NIGERIAN DEMOCRATIC ACTION COMMITTEE[ USA ] INC.
P.O. BOX 41343, WASHINGTON D.C. 20018
Your Excellency,
Governor of Lagos State
Lagos, Nigeria.
Your Excellency,
Re: SOUTHERN GOVERNORS CONFERENCE
Members of the Nigerian Democratic Action Committee USA Inc. write to congratulate you for taking the initiative
on convening Southern Governors Conference which took place recently in Lagos. By this single act, it is our
considered view that the basic problem facing the country will be seriously looked into with a view to finding
suitable solutions.
It has always been the belief of members of this great organization that Nigeria's main problem lies in her inability to
define herself. It is unfortunate that the country prides herself as Federal Republic of Nigeria whereas she runs a Unitary form of
government.
Unitary form of government, we all know from experience, does not work in a highly diverse grouping such as obtained in
Nigeria. The Colonial Masters were aware of our enormous diversity when they approved a federal form of constitution prior
to granting Nigeria independence.
The brief administration of General Ironsi, as most of us will note from the takeover broadcast (made by Gen. Gowon), was accused
among other things of invigorating unitary form of government in flagrant disregard to established federal structure. One may
wonder why we as a people do not like to learn from our past mistakes.
We submit to you, Your Excellency, that unless Nigeria rids herself of this role conflict the constituents will continue to be at
perpetual war with each other and this can lead to the dissolution of the Federation.
The conference agenda which included revenue sharing formula, allocation of oil proceeds vis-Ã -vis the ecological degradation,
equitable distribution of VAT, education tax and the use of identity card in future election among other items are laudable. As
rightly pointed out by Arewa Consultative Forum recently, oil, bitumen, tin, gold, etc., will not be with us for ever. And whilst
they last communities endowed with these natural resources should be allowed to exercise control over them and Federal
Government should be adequately compensated in the form of taxes as practiced in a true federally structured country.
A situation in which the wealth of the endowed area is carted away and stashed in foreign banks in the name of
fake federalism and the people of the area are impoverished is unconscionably ridiculous and
unacceptable.
Our organization is made up of seasoned professionals who have distinguished themselves in many fields of endeavors and we
pledge to contribute meaningfully to the attainment of the goal of this wonderful organization - the Southern Governors Conference.
We know you to be one of us and we trust you will keep us posted.
Please let us have your e-mail.
Yours Sincerely,
for and behalf of
Nigerian Democratic Action Committee USA Inc.
Sam. N. Udofia
National President
Sudofia@aol.com