Ighodalo: The Nigerian Charter

Interesting summary overview of current national situation - worth a read

Guardian

19 February 2012

Ighodalo: The Nigerian Charter

By Ituah Ighodalo Opinion

+++

Wole Soyinka’s submission spells out the crux of the trouble with the Nigerian edifice: ‘Centralisation, in short, has been the bane of the nation - on any level you choose - and nothing will answer the necessity of a harmonious relationship and development of its parts other than a severe curtailment of the control of the Centre over the functioning of its parts…any re-designing of the nation’s internal portrait must depend absolutely on strategies that emanate from the people themselves.’

What are our common goals? What should be our National Charter?

Wole Soyinka’s submission spells out the crux of the trouble with the Nigerian edifice: ‘Centralisation, in short, has been the bane of the nation - on any level you choose - and nothing will answer the necessity of a harmonious relationship and development of its parts other than a severe curtailment of the control of the Centre over the functioning of its parts…any re-designing of the nation’s internal portrait must depend absolutely on strategies that emanate from the people themselves.’

The recent fuel subsidy crisis has shown that it is time for us all as Nigerians to stand up and agree on the basic tenets of our nation. We must come up with a contra ct with our Nation that determines how we want to go forward with Nigeria. This will be our National charter.

There must be an end to corruption and suppression by an elite ruling class.

We must ensure we get good, honest leaders with a clean vision of where Nigeria should be.

There must be provision of suitable infrastructure for the ordinary Nigerian. No longer must it occur in our Nation that our major roads in such a state of disrepair, that our power and energy infrastructure is so poor. Any government that cannot fix these basic problems is not fit to rule.

There must be equal opportunity and level playing field for all irrespective of their origin, class, religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

Our processes and National policies must be clear.

We must educate our people and ensure that truth, honesty and righteousness is enthroned in our Nation.

Nigerians must be encouraged to be gainfully employed and economically productive. Harnessing all our National resources and adding value to them to ensure we achieve our full economic potential. Nigeria must be able to feed herself and provide for all her basic needs including fuel, power, water, health, education and transportation.

We all must call a referendum to agree on these things and whichever government cannot deliver must stand down. Every Nigerian must sign to this charter and agree to look for leaders who by history, proven track record and antecedence can deliver.