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United By Misfortune …Folly, Cacophony Of SNC Calls
An unalterable and unquestioned law of the musical world required that the German text of French Operas sung by Swedish artistes should be translated into Italian for the clearer understanding of English-speaking audiences.
– Edith Wharton
The Age of Innocence
For the past many weeks, Nigerians have had to feed on a tasteless cacophony forced down their throats by a section of the political class and some self-styled civil society activists. It is in form of fresh calls for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC), even as others call for a National Constitutional Conference (NCC) as distinct from a Constituent Assembly.
Like a broken record played on an ill-tuned, rusty and aged gramophone, the need, motive and necessity of such an SNC, seem either non existent or totally lost in the loud voices of desperation thus far blared by the SNC advocates. It has gone to such levels that have united former military President Ibrahim Babangida, and serving Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. And for good reasons.
Dismissing the calls as not merely diversionary and illusionary, President Jonathan matter-of-factly confessed that it was not clear to him what good such an SNC would serve, particularly now that the nation is grappling with a myriad of development needs and other sundry challenges, the same misfortune that united the presidents.
President Jonathan, instead, advised advocates of the SNC to take a second reading of the Justice Alfa Belgore’s Committee report which years ago, came up with far reaching recommendations about revenue sharing formula and devolution of power among other worries. That, at once earned the support of President Babangida who stressed that an SNC would only delay the progress of the nation which already has issues that need immediate attention.
Even so, the push for the conference has continued, unabated. In fact, the issue has so polarized the political class that the lower Chamber of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives almost witnessed a rowdy session, last week.
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Zakary Mohammed (PDP/Kwara) in kicking against the renewed demands for SNC by the same self-styled political leaders toed the president’s line, saying it was not necessary, given the fragile state of the democracy in Nigeria.
But these are not the real problems. What is, mainly, is the systemic abuse of the freedom of speech and of association in a manner that heats up the polity every once in a while. Another is the nature of the debate and the kind invectives being traded by key actors, using familiar African adages, believed to be very wise sayings, to anchor their lines.
It is normal that once in every while, dynamic members of a given community, could raise both issues and questions on existing rules, axioms, traditions or even conventions. Such could either be in total or partial surrender to the over powering pressures of the constance of change, human curiosity or sometimes merely for mischief moulding purposes for the aggrandizement of a few. The search for relevance should not be ruled out also.
Let’s reduce the horizon into questioning ageless African adages, considered wise saying that the users believe cannot be faulted and how such ‘truths’ have in the past weeks impacted on our political, economic, along with even cultural lives. These adages are many but only a few deserve mention along with a cursory probing for the purpose of the NSC debates.
One is the familiar adage, “The devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know; variously repeated by those in opposition to the SNC calls, another is ‘man is moved to action not by his intellect or reason but by his desires and appetites and a third is, ‘if the owl cried last night and the baby dies this morning, who killed the baby? This is easily the most vexatious because it rules out, in someway, the possibility of coincidence, fair hearing and even accident.
Within the context of calls, among some Nigerians, for either of two conferences, National Constitutional Conference (NCC) or Sovereign National Conference (SNC) along side opposing claims that most of these calls are coming from persons who, out of power, now seek the kind of relevance, which the political process denied them. Let’s probe a little.
The opposing group prefers the fallacy, “the devil we know is better than the angel we don’t know.’ The immediate defect of this is the sharp contrast inherent in both objects in comparison, an Angel and a devil. Is it really true that a known devil is better than an unknown angel? Perhaps, it is intended to magnify another adage which says ‘a bird in hand is worth two in the bush’. This may make some sense because, among other things, the objects are about the same and not in such strong contrast. Not so with the devil and the angel, two clear opposites.
Used in this context, is it true that the Nigeria we know today, can be better than the new Nigeria in Africa which many dream for the continent’s most populous nation? Can that dream be achieved without a Sovereign National Conference or with one? This comparison is even patronizing of the main axiom, for either way, Nigeria today is a nation-state, her future not to be a continent, but an improved model of a developed or a developing nation. How can this be likened to angel and devil.
The next is “man is moved to action not by intellect or reason but by desires and appetites”. Isn’t this an unfair generalization? Are all human actions actually propelled by greed? None engendered by patriotism? In Nigeria are there any? Which? Which are not?
Again, within the context of calls either for an SNC or not, which is patriotic and which is self-serving? And who are those that fit the description of persons seeking fresh relevance denied them by the democratic process? Or is it a veiled approval of the dictum of the owl crying at night and the baby dying next morning? Such is the nature of the cacophony. If you find this less than comprehensible, so do I.
Put in context, many of those calling for a conference of any kind are actually either those who could not enjoy control of government after the May 2011 general elections and would seek to get from the constitutional review that which their electoral mis-steps denied them. How? Those opposing such calls hold that such calls would not have been necessary if the callers had been in control of the National Assembly, constitutionally empowered to work on the constitution.
Again, can the 1999 Constitution, as amended, be considered as a truly people’s constitution? Since it was imposed on Nigerians by the Nigerian military? But which constitution is ever produced by all the people? Or are the calls for a Sovereign National Conference different from that, for ages, canvassed by the oppressed minorities in the land, particularly the Niger Delta people, and denied?
Wait! Are they the same Niger Deltans still calling for an SNC or some others who were presently against SNC but who now fear that the years of political monopoly by some sections of the country might well be over, in view of prevailing political realities? What has changed? What is indeed new?
Frankly, the clamour for an SNC has the colouration of the same contradictions embedded in the three ‘wise sayings’ and together make the calls wear the cloak of a committee, a group of persons who singularly can do nothing but will meet to decide that nothing can be done, and the callers, a bunch of busy-bodies in search of what to do.
It is indeed fascinating, to some, even laughable that the calls for a sovereign national conference should take such a centre stage to the extent of dividing the lower chamber of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives.
Curiously, no political party, prior to the 2011 elections promised to give Nigerians a people’s constitution, neither did any of them find it politically expedient to promise the electorate a sovereign national conference to address, as many today clamour, the partial federalism Nigeria operates. Is this why like President Jonathan, leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) considers other issues like security, fuel subsidy removal, power, infrastructural development and the economy among others as of weightier concerns? Is it also why those who are in favour are treated as bad losers who, unable to get the people’s mandate through the ballot seek to change things through the conference door?
The last time a Constitutional Conference was convoked under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s watch, it turned out to be a veiled attempt at helping the incumbent enjoy tenure extension. With that agenda collapsing like a pack of cards, all other ordinarily loafty amendments to the constitution were also jettisoned because, as it turned out, the tenure elongation was a condition for such changes.
Unfortunately, that realisation came a little late, and after supposedly honourable Nigerians had fed fat on the nation’s scarce resources, in hotel accommodation needs, travels and the like in the name of thinking for their country. The outcome of that experience turned out to be as wasteful as the tenure elongation attempt itself.
This is why those making the fresh calls should, as President Jonathan and IBB advised, return to the Belgore report, and if necessary channel their needs through their elected representatives who after extensive inter-face and consultations with their constituents could then do what is expedient and right.
To do otherwise is to attempt to get the kind of relevance the political process denied them.
My Agony is that those calling for a Sovereign National Conference in order to balance a shaky federation and thereafter produce a truly people’s constitution have said very little or nothing on how to effectively involve the people in such a process, without doing so through their elected representatives.
That is why it appears to me that what is being canvassed is at best another political circus show, a thirst for another all expenses paid national jamboree and a shouting match in which the loudest automatically nominate themselves, members for another round of backslapping and clicking of glasses at the nation’s expense, in the name of thinking for others. No, not now.
Oscars 2012: Sacha Baron Cohen as The Dictator drops ‘Kim Jong Il’s ashes’ on Ryan Seacrest
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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