They said Nigerias problem was corruption. They pasted it on every headline. But alas,the national conference has barely started and the real problem has taken centre stage. 1. Religion 2. Regionalism. 3. Tribalism Corruption is not even 5th, i can assure you. Why? Because corruption is really not a problem. It is a symptom of the real problem.Since 1960, we have been grappling with the real problem but constantly trying to sweep it under the carpet and wishing it away at every turn. Now, we have come full circle. Fulani herdsmen butchering people from state to state. People threatening that they are the only ones who can rule. Boko Haram ready to unleash their terror on us all, if they can. The conference is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If we dont take advantage of it, posterity will not forgive us. Our children will not forgive us. Some are even now being used as tools to frustrate the conference, telling us we dont need it as some fantasy good governance they will deliver will finally solve it. Meanwhile, the so called good governance is not even evident in their states and local government areas. Some say it is too volatile. Really? Imagine a marriage were issues are never discussed because it will be too volatile. What do you think will eventually happen 5, 10 years along the line? At best, divorce! Worst case will be a homicide! I watched the BIG DEBATE on ETV Africa this morning and realized that South Africa is exactly like Nigeria. While they grapple with racial differences, we grapple with religious, tribal and regional differences. But the scenario is exactly the same... PEOPLE DONT WANT TO ADMIT THERE IS A RELIGIOUS, REGIONAL AND TRIBAL PROBLEM. THEY ALL WANT TO WISH IT AWAY! But the only solution is to talk. The only way out is to bare all. I hope the delegates at the conference know that. I am glad people like Bakare, Falana and some other fiery personalities are there. Let us see if they will become politically correct like the rest. But ultimately, we must either talk or divide. We must choose one. We cant have none. To kick start the process, I will suggest the following: 1. A true census of Nigeria must be conducted and the national database done. All these phony figures being thrown around must stop. We cannot really develop without a correct census figure. It is not possible! 2. Each state must go back and develop themselves. This cap-in-hand-to-Abuja must stop. If the states become productive, the governors will think twice about embezzling the monies. 3. Three to Five new cities should be developed outside Lagos and Abuja. Enough of focusing our resources on one or two spots. We must diversify and spread development. 4. National assembly must be reduced to a small body of not more than 60 people. Let the talks begin! - Edwin Okugbo Post by pgejmra Hassan Abba
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 11:35:32 +0000
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