The Central Bank of Nigeria announced on January 14 that it would be moving some departments to Lagos, the Nigerian commercial capital; while the FAAN, the civil aviation regulator, made public its decision on January 18 to do likewise. Both agencies based their decisions on operational reasons.
The Federal Government coming to further explain days after through the Special Adviser Information and Strategy to the President, that the decision had nothing to do with the suspicion that the Federal Capital Territory as being tactically removed from Abuja as alleged by some unpatriotic voices.
A Nigerian Senator, Aki Ndume, the Senate Chief Whip, a northern firebrand, who had earlier served as Senate Majority Leader for part of the 8th Senate granted an interview to Channels Television, where he threatened “political consequences” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if he sticks to that decision. So one man in the North is threatening the President of Nigeria with “political consequences.” whatever that’s supposed to mean. These decisions are institutional decisions. They are not decisions of the president. So why is Senator Ndume threatening the President of the Federal Republic.
Unfortunately, some Northern political groups are in support of the sentiments voiced by Ndume without knowing the facts or caring to know the facts. The Northern Senators’ Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum, and Katsina Elders Forum among others have started beating tribal war drums on a simple reorganisation of two federal agencies.
HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, a former CBN governor, said that the move makes sense. This is a man who knows what he is talking about. He is a northerner and a prominent Muslim leader in Nigeria. He does not buy the narrative that moving some agencies to the commercial capital is anti-North.
The idea that one section of Nigeria can dictate where any national institution is located is an anomaly in a democracy. Either we are in a democracy or in a new form of African tribal democracy. Institutions worldwide are located where it makes economic and operational sense. So for example, most countries locate refineries close to areas where oil is drilled. Most countries put railways in locations where passenger or commercial traffic is greatest. Some countries even split their capitals between two cities to ensure some sort of spread of government institutions between different parts of the country. Schools and universities are built in areas where demand is greatest. In the UK for example, many schools are being closed down because there is not enough demand where the schools are located. etc, etc.
Lagos is the economic powerhouse of Nigeria and West Africa. Every tribe and tongue is represented there. Even my village people are plenty in Lagos. I do not see what the hue and cry is all about.
The idea that one section of Nigeria can dictate where any national institution is located is an anomaly in a democracy. Either we are in a democracy or in a new form of African tribal democracy.
Institutions worldwide are located where it makes economic and operational sense. So for example, most countries locate refineries close to areas where oil is drilled. Most countries put railways in locations where passenger or commercial traffic is greatest. Some countries even split their capitals between two cities to ensure some sort of spread of government institutions between different parts of the country. Schools and universities are built in areas where demand is greatest.
Lagos is the economic powerhouse of Nigeria and West Africa. Every tribe and tongue is represented there. Even my village people are plenty in Lagos. The current national assembly should pass a law recognising Lagos as the commercial and 2nd capital of Nigeria with a special status akin to Abuja. The national assembly could be in Lagos while the Presidency and Federal civil service are split between both. Lagos is so precious to all Nigerians and should not be allowed to go into decay. The funds available for infrastructure development in Lagos are 90% below what is required to keep the fastest-growing megacity of the 21st century afloat. Most of Lagos is bedevilled with poor infrastructure. That’s wrong. Your commercial or 2nd capital needs light, power, railways, port management, financial management, aviation hub, and good roads more than the administrative or political capital of Nigeria. Lagos contributes more to the national GDP than all the northern states put together. So what is Senator Ali Ndume talking about?
Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians. Nigeria belongs to those who contribute the most to her prosperity. Just like the world is controlled by countries with the biggest economies. The biggest economies in the world dictate what happens in the world both economically and politically. Countries with the biggest populations only become major players when they are economically successful. Your population alone does not give you a place in forums where the destiny of mankind is being decided. China only talks now because China has become a global economic superpower. Your population alone does not give you power. It’s what they produce that gives you power. If one state in Nigeria produces more than 19 states in the north and the FCT you cannot dictate to that state. Pure and simple. This constant bullying and threats must stop. That’s not how you build a successful nation, Senator Ali Ndume. The interest of the nation must come before the interest of tribe or region or religionligion
- John The Baptist wrote from John_the Baptist @yahoo.com
