State Of Origin - Let the non indigenes leave!!

We often find ourselves invoking our various 'gods' when we hit the 'rough' or a trough (in our lives) for that matter. The monotheists' god or our ancestral god (which many are privately more innately sympathetic to) is cupidiously summoned to often save us from our quagmire and sometimes to bear witness to an impending situation and stop it! It is equally in the same spirit that we often seek the ‘ethnonationalism‘ flag to rally around when we feel our countryman or tribesman is victimised (even though it by no means places us on any moral plateau of a brother’s keeper).  That flag becomes our ‘deity’ even if for that period of sub nationalism.

The last few weeks has ignited another such wave of sub nationalism spasm in the wake of the Igbo ‘deportees’ to the welcome-gate of Anambra state this past week. This episode brings to the fore the definition of the rustic debate on STATE OF ORIGIN and is giving vent to suspicion, conspiracy and political speculations. Why? The simplest reason is that we have created a hibernating monster in the name of 'state of origin' which is a very grey area in our constitution. Depending on who steers it up, where it is steered up and who it steers up; it can easily take a different twist.

But it is relevant to mention that more than a thousand Nigerians have been 'relocated' in similar fashion in the last year or so. All major ethnic groups in Nigeria have been affected from this Lagos action (including some western states). It is also not entirely a Lagos government only model-other states have partaken in this suspicious action. 

Some law makers have publically supported an amendment on the 'state of Origin' clause to 'the state of residence' but there has been no sufficient political impetus to effect the change at the moment. It has indeed outlived its usefulness and its part in the quota system era that we find ourselves in. State of origin has clearly yielded more moral schisms (enabled by corruption which is often the vector with which it thrives) and the unspoken national cake syndrome. Without a doubt 'STATE OF RESIDENCE’ is a pragmatic choice requiring only clearer legislative tweaking to manage its limitations and provisions.

The constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria states (not verbatim but basically) thus:

"We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Having firmly and solemnly resolve, to live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation under 'god', ...............  promoting the good government and welfare of all persons in our country, on the principles of 'FREEDOM', EQUALITY and JUSTICE, and for the purpose of CONSOLIDATING the UNITY of OUR people. Do hereby make, enact and give to ourselves the following Constitution:-

.......And According to chapter 2 of the constitution; that suitable and adequate shelter, suitable and adequate food, reasonable national minimum living wage, old age care and pensions, employment, sick benefits and welfare of the disabled are provided for all citizens.

This dissembles the position of 'relocation or deportation' of citizens and clearly underscores the responsibility of state (federal or regional government) to the citizens. Simply put government has the responsibility to provide liveable shelter, ensure sustenance and minimum living wage for its citizen’s...... period! The reality or possibility is obviously unrealistic at this time for many reasons; but surely deportation is not one of the options.

The consequences of nationalism or in this case sub nationalism is maybe blind vindictiveness, amoral reprisals, reckless and divisive rhetoric; one capable of derailing our burgeoning democracy. Sub nationalism fosters tribal (even religious sentiments) and has no place in any policy for long term development let alone stability. It will not permit us to maximize the potential of our individual diversity as a people for collective gain- it is retrogressive and destructive.

Our current constitution is a hybrid of the colonial effort and military regimes and in many areas (such as this), is in dire need of an 'upgrade'.

....IF THE LAW IS INCONSISTENT TO THE PROVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION, THIS CONSTITUTION SHALL PREVAIL AND THE OTHER LAW VOIDED TO THE EXTENT OF THE INCONSISTENCY...

Ironically, it is constitutional to protect the right of the citizen- as contained in chapter IV of the constitution. But for some surreptitious reason, it falls short of that capacity and that must be clarified.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria