By Adisa Adeleye
THERE is no doubt that many patriotic Nigerians would prefer to engage themselves in argument on how Nigeria could attain greatness and maintain such to merit the appellation of the gGiant of Africah bestowed on it by the benevolent foreign friends of the country.  However, with the rebasing of the country‘s gross domestic products (GDP), it has become Africa‘s largest economy.

Nigerians, as expected are patriotic, self-assertive and hardworking under any circumstance, howbeit, precarious.  They are always ready to unite, possibly, to overcome any challenge at anytime, in the name of patriotism and to the glory of the fatherland.

The good people of Nigeria, especially the sports loving ones stood solidly behind the Super Eagles in the on-going World Club Football tournament.  The patriotic spirit was more evident in the mighty war against Argentina – a country defeated in 1994 to win an Olympic gold medal.  Since that loss, Argentina was believed to have vowed never to be beaten again at any level of football competition by Nigeria.  This promise has been religiously kept at all cost and at every occasion.  The country‘s Olympic Team lost the race for Gold to Argentina in the China Olympic games.

The case of Nigeria and Argentina is that instructive to the extent that it is possible to achieve success where there is determination.  The present achievement of the Super Eagles has not surpassed that of 1998 when it reached the round of 16.    Even when the problem with Argentina is well-known, there is little evidence of preparation and the will to conquer.  The Super Eagles lost to Argentina by 2 goals to 1 in the present competition.

It is clear that Nigeria is not the only plural society in the world and also, not the only country practising a federal system under the concept of democracy.  Many other countries with similar problems (multi-ethnic and religious groups) have recognized their peculiarities and managed to live together peacefully under suitable constitutions.  Australia and United States (USA) are examples of federal states with advantage of one language (English) and a common culture while Switzerland and Belgium are examples of different nations within a state, managing to live in peace and in prosperity.

It is realized that the ability of plural societies to live together in peace and prosperity could be traced to the maturity of the political class and the leadership to spot the danger, to examine it in depth, and fashion out the modality for its resolution.  The old politicians and the ‘Five Majors‘ believed that tribalism was the country‘s main problem.

The military coup of 1966 and the subsequent civil war proved to be wrong medicine for the ailment which was more fundamental.  Another doubtful pills of state creation which became the glorious exercise of the military dictators, proved ineffective.  States were created without traits of economic viability or ethnic compatibility.  It looks as if more economic problems have been created, leading to political instability in many states of the federation.

The military dictators of the 1990s tried according to the level of their political sagacity and experience to give the country a federal Constitution in 1999 – though federal in name, but unitary in operation (based on military chain of comman).  The states are made financially subservient to the federal authority through the monthly distribution of funds (emphatically called federally collected revenue).  The funds represent about 70 per cent of the annual expenditure of several states.  Infact, not many states could survive without this monthly subvention.  Therefore, the constant talk about ‘True Federalism‘ under the present dispensation (Constitution) is sweet nonsense.  That is also one of the problems the National Conference might not be able to solve unless there is a big change of attitude by the government and the people on the need for a new constitution.

It is necessary for the truth to be told, to be heard, properly chewed and totally digested.  The ruling party and the Opposition are aware that true federalism or the phrase, fiscal federalism, could not be feasible at the moment unless the present Constitution is amended or a new Constitution is fabricated.  It is correct to say that the leaders of the ruling party and the Opposition are either presumably confused or outright deceivers or cheats.  The ruling party is engaged in trying to cling to power (in spite of non-performance in specific sectors), while the Opposition is trying to snatch power without significant differences in political and economic orientation

The notable and perhaps lamentable lack of difference in the economic and political philosophy of both PDP and APC seem responsible for the easy cross-over of politicians from one party to the other – APC in the morning, Labour in the afternoon and PDP in the evening.  The search for ideology and the frequent movement of our politicians from one party to the other seem to be based on one common factor – greed for power, prestige and money.

The main difference between the politically stable and prosperous countries and our own dear country is our inability to prevent danger and when it appears, the lack of initiative as a united body to exterminate it.  In spite of the current problems of insecurity with innocent blood flowing ceaselessly, the current leaders are busy plotting for the rich rewards of 2015, apparently forgetting the doomsday forecast of the pessimist.

As for me, a country in the painful grip of insurgents, armed robbers and kidnappers should re-assess its strategy.  A country that produces abundant oil and gas and yet relies on imported refined petroleum products and pay subsidy on such products should subject its political leadership to psychiatric surveillance.

Why shouldn‘t our politicians forget the prospects of 2015 and make the present atmosphere peaceful and prosperous by presenting a common front?

The answer lies in the formation of a genuine national government.