Democracy from a Kogi perspective

In other words, what is perceived as marginalisation by one entity approximates to the exercise of constitutionally-guaranteed right by the other group that stands accused. I shall however attempt a reconciliation of these opposing and mutually-exclusive views by trying to draw equilibrium of objectivity within the context of the subject viewed from a practical observation […]

In other words, what is perceived as marginalisation by one entity approximates to the exercise of constitutionally-guaranteed right by the other group that stands accused. I shall however attempt a reconciliation of these opposing and mutually-exclusive views by trying to draw equilibrium of objectivity within the context of the subject viewed from a practical observation of its inherent complexities. But before then, permit me to attempt a definition of some of the key components of the topic itself i.e. democracy and minority agitation.

Democracy is defined as government of the people for the people and by the people.

Minority agitation can best be described as the clamour for fairness by the minority component of a given state in the management of its affairs. Thus, barring avoidable lapses in our electoral system, it is a natural consequence of our constitutional democracy that those who have numerical superiority over others will take charge of the affairs of government. This fact is not open to debate. Those over whom the majority superintend also have an inalienable right to clamour for justice and fair play. That also cannot be denied. The major problem in my humble view which has heightened the call for equity and fairness by the minority is the perceived tyranny by the majority in the management of the affairs of the state.

For the uninitiated, let me quickly reiterate that Kogi State is founded on a tripod comprising three major ethnic groups — the Igala, Ebira and the Okun; each of them spread in the three senatorial districts of Kogi east, central and west respectively. Let us be reminded that Kogi is the only state of all those created in 1991 that was carved out of two existing states i.e. Benue and Kwara and as will be seen later in this piece, each of the component segments of Benue and Kwara came to Kogi with peculiar and varied political experiences.

The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in its Chapter 2 titled ‘Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy,’ inter alia provides thus:

Section 14 (3): II the composition of the government of the federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the character of Nigeria and need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies;

Sub-section (4) provides the composition of the government of a state, a local government councillor, any of the agencies of such government or council and conduct of the affairs of the government or councillor, such agencies shall be carried out in such a manner as to recognise the diversity of the people within its area of authority and the need to promote a sense of belonging and loyalty among all the peoples of the federation;

Ladies and gentlemen, the foregoing provisions speak volume in a clear and unambiguous language. I hold the view that adherence to the above provision of the constitution would have the effect of reducing minority agitation for control of power since it would have given to Caesar that which is Caesar’s!

But also, the operations of these sections of the constitution, though not justifiable, seem to be more in the breach! I am unable to underscore the basis of this text without pointing out what I perceive as the contradiction between democratic governance and minority agitation within Kogi State. The Igala who constitute about 43% of the population (going by the 2005 census estimate) is the single largest ethnic majority and has been in control of government since the creation of the state in 1991.

There is hardly any notable politician of Igala extraction that believes that other ethnic components of Kogi deserve a shot at Lugard House. This can be rationalised. Smarting from a suffocating political domination by the Tiv majority in Benue State, the Igala believe in the politics of majority having its way. The other ethnic groups that came from Kwara to make up Kogi State can hardly understand why the Igala that cried loud under Tiv domination would visit their bitter political experience on others.

This feeling can be understood because the experience of the Okun and particularly the Ebira in Kwara State is in sharp contrast to what the Igala experienced under the Tiv. Our experience in Kwara was one of the minority dominance of governance courtesy of a benevolent majority! It was such benevolence that saw the emergence of the likes of Alhaji Adamu Attah, Chief C. O. Adebayo, Alhaji Shaba Lafiagi, all from minority ethnic groups of old Kwara governing the state at one time or the other.

Today, there is a rejuvenated call for a change which involves the rotation of the governorship position in Kogi between the three senatorial districts that make up the state. Notwithstanding which side of the divide one belongs to, one fact that cannot be denied or wished away is that change is an inevitable concept in human affairs. Let it be said clearly that the shout for a shift in power will grow louder as the days go by; the reason being that the provision of the constitution as earlier stated has been obeyed more in the breach.

Barrister Ibrahim wrote from Babin Quarters, Lokoja, Kogi State.