By Sunny Ikhioya

IF the proposed national conference is to address wholesale, the protracted challenges of the Nigerian nation state, it must begin by getting the representation to the conference right. Anything short, is failure – like they say – a building that is  on a poor  foundation will not stand.

Nigeria as a country, is labouring to become a nation state. What really constitutes a nation state? It is a country of two or more ethnic groups, with shared boundaries, cultures and languages, that have decided to come together, to subordinate their sovereignty to one federal body. The web definition states that ” The most noticeable characteristics, is the degree to which nation states use the state as an instrument of national unity in, economic, social and cultural life”. The key word  is ‘ unity’.

The more unified we are, in various aspect of our national life, the more we tend towards nation state hood. They must agree on the governing arrangements, which include: allocation of resources to the different structures. They will also agree on a power sharing formula between the federal government and the individual state. For this to be actualised, there must be willingness on the part of the individual unit states to participate in a common patrimony. The key word is  ‘willing ‘.

It is a fact that, the various ethnic groupings in Nigeria, were forced into this marriage, their opinions and consents were not sought and therefore, complications arising from the forced marriage developed, which is still besetting the nation till date.

For a truly genuine nation state to emerge out of Nigeria, all the various ethnic tribes must be factored into the conference agenda. There must be no exception, if not, the cry of marginalisation and disunity will continue, no matter how sincere the outcome of the conference turns out.

It is not too late for  government, to constitute a research team, to determine the actual number of ethnic nationalities  in Nigeria, identify their representatives and bring them into the picture of the national conference theme. They must be allowed into the debate, and their voices must be heard, that is the way to do it.

Government must be bold enough to face the situation squarely. Every group that is coming out has the agenda of its people, if you expunge some ethnic groups from the list, how will issues affecting them be resolved.

I have said it before, the majority tribes must not use numbers, to deprive the minorities of their rights. We must always use the United Nations as our standard. If  population is key, China will not have the same number of representatives in the UN as Nigeria. Nigeria will not have the same number of representatives in the African Union as Cape Verde. Why are proponents of population doing otherwise here in Nigeria?

If it is going to be unwieldy, to present them at the national level, they should be allowed to voice their stands at the state and regional levels. Also,allow  their votes to be counted in the selection of persons to represent them at the federal level. That way, their right as guaranteed by the constitution, will be upheld.

Also, within the larger ethnic tribes, there, are sub groups, too numerous to mention. They too, should be identified and given same recognition.

In a true nation state, the interest of the nation supersedes all of the individual states, all citizens are regarded as one and equal. That is why the people should critically examine the indigene – settler issue. The new trend all over the world is to accord automatic citizenship, on the basis of, place of birth,or, for those who have taken residence for a specified number of years.They enjoy all the benefits and rights of true citizens. That is why, the man of Nigerian parental descent, could go to London and kill a white British citizen – a military officer at that – in full view of TV viewers all over the world and still be accorded all his rights as a citizen. In Nigeria, he would have been mobbed and burnt to death instantly, without the opportunity to explore deep into his mind, to reveal the motive for his action.

The government should not delay any further, a situation where people are deported back to villages, in some states of the federation, should not be encouraged.

We should be growing towards integration and not the opposite. Today, Nigeria is more divided as a nation, than it was, on the eve of the Nigerian civil war. Our leaders must take note. Indigeneship – settler dichotomy must be abolished now. The country will benefit more from it, there will be less suspicion amongst and between tribal groups.

It will also breed development. When people perceive that a place is safe, for them to do business, they invest their money and infrastructure, without looking back. If you take an over all view of Nigeria, the cities that have advanced the most, are those that have opened up to strangers. We must encourage love across tribal boundaries. Indigene – settler issue must be tackled by the conference, once and for all times.

It is also very imperative for the conveners of the conference to factor in, our various professional bodies, every one that is duly registered should have representatives in the conference. There is a need for Nigerians to do things in the proper manner. Professionalism breeds proper organisation, which in turn breeds development and focus. A focussed citizenry, will move the country out of the doldrums. Let us have more of professionals than politicians. Too many things are not done properly in Nigeria, either by omission or commission, rules are flouted, let the professionals come in, to show us proper ways to tackle the diverse challenges facing the nation.

Now that the tension has been created by politicians, let us fully address the issues at hand. There is no better time than now. There should not be any no go area in the debate, if the whole exercise is to make any meaningful impact. What is it that the people of the different ethnic bodies want? They should be listed out. The issue of how to reach a decision, must be spelt out clearly to all representatives- that is- everyone will agree to abide by the decision of the majority and having agreed on that, the decision, must not be discredited by any member. That is why I harp on the point that every ethnic group must be allowed to have their say, that will give the outcome legitimacy and credibility.

Let us sit down to talk and douse the tension and palpable conflagration, that is building.

Let us talk, let the conference hold.

Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.