2022 Appropriation Bill : How I see It.
One on One with Pat Utomi
Dr. Boniface Chizea
Usually I switch off the television after the Channels 10 pm News every day preparatory to hit the bed. But yesterday night March 8, 2022 as I was about to do so immediately I heard the announcement that Professor Pat Utomi was going to be interviewed on the Channels TV One on One program. That of course meant that automatically I would have to watch the program as I suspect that it is common knowledge that Pat and I have come a long way. In fact as a matter of fact we shared intellectual platforms at various fora in our youthful years. I knew what to expect and was glad I made that sacrifice.
To those who still trace our lack of development to the manipulations and intrigues of colonial overlords upon the granting of flag independence, it was reassuring listening to Pat elucidate that our founding fathers at independence were passionate about developing their regions. And they in fact competed amongst themselves.
He explained that not long after the Western Region established the first TV in Africa in 1959, the South East Region followed closely behind with its own TV station which it referred to as the second TV network in Africa. It is instructive to note that all these were happening before some European countries such as Belgium had theirs! Can you imagine that!!
These remarkable developments were followed with the setting up of industrial estates at Ikeja and Ibadan which was followed immediately in the spirit of commendable competition that prevailed then with the industrial estates at Port Harcourt and Aba. Similarly such competitive development strides were witnessed in other regions including the North under the revered Sir Ahmadu Bello. Therefore the records evidence the fact that our leaders who won independence for us were really driven and consumed by a passion for services and a sense of legacy.
We would never stop bemoaning the set back to our development objectives which the unfortunate incursion of the military in governance in 1966 represented. It is a matter for the records that the military up turned the Federation we practised at independence to a unitary arrangement particularly from the perspectives of Revenue allocation.
This development removed the budding beneficial competitive spirit to replace it with that of contestations by the region on which would get the larger share of a now progressively shrinking pie! This is when the proverbial rain started to fall on our heads. And explains why there is the on-going clamour for the restructuring of the Federation.
After the military was sacked through the dogged protests and resistance by Civil society groups, unfortunately the civilians that succeeded the military were simply military apologists who were there to continue the looting spree instead of a passion for service. Therefore politics of prebendalism continued with focus on self-aggrandisement instead a passion for service to improve on the quality of life of a generality of the population. Therefore little wonder at the pervasive lack of growth and development which confronts the country.
The discussion veered towards the electoral process with the 1993 Elections conducted by Humphrey Nwosu adjudged the best elections in Nigerian’s history. In the same vein the 1997 elections were adjudged the worst ever. The consensus is that under the current dispensation we appear to be making some progress particularly with the signing into law by Mr. President the recent Act. Electronic transmission of results was highlighted for commendation. Pat suggested that it should be possible ultimately for anyone with a handset to vote during elections so that the mandate politicians receive would be popular mandates. What should be clear to all stakeholders is that the time has come to leverage robustly on technology to sharpen the saw.
Pat views were sought on the evolving third force. He dismissed that characterisation “Third Force.” as the two parties we have today are hardly distinguishable as they don’t have unique ideology and values which explains why cross carpeting from one party to the other does not pose any difficulties.
He believes that there is still time to organize for impact by a third party before the 2023 Elections. On what role he anticipates to play, he said he is prepared to serve in any capacity referring to how he tried to go for the gubernatorial elections at Delta State and how he was short changed in the process by individuals lacking in character.
On the recent raw deal which the women folk received when all women related issues during the Constitution amendment were declined, Pat like most of us felt revulsion at the development. And recommended that what to do is for women to mobilise, target individual law makers for reprisals during the forthcoming 2023 elections. We are at one with Pat as you don’t clap with one hand. We cannot discount the female folk that constitute over half of the population and not continue to suffer negative consequences. What is more, on balance women folk on average come with better values. But at a personal level, I have issues with affirmative action that is included in the Constitution. What if at some location, at some point in time you don’t have what has been set aside? I honestly believe that this aspect of the recommendation should preferably come under moral suasion.
He commended civil society organisations for now waking from slumber as they are currently being impactful with their advocacy and recommended that they stay the course to checkmate impunity and keep those in governance on their toes. Well I was glad to have made the sacrifice. Pat has a lot to offer. This nation stands to gain if it could find a way to engage his vast knowledge and beneficial experience. Shalom.
Dr. Boniface Chizea, a top-notch economic and business development consultant writes from Lagos, Nigeria
