Nigeria continues to be bedeviled by problems of sectionalism, tribalism, zoning, nepotism etc. which are threatening to tear us apart. I think this generation should take a good look at the present situation and confront it. The sectionalism in Nigeria plays a crucial role in our underdevelopment because in order to satisfy each part of the Federation, incompetent people are appointed into positions they do not qualify for: round pegs in square holes. A good example is the present controversy engendered by the zoning policy of the ruling party, the PDP. But there is a better way.
Isn't it time to open up the good God-given country to all her citizens? I think it is time to abolish requiring people to declare their "States of origin." Rather we should be concerned with people's domicile -- where they currently permanently live in and intend to remain at. I think it is time to move away the suspicion we have of each other and fear of ethnic domination: it is time to open up the country. I know that my idea is revolutionary in a country where we have been made to believe that the most important thing in your life is your "State of origin", but it takes a revolution to change our colonial way of thinking, which was devised by the imperialists, who divided us into arbitrary parts, in order to facilitate their rule over us.
In 1976, shortly before he was assassinated, our then Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, in creating seven new States out of the previous twelve declared no matter the number of States created, there will always be minority problems. In his opinion, the answer to the agitation of minorities is for people to see themselves "first as Nigerians." General Mohammed tried to disabuse our minds from ethnic thinking, by changing the names of States from Western etc to Oyo Ogun etc, East to Imo, Anambra etc. Let us be the generation which will build on the work started by Murtala Mohammed, perhaps the most patriotic leader ever to rule Nigeria, by opening up this country to all it's citizens, so that we will start to see ourselves "first as Nigerians." If we do this, tribalism and ethnicity will lose its grip on us within one single generation.
I propose that Nigerians be allowed to claim as their home States, any State where they have resided in for a continuous period of two years, and where they intend to remain. This will be a panacea for all our zoning, tribal and sectional problems. Here in America, nobody asks you for your "State of origin "; they are only interested in your present domicile, and your prior addresses for the past five to ten years. As a matter of fact, many people I interview do not remember the "home State" of their parents. They see themselves first and foremost as Americans, and if they are politicians, they will represent the interest of their local communities. Here in America, anybody can move to any part of America and work there. Local schools charge differential fees if you go to a school outside your domicile, but you are not discriminated against, based on your nebulous "State of origin." You can establish residency in any part of the country as you wish.
Just pause and think what this type of policy will do for Nigeria. It will elevate the country, and break the chains of sectionalism which has deterred the development of the country since the days of Lord Lugard. People will move to the communities where they can find work, and establish domicile there, knowing that they are not going to be discriminated against. The best brains who could get the job done will take up offices round the country, and the mediocres will slide down the social ladder. In choosing our leaders, the primary consideration will be their past achievements and their philosophies and beliefs, not their "State of Origin." How nice would it be for "Okechuckwu to be elected Governnor of Oshun State, Adebayo to be elected Senator from Zamfara State, and Alhaji Gombe as the President, from Delta State? We will have a true united, and great country, Nigeria.
I think it is time to open up the country, and do away with division, sectionalism and the tribalistic "State of origin." It should be enough that we are Nigerians, and that we are ready to do everything we can, to make this country great. Let us be the generation that sets this country on the path of greatness!
Very Respectfully,
Emmanuel O. Fashakin, M.D.; Esq.:-)
Attorney at Law & President/ Medical Director,
Alpha-K Family Medical Practice, P.C.
79-35 153rd Street, Flushing, NY 11367,USA
Tel: (718) 591-1600; Fax: (718) 591-0265
web address:
www.alphak.orgalternative e-mail:
[email protected]Mobile phones: +1-347-217-6175; +1-267-907-3127
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." 1 Cor 2:13
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