It is said we have an imperfect constitution, hence the need to update it to reflect the needs and aspirations of Nigerians. For this reason, there have been wide consultations across the length and breadth of the country.
Constitution on public hearing review have been held across the geopolitical zones which, interestingly, are not recognised by the current constitution. Indeed the North argued against their recognition in the amended constitution mainly for fear of greater autonomy and assertiveness of the Middle Belt. This is healthy, as Nigeria, within democratic tenets, should consider the citizens in law-making processes.
It is believed, and rightly so, that matters that affect the people must be taken into consideration when making a constitution that would engender development. It is unfortunate, however, that the matters getting most of the attention are those that would ensure an entrenchment of the existing order. It is more of the same old song. Very little of what has been broached encourages change. That is why the amended constitution is unlikely to encourage development, foster unity or reduce conflicts.
One issue that has so far received greatest attention is state creation. Our politicians don't seem to understand that politics and democracy rely on building consensus and alliances. There is still a competition by the various regions to increase representation at the centre and draw more federal money to their local constituencies, either for development or for sharing among the 'boys.'
The creation of more unviable states has always oiled internal divisions and rivalry among different ethnic groups, thus fostering a pattern of strengthening the centre and weakening the states. It is still feared by some that stronger and more economically viable regions would have too much impact on national politics and could fuel separatism and conflict. Therefore, unity is desirable even at the expense of development. It is quite unfortunate that this fear has continued to undermine our concept of nationhood. The thought that Nigerians would be more united if everybody can go to their respective tents and not need to interact with others is destructive and sure to promote conflict.
One of the contributors to the debate in the Niger Delta zone said the federating units should be the tribes. But Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, how would they be managed? It is really unfortunate that Nigeria's history has taught all minorities to be very fearful of one tribe dominating the others. If the Niger Deltans are not afraid of Hausa domination, they are afraid of Igbo or Ijaw domination. The fear is such that it blinds the people to their own interests. It is the reason why the North still prefers to hire foreign nationals to oversee their educational institutions to fellow Nigerians from the South, while their elite send their children to foreign schools that are increasingly dominated by Asians.
We must realise that no matter the extent to which we want to fragment the country into many states, there would always be a majority and one or more minorities. The way to manage this is not to turn to sentiments. Instead, we must realise that we would live with neighbours we cannot get rid of, we would have disagreements and common interests with them, we must therefore always seek compromise instead of striving for undue advantage.
We should begin to emphasise private initiatives and 'meritocracy' more than government patronage and quota system if we are to see any improvement in our living conditions. Unemployment and poverty are not going to reduce by ensuring our kinsmen get local companies and government institutions to employ more members of certain ethnic groups. All should be allowed to compete for available jobs on merit if the institutions concerned are to be better managed. Favouritism has destroyed many institutions in Nigeria and is sure to destroy more if left to continue.
The statement by the Senate President, Mr. David Mark, during one of the conferences that the lawmakers would ensure that the constitution ensures uniform development is a desirable one, but it is also utopian and unrealistic. Nothing the government does will ensure uniform development, except if they seek to hamper development elsewhere to allow others to catch up. The rapidity of development is going to be highly dependent on local conditions and cultural values.
Why, for instance, is North America more developed than South America despite the advantage South America has in availability of resources; or why is Lagos State more developed and richer than Rivers State despite the clear advantage the latter has? Lagos, being a cosmopolitan city and having been boosted by Federal money when it was the state capital, is more welcoming of a diverse array of people from other parts of Nigeria and Africa than Rivers does.
Nigeria should seek to protect the lives, property, rights and personal liberties of all her citizens wherever they choose to reside in order to spread development instead of seeking to encourage ethnic xenophobia. A constitution that does not fear economic viability of the regions would bring us closer than one that seeks to chase us into our various tents.
- Ofili, public affairs analyst, wrote vide erwin.ofili@gmail.com
