By Zik Gbemre
To those who have, in recent times, been calling and agitating for the restructuring and division of Nigeria, let us shout it out loud here that Nigeria, despite its ‘many problems’ will not divide neither will the nation be thrown into another civil war. Call it being optimistic, hopeful, or practical; the truth is that Nigeria in its present heterogeneous, segmented and even somewhat fractured state will remain more united on the long run despite its differences.
Agreed that the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari has clearly been under a lot of pressure ever since they assumed office a year ago; to have been fighting entrenched corruption at all levels of government; addressing Nigeria’s ailing economy; grappling with declining reserves, low power generation, mono economy, insecurity; and political/economic saboteurs both local and international, but the truth is that Nigeria, like every other developing nation; is just going through a ‘difficult phase’ that will one day be no more.
Regardless of the scale of problems facing Nigeria which includes: Boko haram insurgents, the call for the nation of Biafra uprising, the cancerous spread of Fulani Headsmen and Farmers attacks/clashes, Ethnic clashes, Militants resurgence, Oil price instability; let us reiterate here that the calls for Nigeria to divide/restructure or be driven into a war, are not the answers that will address our problems. Rather, what we truly need at the moment in this country is the entrenchment of ‘good governance’ at all levels of Government. Good governance that will be entrenched above our religious, ethnic, tribal, political party and regional ‘differences.’ Good governance that will be propelled by those elected and appointed on merit and one’s ability to perform and not on nepotism, party affiliations or what have you.
If we are to look carefully, we would realize that all the insecurity problems we are facing today as a nation is as a result of ‘bad governance’ and nothing else. The issue of ‘marginalization’ for instance, which many are hinging to justify their calls for Nigeria’s division/restructuring, is as a result of bad governance. That means, if we can address the issue of having good governance entrenched at all levels of Government in Nigeria, most of the problems we have today as a nation will be no more or drastically reduced.
The United States of America (USA) is a good example of a nation, which despite its diversity, huge population and complexities, was and still able to entrench good governance throughout its existence. And today, the US is still a powerful nation to reckon with around the globe. The Americans refused to allow their ‘differences’ get in the way of their collective development. They did not allow the colours of their skin, difference in religion, mixture of races, population size and magnitude obstruct their advancement in development across all boards. To the extent that they produced the first Black African-American President to rule the country two terms. This is so because they have come to realize what matters most in ‘nation-building’ is having the right people in sensitive positions in government to ‘serve’ the common good of the peop le regardless of what makes them different from others. That is the point we need to get to in Nigeria. Agreed that Nigeria is quite complex and diverse in its make-up when compared to America, but even our population and size is not even close to some States in America. So we can actually attain greatness as the world’s most populous Black nation in Africa with our size and differences.
We do not see the need, neither do we think there is the need for any division or restructuring in Nigeria for the problems we are facing to disappear. The truth is that these same problems that many are crying today to justify their calls for a divided Nigeria will still be staring at them in the face even after a separation. In fact, the division might even bring about more unanticipated problems for us all at the long run. A Big united nation has more to offer and achieve than a small fragmented one.
It is often said that “United we stand, divided we fall”. This is hinged on the premise that for any group of persons, no matter how small (be it a nuclear family, a village, a country), to actualize desired goals, dreams and aspiration for the good and betterment of those concerned; there has to be ‘unity’-which is the quality of being ‘united’ into one, usually for making progress and moving forward. And for any country or society; unity of varying interests and people that make it up, is the foundation upon which everything else can be built and sustained. Without it, everything else cannot be built and sustained. Without it, everything else regarding the progress, and even the existence of a society cannot stand. Perhaps, it is the importance of this ‘unity factor’ that has made many relevant stakeholders in Nigeria, both in government and outside government, to every no w and then speak out and reiterate that Nigeria’s unity is a must and that the country cannot disintegrate, irrespective of the happenings in the polity.
We also believe there are so many factors and attributes in Nigeria that will make it impossible or very difficult for Nigerians to allow for the disintegration of its country on ethnic or religious grounds. Aside the fact that the advantages of a united Nigeria far outweigh that of a disintegrated Nigeria, there are several existing and well established factors already in the country that will make Nigerians not to easily support the idea of breaking up.
One of such factor is the interwoven, intertwined and inter-relations existing within and between Nigerians which spans over a century. And with each decade that passed down the line, as more states were being created with the ever increasing population and economic business activities, the ‘bond’ of this interconnectivity has continued to grow. We are so interwoven that, for instance, we (from the South South), have very good friends from the North Central, North East and West parts of the country and also the South Eastern parts that we can always count on; friends that we can tap their doors and enter their houses and eat and sleep comfortably. The same thing applies of our friends in the South West.
The truth is that those agitating and calling for Nigeria’s division and restructuring are only doing so for their ‘selfish reasons’ and not in the interest of the common masses. Some people who want to build up their names or attract national and international attention are the very people that are shouting Nigeria should/will break up.
We also believe that we do not need another Confab for us to move forward as a nation or be able to address all the problems plaguing us. We already have a well documented Report from the 2014 National Conference that carries and addresses many of the contentious issues that we are grumbling about. All that is needed is for the present administration to review the said Report with the lawmakers and have it implemented to the latter. To calm nerves and strengthen the nation’s unity, the Federal Government should promptly implement the Report of the 2014 National Conference. We believe that some of our present political leaders might have ‘good intentions’ to address the issues affecting the nation. But often times, if those around them; most of whom contributed to bringing them into office that wants these good political leaders to dance to their tunes – which often is never in the interest of the general masses. These are is sues we must try to overcome as a people if we are to make any positive headway. However, we repeat that Nigeria will not divide! For one, there are too many things ‘tying us’ together as a nation than many of us are not really aware of or have come in terms with.
Zik Gbemre, JP.
National Coordinator
Niger Delta Peace Coalition (NDPC)
