DIVIDED KINGDOM (D.K.)

 

June 23, one Briton lawmaker said was "UK's new Independence Day", but unfortunately, it appears that this may be well the beginning of a journey into the world of uncertainties for the UK, given the heightening dynamics and perplexities of our world.

The U.K. is perhaps the only democracy, in recent decades, that has had two referendums in less than two years; first was Scotland voting in a referendum (18 September 2014) to be independent from the UK and now the June 23 Brexit referendum deciding whether or not to remain in the European Union (EU)... I won't bore you with the intrigues of events leading to the referendum, but it appears EU immigration laws are the major reason for the referendum... My concern however, is on the lessons for Nigeria's democracy from these referendums and the obvious 'uncertain' future of the U.K. outside of the EU.

First, it is a given that, in every democracy, "the voice of the people is the voice of the 'God'"; hence the people decide what direction their polity heads, and we must give kudos to the British parliament for slating a referendum regardless of its obvious ripple effects for the British economy. Unfortunately, we don't seem to have matured to that point yet in the Nigerian democracy, or perhaps we are afraid of the implications which such actions might result in, hence, for example, former President Jonathan's instruction to the 2014 National Conference Delegation not to tow any lane that will bring about a disintegration of the Nigerian state. Nigerian leaders seem more interested in holding the Nigerian state together than ensuring the prosperity of peoples within the state. Whatever the case, the Nigerian people are yet unable to decide the fate of 'their' Nigerian State.

 

Back to Brexit, complications from current issues in international politics are potent to compel states to irrational choices and Brexit may well be one of such choices. May I recall that the primary reason for establishing the EU in 1952 was economic union of Europe post WWII. Has the British economy matured enough to survive a rapidly changing world like ours? Aside economics, is the UK potent enough to confront the many other challenges (infectious diseases, natural disasters, terrorism, arms race and control, transnational crimes e.t.c) that have continued to manifest and demand for greater acceptance of the liberalist worldview? These are the questions that are begging for answers, but unfortunately the answers lie in the future, where it will be impossible to reconsider the choices made and consequences might be overwhelming. 

 

It is not unlikely that the UK may come running back to the EU for some sort of aid and assistance in the near future. In the mean time, there are pointers to the fact that Scotland may be back to the polls again voting in a second referendum whether or not to leave the EU, and if they do, it is very most likely that Scotland will, this time, be indeed an independent state from the UK. Indeed, the 'unity' of Britain is at-stake, but these are interesting revelations which we must allow time to unveil...

NATIONAL GRAZING RESERVE BILL: GOOD TOOL, BAD USE.

 

Incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmer communities have become the 'new evil' in Nigeria, and I continue to wonder which one of these occupations is a new entrant into the Nigerian economy, and why intolerance between these groups hasn't been as much an issue in the past, but that is another subject entirely.

The Nigerian state has attempted several mechanisms to stem the tide of these clashes, like any responsible government will, but the question is how efficient are these mechanisms in solving this problem? The Grazing Bill is one of actions against these incessant clashes between the farmers and herders, and I would attempt to, like many other Nigerians have done, probe the efficiency of this bill in meeting this challenge.

 

Laws are, in fact, the most potent tools for ensuring order and peace in a society; as is evident in the popular Thomas Hobbes' 'state of nature' and the development of human society subsequently. Laws appear to be a 'two-edged sword'. It is imperative that, generally, laws (including the grazing bill) are capable of remedying situations in society. On the contrary, laws by 'apprentice lawmakers', are also likely to tear down a society completely. 

It is important to note, however, that this isn't the first attempt at a National Grazing Bill in Nigeria. The 7th assembly of lawmakers also attempted a grazing bill in 2011, sponsored by Senator Zainab Kure, but the bill was rejected. The National Grazing Reserve (Establishment) Bill 2016 is another attempt, this time sponsored by Hon. Sadie Ibrahim. Though a laudable step in the right direction, some provisions in this five-part bill reflects it may be one of such 'apprentice-made' laws, and the reasons are not far-fetched.

 

First, the provision for the establishment of a National Grazing Reserve Commission, provides a fantastic introduction, as establishment of 'the Commission' seems long overdue. However, there are a few concerns and inconsistencies in the bill that are worthy of mention:

1. Section 18 of the bill empowers the Commission, in liaison with the State Governors, to acquire land in any part of the federation for establishing grazing reserves. The Commission is also instructed in section 21 to pay 'adequate compensation' to the original owners of the acquired land. Hence, from the above, an individual (Chairman) or group (the commission) can, in liaison with the State Governor, covet and eventually deprive original owner of their piece of land (it doesn't matter whether or not the land is used for personal or grazing purposes), and pay 'adequate' compensation (whoever determines what constitutes adequate).

2. Section 22, titled 'Proclamation' seems to infer that all pieces of land within the State belongs to the Governor who can transfer same to the Commission (possibly outside of the already existing land use laws and outside the provisions of this bill). Again downplaying the rights of the original owners of the land (in case of a private property) to or not to release their piece of land.

3. Section 31 of the bill provides that one grazing reserve will be established in each of the geo-political zones of the country. This provision appears inconsistent with section 12 subsection 1 which provides that at least one grazing reserves shall be established in each state of the federation. 

4. Section 34 subsection 2 provides that herdsmen can also graze on their own farmland; outside of the National Grazing Reserve, as long as it does not encroach into the land of another. In the case where there is an encroachment, violent conflicts are likely to ensue; the very reason for the bill. Again, this provision is inconsistent with the subsection 1 which provides that "it is a criminal offence for any herdsman to graze in any part of Nigeria outside the National Grazing Reserve...". 

In a plural society like ours, some of the provisions of this bill; which seem to privilege certain groups above others and deprive some of their constitutional rights, are laden with conflict potentials of geometric proportion. The fact is that, for obvious reasons (and more), we need to get cattle off the roads and out of farms, and the National Grazing Reserves Bill is our best bet at this, but we need not complicate issues in a bid to solve them, and some provisions in the National Grazing Reserves Bill 2016; as currently constituted, are likely to complicate the challenge of farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria if it is eventually passed into law without a reconsideration.

Lawmakers who have ears must listen and hear what Nigerians are saying concerning the National Grazing Reserve Bill.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING...

 

Permit me to via off my usual course (Nigerian society) and share a few thoughts on what I perceive to be "one of the most remarkable happenings of all times"; the recent nomination of Hillary Clinton as Democratic Party Presidential Candidate in the forth-coming US elections scheduled for later this year...

The near 69 year old grandmother of one - Charlotte, and Yale law school alumnus has had a pretty fascinating record in US politics; being First Lady to Bill Clinton (42nd President of the US) and only First Lady to be elected to the US Senate and appointed as Cabinet Secretary, after becoming Senator of New York, Secretary of State to President Barack Obama, and one time Presidential candidate of the US in the 2008 elections...

On Tuesday, Hillary Clinton won the election at the Democratic congress to become the Democratic Party candidate in the US 2016 elections; defeating Bernie Sanders. This victory puts Clinton up against one of the most dramatic Presidential candidates in the history of US politics; Donald Trump (whom I regard as an accidental politician).

Women have suffered long centuries, decades and years of marginalization (of various sorts) from culture and practice, especially in developing and underdeveloped nations of the world, although with the elections of Ellen Johnson Sir-leaf and Dilma Rousseff as President of Liberia and Brazil respectively, women have began to gain prominence in politics and society, and Clinton's entry into the Oval Office will be the 'icing on the cake'...

 

Many have expressed skepticism as to how possible it is for a 'Hillary Clinton' to be President of what seems to be the world's superpower, and others have expressed concern about the consequences of a seemingly careless and arguably arrogant Trump becoming President of the US. This intrigues are what I find interesting about the US democracy, and particularly captivating in this recent race for the White House...

Although it is too early to make any predictions as to the outcome of the 2016 US elections, I want to sincerely hope that the American people will save the United States and entire globe from irrational choices, as well as biased 'kangaroo' policies, and change, forever, the course of global politics, by electing HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON as the 45th President and Commander-in-Chief of the United States of America come November 2016...*wink*

OVERWHELMING GRAD DAY PRESENT!

 

So I have been contemplating whether or not to share my perception on this, and it took some time to finally decide because I felt it wasn't so much of my business, but I finally decided I should, and I will tell you why after I am done with the real issue...

So back to the matter... Babcock University; one of Nigeria's foremost Private Universities, held her 17th Undergraduate and 5th Postgraduate Convocation Ceremony on Sunday, June 5th 2016, (and I was a privileged part of the ceremony, where I was announced the youngest PhD graduate of the year 😊). But honestly, I don't have a word/ phrase to describe what happened that day, maybe you can help me with that... One of the Undergraduate Graduants received a gift from his parents (see pictures of the gift below)...

 

Perhaps this student has surpassed his parents and even humanly possible leading to the such an overwhelming gesture, but perhaps again, there would have been other and 'less-overwhelming' ways of congratulating a fresh University graduate. Parents mean well for their children, but research has shown that certain well-intentioned gestures towards children and especially young people can result in certain devastating behavioral outcomes in the long run. The times we live in are such in which every Nigerian youth (regardless our parents financial prowess) should be encouraged to Labour and allowed the benefit of rising gradually through life, as it prepares one for REAL LIFE SITUATIONS, especially far away from home. This position may be subject to argument...

Now, I feel obliged to comment on this development because I am a passionate Nigerian who believes that one careless occurrence is potent enough to lay precedence that is likely to influence posterity negatively, and so if the least I can do is speak, why not? Besides, some of our parents need some form of consultation before they make decisions that are likely to jeopardize the future of Nigerian young people (regardless if they our children, they belong to society as well).

I felicitate with you Mr. Max and your family on your graduation and especially on your graduation day gift, but I hope and pray that this doesn't rob you of the diligence of excellence and the joy of hard work as you begin your journey to empower others and transform Nigeria.

Congratulations!

DEMOCRACY: 17 YEARS AND CHANGING...!

 

I have been thinking all day of how best to capture my perspectives about the state of affairs in Nigeria 17 years into the only surviving period of democratic rule in Nigeria's independent history...

May 29, some 17 years ago(1999), meant the dawn of a new era for many Nigerians and Nigeria in particular; the military was gone and we hoped this time for good... One administration after another has subsequently come and gone in 4 tenures (under the same political party); all serving twice consecutively. Unfortunately, Nigerians have only began to experience a new 'delicacy', and somehow we feel like it's no different from what we have had in the past, or even worse (as some argue)... The second sentence in President Buhari's anniversary speech captures this point: "It has been a year of triumph, consolidation, pains and achievements". Although many seem to identify more with the 'pains' than the 'triumph', and even fewer are less (or not at all) concerned about the 'consolidation' and 'achievements', the reasons are, however, not far-fetched.

From reality, we observe that two sides exist to every coin; the pleasant and ugly experiences of our lives are what make the complete story of who we are, and regardless  of where we are, as individuals, we are still 'changing' - our stories are still unfolding (good and bad). This may apply for Nigeria as a state as well...

We are obviously millions of miles away from where we are headed, but we are definitely not where we left off. Regardless our seeming 'weekly' troubles: terrorism, corruption, Niger-delta, and recently the fall in oil prices, we have only a few things to smiles about: Nigerians seem to have began to realize the power of the ballot, INEC is becoming truly independent (especially with the last general elections), notwithstanding the number of casualties, and we hope these trends continue.

 

It's exciting to think that what we face at the moment isn't the last of Nigeria's experiences or the end of her story; Nigeria indeed is 'changing', and we have a couple more ugly and definitely pleasant experiences to share... The latter will only prevail and subsist if the next 365 days are met with resolve and commitment from leadership and followership alike. Like I always say, and ending on that note:

IF THE NIGERIAN STATE IS TO SURVIVE, THOSE WHO ADVOCATE IT MUST SUBMIT TO IT, THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN IT MUST PRAY FOR IT, AND WE WHO REPRESENT IT MUST FIGHT FOR IT!

Long live Nigeria; and

Long live you and I to see her best days!

Happy Democratic Anniversary! 

RESCUE OPERATION ONE BY ONE!

 

Unfortunately mixed feelings have trailed the 'rescue' of two of the missing Chiboks school girls earlier this week. The girls were rescued 'one by one'; with Amina Ali preceding the other (who's identity is not released at the time of publishing this post).

Bravo to our military for the rumored progress so far in the 'war against terrorism'; but as we know, it is not over until the enemy is defeated... More bravo for the 'rescue' of these two girls (Amina with one child, and maybe the other with one or two children when her identity is released), and even more impressive is the 'welcome home offer' of a full education scholarship and the promise of a better life by the FG (or maybe I should help Mr. President to be more specific and say by his administration)...

 

My worry, however, is that in this 'Rescue Operation One and One', the military has not satisfactorily spelt out the 'rescue procedure'. Don't miss my point: we agree that Sambisa and environs have been under military siege in the last few months, we also understand that over 200 school girls were abducted. So my point: if the military operations in the Northeast over the last few months is the 'rescue procedure' that led to this release, how come only two are rescued (and at different times); and if the rescue is by 'operation within an operation', then it is important we are aware of the 'rescue procedure', so we can expect the other girls to be rescued in this 'Rescue Operation One by One'...

Whatever the case, Nigeria must survive! *wink*

NYSC MAKES HISTORY...

 

The National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) colors of Khaki gray (or whatever that color is called) 😉, white and yellow boots, have come to be associated with the Nigerian state itself. Mixed feelings characterize the emotion of several Nigerians as they are mobilized yearly for the mandatory exercise; mine was really a fun period (especially the three weeks we spent in the orientation camp) before 'things began to fall apart' 😏

The NYSC scheme was initiated by the Gowon-led military administration in 1973 (just as the rubbles of the Nigerian Civil War were settling) primarily to foster national integration among Nigeria's divided people. More than 4 decades since then, several Nigerian tertiary institution graduates, below the age of 30 years, have gone through the scheme in Batches and Streams (only recently), and as scheduled by the authorities; happily or grudgingly, especially when they were posted to distant land (away from whatever was familiar and sometimes away from civilization, as it were). Arguments from several quarters in the recent past years have questioned the continued relevance of the scheme; especially in the wake of security and now, economic challenges plaguing the Nigerian state. The scheme has also been forced to re-focus from merely national integration (especially as there seems to be little progress in that area) to a more cardinal issue; skill acquisition. Corp members are now expected to complete their service year with some basic skill in certain vocation that can make them employers of labour (the extent to which this objective is achieved remains subject to debate). Government has also continued to sustain the scheme (sometimes amidst the non-productivity of the scheme).

 

However, history was made today, Thursday May 19, 2016, when the management of the scheme (after earlier hinting a postponement on ground of finances) decided to postpone indefinitely the mobilization of the Stream II of 2016 Batch A Corp members across the country. This is the first of such development since the inception in the NYSC scheme and may well be the 'beginning of the end' for the scheme. It gives signal to one of two things: first that the APC-led government doesn't see the need for the scheme anymore and has prioritized other national issues above the scheme; and second that the scheme may be going through a challenge of leadership. 

Whatever the case, here is what I think...

 

Regardless how little it's accomplishment, the NYSC has not only helped in keeping this country together, but has also helped in shaping her people; consciously or unconsciously, and helping them develop certain healthy habit (of course unhealthy ones too, but that isn't my concern here) during the service year that hasn't only added value to the individuals but has also poised them properly to contribute to national development. Again, with the rise in the unemployment index and the dwindling economy, Nigerians need skill acquisition platforms, where they can also access some government support, and NYSC currently provides that... Hence, it would be unwise to 'end' such an initiative, more so as it seems to have become more relevant in recent years than it has been in the past.

SUPPORT NYSC, DEVELOP SKILLS, and BUILD NIGERIA! 

Spread the word!!!