President Muhammadu Buhari recently underscored the need for the unity of the country and called on political leaders to focus on things that would unite the country. The President made his position on the nation’s continued existence as one indivisible country known when he hosted former state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), his former political party, in Abuja. Going down memory lane, the President observed: “Nigeria has gone through many troubles from January 15, 1966, to date to remain one and cannot afford to toy with its unity.”
He rightly counselled that the self-centredness that led to the loss of about a million lives during the civil war, between 1967 and1970, must not be allowed to repeat itself. The President also urged the political leaders to always be mindful of the larger picture by working towards preserving the unity, peace and integrity of the nation. The President is known to be passionate about Nigeria’s unity and has spoken on that theme on many occasions. For instance, he made a similar remark in his recent meeting with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), when he told them that the unity, security and prosperity of the country matter most to him, beyond his days in office as President.
No doubt, Buhari’s concerns are genuine and understandable. Since the 1967-1970 civil war, Nigeria has passed through many violent religious crises, ethnic conflicts, communal clashes and other disturbances that led to loss of lives and property. Sadly, the issues that led to the civil war have not been sufficiently addressed. Separatist agitations, insurgency and terrorism in some parts of the country have also added to the needless bloodletting in the country.
The President’s advice against acts that will precipitate crisis in country is in order. The President’s sermon is very instructive as the campaigns for the 2023 elections will soon start. It is coming at a time of political intolerance, campaign of calumny and inciting comments among the supporters of the leading parties. Nigeria cannot afford to continue to shed blood and lose the lives of its citizens on account of avoidable crises.
There is need for peace in the country for the citizens to contribute immensely to national development. While one Nigeria is ideal, it must be based on justice, equity and fairness. The government’s lopsided appointments and the inherent abuse of the federal character principle cannot guarantee the nation’s unity. For Nigeria to achieve the desired unity, all grievances by groups in the country must be addressed urgently. The unity of the country should be based on equality of the federating units. The country must be administered as a true federation with more powers ceded to the members of the federation. Having 68 items on the exclusive legislative list does not make for a peaceful and workable Nigeria. The President should show example in ensuring that no section of the country is excluded or marginalised in any form. There cannot be peace without justice and fair play. The Nigerian system as currently constituted is skewed in favour of some ethnic groups to the disadvantage of others. There is need to strictly adhere to the federal character principle as enshrined in the Constitution in policies and appointments. The place of pluralism in the management of the affairs of the country cannot be overemphasised. Every part of the country is important and must be treated with dignity and respect.
Let the government get to the roots of the national problems and address them forthwith. It is the duty of the government to guarantee the security of life and property. On no account should non-state actors be allowed to disrupt this primary function of government. The increasing insecurity across the country must be holistically tackled before the general election. Government should reduce the ravaging poverty in the country.
While creating more jobs for the unemployed youths, the government should also increase the standard of living of Nigerians. It is worth reminding the government that some of the issues affecting the country have been exhaustively discussed in the 2014 National Conference. In the same vein, far-reaching recommendations came out of that conference. They include state police, restructuring, fiscal federalism and devolution of powers. The APC government set up a committee on some of these issues. Unfortunately, nothing came out of the exercise. Since these issues are germane to our continued existence as one nation, there is urgent need to confront them instead of sweeping them under the carpet. The earlier we do this, the better for all of us. Peace and unity cannot come from mere wishful thinking, Nigerian leaders must be prepared to work for them to be realised.