state

Essays, Writers

Our Origin: The Nigerian Divide by Aaron Livingstone.

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   “What is your State of Origin?” My 300 level advisor asked me. I’m a Pan African, I believe in Nationalism and I believe as a citizen of Nigeria, I am home anywhere I am. It was quite amusing, seeing a Doctor of Nanochemistry in a Federal University asking me that question.  Once her question popped out, my mind immediately went to the fact that my parents are from the North Central axis of Nigeria, I was born in the North West and have never crossed the River Niger.  Upon application for admission to the University, I had to do a change of name, as my name could be categorized as ‘English’. My dad sent money to a distant cousin to help get the state of origin certificate so that I could identify as someone within the catchment area of the university I was applying to.  All these raced through my mind when she asked that question. I was born in northwest Nigeria, have never crossed to the other part of Nigeria, spent full 18 years in the North West. So, when she asked, “What is your state of origin?” I just didn’t know what to say. I was perplexed.  This question has been a divider in this great nation. If you want to cause some sort of division, all you need to include in your dealings is Ethnicity, Tribalism, and Statism. These things are what the Nigerian people lean upon and see as pillars.  The word origin could mean root and source, your descent. Her question had two correct answers, and none would be seen as a lie in any way.  Okay, here’s what I mean:  Indigeneship in Nigeria has no clear-cut definition in Nigeria’s 1999 constitution as amended, yet it is heavily practiced. Also, every State is left to determine how Indegeneship should be addressed.  So, if one was to apply our citizenship law in the constitution, I could refer to myself as someone from the Northwest, as it would be citizenship by Naturalization.  Also, from the same constitution, I could be seen as someone from the Northcentral, as that would be considered to be citizenship by birth.  But definitely, people at certain levels would deny me as one of theirs, because as much as my root is traced to the North Central, I’ve never been to that part and as such, it makes a point that I’m not a recognized son of the soil.  Looking also at the North-Western situation, it’s a similar rejection that would be experienced, because as much as I grew up there, I’m still not a son of the soil.  Then, What is my State of Origin?   In saner Democracies like the United States of America, a free country, this Indigeneship Rule doesn’t hold any ground. Although a lot of them can still trace their roots to different parts of the country, nobody lays claim to a particular region. Anywhere you go, you are an American as long as you are a Citizen.  But the Nigerian Divide remains Ethnicity, Tribalism, and Statism. Because of the silence of the Constitution on such a pivotal matter, the people have been given liberty to decide what they call Indigeneship.  We do not see ourselves as a singular nation, indivisible, Nigerians, rather we view ourselves as Nigerians, divided into different Ethnic groups, Cultures, Tribes, and States.  No doubt we are seen as beautiful people because of our cultural diversity and differences, but the underlying effect is that this translated into causing unacceptability of fellow Nigerians in different parts of the country because they don’t bear root from that part.   Even in our Federal political system, you hear words like Zoning, Federal Character Principle, Marginalization, and the likes. The people have experienced division to the extent that they now downplay Competence over “Feeling among”.  Our people simply want to see that “one of their own”, is occupying a very important position in government, not minding the person’s level of competence and experience. Forgetting that we are ‘our own’.  Whosoever is occupying any position is a Nigerian and that’s what should be important.   The Nigerian divide has engulfed all sectors of the Nigerian government even in Education. Before 2019, there was a system in applying for admission into Federal Government higher institutions where applicants from the said geo-political zones where these institutions are located are given preference over students who merit the admission but aren’t from that geopolitical zone.  A worse situation is seen in most State-owned Federal institutions where students who do not originate from a particular state are forced to pay much higher school fees than students from the state.  Appointments by state governments and even the federal government have adopted the “our own” system as well.  Of course, the silence of the Nation’s constitution is the foremost reason behind this. As much as the constitution doesn’t address this issue, Nigeria would continue in this Ethnicity, Tribalism, and Statism.  The question of “origin” of course must first be answered by the Nation’s constitution. There be clear law on Citizenship and Indigeneship. But while the lawmakers are at this they shouldn’t forget to amplify citizenship over indigeneship.  As much as a reform in the law would go a long way, there needs to e a change of mindsets. Radical educating of every Nigerian on the importance of being united as a single people.  Being a Nigerian should be the goal and not just representing a particular tribe, state, or ethnic group.  We all are Nigerians, indivisible. We are one people, the beauty of our culture is in its diversity, but we should not be divided by it.    So, the answer to my level advisors question? “I’m a Nigerian.”    About the writer Aaron Livingstone is a final year Industrial Chemistry student of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He has a great passion for gaining knowledge and loves to read. He wrote in via livingstoneaaron41@gmail.com

Essays, Writers

State Police: A Feasible Solution To Enhance National Security by Victor Okonjo.

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  Security as we all know is the business of everybody. A common statement that goes thus “Be your brother’s keeper” gives a true understanding on the importance of security cautiousness at all levels. In other words, the representation of security management should be effectively distributed across board including the communal neighborhood. To achieve this objective, the system of policing must be such that is decentralized to enable productive and effect security management. A feasible solution to this course is the establishment of State police. To achieve positive and improved outcome on national security in a complex country like Nigeria, the establishment of State police must be given due consideration and acceptance. Countries that practice the system of federalism in normal sense devolve autonomous responsibility and ability to component States. This will allow for even distribution of development to the grass root including a functioning security network. However, the present security architecture of the Nigerian Police Force does not have the wherewithal to adequately overwhelm the security challenges in the country. This is because of several reasons not limited to low number of police personnel per citizen ratio and the centralized bureaucratic system. The control of power over policing should not be solely for the federal government but a shared responsibility among the component States. One of the importances of State police is that personnel who would be recruited will be from the locals of the respective States. They will be very familiar with their immediate environment and if well trained, with due motivation, will perform maximally in tackling security threats. Furthermore, the establishment of State police will empower the Governor of a State, who is the chief security officer of the State, to have direct control over civil matters that concern security. The Governor will know how best to organize adequate security when he has executive influence over the command of State security. The unitary system practiced in Nigeria has become so inadequate to sustain development but impede growth. For a country to enjoy economic prosperity, she must ensure to strengthen and standardize her national security. The high magnitude of power clustered at the federal tier of government has caused slow growth in governance. Therefore, the machinery of State should restructure the country in a way that will allow the possibility of rapid national development. The restructuring of the country will certainly pave way for State police to be created. If Nigeria is to practice federalism as a system of government, she has to do it correctly to the latter.     Some persons have opposed the ideal of State police on the basis of myopic reasons. They majorly claim that Governors would abuse executive power through undue influence over State police when established. However, it is pertinent for us to know that it is easier to hold a State government accountable than the federal government. That is why before State police is made manifest the country would be restructured in a way that enables check and balance in the various States of the country. The security of live and properties is the priority and responsibility of government as stipulated by the constitution. Therefore, State government lead by executive Governors are duty bound by the law to ensure the right to life and security of properties are religiously protected especially if State police is established. There are so many examples of countries that practice State or regional police. In fact, some of these countries have more than one different police systems that operate within respective jurisdiction. Countries of such nature are but not limited to the United States of America, United Kingdom, India, Japan, Canada and Australia. In all, the United States of America is said to have the most decentralized police system in the world. The police architecture in the United States is broken down into various types that enable her components States, counties, towns/cities and villages to form their own police. The idea behind this is to prevent too much clustered power over the police by the central government and to give room for local crisis to be tackled with local solutions. The United Kingdom who practices parliamentary system of government devolved power of policing to her local constituents. They operate a tripartite system of police, which is accountable solely to the law but administrative or political influence. The Nigeria government should be humble enough to recognize the effectiveness of a decentralized police service as it is in the aforementioned countries. Aside the establishment of State police in the various States, the local communities and villages should be allowed to define their security arrangement. I strongly support State police to be a feasible solution to enhance national security.     REFRENCES: http://www.britannica.com/topic/poice/Decentralized-police-organizations,                                 2020, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. Professional Ethics in Law Enforcement and Security Management, Course Code: CSS 442, Pg. (90), School of Arts and Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria.   Victor Okonjo wrote in via okonjovico@gmail.com

Essays, Writers

Democracy Wins As Edo People Speak With One Vote by Oyinola Abosede.

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  Since the news broke that the incumbent governor of Edo State won the gubernatorial election that was held in the State on September 19, 2020. I must confess that it has been celebration galore on the streets of Benin City and other places. Even though many Nigerians were anxious to get a glimpse on how the election would look like. Some pundits who had predicted the outcome of the Gubernatorial election in Edo State got it all wrong. While many others predicted that the election would end up as war, or a do -or die affair. But quite amazing that this didn’t happen.  Let us be clear, Nigerians desire genuine democracy. That was the major point to take away from Saturday’s Edo State gubernatorial poll. I strongly believe it’s not just about the outcome, but more about the fidelity of the process. After all is said and done, the much-hyped election particularly the media celebration of the fear of possible blood-letting, the exercise presented an anti-climax. You will agree with me that Heaven did not fall that day, Instead Edo State voters lined up peacefully and comported themselves, as they patiently waited to exercise their franchise. 1    Just like most people will say, Edo has really shown that it is not Lagos. The people of Edo State were vigilant, resilient and stood boldly against oppression, injustice and any influence of Godfather. Then I remembered a lecturer once told me that “Sometimes we learn the lessons of life through pain, melancholy and the vicissitudes of life and sometimes we also learn the lessons of life through joy and comfort. Whatever the case may be, the most important thing is the great lesson we learn out of what life teaches us. If we fail to learn the lessons greatly, life will teach us a great lesson.” Today, these words have sharpened my views and perspectives about life.   Lessons from Edo State Gubernatorial Election  I am a firm believer that the Edo election may prove well to be a turning point in the management of elections in Nigeria. Against the foregoing backdrop, I stand and dare to say that it is not an exaggeration that several lessons have been learnt (indelible and worthy lessons) from the gubernatorial election.2 It was in every sense, a rude awakening for both the actors in the drama and the community of observers who witnessed and monitored the election.  These lessons are made mentioned below:  Democracy is Moving to its Permanent Site  Democracy has been understood to be a form of government where the people choose their leaders and are allowed to voice their opinions on issues. I’m sure you will agree with me that it’s quite a beautiful concept. I have no dispute that the recently conducted Edo State Election has given us indicia into the times that democracy is getting better in the Nigerian polity. The number of people who really participated in the Edo State election is no doubt big indicia that the people are now getting conscious of their rights and civic duties under a democratic system as Nigeria practices.   No doubt, with the way things have turned out in this Edo Election, I am very sure that other states will have the same motive and desire to churn out massive people to participate in their respective electoral processes. However, for this stride to keep being as it is and getting better, the security of voters must be guaranteed by the government. Else, nobody will be willing to go vote when he is not sure of returning home.  No Political Landlords or Godfathers  The truth is that government belongs to the people and not some persons. I strongly believe any ideology about the political philosophy of any Godfather is a disgraceful concept and very unprogressive. This is because it promotes the will of the few rather than the will of the people. Also, it places the people second, instead of first. I believe it must be condemned out-rightly because it cannot make democracy flourish. Other states where the belief of Godfather is thriving, must learn from the great people of Edo who have set the pace and led the nation in this stride. In any democratic society, I believe there should be no political landlords, only the political will of the electorates. In addition to this, the governor or leader should be accountable to the people only, not to a Godfather that is an antithesis of this.   We Vote Individuals Not Political Parties  No doubt, a political party may have a strong influence in leadership and governance in an election, especially in our country. But the reality is that a leader with his strong will and tenacity determines the progress of the people. However, from the Edo State gubernatorial election held, it was glaring that it is the individual and not the political party that matters.3 Consequently, political parties must henceforth learn to present credible candidates in order to win the people’s votes.   It is Possible to Conduct Free and Fair Election  In spite of what I call the “stomach infrastructure” phenomenon, what the Edo State election taught us is that we can conduct free and fair elections in Nigeria if only we play by the rules. It is no longer news that violence related events such as ballot box snatching and the use of fire arms are usually sponsored by politicians who want to win at all cost. There are some politicians who do not have a first job to which they can return, this explains the desperation to win elections. Even if it means eliminating their opponents and positioning themselves strongly to have access to power and influence.  I admonish every eligible voter to take responsibility and refuse to be recruited by politicians to cause mayhem during elections. I believe vigilance should be the watchword to tackle diversion of voting materials, ballot box snatching or any attempt to bribe electoral officials. Vote buying and selling is anti-democracy as it gives false results of the electoral processes. You and I can only wish for a better Nigeria where vote buying and selling is completely eradicated.   The will of the Edo State people prevailed at the gubernatorial election last Saturday. However, this is an important characteristic for future elections in Nigeria as we look forward to conducting more in our nation.  The Big Picture  I celebrate the resilience and courage exhibited by the people of Edo state in resisting the antics of the enemies of democracy, who as beguilers and patrons of lions and tigers attempted to take over the political space of Edo state. This victory as won by the people is historic and serves as a strong, viable and unambiguous lesson to leaders. Also, I salute the Edo people for helping to reset the political culture of our nation by casting their votes, protecting their votes, ensuring that their votes counted and following their votes “bumper-to-bumper” even to the final point of declaration.  What is Next?  I believe the time has come for His Excellency to display love, affection and to unite all Edo people at home and abroad. Also, this is an auspicious moment for him to rise above the fray, eschew politics of bitterness and act as a statesman. Now is the time to consolidate his achievements because

Blog, Essays, Monishots

Aba: Rediscovering The Abused Pearl Of Africa.

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Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. ~Dale Carnegie As a proud ‘Aba brought up’ I was thrilled to see the short clips from Aba boys hyping the street credibility of those who grew up in the good old Enyimba city, so I added mine and enjoined other homies to do so. Some of the videos went viral and in no time people from other southeastern towns who felt challenged made their own videos to diss Aba more than to hype their own unique characteristics. The incident elicited some sharp exchanges and even though some took things a bit too far no harm was done. Rather it mostly gave us a few days of some healthy banter that was needed in a period of lockdown. Nevertheless, any forthright observer who is conversant with the south-east will tell you about the uniqueness of Aba. The resilient spirit displayed during the Aba women’s riot never left the town. Ojukwu himself cited this while professing his love for the town which he described as the “Igbo Heartland” and requested that his remains must be taken to Aba before interment. Combined with the entrepreneurial skills of her artisans and the quick wits of the everyday people these peculiar traits have placed Aba youths among the most successful Igbo people around the world. For us, survival is a must and impossible is nothing. My friends from the University of Maiduguri can attest to how I survived by selling clothes made by a tailoring genius named Colchoclob. Wherever you come across an ‘Aba brought up’ you won’t need a second guess. In any case, one cannot blame those who have an erroneous impression of Aba, after all, it is now reputed to be the dirtiest city in the South East if not the entire nation. It has come to represent all that is the failure of governance embodied in many Igbo leaders. Aba did not become the jhuggi it is now in just one day. As one who lived there during her glory days, my heart continued sinking as I watched the deterioration from the turn of the new millennium. Her dramatic social and economic decline can be likened to a lethal injection administered through many years of consistent misgovernance by leaders and pervasive abuse by residents. And even though this can be traced back to the military era, it must be said that our current democratic experiment spelt the death knell. I mean as of 2000, I was still able to muster friends from different parts of the country to grace the maiden graduation ceremony of my mother’s school. But I would later relocate her to Abuja in 2010 after the kidnap of her friend and several threat messages sent to her by men of the underworld. It may be difficult to find any Aba resident sending invitations beyond the town these days. I was born in Enugu and raised between Enugu and Aba. In that time I visited Owerri severally and lived in Onitsha so I know the major cities in the south-east like the back of my hand. Enyimba city back in the 80s was what you can rightly describe as the typical Igbo man’s dream town. It had a balanced mix of a busy commercial centre and the serene ambience of a suburb. The sprawling metropolis was literally divided into two halves, a densely populated commercial part known as ‘town’ and the newer, more residential half aptly named ‘over-rail’ because of an imagined boundary created by a traversing rail line. There is a massive motor park strategically located in the city centre yet a few metres away you can relax at the nearby Rotary Park or in the shades offered by the rubber plantation also within a strolling distance. In Aba town, you usually find the proletariat while the elites reside in ‘over rail’. The various intersections in the ‘town’ like East by Azikiwe, Kent by School road bear a quaint similarity with those in Piazza Garibaldi Naples while the massive Plazas that dot Park and Pound roads by Asa road remind me of the Haussmann buildings that line the boulevards of Paris. When Owerri could boast of only two major roads in Douglas and Wetheral, Aba already had dual carriageways like Aba-Owerri, Factory, Azikiwe, Ikot Ekpene and Port-Harcourt roads. Having crisscrossed the South East I am yet to see a better quality road than Margret Avenue financed by PZ Industries in the early 80s or the Okpu Umobo road done by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the time Enugu had just the Nigerian Bottling Company located at the suburb of 9th mile, Aba had a purpose-built industrial layout within the metropolis. It was professionally mapped with solid paved roads constructed during the colonial days. Together with the commercial factory road, they hosted industries and major multinationals like NBL, Lever Brothers, International Equitable, UAC, UTC, GB Ollivant, RT Briscoe, SCOA, Bata CFAO and John Holt. Local enterprise equally thrived because Ariaria market which is one of the biggest in West Africa provided a ready ground for the production and trade of technical, textile and leather wares. It was not surprising that Aba topped the nation in indigenous production as companies like Star Paper Mills, Starline Industries, Onwuka Hi-Tec were leading manufacturers. It was also home to Ejinaka and Thornber which was the biggest private farm settlement east of the Niger. While Rufus Obi Chemist, Presidential tailors and Moneme bookshops gained national recognition in their various industries. The economy of the town boomed and traders trooped in not just from other parts of the country but also from across West Africa thereby earning her the nickname “Japan of Africa”. The senior staff of the multinationals ensured that the residential part of ‘over rail’ was impeccably clean and tranquil. Our station avenue residence at GRA Aba shared a common

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Public service announcement on army medical outreach in Anambra state.

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The attention of the State Government has been drawn to an ongoing medical outreach being undertaken by the Army in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area. The State has been made to understand that the exercise is part of Army social responsibility to members of the public. However, strong apprehension among the populace has followed the exercise leading to the withdrawal of students from schools by parents, misconception of the actual motive behind the exercise by stakeholders, community leaders and a general reservation by the public for whom the outreach is intended. To this end and to ensure no further escalation of the situation, His Excellency the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has contacted the Army Authorities and advised for immediate stoppage of the medical outreach until wide sensitization is conducted to reassure people of its intentions and benefits. The exercise has therefore been put on hold. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to stop withdrawing their wards from schools as the situation has been handled. All schools within the State will remain open as there is no cause for alarm! Community leaders, Presidents General and all Stakeholders are hereby reassured of the commitment of the Governor and the State Government to the wellbeing of Ndi Anambra. The State Government also strongly condemns observed rhetorics on social media completely misrepresenting the situation with insinuations of the spread of diseases and death of students in schools arising from the exercise. The State categorically refutes these rhetorics and confirms that there is no death of any student anywhere in the State. Mischief makers are warned to desist from spreading falsehood. Anambra remains calm and peaceful! Thank you! Prof Solo Chukwulobelu Secretary to the State Government.

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