BY AMAYINDI YAKUBU
Legendary Nigerian nationalist and politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in a speech in London on November 3rd, 1961, expressed what a country should reflect, saying: “The influence which a nation exerts, the respect which it enjoys, and the prestige accorded to it on the world scene depend on two important factors: the size of its wealth and the calibre of its leadership. Granting an incorruptible, courageous, public-spirited, enlightened, and dynamic leadership, the wealth of a nation is the fountain of its strength. The bigger the wealth, and the more equitable its distribution among the factors and agencies which have helped to produce it, the greater the outflow of the nation’s influence and power.”
It is no news to the world that Nigeria, referred to by many as Africa’s giant, is highly endowed with several resources that span across all 36 states of the federation. The majority of developed nations cannot boast of such endowments on their shores. Nigeria is a nation blessed by nature but poor and bankrupt of patriots who will serve selflessly.
After sixty-four years of independence and emancipation from colonial rule, Nigeria still finds itself confined by the shackles of oppression, hardship, and poor leadership, which it initially thought independence would resolve with its sons and daughters manning the seats of governance. While during colonial rule the British imperialists exerted control, inflicted pain, and channeled resources westward, Nigeria’s succeeding leaders are now perpetuating almost the same crimes on a larger scale, disbursing the nation’s wealth to foreign countries.
The destination of the fraudulently acquired wealth and the nature of leadership between the former colonial masters and the succeeding government are quite similar. The only difference is that while the British enjoyed franchise over Nigeria’s wealth, Nigerian indigenous leaders are now harnessing the country’s resources for their own individual gain, often funnelling it to the same foreign countries.
As beautiful as this year’s independence theme ‘Reflecting on the Past, Inspiring the Future’ sounds, there will be nothing worth inspiring the younger generation if the status quo does not change. The young technocrats will find it difficult to draw inspiration due to the lack of well-meaning and exemplary leadership in our present dispensation; rather, the kind of poor and self-interested leadership model will be transferred to the next generation of leaders.
This year’s independence anniversary, which took place at the Aso Villa, unlike previous celebrations at the Eagle Square in Abuja, went on a rather ‘low key’, as Nigerians would call it, with only a few government dignitaries in attendance.
Speaking at the event, the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, remarked, “We all listened to Mr. President’s speech, and it was also good to be here, to be a part of this commemorative anniversary ceremony. The message, both from how the military parade was conducted and the cultural display by different groups from various parts of the country, conveys a single message: not one geopolitical zone of this country can do it alone.”
Senator Bamidele also hinted at the current review of the 1999 Constitution at the National Assembly, revealing that the Assembly had already received 37 memoranda from several stakeholders across the nation, alongside 16 constitutional amendment bills inherited from the previous assembly.
Proposals in constitutional reforms to be considered include the establishment of state police, judicial independence, inclusion of diaspora voting, financial autonomy for local government authorities, providing special seats for women in legislative bodies, and the creation of a National Council of Traditional Rulers.
According to the Senate Majority Leader, public hearings regarding the constitutional reforms are scheduled to begin in January 2025. He used the occasion to urge Nigerians to participate in the process, promising that all interests would receive due and proper consideration.
Recall that in March, a group known as ‘The Patriot’, led by former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, embarked on a national constitutional dialogue on the future of Nigeria.
Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, shared his thoughts on the present constitution, saying, “With profound respect, we do not have a constitution. What we call a constitution or what our courts refer to as a constitution is a legal document which should be better called Decree No. 24 of 1999, signed into law by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the last military dictator in the country.”
The need for reform and restructuring of Nigeria’s legal framework is long overdue. The 1999 Constitution, adopted during the transition to civil rule led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, was hurriedly drafted without proper consultation from various stakeholders across the nation.
Our constitution was adopted during unsettled times. With the exception of the 1963 Constitution, all other constitutions drafted and adopted in Nigeria were under military regimes, which did not follow the right procedures for constitutional formation.
Public opinion holds that only a few individuals were involved in the process that produced what we know as the 1999 Constitution. With the absence of national consultations and public hearings, important protocols and guiding principles in constitutional review, amendments, and formulation, the present constitution remains debatable.
Leadership and governance can be set on a good path when the right legal document that represents the collective interest of all Nigerians is in place. The checks and balances Nigeria’s government needs can be ensured through the constitution. Both leadership and constitution are sacrosanct for the true test of democracy to have its place in the Nigerian landscape.
Chinua Achebe, in his memoir, ‘There Was a Country’, provided a path worth following when he said, “I foresee the Nigerian solution will come in stages. First, we have to nurture and strengthen our democratic institutions and strive for the freest and fairest elections possible. That will place the true candidates of the people in office. Under the rubric of a democracy, a free press can thrive and a strong justice system can flourish. The checks and balances we have spoken about and the laws needed to curb corruption will then naturally find a footing.” Achebe’s thoughts provide a solution to Nigeria’s problems.
The recent FearlessInOctober protests staged on October 1st, when Nigerians should have been celebrating their independence, convey a message not just to Nigerians but also to the international community.
In Ojota, protesters were seen demonstrating and demanding a reduction in fuel prices, electoral reforms, action against insecurity, relief from the high cost of living, and reduced government spending. Ibadan, Akure, and Osogbo also witnessed protests, mainly by youths canvassing for better governance and an end to economic hardship.
Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, commented on the protest, saying, “Our independence starts now, because the independence we got in 1960 was fought for, and we are struggling for a new independence. This is part of the continuation of what we started in 2019 with Revolution Now because we believe that only a revolution can save this country.”
At the 79th General Assembly meeting of the United Nations in New York, President Bola Tinubu sought debt forgiveness from the international community. According to the Debt Management Office’s report for Q1 2024, Nigeria’s domestic and external debts stood at N121.67 trillion ($91.46 billion).
Speaking on behalf of his principal, Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said, “Similarly, we must ensure that any reform of the international financial system includes comprehensive debt relief measures to enable sustainable financing for development. Countries of the global South cannot make meaningful economic progress without special concessions and a review of their current debt burden.”
Given the substantial amount of debt Nigeria is expected to repay, the government should refrain from accumulating more by borrowing from foreign countries and other financial conglomerates. Instead, attention should be directed towards maximising the resources at our disposal and attracting foreign investors to Nigeria.
However, foreign investors will always consider the security of any nation before financing any venture. The myriad of national security threats further complicates the situation. Again and again, the government has boasted of successes in the fight against insecurity, yet realistically, these threats continue to surge, resulting in high numbers of killings due to insecurity.
Shettima further reminded the international community of the need to return stolen proceeds of corruption that have been stored in foreign countries, saying, “This is a fundamental principle of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. Therefore, the international community must promote practical measures to strengthen international cooperation to recover and return stolen assets and to eradicate safe havens that facilitate illicit flows of funds from developing countries to developed economies.”
It is imperative for foreign countries to return Nigeria’s wealth that was illegally stolen from the national treasury by entrusted public officers back to its reserves. By doing so, such countries would demonstrate their respect for the fight against corruption and the need for transparency in their dealings with other nations, especially those still striving to strengthen their democracy.
Nigeria also has an obligation to prove beyond reasonable doubt to the international community that it can be trusted with returned stolen funds. If not, it will become a cycle where such returned public funds are re-embezzled and deposited in the same countries where they were originally stored by greedy public servants.
Transparency must return to our governance if we want to be taken seriously by other nations. There will be no need for developed countries to offer financial aid if they are unsure that their recipients will treat their donations with genuine care.
Interestingly, President Bola Tinubu, during his independence speech addressing Nigerian youths, said, “I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population.”
The president’s thoughtfulness in creating a platform where youths across the country can converge and discuss their challenges is a positive step toward engaging the younger generation in nation-building. However, it is crucial that these discussions do not end up being mere talk shops. The sincerity of the government in implementing the outcomes of the conference will determine whether it is a genuine effort to engage youth or just another exercise in futility.
As Nigeria reflects on its past and envisions its future, it must remember that the strength of a nation lies not only in its resources but in its ability to harness the potential of its people. Empowering the youth through meaningful participation in governance and providing them with the tools to succeed is essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
To truly inspire the next generation, Nigeria must cultivate a leadership that prioritises the well-being of its citizens over personal gain. It is time for a shift in the narrative, where the younger generation can take pride in their country and its leadership. A leadership that is accountable, transparent, and committed to the collective progress of its people will foster hope and inspiration for a brighter future.
As Nigeria marks its 64th year of independence, it stands at a critical crossroads. The call for constitutional reforms, the demand for better governance, and the need for economic revitalisation are more urgent than ever. The country must seize this moment to reflect on its past, learn from its mistakes, and work towards a future that upholds the dignity and rights of all Nigerians.
Only then can Nigeria transform its potential into reality and become a true giant not just in name, but in practice, inspiring future generations to dream big and strive for greatness.
