all parts of our state through the developmental projects he is undertaking.”

  • Restructuring and National Unity 101

    With respect to restructuring, it is wrong to assume that calls for change to the architecture of governance suggest efforts to water down national unity.

    This piece had appeared on this page before. It is being republished in response to requests from readers about the report that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom this column has praised for seeing the imperative of re-federalization ahead of many of his contemporaries, is quoted to have said last week at Federal Government College, Okigwe to have ‘emphasised unity rather than restructuring’. In normal political spaces, these two words are not mutually exclusive as they now seem in our country. In fact, they are mutually reinforcing in countries that practice federalism.

    If one were to count the number of times that Restructuring and National Unity occurred in the country’s newspapers and broadcast news in the last few months, it would certainly be a huge task. It is no exaggeration for such counters to discover that no other words rival these two. Today’s piece is a response to a regular reader of this column who has asked that I ‘break down’ a recurrent phrase in this column: restructuring to ensure that national and subnational governments in a federal state share power and sovereignty with the intention to stimulate and sustain unity of the country.

    National unity has two connotations in the country. When it is used by members of the ruling group and their clients, it signals an effort by such people to conflate national unity with uniformity of ideas on keeping the existing structure of governance intact. It does not give attention to whether average citizens feel a sense of belonging to the state and to each other as citizens of the same country. In other words, whoever demands for any change that may reduce the powers and benefits of those in the saddle of federal power are perceived to be working against national unity, where national unity is synonymous with demonstration of consensus on the immutability of an existing system of governance. There is a sense in which this view of national unity and the discourse constructed around it is reminiscent of what Ibn Khaldun, an early expert on Arab history, once called Asabiyya, a ruse by members of the ruling group in many Arab countries to keep power for their use and discourage or prevent any move by citizens to reduce the size of power needed by the ruling group to sustain the status quo.

    A call for restructuring is not a call for anything antithetical to national unity. On the contrary, it is a call for a commitment to reinforce national unity, where unity means creation of a system that facilitates and enriches a sense of belonging among various entities in a plural society. National unity is not a concept reserved for those in power alone; it is one that applies to all the people who inhabit a plural society. Correspondingly, restructuring is a concept that has value by promoting and safeguarding a sense of belonging among various components of socially and culturally plural society through creation of practices that set out to advance social and economic interests of members of the society.

    With respect to restructuring, it is wrong to assume that calls for change to the architecture of governance suggest efforts to water down national unity. In a federal democracy, no political group—national or subnational—should have a right to define terms of association. When politicians and their pundits refer to restructuring as an attempt to undermine national unity, such people   are thinking like colonial masters.  Federations result from agreement of all parts to co-habit for mutual progress.  It is failure to sustain an existing agreement or change one that is not working that can be dangerous to national unity. This explains why all federal governments that have succeeded had ensured that they created constitutions that citizens had a stake in from the beginning. That constitution of 1960 is a local example. With such constitutions, arrived at by consensus of federating units, both rulers and the ruled are protected from any destabilisation of the political system. When some of such federating groups have reasons to feel uncomfortable with the extant system, they ought to have freedom to call for restructuring or renewal of the constitution. And doing this does not amount to derogation from unity.

    Let us examine a few provisions in the current constitution that citizens calling for restructuring may consider inimical to creating an enabling constitutional environment for states to respond to the needs of citizens and residents in the states. Restructuring is, more than anything else, removing existing practices that may be perceived as negative to interests of federating units or adding new practices that can enrich such interests. For example, the current law that allows the federal government and private companies to generate and distribute electricity while allowing states to generate electricity only for its own use and not to be sold to citizens can threaten national unity. How would giving states the power to generate and distribute power to its citizens endanger national unity? Why in the first place should states need to ask for permission to generate electricity for its citizens in a federal democracy?

    Similarly, the current structure puts railway on the Exclusive List of Functions, thus making construction of rail lines and operation of rail transport by states illegal. If a state can provide rail transportation for its citizens, why should there be a constitutional obstacle to state creation of rail line?  Furthermore, a matter recently raised by Femi Falana regarding the federal government’s disobedience of the Court of Appeals’ judgement that the “federal government lacks the power to authorise dredgers to mine any resources in the intra-inland waterways in Lagos State” draws attention to the danger inherent in wholesale importation of decrees created by military dictators into the 1999 Constitution. Why should control over intra-inland waterways in all parts of the country not be under the control of states in which such waterways are located. How does changing such decrees (converted into constitutional provisions) constitute danger to national unity?

    Moreover, why should construction of school curriculum in a federal system—ethnic or territorial—be in the hands of the central government? Put differently, how would leaving education at all levels in the hands of the states in Nigeria, as it is in Germany and the United States, be deleterious to national unity in Nigeria? Why must revenue for any form of sales tax first be sent to the central government for distribution to states? In what ways can leaving such revenue in the states from which it is generated endanger national unity? What advantage to national unity ensues from making registration of business a federal function?

    There are several other provisions in the current constitution, especially in respect of items on the concurrent list that those calling for restructuring may believe to be in the interest of development at the state level where governors and state legislators have direct relationship to citizens.  As elementary as the examples provided here may seem, they illustrate the concerns of those calling for restructuring, which by any stretch of imagination should not endanger national unity. On the contrary, changing such provisions are more likely to sustain and enrich national unity.

    Now that the ruling political party and governors of various regions have commissioned committees to study demand for restructuring, it will be of benefit to all saddled with such responsibility to assume that such calls are, unlike those for disintegration, not intended to destroy national unity but to promote it.

  • Of unity in diversity

    SIR: The Nigeria Television Authority has played and replayed the video of the late Biafran leader Chief Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu, countless times in a bid to preach the benefits of unity. While this is not wrong, one wonders if they actually understood what Ojukwu was pointing at or maybe they did but felt at the same time that it wasn’t necessary to take note of. Ojukwu said ‘Yes, I led the first one and I don’t think a second one was necessary because we should have learnt from the first one’.

    The point is there should be a balance of perspective on the information; otherwise it will be a case of abusing the sensibility of Nigerians who actually have nothing against the federation but that they demanded the implementation of the ingredients that guaranteed unity. Unity in diversity? What does that mean? For there to be unity, there should first be equity, equal rights, equal citizenry, fairness and openness. It is these ingredients that take care of the diversity and when this happens, unity becomes inevitable.

    Now what happens in the absence of these ingredients? Any unity that overlooked those ingredients has overlooked the diversities in strength, weakness, customs or ideologies and beliefs etc. This means that such unity can never be devoid of pockets of agitations through which bottled-up anger against the system and frustrations of diverse kinds are let out.

    We must balance whatever information that we spread around in the name of defending impunity lest we become victims of the same impunity tomorrow. Look at how Victor Malu ended after defending a very rotten system during his time as Chief of Army Staff. We must be careful; those calling for listening ears especially. What did we do with Ojukwu while he was alive for instance? Did we ever seek his wise counsel on how the country can progress without another tension?

    No. He is dead today and convenience demands that those who profit from the corrupt system of things should play his video to continue to deceive the people. Nzeogwu said this from the beginning but we killed him before he even finished speaking. Today we refer to his evergreen statement as though who cared to understand what they meant.

    Years ago, Atiku Abubakar was in power when James Ibori and DSP Alamesiegha made the case for resource control and he did nothing. Today he is busy calling for restructuring as though he has never had the opportunity to make input in leadership before now. Buhari is here today and has remained defiant to the calls for a better Nigeria. I wouldn’t want to hear him complain tomorrow when he is out of office or even suggest to any leader how Nigeria should be governed aright. It is important we set the records straight about this so-called unity in diversity.

     

    • Comrade Ifeanyi Mmoh,

    ifeanyi_mmoh@yahoo.com

  • Obaseki lauds cooperation, unity in Sobe

    Obaseki lauds cooperation, unity in Sobe

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has assured that his administration will continue to work for the good of all in the state, saying the primary essence of governance is to bring happiness to the citizens.

    He said his administration would take advantage of opportunities in the agricultural sector and provide requisite support to communities ready to open up their land for agricultural investment.

    He said the state was driving economic growth by encouraging investments in agriculture and allied industries so that Edo would not only become self-sufficient in food production but also diversify its revenue base.

    Obaseki, represented by Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, at this year’s Sobe Day  in Sobe, Obaseki had expressed happiness at the unity in Owan West Local Government Area as demonstrated by the huge support and presence of guests at this yearly celebration.

    He noted that the state government identified the resolve of Sobe people, who are ready to welcome investments in agriculture, and stepped in to provide them with the necessary support to expand their operations. He commended Sobe community for contributing to economic development by actively promoting and investing in agriculture.

    According to Obaseki, the community’s appeal for qualitative health care and education aligns with his government’s priorities, adding:’’Primary healthcare and basic education are part of our priorities as an administration and we are working to develop primary health care centres in the state as well as laying a good foundation in basic education for our children at the early stage in their life.’’

    He said: “The primary essence of governance is bringing happiness to the people, which isthe utilitarian essence of governance.You don’t constitute mortal danger to your people and you don’t drive people to desperate solutions. When all these are on ground, obviously there won’t be much problem.  I am particularly happy with the unity of our people of Owan West as demonstrated by the presence and support of guests such as State House of Assembly member Hon. Victor Ojo Asein, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Reginald Okun,  All Progressives Congress Chairman, Mr. Tunde Omoruan and Angelina Aigbokhae at this year’s Sobe Day celebration.”

    Chairman of the occasion Prof Smart Uhakheme urged the people to be alive to their civic responsibility, especially as it affects choosing their political leaders during elections and holding them accountable.

    According to him, Sobe Day has come to stay as it has not only occupied a major spot on the community’s festival calendar but it has also become a permanent feature of their lives.

    “We now plan our annual leave or vacations around it. In fact, many people come home from America and other faraway places for Sobe Day celebration than during xmas or New year. Also, it has become a shining example, which other neighbouring communities emulate,”  he said.

    Uhakheme noted that time had come to refocus efforts on setting a new agenda which should include economic development and effective political participation. Achievement of these two goals, he said, will put the community in a strong position to tackle the most pressing issues which include security, health care and management of resources. ‘

    ’As a community we must get involved in the political process. It is important for all of us to participate actively. By doing so, we can affect the outcome any election and bring about the desired change. Perhaps, more important, effective participation can forestall the general tendency of putting round pegs into square holes,” he added.

    His Royal Highness Anthony Ero Aleburu 1, the Odion-Ibiado of Sobe, called for the continued maintenance of peace, security and unity among the people, noting that it is only in the atmosphere of peace and unity that Sobe community can develop as government cannot do it alone.

    “It is on record that most of the development efforts in Sobe were done by our illustrious sons and daughters. We can still do it again if we are united. It is on this light I call on those still aggrieved to come and join the fold because the more we are the merrier,’’ he added.

    Sobe Forum President-General, Mr. Tony Akerele, who called on state government to provide adequate health facilities for Sobe lamented the non-functioning of the state owned health centres in the community. He therefore called on the state government to consider establishing a general hospital in the community, which he said, will serve all the adjoining communities in the area.

    Akerele pleaded that the primary, junior and senior secondary schools in the community should be adequately staffed and equipped for maximum results. “Our secondary school is in need of laboratory equipment for the teaching of science subjects. Once we educate our teeming youth population each will be able to confront poverty and rebuff cultism,” he said.

    He commended the prompt response by the governor to the community’s request for more teachers to the community secondary, noting that Sobe is glad that the state has planned to construct the abandoned Sobe-Ora road project. He, however, also appealed for the construction of Sobe Market that was demolished and abandoned for years.

    Chief launcher and APC leader (Owan East) Alhaji Abdulganiu Lawani and other guests made hand some donations towards the health project.

    The event witnessed presentation of awards by the Lagos-based Ohiame Social Club to Apostle Funsho Osoro and Hon. Jimfred Aigbologa Obaidiku for their selfless sevices to the community.  Also, over N1 million worth of small scale business equipment, such as two motor cycles, four hair dryers, four grinders, four sewing and two vulcanising machines wre won through raffle draws.

    Among guests who attended the event were representatives of Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and Acting Chairman Owan West Local Government, Dr. Owolabi,  the SSA to Governor, Hon. Oni Enahoro; Hon. Tony Ohimai Ikhianvbode, Chief Isewede Ovude, Alhaji Sufiunu Igbafen.

  • Labour seeks national unity

    Labour seeks national unity

    The organised labour has said Nigeria’s 57th independence anniversary should be an opportunity for sober reflection by political leaders.

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Comrade Ayuba Wabba said those calling for seccession should rethink their actions as there is strength in unity.

    Wabba said: “When all seems down and out, we always find ways of overcoming our adversaries. As we mark this year’s anniversary in the midst of a recessionary economy, and amid massive suffering and unprecedented challenges in the polity, we must keep faith, that we will overcome our difficulties and challenges, and, ultimately, triumph over our socio-economic and political challenges.

    “As the biggest black nation on earth, we owe it as a duty to the black race, both on the continent and in the diaspora, to build a united and prosperous nation.”

    Wabba pointed out that conflict would hurt everybody, particularly workers, pensioners and their families.

    According to him, dialogue remains the best formula for conflict resolution.

    “Thus, those fanning the embers of disunity need to be discouraged and schooled on the realities of war. In the same vein, we appeal to all  Nigerians not to fall for the glamorisation of conflict or war as a solution to our self-inflicted crisis,” he added.

    Wabba called on Nigerians to  fight those promoting division, adding that they are fighting for their vested interests.

    He said: “Let us, therefore, not allow them to use poor Nigerian workers, pensioners and peasants as cannon fodders for their selfish interests. The desperate but vocal few cannot and should not be allowed to speak for the majority of us.”

    According to Wabba, labour has,  over the decades, stood for one Nigeria, right from its founding fathers who were in the frontline of the struggle for independence, through leaders who led the masses to fight against the imposition of neo-liberal policies by military dictatorships.

    Wabba said: “Our common enemy, and whom we must all resolve to face, remains the corrupt political class, who instead of utilising the God-endowed wealth of our nation, choose to loot it for themselves and their children thereby depriving us of decent living and inflicting on us a scarred collective psychology that is predominantly negative, hostile and unproductive.

    “On our part, we are determined to stop our elites and their lackeys from throwing us into another avoidable civil war.”

    TUC President Comrade Bobboi Kaigama condemned the clamour for restructuring.

    He reaffirmed TUC’s commitment to the unity of the country, but opposed politically-motivated restructuring.

    According to Kaigama, a fragmented Nigeria would not serve any good. He said there was nothing to celebrate as all was still not well with the country.

    The TUC chief criticised the excessive spending by some politicians who travel overseas without  replicating the amenities they enjoy abroad at home.

    Kaigama said: “It is laughable that our leaders travel abroad but do not replicate what they see and enjoy over there. Why will the country not be hit by recession when politicians spend 80 per cent of their jumbo pay in buying properties in Dubai, United Kingdom, United States and South Africa, among others?

    “How can the education sector run a full session without strikes when the children of politicians school abroad? The deplorable state of our roads is not a priority because they fly.

    “When the system favours them they make no comments, but when it is otherwise they import arms and assemble youths to distabilise the system. The crises and agitations we see everywhere today are outcome of disenchantment.

    Kaigama said the nation’s  key functionaries and institutions must be made to work like elsewhere.

    NLC Lagos State chapter chairman Comrade Idowu Adelakan attributed the high rate of crime to unemployment among youths.

    “As such, nothing calls for celebrating the country’s independence anniversary since some states are still unable to comply with the minimum wage of N18,000. Most states are still owing workers and pensioners their salaries.

    “As far as we are concerned, the governors are not willing to pay, and it is not because they cannot pay. We believe they can pay. They only believe in awarding contracts, which is their major priority,” he said.

  • Our unity is our strength, says monarch

    The Traditional ruler of Oworonsoki, Oba Basiru Oloruntoyin Saliu, has called for peaceful co-existence among various ethnic groups in his domain.

    At a meeting held with the ethnic groups, the monarch urged them not to be deceived by various agitations in other parts of the country.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area, the monarch said, was in attendance.

    “Due to the happenings in the country, I decided to call for the meeting of the ethnic groups on peaceful co-existence. I let them realised that having lived together for 57 years as one big family, there is no need for us to start contemplating dividing the country. We cannot afford to give up our unity.

    “What do we stand to gain from splitting? The bitter lessons of South Sudan should not be easily discarded. We should learn from other nations’ woes so as not to fall victims,” he said.

    He urged all ethnic groups in Oworonsoki and Ketu to be united and live in peace.

    “We do not want criminal activities including cultism in our domain. Whoever engages in crime, will find him or herself to be blamed,” he said.

    Nigeria at 57, he said, all hopes are not lost.

    According to him, the task of making Nigeria great is a collective one, saying that breaking up will only bring hardship.

    “We all need not only to believe in the Nigeria project, but work assiduously with prayer to make the country develop. Our together, no doubt, is a great advantage if only we could build on it,” the monarch said.

    Oba Saliu congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on the 57 Independence Anniversary.

    He prayed to God to continue to grant them wisdom and good health to move the country forward.

  • PDP urges unity, peace

    PDP urges unity, peace

    The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for unity, peace and progress of Nigeria as the nation celebrates its independence.

    A statement yesterday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, called for recognition for the sacrifices made for the country by its past heroes.

    The party called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the 57th independence anniversary to reflect deeply on the pillars that brought the diverse groups together and to work for the growth, unity and stability of the country.

    “Finally, we want to use this opportunity to call on governments at all level to engage citizens in peaceful and progressive national issues because there is no country we can call our own except the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “So, let us protect and sustain her to grow from glory to glory. This is the clarion call that we must obey – to continue to foist our flag of unity, peace and progress,” the PDP added.

  • United Kingdom envoy Thompson calls for Nigeria’s unity

    Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria Harriet Thompson has urged Nigerians to be united as they work towards the country’s peace and growth.

    The envoy, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja, said Nigeria had overcome many obstacles to become the great country it is today.

    According to Thompson, those attributes are necessary for nationhood.

    Her words: “I am really excited to be here. I find Nigeria an energising place to be; it is full of opportunities.

    “I come out of many meetings energised at the prospects that Nigeria has but I at times come out of other meetings less energised and a bit more pessimistic.

    “Nigeria has obviously gone through the economic high and lows, rising and falling tensions, through military dictatorships to the solid and strengthening democracy that we see today.

    “The UK’s relationship with Nigeria is long and broad. We work together now on issues ranging from trade, investment, commerce, education, infrastructure, health, security and the list goes on.”

    The envoy added: “We are committed to taking that relationship from strength to strength and to standing with Nigeria on this journey as it deepens democracy, improves security and creates prosperity.”

    Thompson said Nigeria had problems to be addressed to progress to the next stage of growth, but added that unity was important to tackle them.

    “There are obviously issues that need to be addressed in Nigeria.

    “Issues like corruption, issues like the insecurity in the Northeast, issues like the under-representation of girls in positions of influence and indeed the violence that many of them suffer on a daily basis.

    “The Buhari government is committed to tackling many of those issues, and there are some incredibly impressive people working to address them.

    “Challenges remain in Nigeria as they do in every other country of the world.

    “I and the UK would encourage Nigerians to unite, to stand firm for peace and for unity to overcome those who wish Nigeria harm and to bring a safe and prosperous future for all Nigerians.

    “I think the debate about restructuring is a healthy one to be had.

    “It shows that the population is engaged in the politics of the country and care about how their country is run and what it gives to them.

    “I would urge, as the government has done, for calm in how those discussions proceed and for measured responses in terms of language and activity.

    “This is so that those legitimate political debates can be had in an atmosphere of mutual respect and of a mutual ambition to take things forward rather than to descend into violence which would be really unfortunate for a country like Nigeria,” she said.

    The diplomat advised Nigerians to appreciate the diversity of their culture and resources to maximise their potential.

  • Saraki, Dogara, Ekweremadu preach unity

    Saraki, Dogara, Ekweremadu preach unity

    Senate President Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, and former Senate President, David Mark, have appealed to Nigerians to work towards the unity and progress of the nation.

    In a goodwill message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki also urged Nigerians irrespective of creed and tribe to continue to work for the peace, unity and stability of the country.

    He also urged leaders – political, traditional, religious and business – to close ranks and implement strategies that would further develop the country as well as increase standard of living.

    The Senate President said: “Our togetherness, abundant resources and diversity are our greatest asset. Therefore let us refrain from tendencies that tend to pull us apart.”

    Ekweremadu urged Nigerians to be patient and optimistic, assuring the country would surely overcome its challenges.

    He said although the nation is bedeviled by myriad of challenges, it would spring back to reckoning as a true giant of Africa and realise the dreams of the founding fathers.

    According to him: “The important thing is that Nigeria remains a nation with unbeatable potentials.

    “All we need is the right attitude and leadership to translate our potential to greatness.

    “Our greatest challenge at the moment is not the economic hardship, biting as it is. Our greatest problem is disunity and disaffection because the country has never been this divided.

    “We need a leadership that sees every part of the country as its constituency, irrespective of different political, ethnic and religious leanings.

    Speaker Yakubu Dogara called on Nigerians to strengthen the bond of unity and cohesion.

    Dogara made the call in a goodwill message to mark Nigeria’s 57 years Independence Anniversary, by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, in Abuja.

    The speaker, who said that Nigeria would only attain greatness in an atmosphere of peace, unity and stability, also urged the citizens to shun every harbinger of hate, division and violence.

    The speaker also urged Nigerians to eschew ethnic, religious and sectional chauvinism while coming together as one people and “one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity” as encapsulated in the country’s National Anthem.

     

  • Reps ‘ll promote unity, says Ondo lawmaker

    A member, of the House of Representatives, Hon  Bamidele Baderinwa, has said that the National Assembly will continue to make legislations that would promote the unity of the country.

    According to the lawmaker representing Idanre/Ifedore Constituency in Ondo State, the legislature played prominent roles in the nation building.

    Baderinwa, who spoke in his home town, Ero,  noted that lawmakers are duty bound to portray the interest of the electorate at the National Assembly.

    He emphasised that on resumption from the recess, they would be more energised and refreshed to deliver on the dividends of democracy to citizenry.

    His words: ”The moment we return from recess, we will be able to do more for our people that voted us and Nigeria will be better for it.

    “Let me assure you that we feel the pulse of Nigerians and we will ensure the Executive arm do the right things.”

    Baderinwa berated the situation where hate speeches to leadership have become the order of the day.

    He said: “It is not enough to start raining abuses on those at the helm of affairs, what they need is constructive criticism to aid them in their art of governance.

    “One need not take the leadership to the cleaner by embarking on hate speeches on electronic, print and social media to drive out points home.”

    The legislator noted that there are better ways of calling the attention of leaders to issues that bothered on the development of the country.

    He promised to continuously prioritise the interest of the people in his constituency.

    According to him, he would ensure that people in his constituency get the true value of dividends of democracy they craved for and not betray their trust.