|
Nigeria: The Only Prescription by
In sieving through the annals of history, relating specifically to the pattern commensurate with Western Imperialism, as characterized by the British Empire, I have always been somewhat amused (although impressed) by the ability of the West (the British in particular) to play with, and on words. They definitely realized how powerful words could really be. This uncanny but deliberate ability at word dribbling and systematic conversion is what has kept not only the West (the White Anglo-Saxon Protestants to be precise) in control of world affairs for so long, but also their adopted impositions (such as the Hausa-Fulani in the case of Nigeria) wherever they (the Western overlords) may have been. It was the British, along with other European Colonialists that perfected the art of psychological subjugation by referring to various Nigerian and indeed African nationalities as tribes. In referring to these nationalities that in essence had built sophisticated systems of government that in fact outdated those of the Western nations, they intended to strip them of their shared identity and most important of all, their sovereign nationalities. However, in the worst display of political, and intellectual double-talk, and in keeping with their penchant for systematic conversion and confusion, these same Western nations today refer to the Native Indians in the Americas and the world over as tribal nations...talk about an obfuscated juxtaposition! The British and their Western collaborators are quick to refer to as matchboxes such as Scotland, Ireland, Wales and even England among others as nations but yet call the Yoruba, or the Hausa and even the Igbo, tribes. This was, still is and will forever be the bane of the political contraption known as Nigeria. Let's say for example, I refer to myself as being of Nigerian nationality; that in itself would be a misnomer...why? Because a nationality, more than anything else implies a PEOPLE WITH COMMON ORIGINS OR TRADITIONS COMING TOGETHER TO FORM A NATION. Where, if I may ask is the semblance of a common origin or tradition between the Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba? Yes, we are supposedly citizens of a "Republic" known as Nigeria, and may have interacted in several ways over time, but the truth remains as clear and distinct as night and day, WE DO NOT SHARE A COMMON ORIGIN PREDICATED ON CUSTOMS AND TRADITION! An individual's true nationality must incorporate two vital elements: The condition of belonging to a particular nation by birth, origin, or naturalization must be intertwined with a shared common origin, predicated on customs and tradition. It cannot be devoid of one or both. Anything short of the absolute is a fraud and an impetuous fabrication, grounded in utter fatuity! Likewise the use of the term ethnic-nationality also constitutes a stupefying exercise in the illogical misappropriation of logic...and common sense. One's ethnicity is in fact a precursor to their nationality. An individual's ethnicity is symptomatic of their nationality while one's nationality is representative of their ethnicity. As such, one can be of Yoruba nationality from the Egba or Ondo ethnic stock. Nigeria should in essence be a true Republic comprised of various nationalities. There-in lies the problem...as this is not the case by virtue of the thorough brainwashing, courtesy of our colonial masters. The various nationalities within the Nigerian theater of operation NEVER negotiated the terms and conditions of their "merger". Nigeria, as presently constituted is not a true Republic. A true Republic is characterized by the following: a) A general EQUALITY among its members (sovereign nationalities) b) a government in which SUPREME POWER RESIDES IN A BODY OF CITIZENS entitled to vote and is exercised by ELECTED officers and REPRESENTATIVES RESPONSIBLE TO THEM (the citizenry), and governing according to law, as dictated by the constitution (which is supreme) of the said Republic. Neither one of these characterizations could be said to apply to the Nigerian experiment. Hence an urgent need for reassessment and restructuring. The Nigerian nation was in effect forced upon the other nationalities by the manipulation and treachery of the British and the Hausa-Fulani, their adopted imposition. Their concoction has however taken on a life of its own, and in essence become too hot to handle. The British on their part have run for dear life, leaving the Hausa-Fulani to bear the brunt of their wicked and perfidious act of debauchery! Once again, the need for radical restructuring with a view to having the most constructive and ultimately, progressive union of independent and sovereign nationalities within a true Republic cannot be overemphasized. Anything short of an immediate convening of a Sovereign National Conference, would be at best misanthropic...and ultimately lead, without question, to the dismemberment of the present farcical entity called Nigeria. Just as the old (and true) Republican Party evolved in the United States, in the mid 19th century from the Whigs, Free-Soilers and Democrats for the purpose of opposing the extension of slavery, and favouring a restricted governmental role in social and economic life, the South, the Yoruba in particular stand up today in unabashed and total opposition to the extension of internal colonialism by a Northern Hegemony lacking in vision and purpose, and hell-bent on the continued maintenance of a parasitic, state welfare system to the detriment of an overwhelmingly productive and progressive majority. Time is of the essence! Soboyejo A.S.A. Awosika-Coker, U.S.A. |