Enugu Sports Club (since 1929) – In a poignant speech at the 2023 Annual Independence Lecture of Agbaja Professors Worldwide, Prof Bart Nnaji, Founder and Chairman of Geometric Power group, shed light on the grave consequences of sectional domination and marginalisation in Nigeria. The speech underscored the perceived sectional regime that governed Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, where a vast majority of intelligence, security, and military appointments were granted to individuals from one region of the country. The disparities were particularly felt by the Igbo-speaking population of the Southeast geopolitical zone.
Nnaji highlighted the absence of any representation from the Southeast at the National Security Council meetings throughout the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. This exclusionary approach raised concerns among Nigerians, who expected their leaders to transcend regional biases and embrace a statesmanlike responsibility. However, President Buhari’s statement during a visit to the United States, where he acknowledged prioritizing regions that had overwhelmingly supported him at the polls, fueled further discontent.
The speech emphasized that every Nigerian president is expected to view their role as being in service to the entire nation, beyond regional affiliations. While the parliamentary system was advocated by prominent leaders like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the presidential system prevailed. The choice was driven by the desire for a system that would compel the president to consider the entire nation as their primary constituency. President Buhari’s policies and actions, however, diverged from this principle, leading to claims of sectionalism and particularism.
Expanding on the consequences of such leadership styles, Nnaji pointed to countries like Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, the Fiji Islands, and Papua New Guinea, collectively known as Melanesia. In these nations, tribal conflicts, lack of unity, and absence of shared vision have hindered peace, stability, and economic development. Poverty, unemployment, ignorance, illiteracy, and crime prevail, making it evident why practicing particularism proves detrimental to a diverse nation like Nigeria.
The speech concluded with a call for a more inclusive and equitable approach to governance, one that upholds the principles enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. By embracing a leadership style that recognizes the entirety of the nation as a primary constituency, Nigeria can foster unity, peace, stability, and economic progress, thus creating a brighter future for all its citizens.
In his thought-provoking speech, Prof Bart Nnaji addressed the deep-rooted issues of polarization and exclusion in Nigeria, particularly along ethnic, religious, and regional lines. He highlighted the economic consequences of this division, with the economy in decline and the nation burdened with a significant external debt. Prof Nnaji called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize inclusivity and seek the best individuals regardless of their affiliations.
Furthermore, he urged the people of Enugu State to reflect on their own shortcomings in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their community. He emphasized the need for unity and introspection to overcome division and foster development.
In concluding his speech, Prof Nnaji emphasized the importance of embracing the philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion on a national level. He also called for a national dialogue on the need for fundamental constitutional changes, including a reevaluation of the presidential system of government.
With the right reforms and a commitment to inclusivity, Nigeria has the potential to overcome its challenges and achieve reconciliation, peace, and progress. It is crucial for all Nigerians to actively contribute to this transformation and work towards a brighter future.