[Op_Ed] Rethinking Nigeria’s Future: A Call for Unity and Governance Reform

The deafening silence that greeted our warnings about the consequences of re-electing the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections mirrored the depths of Nigeria’s societal divisions. In a nation rich with multicultural diversity, the failure to grasp the inherent strength in our differences remains a poignant reality.

During the 2023 elections, the APC resorted to divisive tactics, exploiting religious and cultural fault lines to secure power. This manipulation not only underscored the party’s desperation but also underscored a lack of vision for inclusive governance.

From 2015 to 2023, Nigeria witnessed a stark regression across all key indicators, from economic growth to security, with the ruling party failing to address any of the nation’s pressing challenges.

It is disheartening that, amidst the fervor of choosing new leadership, fundamental considerations are often overlooked. How could a nation knowingly reinstate failure? Despite eight years of lackluster governance, the APC’s return to power exemplifies a failure of collective memory and foresight.

The persistence of religious and thought leaders in endorsing a regime that perpetuates widespread poverty highlights a systemic failure in our societal ethos. A revolution of our thought processes is imperative, urging Nigerians to prioritize critical analysis over blind allegiance.

Embedded within our societal fabric is a pernicious tribal and religious chasm, perpetuated by politically motivated propaganda. Yet, true progress necessitates a collective embrace of unity, transcending divisive rhetoric.

Amidst the prevailing adversities, baseless tribal and religious arguments only serve to deepen societal schisms. To chart a path forward, we must transcend these divisions and embrace a unified national identity.

While acknowledging the reinstatement of failure under the APC, unity remains our beacon amid the storm. Our diversity, if harnessed effectively, promises immense benefits in decision-making, creativity, and community development.

Efforts to further divide us are intensifying, especially on social media. Recent calls for a shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system, warrant serious consideration. The inherent flaws of the presidential system, exemplified by its inefficiency and lack of accountability, underscore the need for reform.

A parliamentary system, tailored to Nigeria’s diverse landscape, offers a viable alternative. Drawing inspiration from past successes, such as the era of Sir Tafawa Balewa, a parliamentary framework ensures enhanced governance through transparency and accountability.

Unlike the current presidential system, wherein power is concentrated in the hands of one individual, a parliamentary model distributes authority, fostering a culture of oversight and collaboration. The ability of parliamentarians to hold the Prime Minister accountable reflects a democratic ideal sorely lacking in the current system.

Nigeria’s democracy, rather than a mere emulation of foreign models, should be uniquely tailored to our socio-cultural context. The inherent diversity of our nation renders a centralized leadership model untenable, necessitating a shift towards inclusive governance.

In pursuit of national progress, the overhaul of our governance structure is paramount. The presidential system’s detrimental impact on local government authorities and the judiciary underscores the urgency of reform.

As we navigate the complexities of our nation’s future, unity and governance reform stand as linchpins of progress. By embracing our diversity and reimagining our governance framework, we can forge a path towards a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.

Sincerely,

Farid Abdulrazzaq Salman Esq