By Adisa Adeleye
I MUST confess that I have no pity, sympathy or regret for those ‘checking out‘of Nigeria for good.   They are the losers because of many things they would miss in their miserable absence.   In Nigeria, there is no dull moment as this is a wonderful country where there is that notion that “everything goes”.   Beautiful Nigeria, I hail thee.

The beautiful week started with the wonderful news that the Boko Haram insurgents were prepared to release some of the abducted Chibok girls in exchange for the release of their captured leaders.   This might still happen in the midst of expectation, desperation and disappointment.   The murderous gang seems to be in a peculiar position to kill and destroy at will, and set out conditions for any negotiation.

If United States government could release six top leaders of Aquada militants for a single American army sergent, no price would be too great to appease the bloody insurgents of the dreaded Bambisa Forest.   Those who don‘t agree with the methodology of exchange of prisoners could lead a jihad into Bambisa jungle to capture the insurgents,

I am sorry for the digression from the main topic.   The other week, there was a characteristic referendum in Britain to determine whether Scotland could become an independent nation from the United Kingdom after an association of more than 307 years.   The admirable scots voted 55 per cent to 45 per cent to remain with Britain.

The referendum was conducted with fanfare; there was no visible sight of heavily armed security officials to keep the peace, maintain order and prevent ballot box snatching.   And quite admirably, the result of the peaceful process has not been challenged in any Tribunal, as is always the case in Nigeria after any crucial election.

The principle of Referendum, practiced widely in Switzerland is a weapon by the ordinary citizen or group used as a protection against the tyranny of the government.   Any citizen (under Switzerland direct democracy) could (after meeting prescribed condition of number of voters) challenge any law by the legislature or any action of the government in a referendum, the result of which is final.   In that country, the fear of a referendum on any topic is the beginning of wisdom.   The government under the threat of losing in a referendum is bound to be constructive and listen to good advice.

To many observers, Scotland, outside the United Kingdom would be an anomaly.   It shares with other members, England, Wales and Northern Ireland – a common highly developed infrastructure with tolerably high standard of living     In the last half century, some notable Scots have risen to become British Prime Ministers.

McMillian, Lord Home, Tony Bliar and Gordon Brown.   It was the former British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown who convinced his fellow Scots to stay in the United Kingdom.

The referendum on Scotland was a classic gamble by the present British Prime Minister, David Camera who wanted to solve the problem once and for all.   Fortunately, the risk was well taken.

This Statesman-like attitude was in sharp contrast to the one taken by President Jonathan who asked the National Conference to avoid discussion on the possible break-up of Nigeria.   Perhaps the delegates would have decided unanimously that the country should stay united.   It is possible that the unity of Nigeria may one day be a subject of referendum or possibly too, some recommendations of the National Conference might be subject to direct verdict of all Nigerians.

Some analysts agree that if the principle of Referendum is extended to Nigeria as it is being done in Britain (our past colonial master) many accrimonous, political and economic issues would have been amicably solved.

It is true that President Jonathan has taken a bold step in solving some of the country‘s nagging problems through the setting-up of the National Conference in spite of many odds, the implementation of the resolutions remains the fear of many Nigerians, bearing in mind the fate of earlier Conferences.   It would be political ingenuity if a step is taken through legislative process that referendum becomes a part of our Constitution.

POLITICS

President OBAMA of USA could be congratulated for bringing up a coalition of forces to combat the ISIS in Iraq and Syria.   US has for long been seen as the Guardian of the World because of its wealth and military power.

US under its previous Presidents have interpreted the politics of the world, based on its construction, and acted accordingly, giving it a Bad Name.   How expedient it would have been if President Jonathan has been able to rouse all Nigerians to crush all forces of insurgency.

It is generally believed that the Presidency could not be judged by the number of roads constructed or by the many airports renovated or by the number of railway lines and coaches re-activated – these are routine jobs for any purposeful administration.   It is possible to judge each government on its own achievement, whether federal, state or local.

The tragic problems that have confounded the country could be properly grouped under the terrible headings: corruption, insecurity, unemployment and poverty.

If after fifteen years of democracy and promises of democratic dividends, the country is still being described as one of the poorest and most corrupt in the world, then, something must be utterly wrong to need a dramatic or drastic change – political, economic and attitude.   Many of the problems were highlighted at the National Conference and some were constantly discussed in the media while executive re-action is always apologetically slow.   The defence, howbeit, shallow is often given by sycophants and party loyalists.

Since the ruling party, PDP had given the incumbent President, as it should be expected in a democratic setting;   it is up to President Jonathan to examine properly the structure of his party, the parlous state of the country and decide whether he could shoulder the heavy burden alone or cast his net far and wide for proven talents.   Otherwise, there is that prospect of a costlyvictory in 2015.

HONOURS LIST: 

The recently issued Honours List by the Federal Government has elicited several comments from many Nigerians – some approving and some condemning.   It is not possible to produce a list that is forthless anywhere.   Afterall, in his moment of greatness, NERO once appointed Caligula – his horse, Senator for Rome.   That is one of the oddities in politics.