There is no doubt that many Nigerians would express profound satisfaction that the awaited National Conference has begun in spite of negative attitude of certain notable politicians.  The hope is that the spirit of give-and-take would prevail during the serious discussions.

Even before President Jonathan said it, the mood of the country is for unity in diversity so that causes of rancor could be eliminated.  Nigerians would see the National Conference as a vehicle for proclaiming the principles of peace and the gospel of prosperity.  The problem is how to bring many Nigerians together and how to manage the difficult situation arising out of what looked like a forced marriage of over one hundred years.

Though it might be too late to advise the delegates to the Conference because they might have made up their minds, but it might be necessary again to harp on some specific but strategic issues that had undermined and continue to affect the security of the nation.  The country, as it has been noted, is deficient in structure and has affected the edifice.

The first aspect of the structure to be examined is the 36-State system – economically non-viable.  Except in some States like those in the South-Western, South Eastern zones and Bayelsa (which contain people of same language and culture), others are made up of majority tribes and minority of other tribes.  A State like Benue consists of the dominating Tiv tribe and other smaller tribes, with Idoma, an outstanding example.  In politics, unless understanding prevails, it could be Tiv Governors forever.

The Delta State looks like a cauldron – a mixture of divergent and cultural distinct groups of Ibo, Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri and Ijaw.  It is also the home of ethnic warlords.  The Conference would look into how the dominating majorities and restless minorities could live side-by-side without any rancor or militancy.  An example could be Counties (of the same tribe) within a state or zone.

Another problem is the inadequacy of a centralized Police formation which negates any aspect of a Federal system.  The most likely approach would be through decentralized police and judicial systems.  Each federating unit should support its police and security outfits (subject to general security provided by the federal authority.

A more challenging problem is that of crude-oil.  The Federal Government has been vague but often ambivalent on the oil industry.  There is often the vague description of crude oil as belonging to the “people of Nigeria” as opposed to “our oil” being claimed by the oil producing states.  If crude oil being produced in Nigeria belongs sincerely to the people of Nigeria, what is the percentage of ownership?

I have suggested before a reasonable share of ownership of Nigerian oil.  The oil producing states should be entitled to 60 per cent, federal government, 20 per cent and all other states, 20 per cent.  The production and other costs and profits should be shared accordingly.  The volume of crude oil allocated to our Joint Venture partners belongs to their shareholders and not their governments.

It is absolutely necessary that the ambiguity surrounding the ownership of Nigerian oil should be laid to rest.  The phrases “Nigerian oil” and “our oil” are worn-out phrases that do not make economic sense.  The oil thieves and oil pipeline destroyers should know that the evil being perpetrated is against their own economic interests.
The right of every Nigerian to vote and be voted for should be thoroughly examined.

The present electoral laws recognize only the candidates‘ of political parties and not individual candidate.  Any individual candidate should be given right to contest for any position without hindrance.  Also, voting procedure should be modified so there is no delay in voting once screening exercise has been completed.  The composition of the Electoral Body should be re-examined in a federation, while the roles of security outfits should be clearly defined.

While the cry of “true federalism” is on the lips of all, the fiscal responsibilities of every federating unit should be clearly spelt out to avoid the monthly share-out by the Federal Government in Abuja.
What sort of Federal Government is required in a multi-national society?  To some analysts, the Federal Government should reflect the interest of all Nigerians expressed through votes in the States.

The Federal Cabinet should reflect genuine representatives from different states (zones) instead of the present party representatives under “winner-take-everything” mentality.  That has caused major problem with the present federal government being run only by the ruling party.

THE CRIMEAN CRISIS
To European historians and world leaders, the present Crimean madness could not be a separate tragic political melo-drama from the 19th century‘s maintenance of ‘Balance of Power‘ by the European Powers of the decade.  The Crimean crisis (1853) was a futile attempt by Britain and France as members of the Holy Alliance to restrict Russian influence in the Balkans.  Russia had failed to subdue Turkey (the sick baby of Europe) and disband its shaky empire.

Even if the 19th Century Crimean war was adjudged to be an act of aggression against Russia, the present crisis would be interpreted to be aggression by Russia against Ukraine and its new found friend Western Powers in NATO.  Ukraine has been in political turmoil which led to the sack of its President who was pro-Russia and who was believed to have sought Russian help for his country.  Ukraine was believed to be seeking admission into European Union, dominated by Western Powers.

Naturally, the Russian President Putin and the Russian people would not want the Western Powers extended over its neighbours.  It should be remembered that the Cuba crisis was a direct result of President Kennedy‘s refusal to allow Russia to place missiles in Cuba.  Thus, the Russian political offensive in the Crimea is nothing short of Russia paying back the Western Powers in their own coin – no enemy around Russian territories and neighbours (though through illegal land grabbing).