Much ado about Confab report, Restructuring

MUCH ADO ABOUT CONFAB REPORT, RESTRUCTURING

      The last time I checked, many Nigerians in various fields of endeavour were emphatically calling for restructuring of the Nigerian state. Prior to this clamour, hundreds of thousands of individuals cum groups across the country had been equally calling on the Federal Government (FG) to ensure thorough implementation of the report of the National Conference (Confab) with a view to restoring various lingering socio-economic cum political quagmires.

       It would be recalled that, in 2014, following several agitations by the citizens, the FG under the leadership of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan thought it wise to institute a national conference. Consequently, the proposed conference was inaugurated on 17^th March 2014 in Abuja, the Capital Territory. It’s noteworthy that about 492 delegates, that represented a cross-section of Nigerians including professional bodies, were present at the event which was graciously chaired by Justice Idris Kutigi (rtd.).

      After plenary session of the historic outing that lasted for months, twenty committees were inaugurated among the attendees. The committees included, public finance and revenue generation; political restructuring and forms of government; national security; devolution of power; politics and governance; environment; social welfare; law, judiciary, human rights and legal reform; public service; transportation; agriculture; society, labour and sports; electoral matters; foreign policy and diaspora matters; energy; land tenure matters and national boundary; trade and investment; religion; as well as science, technology and development.

      At the end, the Confab, which was originally billed to last three months but was granted about a month extension, came up with pertinent and mind-blowing resolutions towards settling the nation’s myriad problems. The report (resolutions), which was presented to former President Jonathan on 21^st August 2014, recommended mainly as follows: that,

v The current system of 774 local authorities should be scrapped.

v More 18 states should be created.

v National income going to the FG should be reduced, thereby increasing that of the states.

v There should be modified presidential system of government that combines the presidential and parliamentary systems.

v Power should be shared and rotated at all levels of government.

      The report, which bore more than 600 distinct resolutions and produced a 10,335-page work, contained issues ranging from the contentious revenue-sharing formula to the divisive political structure of the acclaimed giant of Africa. However, it’s equally pertinent to note that about #7 billion was utilized for the Confab.

       Now, an average Nigerian citizen is deeply concerned over the much-talk-about proposed restructuring as well as the ‘awaited’ implementation of the Confab’s report. From my painstaking view, the prime problem with Nigerians remains that we overstress issues. We often tend to use ‘noisemaking’ to qualify our intent, even when the intent is laudable. Which rational being in Nigeria is yet to realize that the country requires restructuring? It depends on the perspective we are looking at it.

       From a general context, to restructure simply means ‘to organize differently’. In other words, restructuring is the act of organizing the operational mechanism, or other structures, of a given institution/society for the purpose of making it more viable or better organized for its current needs. Going by this brief definition, there’s no gain reiterating that Nigeria deserves to be restructured. People are of the view that the proposed restructuring is targeted toward disintegrating Nigeria; that is a fallacy, or a misconception. Restructuring is arguably a way forward in the present Nigerian situation; hence, such campaign ought not to be overstressed.

       Raising much ado over such laudable idea would make people to abuse its potential efficacy. When some things of national interest are being suggested, courtesy demands that we go back to the drawing board in order to cross-examine the essence of such mantra as well as its anticipated impact. The point is that, all the facets of the country, to include social, economic, and political, are yearning for lobotomy, and such measure can only be actualized via restructuring. Sure, restructuring would help to strengthen the country’s national unity contrary to the ongoing presumptions in some quarters.

       Considering the Confab’s report; may I ask, what was really so special about the 2014 National Conference? Prior to the Confab, I categorically made it clear that the proposed conference wouldn’t solve the country’s numerous problems; rather, may end up constituting more harm. As far as I’m concerned, the conference in question only ended up squandering the funds that would have been channeled into other crucial matters of national interest. #7 billion wasn’t #7 million; it was a whole lot of money. Besides, the duties carried out by the Confab’s delegates could be exercised by the federal legislators; I pointed this very issue out, but no one heeded my advice.

       Talking about the report; was there any consequential resolution reached by the august assembly that was different from what discerning Nigerians had been clamouring for prior to the inauguration of the assembly? Before the Confab, who didn’t know that Nigeria was yearning for additional states; who didn’t know that Nigeria needed true federalism; who was yet to realize that power needed to be shared or rotated among the electorate, at all levels of government; or, who was yet to acknowledge that Nigeria needed to review most of her fiscal policies?

       The Confab even suggested that we scrap the existing Local Government (LG) system that was established with the sole aim of taking the government closer to the people, forgetting that why the LG system is presently seemingly moribund is as a result of corruption among the various state governments’ officials.

       It’s even more worrisome to acknowledge that the said conference suffered a derivation fiasco owing to ethnic interests among the delegates. It’s not anymore news that various well-meaning Nigerians had rigorously solicited for a return to the First Republic paradigm when regions controlled 50 per cent of their respective resources, 30 per cent was shared among all the regions, whilst 20 per cent went to the FG.

       It was against this background that the Southern delegates suggested that the current derivation demand should be reduced to 18 per cent. Similarly, the Northern delegates advocated for 5 per cent revenue allocation toward rehabilitation of the North-East region ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency. There was agitation that the areas outside the North-East with similar challenge should be included as one of the beneficiaries of the 5%, but the Northern delegates frantically kicked against the agitation, thereby causing the derivation proposal to suffer a setback.  

      We really need to stop overstressing the Confab report, thus concentrate on the ongoing call for restructuring. Nigeria acknowledges her plight; hence, no one comprehends the plight more than she does. He who wears the shoes knows where it pinches most. In other words, we don’t need further analysis or directive before realizing how to address the lingering anomalies. We are required to fiercely hold the bull by the horn, and quit from indulging in frivolous and retrogressive debates to avoid causing more harm to the system.

       In essence, our problem can only be adequately solved if we embrace reality. Sure, the predicaments are glaring, so are the remedies. Think about it!    

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-Researcher, Blogger, Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador 

  

As NASS Resumes: Whither Nigeria?

AS NASS RESUMES: WHITHER NIGERIA?

       It’s, no doubt, a thing of joy that the National Assembly (NASS) resumed penultimate week, precisely on Tuesday 20^th September 2016, having observed eight-week-long recess. The NASS had on July 20, 2016 adjourned plenary to September 13, but was forced to postpone its proposed resumption date by one week owing to the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

      The last time I checked, the legislature of any country remained its integral part when it calls for politics and governance among other issues pertaining to polity, thus the Nigeria’s NASS isn’t an exception. This is the reason, whenever all hopes seem to have been lost, everyone tends to beckon to the legislators, which is not unconnected with the oversight functions invariably enjoys by the said group. Indeed, an oversight function, which is constitutionally recognized, is good enough to bring a total turnaround when the anticipated destination linked with an odyssey becomes a mirage.

       In other words, as the NASS resumes, the mindset of every rational being in the country is bound to be occupied with the above phrase - ‘whither Nigeria?’. It’s not anymore news that the acclaimed giant of Africa is currently ongoing recession, simply defined as a period of time when production rate declines and more people become unemployed, thereby causing extreme hunger. In a layman’s understanding, famine is another suitable term for recession.

      Right now, anyone who means well for Nigeria is deeply concerned about the route needed to be taken by the country’s economic drivers towards arriving at the desired destination. Since, currently, the destination in question is seemingly a mirage, it’s needless to state that everyone sees the NASS as a messiah. The ongoing predicament is glaring, so are the remedies; hence, the NASS need not seek a consultant toward doing the needful. Inviting Mr. President to the Senate isn’t the remedy; rather, let’s invite each of the ministers to tender account of their stewardship so far.

      According to the Consumer Expectation Survey (CES) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released on Thursday 15^th September 2016, the deteriorating economic condition is having a toll on the teeming Nigerian consumers as overall confidence outlook in third quarter (Q3) 2016 remained downbeat, as it has been since Q3, 2011. It further disclosed that ‘at 28.2 index points, consumers’ confidence dipped further by 26.3 points below the level achieved in the corresponding quarter of 2015’.

       The scenario is apparently occasioned by the ongoing soaring inflation in our various markets coupled with the decreased income rate among the citizenry. This implies that the country yearns for improved income of an average Nigeria. At the moment, the government needs to capture the heart of an ordinary Nigerian, else, crime rate is liable to excalate in the nearest future; and, depression might also set in. We can only achieve this by reviving the labour market, encouraging self-reliance, as well as rescuing the money market.

       The labour market can only be improved by pumping money into circulation. It’s obvious that there’s no money in circulation, perhaps because the 2016 budget is yet to be implemented. Obviously, the FG lacks the required funds to do so. This is why the government intends to auction/sell the national assets. ‘Auctioning’ the assets wouldn’t be the remedy to the plight. Rather than doing this, the government should consider borrowing internally and ensure that the borrowed funds are channeled aptly. There are several genuine prospective indigenous donors and/or lenders; let’s partner with them.

       The FG can encourage self-reliance or entrepreneurship by taking the power sector seriously. The said sector, alongside the education sector, needs to be treated as priority. The proposed borrowed funds ought to be channeled to these sectors, among others, that could yield a complete turnaround. Towards boosting the power sector, let’s harness all the available energy sources to include solar, wind, coal, biomass, in addition to the ongoing hydro-power generation. Hence, we must involve the cognoscenti.

      Among all, the CBN must as well reduce the interest rates to the barest minimum to enable every intending SME investor assess loans at ease. Also, for the time being, the Treasury Single Account (TSA) can be suspended, so that, the various commercial banks can boast of sufficient funds to service their activities. The banks are presently in bondage; they need to be liberated. This would equally help to pump more money in circulation. We must do everything humanly possible to avoid emergence of the foreseen depression.

       As regards rescuing the money market, if we adhere to the above, the naira will definitely bounce back in the long run. Once there’s sufficient production, we would have enough to export, thereby reducing the current alarming demand for our foreign reserve. And, the parallel market should be meant to be answerable to the CBN at all times, no matter whose ox is gored. I’m fully not unaware that some rent-seekers are controlling the unofficial market, thus it’s high time the government displeased them in order to please Nigeria. If the present administration is really out to tackle corruption headlong, then this mustn’t be overlooked.

       It’s equally obvious that a few rent-seekers are interested in the quest to sell our hard earned treasure. We can’t allow them to succeed in such act of insensitivity. The NASS must not fail us in this regard. In respect to the ongoing budget padding scandal in the NASS’ lower chamber, Mr. Speaker must step aside to aid the awaited investigation. Above all, isn’t it time we merged the two NASS chambers toward curtailing excesses, especially now we earnestly seek for frugal expenditure? Think about it!

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

 Twitter: @mediambassador            

         

Celebrating 2016 World Tourism Day

RESUSCITATING NIGERIA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY AS THE WORLD CELEBRATES THE 2016 WORLD TOURISM DAY ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 27

       Today, Tuesday September 27, the world over is celebrating the 2016 World Tourism Day. At its third session held in Torremolinos, Spain in 1979, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly mandated its Member States to observe September 27 each year as the World Tourism Day having reached a unanimous resolution.

       The day was chosen to coincide with an important historic milestone in the world’s tourism sector, which is the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Tourism Statutes on 27^th September 1970. The first commemoration of the World Tourism Day took place in 1980; suffice it to say that this year’s anniversary marks the 37^th edition of the laudable annual event.

       The theme of the 2016 celebration is ‘Tourism for all: promoting universal accessibility.’ Accessible tourism for all is about the creation of environments that can cater for the needs of all of us, whether we are travelling or staying at home. There’s a compelling need for everyone, irrespective of age or status, to boast of an accessible tourism. Hence, this commemoration is an avenue to call upon the right for all of the world’s citizens to experience the incredible diversity of our planet earth and the beauty of the world we live in. This year’s World Tourism Day is a golden opportunity for us to spread the word of both the importance and immense benefits universal accessibility has, and can bring to the society at large. 

       The last time I checked, observing a beautifully-looking environment remained one of the prime desires of every sane being. This is the reason every able-bodied man works assiduously to ensure that his/her immediate surroundings appear enticingly. Tourism as an area of life or human endeavour is a sector that has over the decades pays an optimum attention to how attractive our surroundings look; this makes the sector to be globally recognized.

        Concisely, tourism is the business activity connected with provision of accommodation, entertainment, and other hospitable services for people who are visiting a place for pleasure. In other words, a tourist can be described as a person who is travelling or visiting a certain locality for the sake of pleasure. Tourism has been proven to be an outstanding industry that can guarantee absolute relaxation for mankind irrespective of background.

       In the past, our various heritages were being used by our ancestors as a means of entertaining themselves, and their guests. Presently, the tourism industry has shown that these endowments can equally be utilized as business venture by upgrading them to international standard. Noting the positive impact of the tourism industry the world over, it is of no need reiterating that it has contributed massively to the socio-economic development of most nations. Analysts are of the view that the industry represents about nine percent (9%) of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and that it is a key revenue sector for developing and emerging economies.

       Indeed, tourism plays a very vital role in building blocks of a more sustainable future for all, which is community development. Above all, it is widely acknowledged for its capacity to respond to global challenges. In view of this, there is an urgent need for Nigeria to follow suit to ensure that the world tourism industry, that helps to foster global unity and complete rest of mind, is granted a preferential treatment at all cost.

        Nigeria can encourage the commendable crusade by ensuring that her countless socio-cultural resources are optimally rejuvenated. This proposed measure would not only help to encourage the world tourism industry, but would go a long way to elevate the country’s Gross National Product (GNP), thus strengthening her ongoing sagging economy. Nigeria as an independent state is made up of over two hundred and fifty ethnic groups, and each of these groups is tremendously blessed with various socio-cultural endowments. These cultural resources including dancing, masquerading, dressing, hunting, fishing, wrestling, and molding of sculptures, just to mention but a few, if well harnessed, would definitely help to revive the nation’s tourism sector, thereby boosting her socio-economic and political ego.

        The timing of the World Tourism Day is appropriate, because it comes at the end of the high season in the Northern hemisphere and at the beginning of the season in the Southern hemisphere, when tourism is of topical interest to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The UN Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held in 2012 emphasized that well-designed and appropriately managed tourism can make a significant contribution to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon further highlighted that, tourism which remains one of the world’s largest economic sectors, is specially well-placed to promote environmental sustainability, green-growth, and human struggle against climate change through its relationship with energy.

        Ever since its inception, the World Tourism Day is celebrated to foster awareness among the global community on the essence of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The celebration seeks to highlight tourism potential as regards promotion of the SDGs, as well as how it addresses some of the most pressing challenges the global society is currently faced with.

       So, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the remarkable day, we are all expected to contribute our quota toward ensuring that our respective environments or surroundings become globally recognized as attractive and human friendly localities, so that, generations yet unborn would  live to remember that an attractive environment is a society we all yearn for.

       The truth remains that everywhere in Nigeria bears tourism potentials, thus all that is required of the government among other concerned stakeholders is to swing into action headlong with the sole aim of doing the needful. Hence, it’s high time we quit retrogressive debates and discussions regarding tourism. Think about it!

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(The Media Ambassador)

-Public Affairs Analyst & Civil Rights Activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com 

Twitter: @mediambassador