Restructuring Nigeria: The way forward

As an optimistic and patriotic citizen of Nigeria, I deem it fit to discuss on the only way I believe would move Nigeria forward. Am not here to discuss how Nigeria can move forward from the economic point of view, but from the social point of view. In the year 1914, Nigeria was coined, regions […]

As an optimistic and patriotic citizen of Nigeria, I deem it fit to discuss on the only way I believe would move Nigeria forward. Am not here to discuss how Nigeria can move forward from the economic point of view, but from the social point of view.
In the year 1914, Nigeria was coined, regions were merged, ethnic groups were connected, and a single territory was mapped out. Nigeria was amalgamated. There exist different languages, different cultures, different traditions, different regions, different beliefs, different people, and different tribes all good in one thing or another. With all this differences, our ancestors agreed to come and live and survive as one. We even fought for our independence together and gained independence together.
I regret saying we still live divided within our unity. Each region wants to gain dominance over another, and not wanting to get dominated by others. The north, south and west are in constant jostle for power. How can we develop in such manner?
We employed federalism system of government to unite us despite our differences, but till date, we are divided within our unity in diversity.
So what is the way out?
We are all made of three values, the traditional value, the western value which unites us in communication, and the religious values. We must learn to let others learn our ways, and us learning the ways of others. The Hausa man must learn to allow an Igbo man or Yoruba man learn his ways of life, the Igbo man must also allow a Hausa man or Yoruba man learn his way of life. Only then would each side learn to tolerate each other, and live peacefully together. We tend to judge others from our own perspective, which is not the solution. The problem of interpretation and misinterpretation is a big threat to our unity in Nigeria.
Some regions at this time of economic crisis that we need to unite and work together are demanding for an independent state. This is not wise. Take south-east for instance, even among them, some see themselves as more superior to others. A typical Imo person will say he is the real Igbo, others follow. Tell me even when they have independent state; won’t there be crisis amongst them?
Let’s take North-west, were I know better for example. If the north-west is to get an independent state, Boko Haram alone are enough to destabilize the state. There are many tribes within this region with different interests, and each tribe would want to dominate the other in terms of power acquisition, therefore constant conflict is inevitable.
The constitution of Nigeria categorically stated that every natural resources found in any part of this country belongs to the country as a whole, and is to be managed and controlled by the federal government. If there is oil in Niger Delta, then it belongs to Nigerians, not the Niger Deltans alone, they can only be compensated. If one says Niger Delta should control its resources, then all other states would also claim total control over its natural resources. Zamfara would say its gold belongs to Zamfara alone, Kogi would say its coal is for them alone, Borno would also exploit their oil and have full control over it, then the federal government would then live in isolation, and states with no natural resources would be vulnerable. What good would that do to us? Sharing is the only way we can move forward as a single entity.

Aliyu Bello, Kano, [email protected]