The secession in all of us

Where did we get it all wrong as a nation? First, the over-centralisation of power at the centre which determines who gets what, when and how. This is a fraught form of federalism. Second, there is evident lack of equitable distribution and allocation of state resources. Those who feel short-changed increasingly scramble for more, while those who have more are threatened by the action of the former. It is a vicious cycle of the survival of the fittest. Third, over reliance on monolithic oil economy. Preceding governments did not do much to diversify the economy. When the price increases, the proceeds neither created the desired result nor match the current development in Nigeria. Today, the nation is in dilemma as crude price hits its lowest. Fourth, broken linkages of trust among ethnic groups. Ours is a nation where ethnic colouration is weaved around virtually everything leading to ceaseless suspicion and acrimony. What is the way forward? First, the office of the president should be rotational and equally entrenched in the constitution just as federal character and others. Some may argue that it promotes mediocrity and stands against the tenets of democracy but it promotes equity, fairness to all and ideal for our home grown democracy. Second, we must realise as a people that we have a daunting challenge and that we are willing to deal with it sincerely together. Third, major conference reports, especially the 2014 Conference Report with far reaching recommendations abandoned on the book shelf of government should be dusted for immediate action. Fourth, government should commence immediate discussion with agitating groups. President Buhari’s recent speech and his uncompromising stand on the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria sounds like a fiat accompli. Dialogue is a key panacea to resolving the challenges posed to the unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigeria. This is not a mark of weakness but a fatherly role in cantankerous family.