Gentlemen,
The pleasant duty of introducing the Action Group has been entrusted to me.
On the 21st March this year, the Action Group was introduced to the public through the Press, and its aims and objects were clearly set out.
Since then the Action Group has been unfolding itself and fulfilling its aims and objects more by action than by words. The most eloquent tribute to the growing strength of this young organization is that all those who are gathered here this morning – accredited representatives of the entire Western Region – are members of the Action Group.
The aims and objectives of the Action Group have not only been published as I said, but are contained in the Draft Constitution, copies of which have been forwarded to you. I will not, therefore, take your time by repeating them.
There are, however, two items in the aims and objectives which I should like to emphasise, since they are the very basis of the Action Group. I refer to items (1) and (3). The two are complementary and they read as follows:
1) To bring and organize within its fold all nationalists in the Western Region, so that they may work together as a united group, and submit themselves to party loyalty and discipline.
2) To prepare and present to the public programmes for all Department of Government, and to strive faithfully to ensure the effectuation of such programmes through those of its members that are elected into the Western House of Assembly and the Federal Legislature.
The attainment of these two aims implies identity of adherence to basic principles, and identification of methods in the application of the principles.
If any group of people fail to agree on basic principles and on the methods to adopted in applying those principles, it is impossible for them to work within the same fold, and to submit themselves to party loyalty and discipline.
The basic principles which have brought the members of the Action Group together are summarized in the following motto:
LIFE MORE ABUNDANT FREEDOM FOR ALL
It is our belief that the people of Western Nigeria in particular, and of Nigeria in general would have more abundant life when they enjoy.
- i) Freedom from British Rule
- ii) Freedom from Ignorance
iii) Freedom from Disease and
iv)Freedom from Want.
In our view, the rule of one nation by another is unnatural and unjust. It is maintained either by might or by the complete subordination, through crafty means, or the will and self-respect of the subject people to the political self-aggradisement of the tutelary power. There can be no satisfactory substitute for self-rule. Therefore, British tutelage is to be denounced without any reservation. In principles, it is indefensible. In practice, it has been characterized by extreme lack of planning and disregard for the vital interests of the people.
After almost 100 years of British Rule, our land is still riddled with unspeakable ignorance, disease, and want. An ignorant and poverty-stricken people are the easiest preys to political enslavement and economic exploitation. Diseases of all kinds follow in the wake of ignorance and want.
The basic principles which, therefore, have brought us together within the fold of the Action Group may be stated in the following- words.
1) The immediate termination of British Rule in every phase of our political life
2) The education of all children of school-going age, and the general enlightenment of all illiterate adults and all illiterate children above the school-going age.
3) The provision of health and general welfare for all our people.
4) The total abolition of want in our society by means of any economic policy which is both expedient and effective.
Having agreed on these basic principles, it becomes necessary to take the next step, namely: to agree as to common methods in the application of those principles. This is a very important step; because, even though people may agree on principles, if they don’t agree on methods of application it would not be possible for them to work together.
It is in order to evolve these common methods of applications that it would not be possible for them to work together.
It is in order to evolve these common methods that some members of the Action Group have been commissioned to prepare papers not only on Government Department subjects but also on the organization problems of the Action Group. It will be our duty at this Conference to declare our irrevocable adherence to the principles already enunciated and to fashion out from the papers which are already submitted on various subjects what our common methods of applications shall be.
Once we have succeeded in doing these two things, the fulfiment of our aims and objects is well-nigh achieved. All that we would need in addition would be persistence and consistency in the pursuit of our principles, and resolution and discipline in the execution of our common methods of application.
I would like to say that this, in my humble opinion, is the first time in the annals of Nigeria that a political party is reared on a really scientific basis. For if all the leading members in the Action Group have more or less identical conceptions as to the principles which shall guide their activities, and jointly evolve common methods of applying those principles, it is my firm conviction that the organization will be successful and lasting.
Only we must make sure about two things, namely: that our principles are just, and that our methods are practical. For nothing defeats their own ends, so easily as unjust principles and impractical methods of approach.
With these few remarks, I believe I have succeeded in portraying to you the rock-sure foundation on which the Action Group is erected. We are here in this historic Conference to reinforce and to add to the superstructure already built, by the pledge of the leaders inhabiting the two Zones of the Western Region. It is true we speak different language; but it does not require any laborious research to discover that, broadly speaking, we originated from a common stock; and that in any event our political and cultural associations have been as close relations. And above all, we are Nigerians whom both Nature and Constitution have joined together. It is within our power to remain together.
In the first release of the Action Group it has been made abundantly clear both in item (5) of the aims and objects and in the body of the release that it is not the intention of the Action Group to embark on Regional politics exclusively. It is sheer necessity that has compelled us to decide to get together to put our own house in order.
As an earnest of our good faith, the subjects on which policy papers have been prepared are not confined to Regional subjects but cover Central subjects as well.
Furthermore, the Action Group is not meant to be an adhoc or temporary organisation. It has come to stay and it will live forever.
We have promised, and we mean to abide by our word, that if a countryside organisation acceptable to all is established, we would not hesitate to become the Western Regional Working Committee of such an organisation. But it is clear now from all accounts that such an organisation will not emerge before the general elections under the Constitution.
It must, therefore, be our hope and our endeavour that as soon as we have duly consolidated and strengthened our position throughout the Western Region, we should, in cooperation with nationalists in other Regions, influence the formation of a countrywide organisation on the same realistic and scientific lines as the Action Group.
I have no doubt that we all know that the realisation of all our ‘aims and objects depends chiefly on our having a substantial majority in the ‘Western House of Assembly. With unity, determination and hard work, it should not be difficult for us to get all our candidates elected into that Assembly. We are not fighting for seats in the House of Assembly because we desire power for its own sake. We believe that, in a partial sense though, the new Constitution affords us an opportunity to be better service to our people. We are a party – in fact the only party in Nigeria with definite ideas and practical programmes for the – advancement of Nigeria towards early freedom and prosperity. Our enemies and detractors are already at work. They are seeking to dwarf our stature in order to delude the public that they are taller than we are. They are also seeking to divert us from our noble and constructive courses into the barren land of petty strife and fruitless controversy.
I believe I am voicing your sentiments, when I say that we do not grudge other parties their professed popularity and excellence. But it is mean and cowardly, and an evidence of weakness and utter demerit, for any group of people to attempt to commend themselves to the public by the negative process of belittling and condemning others. Strong, courageous, resourceful and self-confident people are never afraid of rivals or competitors.
It is not an easy matter to resist the temptation of being dragged down the drains of bitter recriminations and press war. But if we are to attain our objects we must resolve to pursue our course unflinchingly without paying the slightest heed ‘to the envious, and the asses that bray’.
What our people want to know above all things else is not the defect or incapacity of this or that organization, but the plans and programmes which we have for improving their lots and the relative merits of such plans and programmes.
Such plans and programmes we have; and what is more they are plans and programmes we have; and what is more they are plans and programmes which could be put into execution within a period of five years.
Our line of action is therefore clear. Whilst our enemies and detractors busy themselves with abusing and decrying us, we should direct all the machinery of our publicity towards the propagation of the excellence and the relative superiority of our programmes and the suitability of the men who will be put forward to execute them.
In this way we would succeed in commending ourselves to the public by our sheer merits and our merits only. This in my view is a nobler attitude; and if we remain true to it we are bound to succeed where our detractors fail.
THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH
The message sent to the Western Regional Conference at
the Action Group held at Ibadan on 6th July, 1963.
When this Conference was inaugurated on I O” March, 1961, I had the pleasure of addressing you personally. But believe me when I say that, though in gaol, it is still a pleasure for me to address you vicariously.
According to our Constitution, another Conference should have been held more than a year ago. But the stirring and perplexing events which began since the Jos Conference of February last year have engaged the full attention of most of the Leaders of our Party.
I am happy, and deeply grateful to the Regional Secretary, Chief 1.A. O. Odebiyi, that this Conference has been arranged in the face of distractions of a new order and complexity.
I do not intend to send a Presidential Address to you. All I am doing here is to send you a message of good wishes, and to add a few words of advice for the guidance of the Western Regional Branch of the Action Group of Nigeria.
Those of you who have found time to attend this Conference, as well as millions of others who do not attend, but remain loyal to our great Party are the happy warriors in the fight for the triumph of Democratic Socialism. It is from the bottom of my heart that I send to you and those you represent my very warm and fraternal greetings.
There are important points on which I would like to touch in this message.
In the first place, whilst the Conference now in session represents the Yoruba portion on the Western Region, all of you must bear it in mind, now and always, that you are nothing more and nothing less than an inseparable segment of a nationwide organization which has branches not only in every part of Nigeria but also in countries of Europe and America, and in many parts of Africa.
Consequently, the welfare of the ethnic groups in the other Region of Nigeria is as much of paramount interest to the Action Group of Nigeria as is that of the Yoruba people.
Anyone who tries to limit the interests and activities of our party within the confines of Yoruba land is a traitor to the cause to which the Action Group is solemnly dedicated:
Within the past few days, a good deal of words and ink have been expended in propagating the unity of the Yoruba, as if the Yorubas are disunited.
Time was when there was real disunity among the Yorubas. But since the birth of Egbe Omo Oduduwa in London in 1945, this objective has been relentlessly pursued and accomplied.
Those who, however, believe in the unity of the Yorubas, of the Ibos, of the Hausa, etc., must never rest on their oars. But the line has been drawn and must be kept indelible, between a Cultural Organisation like the Ibo State Union, Ibibio State Union, Egbe Omo Oduduwa. Etc., on the one hand, and political parties like the Action Group and the NCNC on the other.
It is my considered view that what is lacking among the Yoruba people is NOT Unity but FIDELITY among Yoruba Leaders.
The Ibos or the Hausa are in no way more united than the Yoruba.
But what makes it appear that they are more united, is the simple fact that there is greater FIDELITY among the Ibo Leaders and Hausa Leaders than there is, if at all, among the Yoruba Leaders.
It has been suggested, with unabashed falsity, that the Yorubas are being relegated to the background in the affairs of the Federal Government, partly because the Yorubas are not united, and partly because the Action Group has not participated in the affairs of the Federal Government like the NCNC and NPC.
It is erroneous to equate the Action Group of Nigeria with the Yoruba people or to regard our party as being a Yoruba organisation. Furthermore, whilst the Action Group does not participate in the Federal Government since January 1960, some outstanding Yorubas have been in the Council of Ministers since the last Federal elections. There are others in the NPC. These persons are as loyal to the cause of the Yoruba people as those of us in the Action Group.
The other day when some Yorubas in the North complained of discrimination against them by the NPC Government of the North, we were told that the sufferings of these Yorubas were due to the unfriendly attitude of Yoruba leaders to NPC, and the promulgation of Democratic Socialism by Yoruba intellectuals.
But quite recently the Ibos in the North made similar complaints in stronger terms; and yet the Ibos are well represented on the Council of Ministers.
It follows, therefore, that the cause of discrimination against the Yorubas in the North is to be found in some phenomenon other than the absence of the Action Group members on the Council of Ministers.
It must be recalled that the Action Group did participate in the Federal Government from 1957 to 1959, and it would be interesting to know what the Yorubas gained especially because of this participation.
In connection with this first point, I urge it very strongly upon all of you that it is too late in the day for any professed or true Nigerian patriot to speak in terms of Yorubas as if they are separable in their destiny from other ethnic groups in Nigeria. It is imperative for the success of the onerous task of nation-building that any political party that is worth its salt should not openly think in terms of Nigeria as a whole but also in terms of international brotherhood.
In winding up this first point, I charge you to cultivate FIDELITY and FELLOW-FEELING among yourselves, eschew any acts of treachery among yourselves, work for the unity, welfare and greatness of Nigeria, and promote brotherhood among Africans in particular, and among other people of the world in general.
In the second place, the ideology as well as the identity of the Action Group of Nigeria must be preserved at all costs.
In spite of more than one year of crushing oppression, our great Party has been growing from strength to strength. It is well known that our party is much stronger today than it was at the beginning of the Emergency in 1962, thanks to the loyalty of many leaders and the unabated devotion and fanatism of the masses of our members and supporters.
The ACTION GROUP is a household word throughout the length and breadth of the Federation. It is a name to conjure with. Besides, the deal – Democratic Socialism – for which the Party stands has become engraved in the hearts of millions of youths and adults.
You should, therefore, regard as fatal allurement any suggestion that the name ACTION GROUP should be changed either now or in the future, especially when such suggestion emanates from quarters obviously hostile to our continued existence.
It is true that since 29th May last year, there have been persistent rumours that the power-that-be would find a pretext to ban or proscribe our illustrious party.
I do not rule out this possibility, because in the post-independence Nigeria anything can happen – however unjust and outrageous. If such an eventuality were to take place, we would be automatically compelled to adopt another name. But until then, I take my place for better for worse on the side of ACTION GROUP OF NIGERIA and its electoral symbols – THE PALM TREE in the West, East and the Federal Territory, and the BROOM in the Northern Region.
It is my charge to you that you should all do likewise.
There is room for as many political parties as some people may choose to establish. But we must remember that for upwards of THIRTEEN YEARS, we have nursed the Action Group to a very sturdy and mighty growth. Furthermore, our Party enjoys an international reputation of a very high order. It would not only be folly but plain suicide to contemplate, in the present circumstances, a voluntary change of the name ACTION GROUP.
In the third place, the field organization of our party must undergo a radical re-organisation. In the past, it was the Headquarters that supplied the Local Organisations with the financial wherewithal to run their affairs. Henceforth, the position should be reversed. Each Ward of Constituency should not only be autonomous financially but should contribute its quota to the Federal Organisation coffers.
It is extremely gratifying to me to note how the Youths have risen to the occasion by fending for themselves in all their activities. Certain constituencies are already financially self-supporting.
It is my charge to you that from henceforth, you should depend wholly and solely on yourselves in regard to the financing of your Local Organisations. Wherever there is a Will, there is always a Way.
In the fourth place, in the past there had not been sufficient adherence to the provisions of our party’s Constitution. On the occasions on which we had departed from the provisions of the Constitution, we found ourselves on an uncharted sea where the unscrupulous members beguiled us into a haven of strife, dissension and sharp practices of a most infamous character and magnitude.
It is my charge to you all, and in particular to your officers, that in the conduct of the affairs of our party, the provisions of our party’s Constitution should be strictly observed and adhered to. No extraneous body, however elevated socially or politically not provided for in our Constitution should ever again be allowed to meddle in the affairs of our party.
Amie! says: ‘Order Is Power.’ It is, therefore, my further charge to you that discipline, in accordance with the relevant provisions of our Constitution, should be promptly enforced on any offending member, however high or low he may be in the Party hierarchy. Wherever order or discipline is absent, levity, complacency, or naked opportunism, of a necessity hold sway.
In the fifth place, questions have been asked about, and many of you would like to know, what my opinion is on the recent political manoeuvres among members of the Western House of Assembly. Quite frankly, I want to assure you that I keep open mind. Past experiences dictate caution and reserve on my part; more so as the manoeuvres so far as they can be committed into writing consist of vague generalizations and profound ambiguities.
I am resolved not to commit myself one way or the other unless I feel satisfied that concrete proposals have been worked out by the negotiating panel, which will redound to the best interests of the entire people of Western Nigeria in particular and of Nigeria in general.
It is, for the time being, my charge to you that your Executive Committee should select a Sub-Committee which should be empowered to carry out such negotiations as are necessary. In the sixth place, I understand that the agenda of the Conference includes ,(a) Republican Constitution, (b) Census and (c) Implications of the Creation of the Mid-West State. In my considered opinion, the issues of Republican Constitution and Census are of a country-wide nature. It is, therefore, my advice to the Conference that final decisions on these two matters should not be reached but should be left to a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, which will be convened at an early date.
‘Implications of the Creation of the Mid West State’ is a subject within your competence, and I pray that your deliberations on it may be fruitful and prove beneficial to the people of the Mid West and of Yoruba West.
In the seventh place, it is clear from the little I hear and read that Nigeria is on the brink of an economic precipice. As for Western Nigeria, it has for some time now been bogged down in an economic quagmire. Those who are responsible for the present economic ills of the country and of Western Nigeria are very loud in putting the blame on innocent people.
In August last year, I made genuine and strenuous efforts to help in arresting the baleful trends which were then gathering swift momentum. My motive was misunderstood, and I was spumed. In any case, the hounds of persecution were only then just loose: they were insensate, bloodthirsty, and determined to refresh themselves with my blood.
True, I am in gaol; and though in spite of this, all manner of evil things have been falsely said and written about me even by those who are regarded as custodians of truth and justice, yet by the Grace of God I continue to enjoy a peace of mind which only faith in Jesus Christ can bestow. Says Paul: ‘The Just Shall Live By Faith’. At the same time, the hounds which were let loose against me last year, have now begun to dog the steps and plague the lives of their proprietors with the same murderous blood-thirstiness. Be that as it may. What should interest us in this connection is the fate of the common man under the present dreadful and cheerless circumstances.
The ranks of people with empty or half-empty stomachs are increasing daily by the hundreds. Many a youth sees the future as a long vista of bleak and hapless journey. They look with expectant yearning to the power-that-be, but they receive no favourable response.
Why? Because the existing powers in the land are much more preoccupied with devising ways and means for the destruction of their political opponents than with catering to the best interests of the millions who are hungry but are not fed, who have not but are not supplied.
From the present position of our party, there is very little we could do, in a practical manner, to alleviate the prevailing despondency.
It is my charge to you, therefore, that we should pray most fervently for the return of prosperity to our land.
It must be borne in mind, however, that where oppression, terrorism, impiety, cowardice, and gross perversion of justice are enthroned as is now the case in Nigeria in general and in Western Nigeria in particular, there can be neither peace nor prosperity.
Those who issue a call for prayer for the return of peace and prosperity to Western Nigerian must first of all ensure that the evils which I have just mentioned are deposed, and in their places Justice and the Rule of Law are enthroned.
It is then and not till then, could there be tranquility in the hearts of the ruling caste in Western Nigeria, and peace, progress and prosperity amongst its entire populace.
I wish the Conference God’s guidance and every success. My comrades-in-prison send you very hearty greetings. Long Live The Action Group of Nigeria!
And Forward With Democratic Socialism, under which every citizen will contribute according to his ability and be benefited according to his needs!!!
IT ISN’T LIFE THAT MATTERS
I must say with respect, and this may have to be taken up with a higher tribunal, that I do not agree with your Lordship’s verdict, and the premises on which it is based.
For upwards of 30 years, I have been in politics in Nigeria; during this period I have operated in various important theatres in the life of this great Federation. I have, with others, fought against British imperialism with all my might, and with all the talents that it pleased God to give me.
Together with other nationalists, some of whom are with me and many of whom are not with me here, we have successfully thrown out British imperialism and enthroned Africans in positions which, 20 or more years ago, they never dreamt of occupying. I have been an unyielding advocate of a Federal Constitution for Nigeria. I have all along, with other leaders of this country, been a very active and constructive participant in all the constitutional conferences which have taken place since 1953, and which have ruminated not only in the attainment of independence but in the production of a Constitution of which Nigerians are very proud. This Constitution is now being gradually violated.
I have also fought against anything which savours of injustice. It is thus an irony of history that, as one of the architects of Nigeria’s independence, I have spent almost half of Nigeria’s three years of independence under one form of confinement or another.
Since 1957 I have fought, as your Lordship remarked, with vigour against the feudal system in the Northern Region and for its eradication. I have also fought to prevent the spread of this evil political system to other parts of Nigeria.
During the same period I have strongly advocated the breaking up of the Northern Region into more states in order to have true federalism in Nigeria, to preclude the permanent subservices of the people of Nigeria to the autocratic ruling caste in the North, and to preserve peace and unity in the country.
In short, I have always fought for what I believe, without relenting and regardless of consequences to myself. I have no doubt, and I say this without any spirit of immodesty, that in the course of my political career, I have rendered services to this country which historians and the coming generations will certainly regard as imperishable.
Naturally, Sir, in the course of my long, turbulent and active political life, I have attracted to myself a sizeable crop of detractors and political adversaries. Similarly, I have in the course of this long career seen both triumphs and setbacks; and I have met them with equal mind.
Peter, not Peter the Apostle, but Peter the hero of Hugh Walpole’s novel entitled ‘Fortitude’, said: ‘It isn’t life that matters but the courage you bring to it.’
After life had done terrible things to Peter he heard a voice that said to him, among other things: ‘Blessed be all sorrow, hardships and endurances that demand courage. Blessed be those things: for of these things cometh the making of a man.’
In the words of Peter, therefore, my Lord, I declare (not that I have heard a voice): Blessed be your verdict; and I say in advance; blessed be the sentence which your Lordship may pass on me.
I personally welcome any sentence you may impose upon me. At this moment my only concern is not for myself, but that my imprisonment might do harm to Nigeria for three reasons.
First, the invaluable service which I have hitherto rendered and which I can still render will be lost to the country – at least for a season.
Second, there might be a heightening of the present tension which has lasted for 15 months, and has done incalculable injuries to the economy of the country.
Third, for some time to come, the present twilight of democracy, individual freedom and the rule of law, will change or might change into utter darkness. But after darkness – and this is a common place – comes a glorious dawn.
It is, therefore, with a brave heart, with confident hope, and with faith in my unalterable destiny, that I go from this twilight into the darkness’, unshaken in my trust in the Providence of God that a glorious dawn will come on the morrow.
CALL TO REDEDICATION AND RECONSTRUCTION
A Statement made at the meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Action Group of Nigeria held at Ikeja VIP on 18th December. 1961.
Only twelve days now stand between us and 1962. As we are about to enter the new year, it will not be out of place if we do a national stock-taking of the past year, and make some resolutions for the new year.
What then are the credits and the debits for 1961?
On the credit side, the judiciary, as typified by the Federal Supreme Court and the Regional High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts, is the most outstanding item on this side of the account An impartial, fearless and incorruptible judiciary (wherever it exists) is the most formidable bulwark of the citizens against certain forms of tyranny in Nigeria has, on the whole, prove to be impartial, fearless and incorruptible. In the context of our Constitution, it has also demonstrated to all of us and to the entire world, that it is a completely dependable guardian of the more important provisions of that Constitution, especially those of them that relate to fundamental human rights.
Also on the credit side, the following items are worthy of note, namely:
1)The countrywide acceptance of the idea which I outlined in Okrika in January this year and elaborated in an address delivered at Agbor in February to the Mid West Regional Conference of the Action Group, that Nigeria should before long become a Republic;
2)The appointment of Nigerians to fill some of the top posts in the Nigeria police Force, and the elevation of two Nigerians to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Army;
3)The achievement (at least so it seems to an outside observer like myself) of closer relations and better understanding amongst all the four Governments of the Federation;
4)The lifting of the ban on communist literature following criticisms by Action Group Leaders and other nationalists;
5)The launching of three Universities – that is the Universities of Ife, Lagos and Kano – in addition to the two existing ones – that is the University College Ibadan, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka;
6)The opening of the Bauchi Railway Extension; and
7)The public ownership of the National Shipping Lines and the Nigerian Airways Corporation.
I do not pretend that the above items are exhaustive. But I do firmly hold that such other items as there may be are either trifling or unedifying. For instance, I regard the recent visit of the Prime Minister to the USA on the invitation of President Kennedy as mere diplomatic routine. Speaking for myself, I cannot see anything edifying in allowing Nigeria to be used as an imperialist catspaw for convening the Monrovia Conference; nor in the secondary, feeble role we played at last Commonwealth Conference, on the issue of South Africa’s expulsion from the Commonwealth. Dr. Verwoerd himself complained bitterly to the Press about those who unyieldingly hindered his country’s readmission to the Commonwealth. At no time did he mention the name of Sir Abubakar.
Now let us take a look at the debit side of the account. Democracy is now pining away on its death-bed in the Northern Region, where it has been mercilessly assaulted and violated by the NPC; it is in full retreat in the Eastern Region; and at the federal level, it is already being made to suffer from gross misuse and utter lack of nurture. Bribery and corruption are rampant; and the malignant canker-worm which they constitute is gnawing fast at the central core of the nation, to which the common run of Nigerian citizenry should look for inspiration and exemplary conduct. Every day that dawns adds many more to the already swollen ranks of the unemployed. There is a growing trade recession throughout the country. In the face of mounting unemployment, and of a sudden slump in trade, our Governments are hard put to it to make ends meet, so much so that the Eastern Region Government has announced its intention to cut down heavily on its expenditure on social services. I make bold to assert, with all sense of responsibility, that in this Year of Grace, 1961, a vicious circle of economic depression is already set in motion, and, unless we do something drastic about it now, we are in danger of an economic crisis of grave proportions early in 1962. The Federal Government, whose primal duty it is to stimulate the nation economy and boost the finances of the Regional Governments, is itself running the’ affairs of the country most inefficiently and on a deficit. The financial picture of Nigeria in 1961 is that of a ‘debtor’ and beggar’ nation. On the African scene, we have lost rather than gained in prestige. Whatever may be the outward pretence to the contrary, the truth is that African nationalists have come to regard as an illusion and mirage the high hopes and confidence which they cherished towards us before our attainment of independence. The dynamic and militant leadership which they had hoped that independent Nigerians would give has not been forthcoming.
It is futile, senseless, and prosaic to cry and strike a balance, in a numerical fashion, between the debit and the credit sides of this account. The realm of political economy, which is the subject-matter of this address, is far removed from that of accountancy where THREE always exceeds TWO by ONE. In the province of politics and economics, many subjective and imponderable factors are always at work. With the result that the answer to THREE minus TWO may be far in excess of ONE or may even be ZERO.
Let us acknowledge our shortcomings and admit that the items on the debit side of our account are too grim and gloomy, and should be substantially reduced in the coming year. If we are to be this, we need money, we need idealism, and we must be resolved to acquire both in a large measure in 1962.
In our search for money we must be downright realistic, and must scrupulously avoid any temptation to rationalization or to a plea of alibi.
The first realism of the situation which we must face is that every one of our four Governments is in the grips of financial crisis. It is imperative that we should direct all our energies to finding answers to this problem. On the other hand, it will be a disservice to the nation for any leader to dissipate his efforts in devising a means of escape for his part in bringing about the present difficulties. I have no doubt that the Federal Minister of Finance is already devoting a good deal of time to the construction of his escape routes. He has blamed the financial ills in the East and the West on the former regimes in these two regions. Expressly, he has stated in the House of Representatives on the 20th of November, 196 I, and I quote his exact words, that:
‘The Hon. Leader of the Opposition (that is myself) handed to the present Premier (that is of the Western Region) a half-submerged wreck which the Premier is desperately trying to salvage.’
I spoke immediately after the Minister, only to debunk some of the economic heresies to which he gave vent. But I deliberately refrained from commenting on his statement which I have just quoted, for a number of reasons. First, I do not at any time consider myself answerable to the House of Representatives for my conduct in the Western Region, as one-time head of the Region’s Government. Second, I hold the considered view that the name and affairs of a Regional Government should never be brought into debate in the House of Representatives either for eulogy or obloquy. Consequently, I personally have never spoken there in praise or criticism of any Regional Government, and have persistently tried to enjoin a similar attitude on my fellow-parliamentarians. It is most unfair to bring the affairs of a Regional Government into debate in the Federal Parliament, partly because the Regional Legislature and not the Federal Parliament is the only proper forum for such an exercise. For instance, whether or not there was a half-submerged wreck in the Western Region which its present Premier inherited and which he was desperately trying to salvage was an issue which no one, in the House of Representatives, other than myself could tackle without notice. And as I said before, I am in no way answerable to the House of Representatives for my past participation in the administration of the Western Region, or my official connection therewith, in the House of Representatives. Any such defence would only evoke more venomous attacks, and in due course we would all find ourselves defending and counter-attacking one Region and another. The first and the last duty of the members of the Federal Parliament is to devote their attention to dealing with issues which affect the Federation as a whole and not just one segment or region of it. Third, I am quite satisfied that the Federal Minister of Finance was merely drawing on the figment of his imagination. This satisfaction of mine stems not only from the fact that the finances of the Western Region were sound when I banded the affairs of its Government to my successor, but also from the clear and unequivocal appraisal of the true financial slate of affairs by the new Premier himself. In February 1960; the Western Region Government made a substantial reduction in rates throughout the Region. This reduction was so substantial that it is now costing the Regional Government about £1.6m per annum in subsidy to Local Governments. In concluding a statement which he made. to the Press on this rate reduction, the Hon. Chief Akintola said:
“The measures (that is tax reduction measures) now approved are possible because of the wise and eminently commendable manner in which the finances of the Region were managed under the leadership of my distinguished predecessor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.’
The Federation of Nigeria is one body politic. Whatever adversely Affects any member of that body is bound to incommode the rest of the body. The Action Group of Nigeria, as a country-wide organization, treats with the utmost concern any problem whatsoever which may affect any of the Regions and the entire Federation. I call upon all political leaders to unite in meeting the crisis that looms ahead, and desist from a fruitless search for scapegoats.
The second realism which we must face is that the Federal Government’s approach our problems lacks principle, vision and enlightenment. I have spoken on this matter a good deal of late, and I do not wish to repeat in extensor what I have persistently drummed in everybody’s ear. I would like to be permitted, however, to recapitulate briefly what I have advocated on this score, and to say something in defence of my advocacy.
I have advocated that our economy should be nationally planned and that such planning should be guided by the ideals of Democratic Socialism. Specifically, I have advocated the public ownership of certain industries and the studied encouragement of Nigerian entrepreneurs, within the ambit of a national plan, to take their rightful place in the development of the country.
It has been said by my opponents in criticism of me, that I have taken these standpoints only after my party lost the last Federal election. In order to rebut this charge and to show that the views which I now express have been consistently held by me some years before 1959, I make the following extracts from my Indian Report and from two of my past speeches.
In my report on my Indian Tour which I submitted to my colleagues, and circulated to all the then Ministers in the other three Governments of Nigeria, dated 11th December, 1952, I observed as follows:
‘It has been said by someone whose opinion deserves notice that a Government which entered into trade would flop. I disagree with all my might. Indiscriminate trading by Government is not only unwise, but might prove to be the worse form of inroad into the liberty of the citizens. But trading and industrial activities for Government in certain selected fields, and under certain circumstances, are indisputably beneficial not only to the national economy but also to the national security.
‘In regard to introduction of foreign capital, it is my humble but considered opinion that a subject and poor but potentially rich country like ours would be taking enormous and almost suicidal risk to throw its door open to foreign investments without stringent safeguards. We would most probably enjoy a measure of comparative prosperity in the immediate present, but we would eminently succeed in mortgaging our future in the way of economic initiative and freedom. It has been wisely stated that political independence and economic spoon-feeding go ill together. Too much dependence economically, it requires drastic and even revolutionary political action to attain economic independence.
‘Under this heading, I do not wish to attempt any detailed proposals. All I wish to do is to make suggestions about the setting up of machinery by which the Nigerian Government and the three Regional Governments could work out satisfactory and generally acceptable proposals for the economic development of the country.
‘Therefore, I suggest the immediate setting up of a Nigerian Planning Commission, and of a Regional Planning Board for each Region.
‘The main functions of the Planning Board would be
a)to make a survey of the economic resources of the territory under its charge, and make plans and recommendation about the best’ form of their utilisation; and
- b) to institute measures for the execution of such of its plans and recommendations are approved by the Planning Commission.
‘On the other hand the functions of the Planning Commission would be:
- a) to co-ordinate and harminise the plans submitted by the Planning Boards,
b)to determine locations of industries,
c)to lay down categories of industries as is done by the Government of Pakistan,
d)to regulate the manner in which foreign investors would be permitted to engage in industries, and
e)to devise means by which indigenous industries would be stimulated, financed, and protected.
‘The supreme aim of the Planning Commission and the Board would be to revise the economic status of the peasant class, to achieve a balanced economy, and to bring about an all-round prosperity for the people of Nigeria.’
‘The Action Group believes that free enterprises should be encouraged and fostered within such limits as will be laid down by law, but it advocates the public ownership of basic industries. It is not necessarily opposed to the importation of foreign capital but insists that such capital shall be introduced into the country only on the basis of partnership with, and active participation by, the people or the Government of the country. Keeping thee principle in mind, the Action Group dedicates itself to fashion out and pursue any economic policy that will ensure prosperity and contentment to the citizens of Nigeria.’
In an address entitled ‘Statement of Economic Policy’ which I delivered to the Western Region Executive Committee of the Action Group at Ibadan on 27th May, 1954, I made the following remarks:
‘At this stage, I will now restate what I know to be our policy on this question of industrialization and foreign capital.
1.We are determined to raise the productivity of our fanners by the introduction of scientific methods of cultivation and conservation of soil fertility, etc., and expand our output of farm produce by this means and by the establishment of Government-owned plantations.
2 We are determined to diversify our agricultural economy by the cultivation of a larger variety of crops than at present in order that we may cease to be dependent on one or two items of export products.
3. We will embark on industrialisation on a limited scale in so far as it is compatible with the two objectives above stated.
4. We will welcome foreign capital so long as it enters into Partnership with indigenous capital provided either by Production Boards, the Government or the people, in such a proportion that at least 51 percent of the total capital is vested in us.
5. Wherever possible and advisable we will seek to control the whole capital ourselves and make use of the skilled labour and organization which foreigners alone can at present provide.
6. In the future we will seek to nationalize such of the existing industries controlled in this country by foreigners as we deem expedient in the national interest. But such nationalization will be accompanied by adequate compensation.
“In short, the aim of the Action Group is, for the present, to arrest the tendency of our industrial activities being concentrated in the hands of foreigners, and, in the long run, to ensure that all major industrial activities are either vested in the state or in our fellow countrymen.’
Having shown by the above quotations that I am by no means a post-1959 convert to Democratic Socialism, may I now once again urge it upon the Federal Government to adopt in theory and in practice that ideals of Democratic Socialism, and to appoint forthwith a National Economic Planning Commission with one hundred percent Nigerian composition, which will produce a five-year plan for the nation on the basis of these ideals. Well-meaning and expert expatriate, with the correct ideological background or training, and with no vested interests in Nigeria may be invited from time to time to advise the Commission. If merit is the decisive factor in appointing the members of the Commission, I have no doubt that it will succeed in producing a Plan worthy of Nigeria and under which the resources of our land will be exploited mainly for the advancement of the masses of our people.
The third realism which we must face is that the difficulties of the Regional Governments arise primarily from an unusually prolonged depression in the prices of our export commodities. From lack of courage in exploiting every avenue of raising funds; and secondarily from a misguided rivalry in prestige spending. It does not appear that the Federal Government attaches much importance to our commodities. It is these commodities that give us the wherewithal for paying for our overseas purchases. Yet throughout the Economic Mission mounted by the Federal Government little attention was paid by the Mission to giving a strong fillip to the volume and prices of our export products. The Federal Government must now make an all-out plan for boosting the sales of our export crops and for getting much better prices for them. On the other hand, the Regional Governments must never again fight shy of calling upon the people to pay for the benefits they receive or clamour for.
The truth is that those who are able (and there are millions of them) are not being made to contribute enough or at all to the Government coffers in accordance with their individual ability. I shall have more to say on this point later. But it will be helpful for all of us to remember the following figures. According to reliable statistical data prepared in 1957, Nigeria only employs 5 percent of her gross national products on current public expenditure, as against 15 percent in Ceylon and 12 percent in Ghana and Tanganyika. We can only spend as much as we care or have the courage to demand from the people. But is clear from these figures, other things being equal, that our Governments are assuredly very far from getting enough financial contributions from the people.
At the same time, it must be emphasised that the capital and recurrent expenditure on the State Houses in Kaduna and Enugu could have been usefully saved, and the numbers of the Missions we have sent abroad in the outgoing year could have been fewer, and their sizes much smaller.
The fourth realism is that by injudicious political manipulations, we have (all of us without exception) succeeded, albeit unwittingly, in breeding the haves and the have-nots fast becoming more and more mutually antagonistic. Before the two classes harden, in their prejudices, beyond non-violent readjustment, we must embark on the dual operation of leveling down and leveling up.
The fifth realism we must face is that if, at this point of time, we are intent on evoking any patriotic response from the masses for the need to make adequate and additional financial contributions to the Government exchequers, those of us who have the privilege to lead the nation must not only purify ourselves in the eyes of the public, but must also show be example that we too can give the lead in self-sacrifice whenever the circumstances so demand.
Having set out the realisms as I see them, I now proceed to make a number of concrete proposals in addition to those which I have already made in the course of this statement. In the course of my contribution to the debate on the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, during the last meeting of the House of Representatives, I had declared as follower.
‘The present time calls for austerity if we are to get over our financial difficulties, and promote the welfare of our ‘people.
This is the keynote of the purely material aspects of my proposals. As it has been our privilege to give the lend in big spending, so it must be our honour to set a noble example in what real austerity in the facer of financial crisis truly means.
It will not be proper for me to give the details of what form or forms these austerity measures should take. That is a matter for the Federal Executive Council to consider and determine. But I consider it my duty to warn that our admonition and appeal for sacrifices would sound hollow and hypocritical in the ears of the public, unless those of us who occupy a position of leadership have first of all made the highest possible sacrifices.
The Eastern Region Government is to be commended for its bold efforts in tackling its financial problem. But it has gone about it the wrong way. It abolished Infant I, pegged its UpE scheme to Infant II and Standard I and II and raised school fees in Standards III and IV from £3 10s. od. To £5. os. Od. per pupil, and in Standards V and VI from £5. os. Od. to £8 os. od. The Action Group which has criticized these regressive and crushing measures has been accused of playing politics, and of breaking faith with the agreement reached at the National Economic Council that taxation should be taken out of the arena of politics.
In the first place, the present imposition of school fees is not taxation, because it does not conform with – any of the principles of an enlightened tax system.
In the second place, the agreement referred to has not been made known to the public. At all events, the Action Group and I myself are still to be informed of the said agreement and its precise terms. In any case, I want to assure the Eastern Government that, if an agreement is reached that taxation should be taken out of the arena of politics, they will find the Action Group a very active collaborator in implementing its terms. From the time I took office in the Western Region in 1952, I have consistently advocated this very course in vain. In vain, because the NCNC which is the party in power in the East was implacably bent on playing politics with taxation, with the unsavoury consequences which now stare all of us in the face. I am not at all happy about the present state of affairs. But I am glad that whether we are Jews or Gentiles, Greeks or Barbarians, we now see quite clearly that playing politics with rates and taxes is a most dangerous game. If the NCNC had responded to my repeated calls for unity of purpose in the matter of taxation, and if it had not had reasons to believe that its financial returns from other sources would say good perhaps the Western Region Government would not have reduced rates as substantially as it has done with a resultant heavy financial burden on the Regional exchequer. Similarly, the Eastern Region Government would not have been pressed to the wall as it now is. In the case of the East, the answer to the problem is not increases in school fees. Indeed, I do conscientiously advocate that school fees should be abolished in Primary schools in the Eastern and Northern Regions, and that some other avenues should be explored for raising the funds required for meeting the expenses on Primary education. This exploration should be done by all the Governments of the Federation acting in correct and taking their respective parties into full confidence to what and what are proposed to be done. Those of us who by the Grace of God are placed in a position of leadership must be Prepared right now to grasp the nettle. If we unite in doing so, and if, in addition, we set a worthy example and a marat on pace in probity, unselfishness and self-sacrifice, the people will follow, all too readily, in our footsteps.
There is a short poem whose author I do not now remember, but which I pass on to you for its intrinsic value. It runs:
‘The Past is a story told; The Future may be writ in gold.’
Animated by the sage message of this poem, we should, as we enter the New Year, resolve to make 1962 a glorious epoch in Nigeria’s history.
For the year 1962, therefore:
1)We should resolve to make democracy work in Nigeria at all levels of government activities;
2)We should resolve to unite in combating, with all the constitutional resources at our disposal any attempt on the part of any Government or party in power to encroach upon and invade the liberty of the individual’
3)We should resolve to exterminate the cankerworm of bribery and corruption, and to evolve effective plans to this end;
4)We should resolve to produce a five-year development plan which will bear the stamp of the genius of Nigerian brains and patriotism, and which is designed for the speedy abolition of disease, ignorance and want, and for the introduction of a new era of abundance for all;
5)We should, in particular, resolve to close, so far as it lies in our power and is compatible with socialist ideals, the yawning gap between the haves and the have-nots;
6)We should resolve to raise the prestige of Nigeria as an economically self-reliant and political dependable nation, to whom the other countries of Africa can look for succor and merited leadership; and
7)We should resolve to rededicate ourselves for the great task ahead, and to co-operate with all those of our fellow citizens who see the need and are determined to work for a radical reconstruction of our society.
If we are to succeed in carrying out these resolutions, we must have idealism as our impregnable armour. The idealist is not, as is erroneously believed by some impractical Indeed by adhering to fundamental principles, he is fully armed with unimpeachable yardsticks and criteria by means of which all practical issues are justly and equitably determined. His guiding and dominant motive in his approach to all private or public affairs is self first, self second and self last. The bane of our society is the monstrous growth in 1961 of unabased opportunism. We must resolve to destroy the monster right now, if we are to save this nation from imminent peril.
INDEX
Africa Unit, 1
Agricultural Development, 63
Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact, 26
Akintola, S.L.A., 145, 213
Ashby Commission, 65
Awokoya, Hon. S.O., 142
Balance of Payments, 70
Call to Rededication and
Reconstruction, 209
Cameron, Sir Donald, 80
Charter of Freedom, 76
Creation of More States, 146
ECH, 62
Economic Development, 123
‘Economic Development of
Nigeria, The’, 102
Education, 158
Enahoro, Hon. Anthony, 143
FBI, 65
Financial Cross-roads, 46
Freedom for All, 195
Glory of a King, The, 94
Good Government, 121
Ideological Orientation, 184
Ighodaro, Hon. S.O., 143
I1e-Ife, 45
Independence, 151
Independent Nigeria, 9
Industrial Rule, 79
It Isn’t Life That Matters, 206
Lugard, Lord, 79, 80
Macpherson, Sir John, 145
Malan, Dr., 38
Mens Sana in Corpore Sano,164
Motion for Self-government, 164
Nationalisation, 58
NATO, 2, 14
NCNC, 148, 201, 219
Nigerian Shipping Company 56
NPC, 19, 148, 201, 202 ,210
OAC, 8
Odebiyi, Chief J.A.O. 200
Okotie-Ebob, Cbief Festus, 75
Ondo, 45
Owo, 45
Pbilosopby for Independent
Nigeria. 9
Political Memoranda. 79
Politics and Religion. 117
Public Finance, 43
Public Finance. 123
Public Relations and Other
Matters, 129
Rapid Economic
Development, 51
Social Services, 121
Speech in Defence of Chief
S.L.A. Akintofa,136
Street Beggar Economy, 35
The Press, 166
Thomas, Chief Bode. 145
UK, 31
UNO, 23
Valedictory Summing-up, 118
Verwoenf, Dr. 2
Bertha M. Clay: LOVE’S GOWEN REIGN
Bertha M. Clay: A WOMAN’S TEMPTATION
Bertha M. Clay: BEYOND PARDON
Bertha M. Clay: IN LOVE’S CRUCIBLE
Bertha M. Clay: LOVE WORKS WONDERS
Bertha M. Clay: MARRIED FOR THE BEAUTY
Bertha M. Clay: A HEART’S BITTERNESS
Bertha M. Clay: ANOTHER MAN’S WIFE
Bertha M. Clay: TRIFLING WITH LOVE
Bertha M. Clay: ON WINGS OF LOVE
Bertha M. Clay: FORTUNATE LOVERS
Bertha M. Clay: SUNSHINE OF LOVE
Bertba M. Clay: LOVERS’ CONFLICTS
Bertha M. Clay: THE WOMAN WHO WON
Bertha M. Clay: THE SECRET LOVERS
Bertha M. Clay: LOVERS’ KNOTS
Bertha M. Clay.: NOT EASILY JEALOUS
Bertba M. Clay: LOVE’S HIDDEN PERIL
Bertha M. Clay: DIVIDED LOVES
Kole Omotoso: TO BORROW A WANDERING LEAF
Bayo Adebiyi: THE BROTHERS
Fola Oyewole: RELUCTANT REBEL
Oladapo Yemiian THE BEARDED STORY TELLER
Dillibe Onyeama SEX IS A NIGGER’S GAME
Dillibe Onyeama JUJU
Louis Johnson NO MAN’S LAND
Thomas A. Kempi THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
- Von Schmid THE BASKET OF FLOWERS
- Barclay A LIFE OF CHRIST
- Ramsey: THE HOLY SPIRIT
- Chapman: SHORT RV BIBLE FOR STUDENTS
- Carey: LAST PLANE FROM ULI
Dan Wooding and Ray
Barnett: UGANDA HOLOCAUST
- Nwachukwu-Agbada NO NEED TO CRY
Temple Omare Boyo: SOMOLU BLUES
Akoli Fenuku: A FATAL CHOICE
Sola Oloyede: THE WAREHOUSE GANG
Sola Oloyede: I PROFESS THIS CRIME
Mary Essex: MY LOVE
Lilian Woodward: FOLLY OF LOVE
Yvonne Gordon: LESSON IN LOVE
Grace Goodwin: LOVE IS THE KEY
Angela Gordon: LOVE HAS MANY FACES
Vera Craig: LOVE IN WARD TWO
The above books are obtainable from all reputable bookshops. For direct orders, add 30k per copy for postage and packing for up to 9 books. Orders in excess of 10 books are sent free of charge.
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CONTINUES NEXT WEEK
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