Restructuring, PMB-watch and Magu
Would it ever be possible for Nigerians of diverse backgrounds and interests to sit down together and engage in civilised discussions and negotiations to cobble out a way for our country to have enduring peace and make progress? That was the question that needled my mind as I listened to the usual cacophony of voices […]
Would it ever be possible for Nigerians of diverse backgrounds and interests to sit down together and engage in civilised discussions and negotiations to cobble out a way for our country to have enduring peace and make progress? That was the question that needled my mind as I listened to the usual cacophony of voices manning various geographical corners in the discourse on the inevitable restructuring of the political architecture of the country.
What is supposed to be a national discourse has largely been villagised. It is at moments such as this that I miss our friend, mentor and renown intellectual Yesufu Bala Usman who taught us that, ”If you are emotionally attached to your tribe or political leaning to the point that truth and justice become secondary considerations, your education is useless. Your exposure is useless. If you cannot reason beyond petty sentiments, you are a liability to mankind.”
Nigeria in the present form is not working as it should. Every patriot would want that situation reversed. While the discordant posturing was playing out in the media, out of the blues came a voice of reason from unexpected quarters. Now, I must confess that I did not know the day would come when I would agree on anything with General Ibrahim Babangida. But in the current debate, he has scored a bull’s eye.
God uses the foolish things of this world to shame the wise. Babangida made his mistakes when he ruled Nigeria. I have written about many of them over the years. But I am prepared to separate the message from the messenger where the destiny of Nigeria is concerned. Is something wrong simply because it was said by Babangida? Shouldn’t we extend the same magnanimity we have repeatedly extended to the tempestuous Obasanjo to Babangida?
Having seen it all, with the benefit of hindsight and introspection that comes with age, Babangida seized the occasion of his 75th birthday to support the clamour for restructuring of the federation.
In his view, “Restructuring and devolution of powers will certainly not provide all the answers to our developmental challenges; it will help to reposition our mindset as we generate new ideas and initiatives that would make our union worthwhile. The talk to have the country restructured means that Nigerians are agreed on our unity in diversity; but that we should strengthen our structures to make the union more functional based on our comparative advantages. Added to this desire is the need to commence the process of having State Police across the states of the Federation.”
He debunked the myth that homogeneity guarantees peace. “I saw South Sudan, which broke away from the old Sudan, but peace and stability have eluded them. Rwanda genocidal experience is not romantic either. But a President from the minority ethnic group has repositioned the country to assume its pride of place in the comity of nations. That a people share common identity, language, history, doctrine, culture, mores and values is not synonymous with development, growth, stability and peace.”
In the wake of Babangida’s intervention, some conservative elements have countered with allegations of opportunism. They insist that the present constitution is okay as it is and that all we have to do is amend a few provisions. I beg to disagree. When the foundation of a house is faulty, you delude yourself by making cosmetic renovations — stylish windows, new doors, beautiful painting, artistic lighting… One day, that house will fall and take all your renovation with it.
No one should be afraid of restructuring. In fact, those with reservations should bring out their fears in the open so that they can be addressed and accommodated. If properly done, no section of the country will be left behind. But to insist on only window-dressing this stressful contraption is to stand against an idea whose time has come.
Demarketing Buhari
As a Public relations professional, I am aghast at the way Buhari is being villagised by some of his aides. The attempt to pass off the president’s voice note meant for the BBC Hausa Service as Buhari’s Sallah message to Nigerians was a terrible howler. The deception was totally unnecessary and it backfired massively. The president can speak to BBC Hausa service in Hausa because that is the language of the station. But he has no business addressing the nation in Hausa. Would the yarn-spinners have tolerated a situation where President Jonathan addressed the nation in Ijaw language? Those trying to be clever by a half are mismanaging the reputation of their principal. And that is a shame.
Osinbajo should confirm Magu
The anti-corruption war is the prime programme of the Buhari administration. The arrowhead of that war is Ibrahim Mustafa Magu who sits atop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). If I were Acting President Osinbajo, I would urgently resolve the in-fighting among the security agencies which made the DSS issue a negative report on Magu, and on which the Senate relied to deny him confirmation.
Although there is a sustained campaign by the powerful pro-corruption lobby masquerading as human rights activism, I am of the view that Magu has done well so far and needs to be confirmed to enable him complete the good work he has started.
Mr. Acting President, the confirmation of Magu should be in your front burner.