Dear Mr. President,
I write this open letter with a
deep sense of patriotic citizen of Nigeria by birth. I sincerely hope that you
will pay utmost heed to my admonition which is devoid of malicious intent and
antagonistic approach.
A house divided against itself
can’t stand. Nigeria has lost the moment of national unity since independence.
All hands were on desk in the fight against colonialism until religion and
ethnicity began to shape the turn of events immediately the country attained
political liberty. Ethno-religious bigotry threatens Nigeria’s rapid growth.
The foundation which every Nigerian has a sense of belonging and a stake in the
country’s affairs irrespective of their religious and ethnic affiliation would
foster the sense of national identity. Nigeria has a harder row to hoe in
creating a common nationhood.
The country is disintegrated in
terms of history, culture, language and religion. Building a common sense of
purpose should be the country’s next level. This is achievable through
flourishing democratic institutions and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Nigerian constitution has basic principles built on justice, equity, equality,
good governance, and socio – economic prosperity. Impunity, wantonly breach of
the constitution, administrative irresponsibility and lopsided policy as
substitutes for state framework would continue to hamper sustainable
development. An- inclusive, efficient and solution oriented administration
can’t stand on executive absolutism mindset. The late Justice Taylor, in
Olayori’s case, (1969) 2 All N.L.R at page 308, posited, “…If we are to have
our actions guided and restrained in certain ways for the benefit of society in
general and individual members in particular, then whatever status, whatever
post we hold, we must succumb to the rule of law. The alternative is anarchy
and chaos….”
Democratic instrumentality gears
towards political maturity, economic prosperity and human growth. Taking a
glance from the Nigerian constitution which is the machinery for democratic
institution in the country. Section 14 (3) of the 1999 constitution enshrined
the federal character principle aimed at preventing an ethnic or a religious
predominance in the composition of government and its agencies. The proponent
argument that federal character promotes mediocrity is unfounded. There are
always prerequisite credentials into federal civil service, political and civil
appointment, Armed forces, the Police and other government parastatals. A
strict compliance with this principle is instrumental to creating equal
opportunities for all and sundry which tend to reflect national loyalty,
identity and integration.
Good governance holds an
unquantifiable sway in building a virile nation. The fundamental objectives of
state policy, fundamental human rights and separation of statutory power which
are encapsulated under chapter 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 respectively of the 1999
constitution as amended are not decorative substance or prelude. The sections
under these chapters tend to nurture adequate infrastructure, proper funding of
public sectors, national security, human dignity, observance to the rule of
law, public accountability, adequate cost of living allowance and incentives
for labour force, the unsung heroes and facilitators of national wealth.
Nigeria is an endowed nation if her resources are properly managed. The
government policy must stop killing the country’s future and banishing her
labour force. It is pertinent to invest in Nigerian populace as against the
few.
Your Excellency, change happens
not perfection. Nation building is a generational task. It is beyond an
executable project within your second marriage to power. Your administration
will not mend every loophole that needs to be fixed but it can start. I look
forward to seeing great and historical feats from your administration.
My best wishes.
Binzak Azeez writes from the
faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
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