NIGERIA'S SENATE SLASHES KEY FUNDING

Although Nigeria's Senators blatantly violated their Constitutional obligation to 'sit' for at least 181 days last year, they are working overtime to ensure that their presence is felt in 2009. On July 1st, the Senate cut N6.2 billion in budgetary allocations for education and healthcare spending in the capital city of Abuja also known as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). That money was instead funneled to finance the N25 billion Abuja Road project. N250 million was also slashed from a N350 allocation  in the FCT budget to buy "horses and stables" of the FCT for the road construction project. While it is understandable that Nigeria faces a budgetary deficit, and has been racking up more international debt, some of the Senate's budgetary changes are questionable.

THE MAN (MEN) RESIDENTS OF ABUJA HAVE TO THANK
This initiative to fund the Abuja Road project stemmed from the actions of Senator Iyiola Omisore. He defended his actions by stating that the budget cuts "would reduce the existing pressure on the existing facilities in the main city."[sic] Omisore is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He represents Osun State and is a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). According to his personal page at the National Assembly's website, his "legislative interests", (and we can only assume that these issues were the one's upon which he campaigned upon and pledged to his constituents that he would work on), include "Legislation on poverty alleviation, poverty supply welfare issues." If there is any truth to the Senator's publicly asserted commitment, then, the question to be asked is exactly how does cutting spending in education and healthcare achieve his stated goal of "poverty alleviation"? It must however be noted that President Yar'Adua also plays a role in this mystery because his office initially requested that N4.18 billion be cut from the FCT's education budget and that N2.1 billion be cut from the health budget to satisfy the funding needs of the two major road projects that constitute the Abuja Road project.

 

Senator Iyiola Omisore,
Distinguished Senator of the 6th Assembly (2007 -2011) 

Some Senators criticized the cuts. These criticisms came from all political parties including that of Omisore, the PDP. Senator Ahmad Lawan (ANPP) said,

"We cannot wait until 2010 before we treat our citizens and we cannot afford to keep our children or wards illiterate and that they should not go to school until 2010..."

MY THOUGHTS
During tough economic times, it is understandable that funding for very important initiatives will be cut. That is the reality of a global economic slowdown and Nigeria is like any other country that must tighten its belt. However, one cannot ignore the fact that if certain initiatives had not received as much funding in the first time, there just might be more money for the the things that matter the most. The funding for horses and stables at this time seems trivial in comparison to the need for educational and health funding in Abuja. It is understandable that horses are a crucial aspect of northern and therefore Nigerian culture that should be preserved, but what is unclear is whether that is something the federal government and not private investors should back with millions of Naira.

Additionally, Abuja is a city adjusting to its growing popularity and population. As such, roads and other transport-related infrastructure must be maintained and improved upon. Despite this, should education and health be secondary to transportation issues? Considering that quantifiable benefits in education and health are crucial for the President's promised Vision 2020 plans, it is preposterous that the same President who preaches not just Vision 2020 but advocates re-branding would demand a cut in spending for education and healthcare. Particularly if little to no mention was made about alternative sources of support for education and healthcare in Abuja. Add to that, the fact that the individual who presented these cuts in the Senate has publicly committed himself to "poverty alleviation". The unfortunate irony of all this is that the people for whom this money for education and health could have benefited may never even know of these developments as a consequence of their socio-economic position. Something that could have been aided by the money that will now go  towards building better roads for all the shiny new cars that many Abuja residents are fortunate to own.

It is no secret that education and health care are key to creating an environment where entrepreneurs can do their part to create employment and other tools necessary for a progressive Abuja and indeed, a progressive nation. Even though the cuts are only from the 2009 FCT budget, it is quite possible that the ramifications of this action will be felt for years. Nigeria cannot afford to not educate its citizens, especially because Nigerians need the educational tools to continue to compete in the global economy. At present they are facing a challenge, what with Nigerian school teachers regularly on strike, educational institutions churning out graduates that are considered ill prepared for the work force and schools apparently churning out more 'prostitutes' than employed graduates. Without the necessary funding and support, how will these Nigerians be able to create and sustain a better Nigeria?

Not to mention that road projects tend to be inefficient, with cost rising quicker than one can anticipate. As such, did it really make sense to take money from education and health care to fund a road project? Could money not have been taken from the various "allowances" afforded the Distinguished Members of the National Assembly? Or, from their still exorbitant salaries?

Cutting funding in the FCT's 2009 budget for education and healthcare seems to make little sense considering the challenges all areas of Nigeria face during these tough economic times. There is still time to announce an alternative source of funding for these initiatives in the near future. Hopefully, some balance can be found between paying for Nigeria's very needed infrastructure and essentials like education and funding that the nation's future will desperately depend upon.

Related Articles of Interest:

- Yar'Adua and the Pay Cut Issue
- How To Become A Millionaire

- Should Yar'Adua Get A Pay Raise?
- Look To The Ivory Coast For Inspiration
- Getting The Senate We Paid For
- Getting The House Of Representatives We Paid For

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NIGERIA'S PDP ACCUSES OBAMA?

The Nigerian president's political party, the People's Democractic Party (PDP), has publicly accused the Obama administration of seeking to destabilize Yar'Adua's rule. According to the PDP, the US Embassy plans to meet with pro-democracy groups and that those groups will seek to convince Obama that Yar'Adua's presidency is "illegitimate". The party warned the United States not to,

"promote the evil plans of these unpatriotic politicians against a democratically elected government as such would raise questions about its respect for the sovereignty of other countries and the international doctrine of non-interference in the internal affairs of other sovereign nations."

This is not the first time that the PDP has slung accusations at political opponents, as was the case in 2008 when they accused other political parties of treason. Such reckless and unsupported talk from the PDP weakens the quest for peaceful democracy in Nigeria and places in question their commitment to working for the people and not their personal needs. Furthermore, such accusations could create an unnecessary international tension between the Nigerian and American governments. Additionally, the language in this accusation is very reminiscent of the Abacha years, when the dictator also made brash statements demanding non-interference in the nation's affairs.

This incident also reflects what is becoming a recurring refrain, that President Yar'Adua is weak. Clearly, his inability to prevent his political party from making such statements against an ally only reinforces the perception of ineptitude. And, that further calls into question any and all decisions or indecisions, attributed to his administration in its 2 years of power. For the sake of the Office of the President and in fact, Nigeria's diplomatic relations, it will be crucial to limit the PDP's public and international microphone. The PDP and Yar'Adua must not forget that Nigeria is the United State's largest trading partner in sub-saharan Africa, and the U.S. is home to a growing number of Nigerians in the diaspora. The U.S. is also the largest foreign investor in the country. In these unsure economic times, Nigeria's leaders should be cautious when they bite those from whom they make a lot of their side money.

There is no need for the PDP or any political party to sling mud at anyone. The only thing necessary is for those elected by the people to work for the people instead of failing to show up to work as required (the Senate), or failing to pass more than 8 bills in one legislative session (the House of Representatives).  Individual Nigerians are going above and beyond to achieve incredible things, and they deserve 'leaders' that do not stand in the way of their progress with such remarks.

Related Articles of Interest:

- Nigeria's Obama Expectations

- Is An 'Obama' Possible in Nigeria?

- Obama, Nigeria and 'Africans For Obama'

- In Search Of Democracy: Obama, Kenya & Nigeria

- Barack Obama & Kenya

- Barack Obama & America: Who Needs Who More (written by guest writer, Dr. Joseph Okpaku, Sr.)

- Congratulations to Barack Obama

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NIGERIA'S GENERATIONAL DIVIDE & REUBEN ABATI

Reuben Abati recently criticized younger Nigerians for their shortening of the nation's name from Nigeria, to Naija or Nija, calling it an illustration of a national identity crisis amongst younger generations. While one can understand the discomfort certain more mature segments of Nigerian society might have with regard to this reality, the fact that younger Nigerians are changing Nigeria, its norms and indeed the very name of the nation is not necessarily something to demonize. The time should be taken to understand this change, as it might not be as negative as some believe. Hence, people like Abati should reconsider their views and realize that this transformation in the name younger Nigerians use to refer to their country is actually a good thing that can be beneficial over the long run. The generational divide doesn not have to be wide.

THE NAME 'NIGERIA'
For all intents and purposes, Nigeria is an artificial construct. It is a nation consisting of over 250 different tribal groups. Like in many other African countries, various tribal groups were pitted against each other by European colonialists in an effort to 'divide and conquer'. This manipulation created tribal tensions and suspicions that still exist on some level and affect many national decisions. Presently, Nigeria has a population of approximately 140 million, with thousands, if not millions living abroad. The main religious practices are Islam, Christianity and traditional beliefs wherein ancestral beings and deities are worshiped. The name comes from one of two crucial rivers that flows through the country, the River Niger.

At one point, a large section of what is now considered Nigeria was nothing more than a money producing zone for European corporate interests called the "Royal Niger Company Territory". The name, 'Nigeria' was picked to replace "Royal Niger Company Territory" on the suggestion of Flora Shaw, in an effort to brand the location and make it immediately identifiable and separate from other neighboring European colonies. Although the peoples and land mass that makes up Nigeria today is a nation like any other, working to overcome deficiencies and celebrating its successes, Nigeria's origins had little to do with nationhood but economic interests.

NIGERIA BY WHATEVER NAME
In this day and age, Nigerians young and old (yes, older Nigerians use the term as well), have taken to referring to Nigeria as Naija or Nija. Whatever the reason for this shortening of the national name, it appears that this has upset Abati. In his article, "A Nation's Identity Crisis", he asserts that young Nigerians are losing touch with what it means to be Nigerian. He analyzes many pop artists and their products, concluding that they "try to imitate Western hip pop stars". (This writer must confess that she believes that conclusion is the case for many Nigerian artists, but that is a discussion for another day and well respected crooner Banky W. provided a more than adequate response). He goes on to criticize the 'remixing' of the nation's national anthem, the singing of which, he believes should be "solemn" and "rendered in an unchanging format" not transformed into dance music. (Again, this writer agrees that the rendition of any nation's anthem should be treated with respect and reverence, but can't help but wonder what Abati thinks of the joyous religious-athletic stylings of Brother Franklin at a Nigerian church in Texas).

What Abati neglects to consider is that the penetration of "Naija" into the country's lexicon is an expression of national pride that should not be belittled or berated, but acknowledged and capitalized upon. When most Nigerians use the term "Naija" it reflects patriotism not a mere bastardization of 'Nigeria' or the shenanigans of the silly, to-be-looked-down-upon Nigerian youth as some, like Abati, would like to believe. It is a term which brings young Nigerians together, regardless of tribe, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and social hierarchy. That is exactly why brands like Etisalat have tapped into it - because it creates a common, easily identifiable thread that runs through the fabric of what is Nigeria. Or 'Naija' if you prefer to refer to it as such.

OWNERSHIP OF A NATION
Young Nigerians should be encouraged to take ownership of their country, not discouraged. The term "Naija" can be seen as example of such ownership. Considering that the term "Nigeria" was created by a British woman, who despite her many accomplishments probably never would have been an individual Nigerians of the past, present or future could identify with, begs the question why Nigerians have not decided to actually name their own country almost 50 years post independence. It appears that since the political elite and older generations of Nigerians have chosen to not do this, younger Nigerians have forced the issue and thus, created an unease in a country where the young are expected to not express their ideas, and be subject and unquestioning, out of respect, to their elders. However, the use of "Naija" as a symbol of national ownership amongst the youth should not be considered as a threat, but rather an opportunity to further include the young in the civic framework of the nation and empower them in preparation for when they will be in positions of national responsibility and leadership. That way, they might not repeat the many crippling and self-defeating mistakes of some of those who have come before them. While on the topic of national ownership, this writer advocates a review of the national flag. While the significance of the green-white-green motif is understandable, it could do with a face-lift.

The term "Naija" is not an attempt by young Nigerians to turn their back on the incredible culture and history of the nation. It is a celebration of what is, was and will be Nigeria as seen by the eyes of the very people upon whom the nation's future depends - the younger generation. For Abati and others to dismiss this expression of national ownerhsip as disrespectful is naive and in fact, dangerous for Nigeria. That is because Nigeria need to truly incorporate the young into the civic fabric needed to achieve the yet to be accomplished dreams that Abati's and the generation before him had for Nigeria. Young Nigerians, like Abati said, are indeed "a generation in a hurry". They are in a hurry to satisfy the expectations of their fore-mothers and fore-fathers that lie heavy on their shoulders. Expectations they cannot and will not ignore. Rather than demonize them for finding a way to balance expectations, national ownership and pride in a way that is comfortable and familiar to them, Nigeria should pay closer attention and work collectively, instead of creating unnecessary divisions, to create the nation all citizens dream of.


Related Articles of Interest:
- Much Ado Over A Nickname
- I think Nigeria Needs A Revolution
- The Nigerian Psyche
- Persistent Psychological Paralysis
- The Significance of Persistent Psychological Paralysis


Other reactions to the Reuben Abati article:

1. Much Ado About An Article - Tosyn Bucknor
   
2. Flogging A (Hopefully) Dead Horse - Media Nemesis
   

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