Nigeria, A Giant In Captivity – Cookey

A former Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof Sylvanus J.S. Cookey says Nigeria will remain a captive giant until the constitution is reframed to reflect the ethnic diversities of the nation.
Prof Cookey, who said this in a lecture entitled: “The Captive Giant, Nigeria In A Century” as part of activities to mark the 26th convocation ceremony of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, added that the first step in the process of re-examination must begin with the frank and unequivocal acceptance that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic state.
“Consequently, its constitution must be framed in such a manner that no ethnic group is placed in a position of permanent dominance over others; each ethnic group is guaranteed justice in the distribution of economic and political power, and each ethnic group is free to develop at its own pace using its natural endowments” he said.
Cookey also said that Nigeria’s practice of presidential system of government has further removed the citizenry from governance, as elected political office holders have been turned into demigods.
“Generally, in practice, the citizen under the presidential system is further removed from governance than under the parliamentary system. Experience has shown that once elected, the chief executive, local government chairman, governor or president retreats from public view, appearing with pomp where and when he chooses and interacting with the electorate only at his pleasure or his own terms”, he said.
The chairman of the convocation lecture, who is also the Head of Service, Rivers State, Barrister Samuel T. LongJohn, described the topic as timely in view of current events in the country.
Barrister LongJohh said that Nigeria must critically look at her own constitution in order to address all forms of imbalances.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Barineme Fakae, said that the convocation, which comes up tomorrow is in strict adherence to Senate approved calendar for the institution.
Prof Fakae said that the university is now one of the best in the country as it was rated the 12th best overall university in Nigeria by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as well as best regional university by the European Union.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST),Hon Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte (left) chatting with Vice Chancellor, Prof Barineme Fakae, during the 26th convocation lecture of the institution at the Amphitheater, Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwiveh Donatus Ken