A NATION OR JUST A LOCATION OF DWELLERS

One of the most significant and critical duties of a responsible government is the provision of adequate security of its citizens. "The purpose of governance, its raison d'etre, is first and foremost security of the lives and property of citizens" -Tunde Ayeni. The story in Nigeria takes different turn as security functions becomes the duties of families, homes and individuals themselves.
"Where does a progressive government begin?  What practical actions must it take to procure for the people the goods of security, freedom, equal opportunity and happiness? If security is a first item in the contract between the governed and the government, how does the latter deliver on its side of the deal? - (Lessons in Leadership and Legacy) - Obafemi Awolowo.

Regarding the theory postulated by John Locke in the early 20th century, Social Contract Theory which provides that a state came into existence by the agreement of the society to go as one, giving no regard to their indifference but instead embrace the spirit of unity. This theory provides that the approval of the people by having a leader is to adequately provide some functions, which security takes a significant part of it. Was Nigeria founded on a social contract agreement? Was it by their consent they were merged? The truth that has been observed is that while we have it in our power to make progress in the matter of the security of lives and properties of the citizens, we chose to retrogress. The preamble of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria tend to give us the idea of a oneness-confession, but it has failed to become practicable. Unity works when the parties involved agree. Can two work together except they agree?
Several questions have been raised by Nigerians on the 1914 Amalgamation (Marriage of strange partners). Many scholars in are of the position that the British left us with a crippled form of governance giving us the belief that we can be quickly melted to become a real nation-state. A look at the 1966 civil war would provide a clear picture of this. The Igbo felt marginalized, the Hausas were given the notion of ruling Nigeria till the end of time, and the Yorubas(despite being the most educated) is perceived to follow whoever takes the mantle. In a way we fail to realize and accept our diversities rather we long on the hope of a unitary nature which tells us we can be melted too, no wonder Sage Obafemi Awolowo never rested in clamoring for a genuine federal system till he rested.

The gruesome killings by the Fulani herdsmen have become a significant huddle needed to be crossed by the present administration, at least every administration faced its own, for instance, Niger Delta militants and the uprising of Boko Haram faced by the immediate past government of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Though, to some northerners, these cattle herders are not killers they are only seen as defending themselves against thieves. The question you first ask is, where does a cattle-herder get an AK 47 riffle, as admitted by the president, Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to Jos, Plateau state, to meet with stakeholders alongside the Governor of the State, Simon Lalong? In times past, cattle-herders are known to be carrying about the rod (sanda) to direct their flocks, not ammunition.
The very recent killing of over 200 civilians by these same herdsmen is becoming one of their significant attacks since their act of terror surfaced in Nigeria about two years ago. They move from house to house to slaughter people like goats. Interestingly, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) came out to declare it to be in retaliation for the loss of their 300 and killing of 200 cows. You ask again when did a life of a cow substitute for the precious life a human being?
I would say one of the significant problems this country has suffered has been a faulty system of governance at the verge of collapsing. There is an urgent need for a drastic federal restructuring needs to be done, even though this cry is not strange in the ears of our political class, that is we need first to realize and accept our differences.
Regionalism as a form of government needs to be adopted by a more critical consideration; central governance abolished. It is not working. And at least we now have a taste of two capital matrimonial homes. The declaration of 1966 Unification Decree, 34 by the then military president, General J.T.F Aguiyi Ironsi (which of course not the first attempt to unify the nation Nigeria) led to an unforgettable crisis in the country, such that cannot be quickly erased in the hearts and memories of the living witness.

Conclusively, ethnic rivalry becomes a permanent mountain in Nigeria if our political elite and actors fail to see to the structure of this country not just on paper but being pragmatic enough to make it a reality. An end should be put favoritism and nepotism which stood as the first accusations laid on the Buhari administration in his early days in office.
 However, President Buhari recently became aggrieved by the accusations of some Nigerians who had blamed him for the killings in Plateau state, when they claimed these herdsmen are his people and that nothing would be done to stop their killings. (Just as reported earlier in one of the Nigerian Dailies).
I chuckle as I ask, is Nigeria indeed a nation or just a location where people reside?


Odidere18