DIALOGUE NOT TO DISMEMBER NIGERIA

Speech at the opening ceremony of the National Political Reform Conference in Abuja on February 21, 2005

It is with a very deep sense of responsibility and commitment to those cherished bonds and aspirations that bind us as a people that I address you today at this inauguration of the National Political Reform Conference here in our nation’s capital, Abuja.
We are once again, at the threshold of history. History has presented us with the opportunity to reassess, refocus, redefine and redesign our political landscape in a direction that would strengthen the bonds of unity, enhance the processes of democratic consolidation, strengthen the structures so as to solidify those values that promote democracy, good governance and good neighborliness; and open boundless opportunities for all Nigerians to be, and to feel that they are part of the evolving political process and socio-economic advancement.
As you all know, we have put in place a holistic economic reform agenda covering accelerated privatization, public and civil service reforms, and a war against corruption. I am pleased to state that these reforms are yielding results even though we are not yet where we would like to be. We cannot become what we need to be by remaining where and what we are. Let me use this opportunity to thank you all for your patience, understanding, support and encouragement. If we stay the course and remain passionately resolute, we are all bound to reap the benefits of our sacrifices and investment in the reform agenda.
As recent key macroeconomic indicators show, we have started to turn the corner in economic reform and in our economic management. For the first time in decades, in 2004 we either met or surpassed our key economic targets. Growth rate in 2004 was over 6% better than the targeted 5%; Federal fiscal deficit/GDP ratio on cash basis was 1.9% as against the targeted 3%; inflation rate was down to 9.5% in December 2004. Our stock of external reserves rose from US$3.7 billion when we came into office in 1999 to US$ 18.4 billion as at 31st January 2005.

These data and more, represent cheering news that should encourage us to work harder, be more prudent and disciplined in the management of our economy, and further encourage investors. The opportunities thus created by improving economic realities havepotentials for wealth creation, job creation, and poverty eradication. If we are going to continue to be successful and as a team reach our maximum potential, we must all together put the team agenda ahead and above our individual, sectional or ethnic agenda. There is a price to pay and sacrifice to make individually and collectively for the attainment of the Team Agenda.
The socio-economic reforms would achieve little without appropriate people-driven and people-centred political reforms. As has been established long ago, there is a direct correlation between economic and political reforms.   A bad and undemocratic political environment can undermine, damage and destroy a buoyant economy and vice versa.

This is equally in line with our realisation that our current political arrangement has some identified distortions, defects, and limitations that call for urgent, focused, and realistic attention, hence this initiative on political reform.
Our history as a nation shows very clearly that we have been through some difficult times. We have missed great opportunities. Our historical experience at constitution making and political reform shows that we may have some structural defects that require adjustment so as not to continue to constrain the deepening, widening and consolidation of democratic values and practices. Indeed, some of the contradictions and challenges bequeathed by the colonial administration have continued to pose problems for us to this day.

Our constitution making efforts must go down to the grassroots to deal with the issues of inclusion, popular participation, ownership, and legitimacy.
While we have managed to work with available instruments and institutions over the years, some of the imperfections in the system and the constrained legitimacy of the instruments have culminated in seeming alienation of some constituencies. These, over time, had led to coups and counter-coups, political manipulation, weak political parties, poor leadership, corruption and the inability of the state to meet the basic needs of the people. In the process we tried to adjust to the weaknesses of the system and equally adapted to doing without some of those fundamentals that really ought to drive the political process.
Almost as we were commencing this new democratic dispensation, there were deafening calls for a sovereign national conference essentially based on the agenda of avoiding the repeat performance of the events and experiences of the mid-1990s. For reasons that will be adduced, we rejected the call for a sovereign national conference. But we had remained open to constructive, positive and purposeful discourse on how to move our nation forward.

We adopted a strategy of widespread consultations on virtually every issue with strategic stakeholders as a way of obtaining inputs into our planning and policy implementation processes. However, we refused to be stampeded, until we believed that the time was ripe, our democratic dispensation was reasonably firm and stabilized, and the economy was on firm footing. We believed that it was unfair to the Nigerian people to confuse frustrations and agitations against the illiberal conducts of past regimes with the need for a reasoned, well-organised, rational, truly patriotic, and genuinely open discussion of the past, present and future of our dear country.

After almost six years of operating our constitution and working with existing government arrangements, we can identify some areas of weakness. We consider it opportune and timely to think and talk together to strengthen our structure, system and arrangement. It is time to confront these challenges with honesty, courage, commitment, realism, understanding and patriotic disposition for the good of the nation.
Some issues that have emerged include, but are not limited to, the challenge of constitutionalism and constitutional reform; the opportunity to bring all stakeholders together to discuss the preferred political path for the nation; the challenge of building new, accountable, responsive and focused leadership; and how to build, operate and sustain real political parties. Other issues are those of nationality, identity, freedoms and liberties, social justice, rights and obligations; electoral reforms that ensure credibility and respectability of elections; relations between tiers of government; performance of government and how to ensure truly democratic governance for all.  In all of these, the central challenge is still how to strengthen the social contract between the custodians of state power and the governed.

These are not theoretical issues to be exploited in political grandstanding. They are concrete issues that confront our nation and people and it is only appropriate that we seek the right time and moment to embark on a collective quest to reposition our nation politically for democracy, participation, positive leadership, and sustainable development. That time is now.
The Federal Government has no hidden agenda in this exercise. This effort is the product of widespread consultations with salient stakeholders including the leadership of the National Assembly and the National Council of State. We have paid attention to and insisted on integrity, track record, capacity and ability to articulate relevant issues. We are not at war with any constituency or interest group. Rather, we are laying bare, opportunities for all Nigerians to be part of a historic process of working for sustained democracy, positive change and enduring polity. This is even more important given our deep concern about the successor generation and the foundations that we lay today.

Of course, not all segments, constituencies and individuals will be or can be totally satisfied. This is normal. However, I call on all those who are yet to learn that the military era is over, that we must begin to see the Nigerian cup as half full rather than half empty and that the best way to express maturity, patriotism and relevance is not to stick to a culture of perpetual attacks, cynicism, aloofness, arrogance, ego-centricism and bad politics. Rather, it is more profitable to join the process, make contributions, educate the public positively, and stop the unhelpful culture of attempting to throw away the baby with the bathwater all the time.   Our country has grown far beyond these opportunistic grandstanding strategies that rely on ideologies, methods, language and ideas of the past that have been transcended all over the world. I want to urge all Nigerians to participate, contribute and to take full advantage of this opportunity to be part of reforming our political process. Let us learn to look up and look forward and to see the Nigerian cup as half full with boundless potentials as against seeing it as half-empty.
Representation has been organized in such a way as to ensure the participation and contribution of all communities and constituencies. In cases where representation has been by selection by specific constituencies, such selection must have considered the component parts of the State so that the “State Character” would have been adequately and fairly reflected. Other bodies have been picked on the basis of diverse interests and composition of the bodies.

Given that we have gone far away from the practices and realities of the Greek City States where participation involved everyone directly and at all times, representation, utilizing extant structures of political demarcation and delineation is the most feasible today. We have even gone beyond that to look at specific groups and interests in civil society and socio-cultural groups. We know that unless we call all Nigerians out to a conference, which is not possible, we may not be able to cater for everybody’s interest or for every group. But we believe that the composition of this conference as designed, should be representative enough and views and ideas can be made available for consideration to the conference by any individual or any group.
The selection of representatives from the Diaspora, women, the youth, and persons that are physically challenged has been done taking into account geographical representation and balances. The Conference is free to design non-time wasting ways of increasing the participation of other constituencies as well as access to its work provided its plan and timetable are not compromised. Our goal is to strengthen the oneness and unity of Nigeria on the basis of the most important asset to our nation - the people who are the subject and object of all our endeavours.

Fellow compatriots, we believe that the idea of representation at this conference solely by ethnic configuration is rather unrealistic, inequitable and unworkable. We do not need to and must not deny our ethnic origins because we do share more in common than we are often willing to admit. However, given that Nigeria has well over 350 ethnic or so-called nationality groups, how do we seriously balance the larger and smaller, even micro-ethnic groups?
What are the guarantees that by some unexpected alignment and realignment of interests the majority groups would not come together to preserve the status quo? What about those that do not wish to be represented on ethnic, but on other form of identification - class, identity, profession, trade, difference, and gender for instance?

It is my view that our country has gone beyond the antics and narrow interests of ethnic entrepreneurs. We have moved far away from those that do not want to face realities that most Nigerians may have a permanent address in their villages but survive on the basis of other identities at the places of work, business, leisure and other interaction and engagement. We should consolidate these positive webs and networks of solidarity, compassion, tolerance, inclusion, organization, mobilisation and collective dedication to the common good rather than reifying ethnicity in a nation and world that is changing rapidly.
Pluralism is the order of the day and globalisation, technology, modernization, and the politics of accommodation dictate that we must reject those ideas and arguments that seek to divide us and establish the interests of ethnic entrepreneurs as the sole interests of the people. I am not unaware of the demands of some Nigerians for a so-called sovereign national conference. The sovereignty of any nation rests with the people. The people of Nigeria, since 1999 have twice elected representatives and leaders at the Local, State, and Federal levels. Each State in the Federation is represented at the Federal level; the Nigerian State is not collapsing or exhausted, and our territorial and national integrity is fully intact and guaranteed. We must not confuse what took place in a few African States where state structures had collapsed completely, were thoroughly compromised or totally lacked legitimacy with what our people need here today. And, as we all know, the convening of a sovereign national conference did not ensure democracy in those countries that had it.

As far as Nigeria is concerned, since 1999, the people have not withdrawn the mandate and transfer of their God-given sovereign rights from their representatives that were duly elected. In this wise, let me state clearly, for the avoidance of doubt, what this conference is and what it is not. The purpose of this conference is to discuss and reach consensus on any aspect of governance arrangement for reinforcing the unity, cohesion, stability, security, progress, development and performance of the Nigerian Federation. The purpose is to enhance rather than diminish the present and the future for every Nigerian.
Some people have suggested that a self-determination clause should be included in our constitution. The idea, they canvass, is that such a clause will make all the component parts of Nigeria to work together to strengthen the unity and cohesion of the country. The clause may be invoked by any part that feels aggrieved even though such an action will still require the consent and agreement of other Nigerians through a referendum. I do not share this idea. I believe that this line of reasoning is emanating from the same idea of “if you want peace, prepare for war.” I have always believed that whatever you want is what you prepare for. It is best to avoid self-fulfilling prophecy in such a situation. It is best to always work for peace and harmony and love. What we want in Nigeria is unity, cohesion, equity, togetherness and collective commitment to our progress and to the Nigeria Project. We want to move forward, look forward, think about the past to help the present and the future and work for a stronger and more united
Nigeria. It is unhelpful to devote time and energy to unrealistic, even unpatriotic strategies for precipitating crises, conflicts, deadlock and disintegration. In a democracy, there must be checks and balances and there must be effective watchdogs. One issue we have to resolve is who watches the watchdog effectively, transparently with whistle
blowing at the levels of the legislature, executive, judiciary and the fourth estate of the realm. Whatever we want is what we shall work for and that is what God will grant us.  We want a united, stable, secure, equitable, progressive, prosperous and great country and we should all be irretrievably committed to it.

The National Political Reform Conference is NOT designed to dismember or disintegrate Nigeria.  It is not established to encourage mud slinging; not to organize protest or subterranean political activities that would be detrimental to effective discussions. Rather, the conference is about designing the most appropriate and relevant institutional mechanisms for managing our diversity and difference.  This conference is not about opposition politics but it is about Nigeria today and tomorrow, for Nigerians of today and of tomorrow. This conference is not a tribunal, a court or an arbitration panel.

The conference is not a substitute for the executive or the legislature. Rather, this is a democratic path to consider all that is necessary to assist the constitutionally established legitimate structures of government - the executive, judiciary and legislature - to grow, become more dynamic, more accountable and more capable of delivering service to the populace.

This conference is not established to pull down, but to build; it is a gathering to uplift, enhance and strengthen, nurture and cultivate the best, most enduring, most ideal and lasting values that are central to our national growth, development and progress. This conference is not an opportunity to insist on absolutes, one way or nothing. Rather, it is designed to consolidate, solidify, and give more life to how we conceive, organise, structure and practice politics in our country on the basis of enduring principles.

Let us not waste this opportunity in casting aspersions, raising diverting and distracting issues, engaging in meaningless and fruitless debates, trying to denigrate what has been done, playing to the gallery or trying to divide our people on grounds of many identities that we should actually cherish. Our diversity is part of our strength and our uniqueness.

Nigeria by any means is not a perfect assemblage of people, institutions or groups, but I believe that God does not make mistakes. God brought Nigeria into being and those of us that He put in this geographical territory will be going against what God has ordained if we do anything to diminish or erode what God has put together. The task of every Nigerian is to sustain what God has created by ensuring justice, equity, equal opportunity, participation and inclusion.   God is righteous, just, kind, loving, caring, compassionate and merciful. We, His children by common grace, must exhibit these attributes which are innate in us.

I have always talked about “Project Nigeria”; a project involves a plan, design, purpose, objective and an object that will satisfy those who conceive of the project in the first instance. Nigeria has become, and we must continue to make Nigeria a Project of beauty that will give all Nigerians joy forever. This is also why we have brought in representatives from all shades of opinions, ideas, ideologies, identities and perspectives that can contribute to the continuous and tireless making of this Project.

The Conference will have three months to carry out the exercise. The Background Paper that was prepared by the Committee on Background Paper for Political Reform chaired by the Governor of Kaduna State will be available. In addition to the Background Paper, the Conference will have at its disposal the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as we have practiced it up to this moment; the Report of the All Party Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Draft Amended Constitution emanating from it; the Draft Electoral Bill which was submitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) based on its own direct experience of running elections for two different terms at the three tiers of government; and the current socio-economic reform document, the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) and the Oputa Panel Report. The Committee is encouraged to engage in comparative studies without ignoring the realities and specificities as well as the historical experiences of Nigeria. It is my hope that the Conference will feel free to invite any individual or group that may or may not be represented at this conference but has submission or presentation to make. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let me advise that because of time constraint and because of our long experience in the Nigerian constitution making process as well as our keen understanding of the political processes, we consider that there may not be any need to look outward for what we already have at home. In other words, this is not the time to travel around the world. We have NGOs, researchers, academics and experts that can assist with information, ideas and materials. Most of the nations of the world have their constitutions on the Internet today and millions of useful documents can be easily accessed on the web.

Finally, Fellow Compatriots, I believe that certain
issues must by now be accepted as minimum issues that
must be regarded as given. These are issues that have
resulted from decades of political engagements and
contestations, dialogues, conflict and negotiation,
networking, and confrontation with the stark realities
that unite us as a people. These are issues that are
central to the oneness of Nigeria and that are core to
our stability, security, peace, growth and
developmental processes.

They include; the oneness of Nigeria; federalism and federal system of government; presidentialism; multi-religiosity; federal character; popular participation; the fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy; and Separation of Powers. The Conference is free to strengthen, update, and refine these in their recommendations; nothing should be done to undermine our national integrity and sovereignty or weaken our national cohesion. These areas constitute the bedrock of our unity, identity, and political praxis.

The Conference may choose to show unique foresight and be insightful about African unity, cooperation, integration and development as evinced in the African
Union and NEPAD.

As for the members of the Conference, I congratulate you all for being part of this great opportunity to serve the nation. All Nigerians, indeed the world, are watching you. Do not allow yourselves to be distracted
or exposed to conducts that would destroy your hard earned reputation and compromise the objectives ofthis initiative.

Do not allow your souls and thoughts to be contaminated by negative ideas and do not allow your honesty and integrity to be compromised by extraneous and inimical influences and temptations. Be steadfast, patriotic, hardworking and focused on your goals at all times.

The caliber of members of this Conference both by selection and nomination is very impressive going by age, experience and, hopefully maturity and wisdom. Understandably, some people have wondered as to why such caliber of persons have shown such keen interest in, and commitment to the Conference. Believing that most of you are desirous of making meaningful, constructive, purposeful, and integrative contributions to the continued unity, growth, development, and democratic desires of Nigeria without necessarily seeking elective office, I have no apprehension. I want to put my trust and faith in your ability to always think of Nigeria, remember our Creator always, and put the interest of all Nigerians above any other interest. In fact, I have commendation for this collection of men and women. If however, any one among you or some of you, particularly the elders is or are here to be obstructive, negative,
reactionary and counter-productive, you may by so doing put a very sad epitaph on your tombstone. It is my hope and prayer that this will not be the case.

I want to thank Almighty God for once again giving us this unique opportunity to work together for our collective future. I thank the Nigerian people for their continuing robust belief in the boundless possibilities and opportunities that abound in
Nigeria. I thank the friends of Nigeria who repose confidence in us and are ready to help us on our path. I thank you all for understanding that the decay and dislocation of the past require tough choices that will guarantee a stable, peaceful, harmonious and prosperous future for every Nigerian.   Let us work together, eschew bitterness, abandon opportunism, commit to fair play and equity; promote inclusion and tolerance and use this opportunity to bring out the best in us to consolidate our democracy, right the wrongs in our system and live together in peace, harmony and prosperity giving hope to every Nigerian.

I hope that at the end of this exercise, new friendships would have been fostered, enduring relationships manifested, and a renewed commitment to tolerance, inclusion, and Nigerian unity engendered to make our dear country stronger. I am proud of being a Nigerian and more so at this time in our history. I have one objective for Nigeria and I implore all
Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to join me in achieving that objective, and that is, to make our dear country the best in every endeavour and a shining example to the rest of the world. When God is with us, and we think, work, plan, and act together, no goal can be beyond our reach as a people.

Thank you and may God continue to bless Nigeria.