USA Africa Dialogue Series - Fw: Prof. Olukotun's Column

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From: Ibini Olaide <ibini_olaide@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, 12 January 2017 10:17 To: ayo_olukotun@yahoo.com Reply To: ibini_olaide@yahoo.com Subject: Fw: Prof. Olukotun's Column

       PASTOR BAKARE'S PROPOSALS FOR REINVENTING NIGERIA

"However, (Buhari) is yet to demonstrate the audacity and courage required to address the foundations of the Nigerian problem (by undertaking) the restructuring of the nation ---Tunde Bakare 08/01/2017"

Critics of Christianity, and organized religion in Nigeria often zero in, on the absence of a social gospel that connects with the material and lived realities of the poor majority in the first place, and the lack of an intellectual base for probing the borderland between faith and reason, in the second.

This is not the forum, obviously, for carrying forward the debates provoked by these criticisms. We can note in passing, however that Pastor Tunde Bakare, General Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Lagos and Founder of the Save Nigeria Group offers a model of activist Christianity that transcends the, 'pie in the sky' version, which sees political and social engagements as costly distractions to the pilgrim's journey to a heavenly home.

Of course, not everyone agrees with his politics or with the views expressed in his Annual State of the Nation Address, the latest edition of which was delivered last Sunday, and is still making the rounds in the media. Very few, however, will fault his passion for a reformed and functioning nation state, capable of fulfilling the aspirations of most Nigerians. So,for those who accuse him of being excessively Pro-President Muhammadu Buhari, he can justifiably point to valid criticisms made in this recent address of the pace, style and superficial nature of the administration's interventions, in particular, its conspicous failure to come to terms with the need to redesign Nigeria through restructuring. Indeed it can be argued that it is on the issue of politically reinventing the nation through one form of conference or another that Bakare is most articulate. On this score, he convincingly demonstrates how the current over centralised Federation, as well as its artificial division into the 36states perpetuate blatant inefficiencies that continue to rob the nation of its projected developmental status.

Going down memory lane, he recalls that the nation's Founding Fathers settled for 'a true federal state with limited and specific powers allowed to the federal government'.That arrangement, which was in force during the First Republic was the foundational contract upon which the Nigerian nation was designed. That social contract, as Bakare called it, died however when the late General Aguyi Ironsi, First Military Head of State, proclaimed a unification decree which abolished the nation's federating units in favour of an ominipotent centre. Successive attempts to restore the autonomy of the constituent formations which comprise Nigeria have so far fallen short of the vision of the Founding Fathers. 

There are, of course, raging debates as to what should constitute the subnational tiers of government in the event of abolishing the current 36states structure. Bakare who was a member of the 2014 National Conference proposes the adoption of 6 geopolitical zones. Similar views have been voiced by some elder statesmen such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth. To be sure, there are rough edges and untidy corners around the issue of how best to constitute the federating units.

What is important is to bring Nigerians once more to the negotiating table so that Nigeria can be restructured in order for it to function optimally. Thus far, Buhari has been lukewarm if not totally indifferent to agitations for reconfiguring the nation and revalidating our tottering federalism. It remains to be seen whether this recent trenchant advocacy of that point of view by a political associate and influential voice in the civil society will swing his opinion. If action is to be taken, on the issue, it should presumably commence this year, considering that as Bakare reminds us, in a few months from now, the administration will be half way through its tenure. 

One other issue, of topical importance discussed in the address concerns the anti corruption war which Buhari has commendably, made a high point of his policy and political foci. The clergy man's view is that more needs to be done to make the war a smashing success. Drawing examples from the Singaporean model of travelling from one of the world's most corrupt nations to one of the least corrupt, he pointed out that Singapore's late visionary leader Lee Kuan Yew was 'completely incorruptible and chose people who were incorruptible.If we are fighting corruption, let us remove the kid gloves'.

This appears to be Bakare's way of expressing dissatisfaction with what would appear to be the half hearted, partial and sometimes dilatory nature of the anti corruption war. Without excusing the blemishes of the government, it is important to note that a reformist project must take account of political ground forces and the balance of political power which have bearing on the outcome of the project. Singapore in the course of its ascent from third world to the first world, was largely an authoritarian society and remains so in several respects. It is to this extent therefore, a different kettle of fish from democratic Nigerian, where ethnic and sub ethnic loyalties remain rife and assertive. The tactics of an anti corruption crusade, are necessarily determined by context, situational exigencies and the need to frame consensus. To give an example, the controversy which trailed and continues to trail the invasion by the Department of State Security of the residence of judges reminds us of the ambivalences of deploying certain kinds of methods, even when the objectives are agreed upon. In other words, you cannot both eat your cake and have it. Hence, while Bakare's proposed full scale war on corruption is desirable, it is doubtful whether it can be carried out successfully in the circumstances of a fragile nation state, a conspicously consumptive political elite,a value system that glorifies material acquisition, however obtained, ruinous economic recession, and political parties which are little more than congregations of politicians temporarily bound by the need to gain power and share positions. What is important, in the view of this columnist, is to set a longterm agenda after we have first exploded the myth that a systemic problem such as corruption, can be cured in two or three years. If it took three or more decades for Singapore to shed off its nauseating toga of pervasive corruption, Nigeria can not be expected to do it within the space of a few years.

That said, Buhari should set clear benchmarks for measuring success, institutionalize the reform, and groom successors who will carry on the struggle after his exit from office. 

It is pertinent that Bakare does not mince words with respect to the hardship that Nigerians have gone through and continue to endure as a result of the economic slump. He conveys the hint of mismanagement by referring to such policies as multiple exchange rates of dollar to the naira, a forbiddingly high interest rate which discourages manufacturers and investors, as well as a soar away inflation rate. He therefore, calls for urgent redress of these flash points. Overall, the address conveys graphically, the mood of a nation in distress and going through dire straits. Government will do well by thoughtfully considering his proposals for rejuvenation.