Several of the Biafran engineers, scientists and technicians had allowed themselves to be lured out of the country by those who knew their worth. Today, we are begging those countries to come and build new refineries for us. At least 40,000 jobs meant for our youths have been ‘exported’ to foreign countries in the past 25 years or so. Forget about the military fellows for now. For 16 years, has the PDP built a single refinery? Our graduates roam the streets, endlessly. Of course, there has to be insecurity. We can only reap what we sow, right?
Downsizing: Is it the answer?
Downsizing will not solve Nigeria’s economic problems totally but at this point in time, it should go a long way. Inherently, the presidential system is so very expensive – even when there is transparency and accountability. Where corruption reigns, as in Nigeria, a disaster is surely in the offing. Some governors cannot even pay salaries, pensions, etc.
When they regularly got jumbo allocations, what did they do with the monies? In my book, I did treat this ‘downsizing’ from the point of view of a political historian. I mean in the last chapter of the 20-chapter book.
The president-elect and his cabinet would have no option but to ‘downsize’ in quite a number of areas. There is no conceivable reason why a governor who appoints 20 commissioners turns round to also appoint 30 special advisers as well as senior special assistants, special assistants, etc. Again, why should any sane fellow be talking about a ‘severance allowance’ running into billions of naira for the benefit of those who had already amassed more wealth than even their great grandchildren can use? Below are other areas of downsizing. Since Chapter 14 of my book talks about a National Youth Unemployment Welfare Scheme, why can’t our leaders be frugal? The problem is that they do not know how to arrange their priorities.
In a nutshell, Nigeria can make do with a unicameral federal legislature – with not more than 180 members. Six zonal or geo-political assemblies should replace the 36 state Houses of Assembly. Do we need 36 executive governors? Of course not! Six should suffice – to be assisted by 36 deputy governors. Mr. President, governors, etc who get ‘Security Votes’ monthly should only apply for such when there is an emergency which requires extra security funds. The in-coming president should set an example by rejecting so-called security votes which are not even accounted for. All salaries and allowances for political functionaries should be slashed by about 70 percent.
Obviously, Nigeria’s jumbo political emoluments, amidst mass poverty and sickness, are responsible for the political do-or-die mentality which pervades everywhere. We need to know those who actually love their country and are ready to serve on very little pay. Can Gen. Buhari summon extra courage to streamline things? He can begin with his ministers. Anybody who does not like the ‘pay’ should please reject the appointment. Finally on this, I submit that the Youth Service allowance should not be less than N45,000 monthly. Do we want our children to die of hunger in ‘strange lands’?
Igbos and political oblivion
I have already referred to some chapters of my historical, military and socio-political book. It is a much sought-after 20-chapter, 430-page write-up titled ‘Post-war Nigeria, Reconciliation and Unity (Ark Publishers, Owerri Nigeria, 2009). A copy goes for just N2,500 and this includes postage within Nigeria.
There can be no peace and progress when we decide to sweep authentic Nigerian history under the carpet. Without truth, there can be no reconciliation. The president-elect is entitled to a complimentary copy to enable him read Chapter 20. This could assist the policy thrust of his party, the APC. In that revolutionary chapter, near-foolproof political and electoral reforms are available. I simply desire a safe Post Office box from his aides.
Chapters 1-5 of the book (Part One) are a must-read for all educated, young and not-so-young Igbos (specifically) and Nigerians (generally). As things stand today, Igbos are gradually going into political oblivion. From vice-president, Igbos came down to senate president. The highest Igbo political position right now is deputy senate president. From 29th May, 2015, no Igbo person would be found wherever vital decisions about Nigeria are being made. If this is not political retrogression, then my name is Muhammad Ali.
I hear our “leaders” are now begging, apparently on behalf of Igbos in Nigeria, for the sinecure, degrading and nonsensical position of Secretary to the Federal Government. This is just like being appointed a minister. The helmsman could wake up one morning and sack his SFG. Can anybody sack the senate president or House of Reps speaker just like that? Of course not! Do you now get the point? So who is talking about Igbo presidency? Not in 20 years!
Knowledge is power! Of course, the civil war ended a few decades ago. Thank God for that! However, if you think there was ‘no victor, no vanquished’, you are daft. The important thing for every Igbo person aged below 60 is to know what actually happened between 1960 and 1970. If you have children and they have not asked you that question, something is wrong. I personally do not desire another Biafra but our children, born or unborn, must not continue to bear the stigma of the 1967-1970 Biafra.
I had spent seven years writing this book. Early last year, I had done my utmost to reach Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State through his public relations aide, Henrietta Jacobs, and later through his principal secretary, Dr. Obi. A few months ago, I also wrote to Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State. My aim was to get them to buy or subsidise some copies for their young civil/public servants as well as political aides. Well, I am assuming that these are Igbo leaders of tomorrow. Without knowledge, they will remain in the doldrums.
Ndubisi F. John-Ibelegbu
