Contrary to expectations, the decision of
the Federal Government to give
Nigerians the opportunity to dialogue on the terms of their co-existence under one country has generated mixed reactions. Even sections of the country that tried to make other Nigerians believe that a National Conference was the only way forward appear to speak in diatribes.
While a greater percentage of Nigerians across the geo-political zones of the country welcome the decision, especially, the formation of a committee to advise on modalities for the dialogue, some others have opposed the plan, among them are people who may mean well for the country, but doubt its success and motive.
Like millions of other Nigerians, The Tide believes in the need for Nigerians to dialogue and deliberately address major areas of conflict in the polity of the country. Nigeria has multi-ethnic and religious differences that beg constantly for harmonisation. Like many other Nigerians, we think, this dialogue is beyond political gimmick and should not be scuttled because of our political differences.
Clearly, the present government has by the approval of a National Dialogue shown an un-common courage and responsibility that every Nigerian needs to take advantage of in building the Nigeria of our dreams. It is also a panacea for the discontent that all too often finds expression in national affairs.
Although, Nigeria has tried to build a national consensus on the unity of the country before, this move presents another opportunity for the constituent parts of the country to consciously contribute to the re-invention of the country while putting the past behind them completely.
While we hope that the advisory committee will be equal to the task, we think that everything should be done to avoid the pitfalls of the past. Also important is the cultivation of positive attitude and an expectation of a successful dialogue instead of the expression of doubt. Indeed, no one needs to fear because, the purpose of the dialogue is to make Nigeria stronger and better and not to balkanise it.
We join other well meaning people to commend the Federal Government for the approval of a National Dialogue. It shows that the country is making progress in line with democratic practices. That the government listens and responds in line with genuine wishes of the people is something that should be encouraged.
That also is the more reason the advisory committee must reach out to all the important stake holding groups before coming up with a report. It must listen, ask questions and even encourage, where necessary, to be able to aggregate the true wishes of the people.
The committee must also seek information from other countries where similar dialogues have been done as well as seek the technical assistance of the United Nations whose input in exercises like this must be sought for from start to finish, if for nothing, to ensure openness and validity.
While we appeal to the political class to give the dialogue a chance and even find political backing for the exercise, the National Assembly cannot forget that there comes a time when national interest and the wishes of the people must of necessity over-ride legal technicalities and institutional interest.
Over the years, there has been one thing that many Nigerians see as a major obstacle to the growth of the country. That is the putting together of people to form a country without their consent, an issue that only the dialogue can address. Until and unless it is done and done well, the matter will show up like a bad coin every now and then to haunt the country.
After 53 years, Nigerians should know better how not to remain indefinitely with a known problem. It must not be said that Nigeria’s problems cannot be solved. This dialogue that had constituted fear for so long must be faced and put behind the country now. Even fears of representation at the conference can be addressed, as the ethnic and people’s interest should be made to come first.