On John Kerry’s Visit To Nigeria

As the Secretary of State of the United States of America (USA), Mr. John Kerry led US security officials to Nigeria on a two-day visit, attention was naturally drawn to the fight against corruption and the counter terrorism efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria. But why that visit should excite Nigerians is another matter.

On the one hand, the government under which John Kerry works is on its way out and some Nigerians are wondering about what can be done in the remaining few days. Even more important are the issues that the team is scheduled to address; the fear is that the American government may be coming in for the wrong reasons.

Even as we join the government and good people of Nigeria to thank John Kerry and his team, we think that their mission will not be complete without the understanding of the real challenges facing the Nigerian nation. They should have used the visit to debunk allegations that, they are benefitting from the crisis in Nigeria.

While we condemn in its entirety the culture of corruption in Nigeria, we think that the current anti-graft fight in Nigeria is not only suspect but unproductive. So far, the anti-corruption fight has tended to promote political oppression, ethnic targetting and economic destabilisation. It does not support mutual co-existence and peace in Nigeria.

On the other hand, the excesses of Boko Haram may have given vent to counter-terrorism concerns, but the government gives the impression that the insurrection in the North-East has been contained. Whether or not that is true, the discontent of major ethnic groups in the Nigerian project should be taken a little more seriously.

More than ever before, our faith in the unity and greatness of Nigeria is firm. We believe that Nigeria is better with the diversity that the different people and cultures bring. Indeed, Nigeria’s greatness is underscored by the productive land and people, the complimentary products and abilities as well as the commitment to lead the black race.

But, all that cannot be sacrificed on the altar of the greed of some persons. Nigeria cannot become the new colonial authority over some sections of the country, especially the Niger Delta. Nigeria cannot continue to live a lie of being a Federal State and operate with very little regard for laws and expect greatness.

It is sad that Nigeria has continued to be an economic embarrassment in spite of the enormous endowments on the land and people of the country. Instead of allowing democracy that guarantees the various freedoms and responsibility to rule, spurious considerations have been adopted to limit the potentials of the people.

Apart from the mistake of relying on a monolithic economy provided by the petroleum industry, the utter disregard for the safety, economic wellbeing and stability of the oil and gas producing communities have become a recurring challenge. Sadly, the response of the country to the crisis in the area has always been temporary.

The US cannot pretend not to know of this intractable problem.  Certainly, they cannot pretend to be ignorant of the resolve of some people to declare a Niger Delta Republic. They cannot fail to recognize the campaign for the State of Biafra. More than anything else, these are the issues that present a clear and present danger for Nigeria.

If any country has the love of Nigeria at heart, the best help for Nigeria for now will be very simple and practical. They must identify the demands of the people as expressed in the National Conference report and encourage government to respect the will of the people. Indeed, the US and the UK must be courageous enough to tell the Nigerian government that what we have is not a federation neither is it a democracy.

The civilised world must encourage Nigeria to restructure the country immediately and allow all sections of the country to have a sense of belonging Like the gold and other mineral resources being privately exploited in some parts of Nigeria, the Niger Delta should also be allowed to control her resources.

Unless these are brought to the table, the international community would be seen to be begging the question and fanning the embers of conflict by their silence. We want Nigeria to be united, productive and democratic, and we look to the international community to assist also.  Anything besides will amount to chasing shadows.