The Columnist's Vision

It is appropriate once in a while for any individual, firm, organisation (or even nation!) to re-examine its purpose, essence and mission and ask itself basic and essential questions – Why am I here? What am I trying to achieve? Is it worth it? What will I define as success? Why did I (we) embark on this enterprise or set up this business or organisation? Are our original goals still worth pursuing? Is there a need for a change or adaptation in mission, structure, direction, strategy or goals? Last week I asked myself such fundamental questions in relation to this column and I concluded that it would be worthwhile sharing the column’s vision of Nigeria with my readers. Perhaps an insight into what drives the column would help our audience appreciate more deeply the perspectives, values, preferences and inclinations of the columnist. I have a very clear definition of the kind of Nigeria I would love to see – “a nation of free, enlightened and equal citizens; living in an open, democratic, non-sectarian and progressive society; defined by economic development, social equity, federalism, constitutionalism and the rule of law; and in which all citizens are free and enabled to fulfil their lawful human, socio-economic, political and spiritual potential”. A deconstruction of that statement will reveal four distinct elements: • A nation of free, enlightened and equal citizens • An open, democratic, non-sectarian and progressive society • Economic development, social equity, federalism, constitutionalism and the rule of law, and • Freedom and enablement for citizens to fulfil human, socio-economic, political and spiritual potential. I can also share the reasoning and implications of each of these elements. 1. A nation of free, enlightened and equal citizens: This implies the existence of a fairly robust democracy and fully entrenched fundamental human rights, especially freedom of expression and the media. Citizens must be educated and enlightened and society must be a modern, thinking one. The vision does not permit of ethnic, religious or political hegemony and citizens must be equal and free in every respect. In Nigeria, this element clearly implies strong federal structures (or even con-federal arrangements) and all citizens must be fully free to express their cultural, religious, educational, economic and political aspirations and ideals. 2. An open, democratic, non-sectarian and progressive society: Such a society must have free, independent, ethical and credible media; free elections and freedom of electoral choice; absence of political hegemony or oligarchy; it forbids military rule, and frowns on exclusive ruling cliques and cabals, rule by religious priests, Islamic Mullahs or traditional secret societies, and cannot permit of a society organised on the basis of ethnicity, religion, communal ties or sectarian divisions, or one in which power is based on violence, intimidation or coercion. My ideal society will be focused on progress and development, and not anchored on a pre-modern mindset. 3. Economic development, social equity, federalism, constitutionalism and the rule of law: Given Nigeria’s current economic conditions, this would imply comprehensive structural economic reforms and diversification of the economy; sustained investments in quality public education and healthcare, rapid rural development and enhanced urban infrastructure and transportation, as well as social welfare, employment generation and the alleviation of poverty; abolition of corruption and abuse of power and increased public transparency and accountability would be imperative; it would require a private sector-driven economy, free enterprise and entrepreneurship; protection of private capital and property rights; effective regulation and prevention of market monopolies; and rapid but inclusive economic growth and human development. It would require political and constitutional reforms to strengthen Nigerian federalism, constitutionalism and the rule of law; and would abhor all forms of unconstitutional rule – military, oligarchy, religious, monarchical, fascist, totalitarian, communist or populist! 4. Freedom and enablement for citizens to fulfil human, socio-economic, political and spiritual potential: Such society cannot be oppressive; cannot allow for tiered citizenship of first-class, second-class or other subsidiary levels; all citizens and groups must have strong political freedoms and equality; individual freedom of religion and worship must be guaranteed; and the nation must reject ethnic, religious, sectarian, clique or class hegemony or other political ideology based on superiority of one group or class over others. Every sentence, paragraph, article, perspective or position presented or articulated in this column since inception in 2006 is motivated by this vision of the Nigerian society. Every judgment or preference proffered is driven by careful review and judgment as to what choices are more likely to take us towards that vision. That clarity of vision also makes it extremely easy to recognise people or positions that take or are likely to take Nigeria in the opposite direction! The columnist also enjoys one significant resource – deep familiarity with Nigerian pre- and post-independence history and the current global environment which enables scenario thinking, insight and foresight. I do not believe anyone who is ignorant or not sufficiently grounded in contextual history is competent to discuss or proffer solutions on any matter, no matter how much passion and good faith the person expresses. As they say, the road to hell may be paved with good intentions! Some readers may have a different view of the type of society they would like to inhabit; others, and I believe the overwhelming majority, would be at least broadly aligned with my societal ideal. Whichever, however, our choices and preferences can be easily understood, if not reconciled.