Loosely defined federal character is affirmative action in practice, with a geographical twist. Prior to the Nigerian civil war, the federal republic of Nigeria had thriving regions practicing a genuinely federating system. The different regions of the country were developing at their own paces and at the same time thought it wise to compete favourably without antagonising one another. Mutual respect and accepting differences helped in pushing a growth level which was well above that of republic of South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and many central European countries in the mid-sixties till the early seventies in Nigeria.
The civil war and its aftermath, in retrospect has created a panic mentality which makes the operative word, unity, the beginning and end of national discourse. It should please those that have taken it upon themselves that the indivisibility of the country is non-negotiable, that most Nigeria would love to continue to witness a strong and united nation.
The vote.rockhall.com 2021 rock& roll hall of fame competition which has late Fela Anikulapo Kuti competing with many artists of global repute has become a galvanising effort of Nigerians of all ages and regions, fighting hard to give glory to a national icon, all for the love of the Nigerian identity. The belief in one Nigeria is the driving force, however more important is the fact that Fela is recognised as a brilliant phenomenon who deserves the honour of being referred to as the great for the year 2021 in the rock and roll hall of fame. Many citizens feel it is their duty to ensure that Fela is given the global honour, which in fact may be long overdue.
Nigerians are one of the most travelled people, within their country and outside the country. The notion that a people, in their country are strangers to another, it would seem is the construct of a group of leaders who just believe that they know best and end up creating solutions which in fact end up as mighty elephants in the room. What made Nigeria a major success in the sixties was the emphasis on excellence and healthy competition. The panic button which was set off in the early seventies gave birth to what is commonly referred to as the federal character where it is believed that all shades of Nigeria must be represented in federal institutions.
In a diverse society, differences are respected and often celebrated and are often the strength of such society. The principle of equal opportunity which the federal character mirrored at the onset, becomes more effective if it is based on capacity, competence, and a reasonable level of a playing field. In Nigeria, the federal character ideology gave birth to the educationally disadvantaged. In the beginning it might have meant pulling up the most deprived along, to prevent them being left behind, but the result 50 years down the line is not anything to cheer about to be frank.
The twin characteristics of perceived national cohesion seem to have undermined the principle of true federalism on the surface and damaged the competitive edge which respected genuinely the diversity of the peoples of Nigeria. In a world which is driven by innovation and standards, operating below par would put pressure on any society to organise itself effectively with commensurate productivity. When this occurs, its bound to impact on societal growth. Permanently lowering criteria for selection purposes for the sake of carrying people along, only deprives the emergence of talent and positive energy. Nigeria for the last 4 decades has been referred to as having potentials, but for how long will such potentials manifest into tangible growth which benefits all?
With the misguided pursuit of unifying people of different cultures and value systems whose interpretation of life is essentially varied just for the sake of unity, has failed in bringing out the fire out of the people and give their best without the overbearing hand of the state snuffing the individual spirit. The pandemic of federal character has not infected the private sector adversely, but it has stifled big state organisations which should have transited into full-fledged pro-business run entities and has destroyed many others. In Nigeria, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation readily comes mind. It is largely unaccountable with an opaque culture which is legendary, largely unproductive, and mostly uncompetitive and of course a huge beneficiary of federal character.
A script that does not really engender unity and undermines true federalism is unsustainable. Anyone who wants a functional Nigeria would agree. The earlier this mighty elephant is ushered out of the system, the chances it is, of the country finding its true focus, and moving on the path of greatness it desperately deserves.
© Copyright, Olugbenga Adebanjo
Ojuriblog 