“Finding hope in the midst of bedlam: Promises of Nigeria still evident” (1)
ACHO ORABUCHI
Dallas, Texas, USA
Thursday, January 12, 2006
In
my 2006 New Year Message, “Finding hope in the midst of bedlam: Promises of
Nigeria still evident,” as the National Chairman, PNF USA, I reflected on some
pertinent issues that face Nigeria today. The Excerpts:
The dawn of 2006 is here with inestimable promises for Ndi-Igbo and Nigeria in general.
Last year, I touched on various issues facing Nigeria, particularly the Igbo. Among the issues I shared with you were Igbo Unity, Individual Responsibility, Igbo problems in Nigeria, Igbo organizations, Implementation of Federal Character Principle, Marginalization and Equity, Nigerian Presidency of Igbo Ethnic Extraction, Policies of the Federal and State Governments Towards Southeast, et cetera. Though the issues were discussed last year, yet they are still relevant today because of lack of progress. Even in the midst of lacklustre performance on the part of members of Local Government and State House elite, State Governors, NASS, and Federal Government, I am still hopeful and I encourage you to enter this New Year with a great optimism and abundance of courage. As a result, I beseech you to remain focused to see that the issues are addressed fully and never capitulate in trepidation and hopelessness. We cannot afford to be overtaken by the past failures and disappointments. We must stay the course!
Consequently, with utmost respect and humility, it is my onus, however, to bring to your attention that 2006, no matter how promising it may be, will be filled with enormous challenges and hope. Therefore, your resolve and perseverance could not have been more desired at this time. There is a gamut of issues that will put the resolve of our young democracy to test. Issues like Third Term Plot, 2007 Elections, Resource Control, Selective Prosecution, MASSOB, Census, and others have the potential to destabilize Nigeria and send its nascent democracy to its demise. Unfortunately, politicians have cleverly used some of the hot button issues to undermine the discussion of marginalization, poverty and hunger, poor healthcare system, high unemployment, pervasive corruption, and a host other pertinent issues. It’s a travesty! While the western countries are eagerly monitoring the developments in Nigeria, many Nigerians are drawing a disappointing conclusion of the country call Nigeria. I am of the opinion that if the politicians do not reverse course, they will be held responsible for destroying the nation.
THIRD-TERM PLOT
Without a scruple, Nigeria is slipping away into precipice with an unconscionable third term scheme that constitutes a danger to democracy. It’s my belief that any tinkering of the constitution for the purpose of accomplishing the third term plot is tantamount to a treasonable coup. It’s a coup d'état against democracy! Supporters of the third term plot are not only immersed in the pool of selfishness, but also are lacking scruples. They are not driven by ideology and principles. Fellow Nigerians, a nation not founded in ideology and principles is bound to collapse after a while. It’s our clarion duty to educate the masses about enshrining ideology and principles in our culture. The third term plot is definitely devoid of ideology and may lead to Nigeria’s political and economical apocalypse.
Therefore, it’s incumbent upon the National Assembly (NASS) and State House of Assembly in all states to save our democracy by rejecting any constitutional amendment to increase term of office. You should be reminded that the third term plot increases the volatility of the country.
I would respectfully encourage the President to reject any temptation of going for a third term. Instead, he should leave the stage as a protagonist who created enabling environment for Nigeria’s democracy to flourish.
AGENDA OF THE SOUTH
I personally commend the conveners of the conclave of the leaders of the South on Monday, December 19, 2005 in Enugu. It was a historic gathering for two reasons. It was the first time leaders of the South have met with a common purpose. Secondly, large number of people representing 17 states—from different political persuasions—met to discuss the common agenda of the South. Also reaching a consensus on substantial issues was paramount. It is imperative for all Nigerian to read and examine the substantial resolutions that came out of the conclave. We cannot conceivably hold on to the promise of Nigeria when a segment of the whole is in a perpetual servitude. Let’s all become astute students of history for the avoidance creeping into past mistakes. What is good for the South is good for Nigeria!
No matter what the motive for the Southern Leadership Summit was; you may call it the beginning of solidarity or whatever, the absence of ideology would make such solidarity to crumble with time. In any case, I hope it would endure. Last year I stated the following: “Unfortunately, as the country’s need for transformational leadership and the eradication of corruption grow; other members of the tripod bathe in affluence while the Igbo seethe. It is a travesty for people not to realize the inequity in Nigerian body polity. They have failed to realize that by the year 2007, the north should have ruled Nigeria for 34.5 years, the southwest for 12.5 years, and southeast for about 6 months.” The above statement captures the prevailing sentiment today.
I ask my Northern comrades to let equity and fairness be their guiding principle. Polarization will not benefit Nigeria. As a result, there should be no North-South dichotomy as I caution all desist from making incendiary statements capable of dividing the nation. Let us focus on fairness and the right leadership for Nigeria. Though the country has settled for an imperfect federation, if confederation would be the solution to some of our perennial problems, it deserves a weighty consideration.
The concluding part will be published next week. Some of the issues for next week will be MASSOB, Igbo Problems, Census, Electoral Process, etc.