By Zik Gbemre
We are usually amazed at the level of maturity, order, civility, integrity, principles and respect for people’s opinion often demonstrated and exhibited by other nationalities and their political class in Europe, America and other developed societies across the globe, while addressing their deep-rooted socio-economic and political problems. It makes us wonder when our country Nigeria, and most countries in Africa will be able to attain and practice such height of governance. This was the same mindset we had when, recently, the people of Britain in a very polarized referendum voted 52% to 48% to leave the European Union (EU). BREXIT – an abbreviation of British exit – is the term referring to the in-out referendum that took place in the United Kingdom (UK) recently to decide on the nation’s EU membership status. This monumental referendum was campaigned for vigorously on both sides with compelling economic, political and sentimental arguments made on both sides of the debate. Now that the British public has ‘spoken’ and the dust has settled, the world waits to see what happens next.
Agreed that the decision has already resulted in political chaos and long term economic uncertainty for the British, for instance the Pound and the Euro both fell sharply against the US dollar; Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation and Labour Party’s leader also lost a vote of confidence among his party’s MPs. However, there are so many ‘lessons’ that Nigeria, and its political class, as well as other African nations, seriously need to draw from the Brexit experience.
One of the things that struck us in the aftermath of the Brexit fall out was the brave debate of former UKIP’s leader, Nigel Farage in the EU Parliament when he was asked by Jean-Claude Juncker EU president, “why are you still here.”As we all know, the Conservatives and Labour Party are the two dominant parties in the UK but there is the unknown and unpopular opposition UKIP party as well. This was the same UKIP party that had a historic victory during UK’s 2014 Local Government elections, as the party broke an electoral record that had stood in the UK since 1906.
The European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, had clashed bitterly with Nigel Farage, pointedly asking the now former UKIP leader in front of the European Parliament in Brussels: “Why are you still here?” In extraordinary scenes, Juncker said on in the session that he respected British democracy and the recent seismic vote for the UK to leave the European Union (EU). Nigel Farage had told MEPs “you’re not laughing now” as he was jeered and booed at the said emergency meeting of the European Parliament to discuss Brexit. The now former UKIP leader said they should be “grown up” and accept Britain’s decision to leave the EU after 43 years. He also warned the UK would not be the last country to quit the 28-member bloc. Offering a tongue in cheek “thank you for the warm welcome”, Mr. Farage said: “When I came here 17 years ago and said I wanted to lead a campaign to get Britain to leave the European Union you all laughed at me. Well, I have to say you’re not laughing now are you?” During a highly-charged session, Mr. Farage declared: “The reason you are so upset, the reason you are so angry, has been perfectly clear from all the angry exchanges this morning: you are in denial. You are in denial that your currency is failing. You are in denial over Mrs. Merkel’s call last year for as many people as possible to cross the Mediterranean into the European Union, which has led to massive divisions between countries and within countries. But the biggest problem you have got… is that you have, by stealth, by deception, without ever telling the truth to the British or the rest of the peoples of Europe, you have imposed upon them a political union,” he said.
Mr. Farage, who, in the aftermath of the referendum result had stepped down as the leader of UKIP, made his comments after the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, rounded on UKIP members, asking them: “Why are you here?”
“We must respect British democracy and the way it has expressed its view,” he said to rare applause from the UKIP group. To this he responded: “That’s the last time you are applauding here… and to some extent I’m really surprised you are here. You are fighting for the exit. The British people voted in favour of the exit. Why are you here?” Mr Juncker went on to say he was banning any informal and secretive negotiations on Britain’s departure from the EU. He said there will be no secret meetings between UK, national governments and commissioners in the corridors. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel had said she will use “all her strength” to prevent the EU drifting apart in the wake of the Brexit vote.
What we find interesting in all of this was the level of maturity exhibited by these Europeans and Britons in their politicking. Something that would have ordinarily resulted to a serious bout of arguments, fisticuffs and free-for-all fight amongst divergent views of Parliamentarians, they handled it with so much maturity and respect for one another. This is something we do not see too often in Nigeria amongst our Legislators at both the Federal and State levels of Government. In fact, the Nigerian National Assembly, particularly those in the Lower Chamber – the House of Representatives, are every now and then, embedded with one controversy or the other. If it is not allegations of bribery and other corrupt practices of great proportions, it will be dramas of fisticuffs and free-for-all fights or gross misconduct and mis-appropriation of public funds. Aside their outrageous recurrent expenditures that is yearly draining the nation’s funds dry, another means through which all manners of undemocratic atrocities are committed by members of the House of Representative is through their so called oversight functions. The fuel Subsidy Scam public probe is a very good example of what we are talking about here. Perhaps, this explains why the issue of ‘public probes’ by our lawmakers has never yielded anything concretely positive for the good of the common man and the nation at large. We will leave this topic for another day.
Another issue we can pick from the Brexit experience is how public office holders exhibited some measure of morality, upright principles of integrity, courtesy and doing the right thing as the situation demands. The ease and civility with which Cameron bowed out of office as a matter of principle, having staked his career on a referendum which a more thoughtful politician could have avoided. Cameron could have invented a thousand and one excuses to hang on to office, but as Dr. Anthony Akinola observed in his recently reported article, resignations on principle are very much a part of British political culture. In fact, the now former Prime Minister of Britain should be praised for allowing his words to be his bond by fulfilling a primary campaign promise during the earlier parliamentary election that gave him a second term in office and for demonstrating courage in accepting the will of the people.
It was also interesting to note the humility exhibited by the former UK Prime Minister, David Cameron as he was seen helping in moving out his stuff (in his Jean pants, sneakers and polo shirt), from No. 10 Downing Street. Will the greedy self-centered Nigerian Politicians ever be this democratic? Even during the Parliament Session of his last day as UK Prime Minister, there was a great sense of humour and laughter as a ‘very jovial Cameron’ practically cracked the House up with his oratory and last speech. After which it was reported that he officially submitted his resignation letter to the Queen Of England. Even MPs commended Cameron’s wit, tolerance for ‘friend and foe’, knack for details and mastery of the demands of his office as PM. This is something we do not see happen in our hollowed Legislative Chambers in Nigeria.
David Cameron practically handed over political power to the new Prime Minister (PM), Theresa May, and walked out of No. 10 Downing London with his family without any ceremony or noise about it. Let us bear in mind that it is not like David Cameron lost any election, as he still had two years to remain as PM of Britain before the elections if he had wanted to. So, to those who are arguing that former President Goodluck Jonathan left office without any argument, should be reminded that Jonathan lost the Presidential election so he had no other choice but to leave the office. Jonathan left office after his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost in their usual ‘do-or-die’ election at the Presidential election in 2015. So there is no argument here neither should there be any comparison between the way Cameron left office with the way Jonathan left office. The former was borne out of his principle and keeping to his word to resign from office should the ‘stay campaign’ loose in the Brexit vote. While the latter had to leave office because he lost in a Presidential election. More so, what does Jonathan had to offer Nigerians, other than a legacy of the most mind boggling corrupt practices with impunity of high proportions. If it were in Britain, we would have seen many public officials who have corrupt cases on their neck, resign from their offices to allow for proper investigations and clear their name. But in Nigeria, it is a different kettle of fish altogether.
According to Mr. James Obi, a Social Rights activist, while speaking on David Cameron’s resignation, noted that “if Cameron were to be a Nigerian, he will still be in Court to ensure he serves out his term before he can quit 10, Downing Street. He had thought of leaving in October but changed his mind after watching the power play in the conservative party. I think he was avoiding going to Brussels to negotiate the terms of UK’s exit from the EU. I salute his courage and statesmanship for leaving on Wednesday 13th July, 2016. He was even seen on TV parking some of his personal effects into his car. Our Nigerian Political Rulers do not see such laudable examples. All they know is to steal and steal and steal.”
In fact, never in the history of Nigeria’s democratic dispensation have we witnessed the willing voluntary resignation of a top government official, especially those who have grievous allegations of corruption hanging on their necks. Even when it is very obvious that such corruption allegations have dented such a public office and has questioned the integrity of the public official concerned to continue his/her public service, they seem not to be bothered, or see the need to voluntary resign and save face while investigations continue. It is only in this part of the world that our public officials do not feel or have any remorse or shame, while in the midst of corruption allegations. Where as in other civilized, developed countries, public officials quietly resign to allow investigations and prove their innocence or guilt, concerning the slightest allegation you can think of, to protect and dignify the integrity of such public office concerned. But in Nigeria, the case is different. If force is not applied, or the public does not cry out for such an official to resign, based on the allegations on their head, they do not see the need to. This equally goes to explain that, the motive and reason behind most Nigerian public officials of wanting to be in government circles, is not to ‘serve’ but rather to increase the size of their bank accounts.
The case of the embattled Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki’s trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over alleged corrupt practices and false declaration of assets, as well as Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu’s trial over an alleged forgery of the Senate rules, are very good examples of what we are talking about here. Rather than allow the Law Court to address these allegations on the principle on the principle officers of the Senate, it is appalling to note the level of schemes and maneuvers adopted by the pro-Saraki group to sweep these issues under the carpet.
From a “supposed vote of confidence” on the leadership of the embattled Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, passed on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, during its 4th recess in 110 days, by no fewer than 83 Senators amidst a rowdy session, to a Proposed Immunity against prosecution for presiding officers of the National Assembly. And more recently, the Nigerian Upper legislative chamber broke into an uproar with some members threatening President Muhammad Buhari with impeachment, and Dino Melaye threatening everyone that wants to come in their way, particularly Remi Tinubu, the wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, all because of the said court cases being faced by the Senate Principle Officers. Reports revealed that the Senators who met recently behind closed doors were incensed by the proposed trial of the leadership of the Senate for forgery.
Shortly after commencement of a plenary session, some Senators called on their colleagues, led by Senators Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi (APC Kaduna North) and Kabir Marafa (APC Zamfara Central) to sheathe their sword and withdraw the petition that had led to the criminal prosecution of Senate President Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu. Shortly after that, Senator Dino Melaye (APC Kogi West) said in his remarks that the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, must be brought before the Senate to be thoroughly grilled and humiliated for charging the Senate leadership with forgery in court. Mr. Melaye called on the Senators in attendance to fight the presidency to a standstill. In his rant, he issued a wide variety of threats. Recognized to speak, Senator Remi Tinubu (APC) Lagos Central said the Senate should not be reduced to a kindergarten where Senators could just issue childish threats, and called on Senators to close ranks and seek reconciliation amongst its members. That was when Melaye flew into rage, calling her names. “I will beat you up on this floor and nothing will happen,” he threatened. Leading the offensive in support of Melaye were Senators Danjuma Goje, Jibrin Barau, Isa Misau and Peter Nwaoboshi.
While we would not want to waste our time and that of others with the further details of the above development in the Nigerian Senate, this justifies the point we are trying to make here. It explains the kind of Political leaders we have in Nigeria – Politicians who, after doing everything illegally possible to be in Power, will continue to cling and hold on to their political portfolio as if their very last breath of life depended on it; regardless of the shame the allegations they face may bring their way. In fact, we must really commend the responsible and advanced practice of Democracy in the UK. It makes us wonder when will our political leaders exhibit the sort of amiable attributes demonstrated by their counterparts in Europe, Britain and America? Have our Political leaders learnt from the errors in the past? Obviously not, considering the way things have been going on in the country. The usual excuse that we are just a ‘developing nation with a growing democracy’ and as such, should not be compared with the Western developed countries; does not justify the way our Political leaders behave or do things while in office. Besides, like we are trying to achieve with this write up, the things we see being demonstrated by the political class in these so called Western developed democracies; are there for our Nigerian Politicians to emulate and learn from. But obviously, they will not because of their self-centered motives.
On several occasions, we have called on the need for Nigerians to regularly re-appraise and re-examine the characters and personalities of those representing their various constituencies in the National Assembly. It is not everybody that puts on good clothes, drives good cars or lives in affluence wealth that has the integrity, character and charisma to be a leader. The National Assembly as the Legislative Arm of government can be regarded as the ‘deciding factor’ that legislate laws meant for the progress and development of the country. They are also in the position to ‘checkmate’ the ‘excesses’ arising from the Executive Arm of government. Hence, it is imperative that men/women that will make up the National Assembly should be persons of integrity and high moral uprightness. Unfortunately, this has not been the case with the past and present Nigerian National Assembly and its members.
If our so called ‘struggling democracy’ must overcome its arrested and snail-movement growth, our politicians must elevate political practice to the point where they will not employ “do-or-die battles” to gain or to remain in office. Nigerian politics is today a far cry from what it was when Chief Obafemi Awolowo voluntarily resigned from the apex civilian position of the Federal Minister for Finance and Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council under the military government of Gen. Yakubu Gowon. Nigeria is waiting for the advent of the beautiful ones who will reclaim the moral high ground for our retarded political culture.
As it is with Nigeria, so it is with most countries in Africa where old-hands that ought to have left the circles of government, still wants to hold on to political power till death even when they have huge corruption allegations hanging on their neck. They do this simply because of the ambiance of wealth and fringe benefits they get to enjoy at the same time misappropriate public funds while in the system. Through god-fatherism and nepotism, Nigeria has had virtually the same circle of leaders being ‘recycled’ in the system. It is quite disheartening to note that whenever words like poverty, hunger and diseases are mentioned around international Community, the first point of reference is usually the African continent. Despite the fact that most countries in Africa are richly endowed in both natural and human resources, and have attained their independence status for nothing less than 40 years, the term ‘developing nations,’ or ‘third-world-countries’ are often used to describe the overwhelming backwardness and underdevelopment evident in the ‘black continent.’ Virtually on a daily basis, the line between the rich and the poor, the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots,’ the government and the governed in the African continent, particularly in Nigeria, is widening unprecedentedly. It is only in Africa that the gap between these two ends are at extremes-making the issue of poverty, hunger and disease to daily extinct millions of children and adults in several African countries.
Back to the Brexit experience, with David Cameron’s resignation as UK’s Prime Minister, and the ascension of Home Secretary Theresa May as the new UK Prime Minister, experts believe that the Brexit will impact the Nigerian economy through several channels: possible decline in oil prices, trade and aid with the UK and EU, slow return of portfolio capital and Diaspora remittances. It is envisaged that the economic uncertainties of the Brexit would have a knock-on effect on world trade and global economy, which will lead to reduction in demand for commodities, especially oil. As a result, the recent rapid recovery in oil prices witnessed in the first half of 2016 would at best be tepid. While the new foreign exchange regime in Nigeria may bolster government revenue in Naira, the country cannot afford another precipitous decline in oil prices at the same time that oil production is being negatively impacted by the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers. It is estimated that the UK accounts for about 5% of Nigeria’s trade, and aid from the UK to Nigeria is relatively low. However, the UK accounts for about 45% of total foreign portfolio inflows into Nigeria. The UK and the United States account for a significantly high proportion of the over $20 billion of Nigeria’s Diaspora remittances.
The British voters overturning of a four-decade relationship with the EU should also provide pointers to Nigeria’s efforts at regional economic integration within West Africa. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is in trade negotiations with the EU. Nigeria still has a major role to play in these trade negotiations to ensure what is best for her nationals. With the Brexit, the Anglo-phone West African countries would lose the UK as a key ally within the European Union. On the other hand, the Francophone countries would continue to enjoy the critical support of France and their single currency alignment with the Euro within the EU. Another key lesson is that when people feel marginalised as a result of globalisation, inequitable prosperity and unfair distribution of political and national resources, emotions sometimes overtake rational decisions. Nigeria should endeavour to draw appropriate lessons from this for a still maturing democracy and for Nigeria’s integration into the regional and global economy.
For the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, they expect that bilateral trade between Nigeria and UK, projected to reach 20 billion pounds by 2020, may be disrupted as trade agreements contracted under the EU umbrella may have to be renegotiated. Furthermore, the UK is Nigeria’s largest source of foreign investment and a shrinking British economy could cause a drop in investment, trade and remittances from Nigerians in Diaspora who sent home over 20 billion dollars in 2015. But on the bright side, Britain’s exit from the EU will first drastically reduce the hitherto travel restrictions by African countries that are part of the Commonwealth of Nations, which the EU nations had earlier diminished.
There is importantly the issue of renegotiating Nigeria through the holding of referendums even if, as in the case of Spain and Italy, they are not legally binding. In the wake of Brexit, several commentators have raised the question whether our democracy should not include the holding of referendums on such matters as the right of our nationalities to determine their future. Such persons pointing to the example of Scotland, which, although voted in 2014 to stay in the UK, is currently contemplating the holding of another referendum, which will allow it to go it alone and become a part of the EU as her citizens indicated recently. The argument here is that the consent of citizens in a multinational union cannot be taken for granted but should be constantly renewed and sought. This view is in consonance with that of Prof. Wole Soyinka, who argued recently that Nigeria’s sovereignty is not cast in stone and iron but is eminently negotiable. Of course, there are doubts whether, given the current state of our elections, we can pull off referendums without the usual hitches, violence and inconclusiveness. That however is not a good enough reason not to try.
As an alternative, however, which we have reiterated on several occasions, it is suggested that President Muhammadu Buhari listens to the increasingly vehement opinions of our elder statesmen who are suggesting the revalidation of our besieged federalism through revisiting the key recommendations of the 2014 National Conference Report. As Soyinka put it recently, “The confab report that came under Jonathan is even more superior to the one I participated in as a member of PRONACO. The recommendations strike me as workable, practical and in fact, as answering some of the anxieties of this nation.” Without doubt therefore, one of our takeaways from Brexit is to address the resentments of the constituent parts and nationalities that make up Nigeria, using as a basis the major resolutions and recommendations of the 2014 National Conference.
Zik Gbemre, JP.
National Coordinator
Niger Delta Peace Coalition (NDPC)
