'Strong institutions, panacea to Nigeria's challenges' Udeze
GUEST COLUMN
EFFECTS OF BUILDING STRONGER INSTITUTIONS THAN STRONGER MEN IN NIGERIA:
Our forum should be commended for their commitment to our collective concerns and interest towards the well being of our colleagues. And it is pertinent that if some of us are not meeting up with these ideals, I hereby advice that you had better resolved to do that, because “A friend who understands your tears is much more valuable than a lot of friends who only know your smiles”.
The theme of my presentation, which is – “Effects of Building Stronger Institutions than Stronger Men in Nigeria”, will attempt to highlight on issues that will be based on the empirical and ephemeral; the empirical will stand with the issues of nations being better as a strong entity, while the ephemeral relates to the demerit of personalities being stronger than nations. This in the first place, conveys the fact that since nations lasts for a longer period of time, grows and remains (as we always say “soldiers come – soldiers go, barrack still remain”) whereas that the world renowned super individuals passes on and are laid to rest when they get to a certain age, this gives credence to the incontrovertible statement that a stronger nation rather than stronger individuals, is the preferred option.
Having said this, let us foray into the main issue which is essentially on the word Strong Institution and/or Individual:
For the purpose of this presentation, Institution means the following: - Foundation, Organization, Establishment, Association, Tradition etc. whereas Individual relate to Personality, Character and Entity. We all know what being strong means. So, to add it up, we shall be looking at the effects of a strong foundation, Organizations, Establishments, Associations and Traditions. If character and/or personality of individuals are not properly coordinated or harnessed, it will lead to escalated dysfunction of a system that will render Establishments, Organizations or Traditions defective, compromised and unproductive.
For a nation like Nigeria, and other nations in the world (for that matter) to be strong enough where rule of law is the order, the institutions of government must be positioned and empowered with both legislative and judicial capacity, to the extent that no individual in the nation should be accorded higher consideration than the law that established those institutions or organizations. The flaws found in any failing or failed state or nations in the world, is as a result of obvious misplacement of priorities and deliberate abuse of the rule of law, to please an individual or a people.
The factors that engenders strong institutions:
1. Responsive government
2. Respect of all tiers of government and devolution of power
3. Eradication of tribal, religious and all forms of ethnic sentiments
4. Independence of the judiciary and non compromise stance against selective justice
5. Establishment of State Police or the creation of Community Based Security Network in all the States of the Federation
6. Strong legislation on the roles and limits of the Executive
7. Independent Attorney General which must be different from the Minister or Commissioner of Justice
8. Efficient enforcement and Quality Control Agencies
Some factors that militates against strong institutions:
1. Compromised Central government system
Poor funding
2. Lack of definiteness of purpose and all forms of misappropriations
3. Impunity and ineptitude in government
Selective justice and delay in the judicial process
4. Subtle Ethnic cleansing activities
The gains of building stronger institutions:
1. Public utilities are functional for the poor and the rich.
2. Orderliness and promotion of entrepreneurial spirit among the populaces.
3. Limitation of senseless and avoidable killings.
4. Elimination of mediocrity in the system.
5. Elevation of rule of law, justice and fair play.
6. Foreign Direct Investment.
7. Non tribalistic and religious considerations.
8. Well regulated and properly organized electoral process
9. Quality Control and promotion Consumer rights etc
AN XRAY ON THE MESS THAT STRONG INDIVIDUAL CREATE IN OUR NATION:
When you have a weak constitution, you will definitely have a flawed government and a dysfunctional society, and where the foregoing exists, individuals with deep pocket and political structures will manipulate the system towards their own pecuniary interest, thereby creating a systemless-system in all activities of the nation. This is the pathetic picture of the Nigerian nation, and that’s the reason for non adoption of the positions adduced by the members of the last constituent Assembly, which if implemented, would have given rise to an improved and a functional government.
Tinubu:
The congestion of the Apapa Port/Road, would have been a thing of the past, because the Calabar/Onne Ports (even the Akwa Ibom Deep Sea port), would have been functional, fresh jobs would have been created etc. but, Tinubu and other individuals who are benefitting from the system, would rather prefer that Nigerians suffer than that to happen. We all know that where more than one person is involved, it calls for the restraint of each other’s best interest.
Dangote:
At a point in this Country, it was a taboo for any investor to think of (or even go ahead in) importing sugar or cement into Nigeria, because the almighty Dangote, has been given the sole exclusivity to import these essential commodities. The lesson here is that when one settles for less, you will get less than you settled for. Monopoly doesn’t help to grow an economy, because it is only those directly involved in the transaction that shall benefit from it. This is crippling to our economy and it mustn’t continue!!
Buhari:
Unknown to so many people who were into the importation of rice, at the early stage of Buhari’s administration in 2016/17, they never knew that there was a hidden policy not to give Form M approval for the importation of rice. The unwritten constitution called the body language syndrome of Buhari, made so many people to suffer due to this high handedness and ill informed policy. Though that policy has been relaxed but that alone took a toll on the powerless Nigerians. Imagine if this man had gotten the highly canvassed executive order, what could have happened?
Lawan Daura:
He was fired as Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) for embarrassing the government. The source, who pleaded not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter, listed 11 reasons why Daura got the push. Take a look at the excessive use of power by this individual and they includes:
I. Denting President Muhammadu Buhari’s image
II. Overruling Buhari, Osinbajo on crucial matters, such as the $43.45million recovered at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos and confirmation of Acting EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu
III. Alleged disrespect for court orders on ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki and Ibrahim el-Zakzaky as well as the detention of Jones Abiri
IV. Determining who to see (or pray with) Buhari
V. Unauthorized deployment of operatives / sting operations against Supreme Court Justices, National Assembly, ex-DSS boss Kayode Are.
VI. Alleged interference in the affairs of other security agencies, especially the EFCC
VII. Alleged refusal to take orders from NSA Gen. Mohammed Babagana Monguno
VIII. Row over freedom for Chibok and Dapchi girls
IX. Romance with National Assembly officers
X. Alleged hostility to the media
XI. Usurpation of anti-graft agencies’ functions
THE GAINS OF STRONGER INSTITUTION:
When you appraise the performance of developed nations, and their exercise of their fundamental human right and their GDP, you will easily notice that they owe their success to the nature and structure of the Institutions of their government.
Let us look at the so called stronger nations. China, United States of America, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Saudi Arabia (for the purpose of this presentation), France, Japan etc, are strong Nations because they have very strong and responsible Institutions. Let me point out here, that it is always better to have stronger nations, than stronger individuals.
As I was researching on this work, I came across the submission of -Princewill Odidi, a Development analyst writing from Atlanta, and I want to end this presentation with his story.
"On Made In China 2025:
On several occasions I run across these Chinese kids here in Georgia Tech, what surprises me is the type of courses they study. Almost all of them under Chinese government scholarship here to study in Americas best universities are studying courses that have to do with the future.
They study artificial intelligence, systems science and engineering, and hard core courses for tomorrows World, their social lives are zero and they always hold sophisticated telephones. Very surprising, but China is a country that thinks ahead and every Chinese is a potential suspect.
Have you ever heard of the concept, made in China 2025? It is Chinese Development blueprint that had sent fear around the world. It is meant to transform China from a labor intensive economy that makes toys, cloths, pharmaceutical to one that engineers advanced products like robots electric cars, and space explorations.
The Chinese are believed to be the most determined species of the human race. Once they set their minds to achieve a goal nothing stops them.
Earlier today, I listened to a commentary where the presenter clearly stated that the Chinese state would not mind stealing technology and intellectual property just to meet their goal. I also read elsewhere, that Chinese kids are sent in droves to study unique courses like artificial intelligence, information systems, system science, robotic engineering, systems engineering in American schools. Surprisingly this is a deliberate state policy. You never see a Chinese student on scholarship studying arts, social sciences or religion.
What is most troubling is that they study these courses in America and United Kingdom top ivy leagues. They are here on full state sponsored scholarships.
While the economies of the world including the United States are exporting production distribution and exchange in an era of globalization, China is pursuing an agenda of localizing production.
They promote a policy to get almost 70 percent of their production value chain domiciled locally. This is very dangerous because in the future the entire world will answer to China in terms of production. My concern with China is how can a country and a people get it so right? China is always ahead of the rest in terms of development plans. Always scheming at a time our own kids are holidaying and eating barbecue in foreign restaurants.
The more I study the Chinese, the more I fall in love with these guys. They have leaders that think. They have leaders that plan for tomorrow. More interesting, even children as young as five years in China know in every transaction they have to eat up their opponents or be eaten.
The big question:
Can we ever have a country built on values? Unfortunately, this is our biggest handicap in Nigeria. Our leaders think only of themselves. Selfish and greedy, and some of our young people think only of what they can scoop out of these greed.
Vision 2020 we planned, this is 2019, nothing to write home about. Even the government themselves are busy politicking and killing themselves with no regard to attain the goals of vision 2020. Open a discussion with a federal minister on how his ministry plans to meet the vision 2020 goals he has no idea what you are talking about.
Our hospitals are still consulting clinics; women still give birth at home without medical support, our roads in disrepair, our schools abandoned and our politicians clueless.x.
Is there hope for our country that we can ever plan and execute with precision like the Chinese?
Sometime I wonder, do we embrace the Chinese and be re-colonized or do we continue to align with the west?
These young Chinese kids in Western schools studying robotics and artificial intelligence are the ones to compete with our own kids 20 years from now at a time our educational system and universities are dead and lecturers still going on strike. I fear for my country and our future, to be candid I fear! - "
So, my question is, how well are we really prepared for the future if we should continue to rely on strong individuals instead of strong institutions how can we drive this Country to be one of the Countries in reckoning?
There is so much to be said on this matter, but let me submit here that it is not too late, we can turn a new leaf by insisting on the amendment of our constitution, and encouraging our national Assembly to come up with legislations that are pro development, pro people etc.
You may wish to make your input.
God bless you all.
Chief (Barr) Kenneth Obidiche Udeze is an abuja- based legal luminary, National Chairman Action Allian and an Imo State University Alumnus
chukwudiobi74@gmail.com 08030902410, www.facebook.com/chukwudi obi.33, @sonsnid741,
Join Club080 and get enormous discount and offers on breast enhancers, mobile phones, air-times, free ATM etc www.club080.com/makemoni Make money tweeting. Do you have website or blog/ make more money from your blog http://nairapp.com/index.php?rp=823 Buy luxury Swiss grade watches Wishwatch : http://saveouridentity.blogspot.com/2014/08/swiss-watches-for-sale.html
EFFECTS OF BUILDING STRONGER INSTITUTIONS THAN STRONGER MEN IN NIGERIA:
Our forum should be commended for their commitment to our collective concerns and interest towards the well being of our colleagues. And it is pertinent that if some of us are not meeting up with these ideals, I hereby advice that you had better resolved to do that, because “A friend who understands your tears is much more valuable than a lot of friends who only know your smiles”.
The theme of my presentation, which is – “Effects of Building Stronger Institutions than Stronger Men in Nigeria”, will attempt to highlight on issues that will be based on the empirical and ephemeral; the empirical will stand with the issues of nations being better as a strong entity, while the ephemeral relates to the demerit of personalities being stronger than nations. This in the first place, conveys the fact that since nations lasts for a longer period of time, grows and remains (as we always say “soldiers come – soldiers go, barrack still remain”) whereas that the world renowned super individuals passes on and are laid to rest when they get to a certain age, this gives credence to the incontrovertible statement that a stronger nation rather than stronger individuals, is the preferred option.
Having said this, let us foray into the main issue which is essentially on the word Strong Institution and/or Individual:
For the purpose of this presentation, Institution means the following: - Foundation, Organization, Establishment, Association, Tradition etc. whereas Individual relate to Personality, Character and Entity. We all know what being strong means. So, to add it up, we shall be looking at the effects of a strong foundation, Organizations, Establishments, Associations and Traditions. If character and/or personality of individuals are not properly coordinated or harnessed, it will lead to escalated dysfunction of a system that will render Establishments, Organizations or Traditions defective, compromised and unproductive.
For a nation like Nigeria, and other nations in the world (for that matter) to be strong enough where rule of law is the order, the institutions of government must be positioned and empowered with both legislative and judicial capacity, to the extent that no individual in the nation should be accorded higher consideration than the law that established those institutions or organizations. The flaws found in any failing or failed state or nations in the world, is as a result of obvious misplacement of priorities and deliberate abuse of the rule of law, to please an individual or a people.
The factors that engenders strong institutions:
1. Responsive government
2. Respect of all tiers of government and devolution of power
3. Eradication of tribal, religious and all forms of ethnic sentiments
4. Independence of the judiciary and non compromise stance against selective justice
5. Establishment of State Police or the creation of Community Based Security Network in all the States of the Federation
6. Strong legislation on the roles and limits of the Executive
7. Independent Attorney General which must be different from the Minister or Commissioner of Justice
8. Efficient enforcement and Quality Control Agencies
Some factors that militates against strong institutions:
1. Compromised Central government system
Poor funding
2. Lack of definiteness of purpose and all forms of misappropriations
3. Impunity and ineptitude in government
Selective justice and delay in the judicial process
4. Subtle Ethnic cleansing activities
The gains of building stronger institutions:
1. Public utilities are functional for the poor and the rich.
2. Orderliness and promotion of entrepreneurial spirit among the populaces.
3. Limitation of senseless and avoidable killings.
4. Elimination of mediocrity in the system.
5. Elevation of rule of law, justice and fair play.
6. Foreign Direct Investment.
7. Non tribalistic and religious considerations.
8. Well regulated and properly organized electoral process
9. Quality Control and promotion Consumer rights etc
AN XRAY ON THE MESS THAT STRONG INDIVIDUAL CREATE IN OUR NATION:
When you have a weak constitution, you will definitely have a flawed government and a dysfunctional society, and where the foregoing exists, individuals with deep pocket and political structures will manipulate the system towards their own pecuniary interest, thereby creating a systemless-system in all activities of the nation. This is the pathetic picture of the Nigerian nation, and that’s the reason for non adoption of the positions adduced by the members of the last constituent Assembly, which if implemented, would have given rise to an improved and a functional government.
Tinubu:
The congestion of the Apapa Port/Road, would have been a thing of the past, because the Calabar/Onne Ports (even the Akwa Ibom Deep Sea port), would have been functional, fresh jobs would have been created etc. but, Tinubu and other individuals who are benefitting from the system, would rather prefer that Nigerians suffer than that to happen. We all know that where more than one person is involved, it calls for the restraint of each other’s best interest.
Dangote:
At a point in this Country, it was a taboo for any investor to think of (or even go ahead in) importing sugar or cement into Nigeria, because the almighty Dangote, has been given the sole exclusivity to import these essential commodities. The lesson here is that when one settles for less, you will get less than you settled for. Monopoly doesn’t help to grow an economy, because it is only those directly involved in the transaction that shall benefit from it. This is crippling to our economy and it mustn’t continue!!
Buhari:
Unknown to so many people who were into the importation of rice, at the early stage of Buhari’s administration in 2016/17, they never knew that there was a hidden policy not to give Form M approval for the importation of rice. The unwritten constitution called the body language syndrome of Buhari, made so many people to suffer due to this high handedness and ill informed policy. Though that policy has been relaxed but that alone took a toll on the powerless Nigerians. Imagine if this man had gotten the highly canvassed executive order, what could have happened?
Lawan Daura:
He was fired as Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) for embarrassing the government. The source, who pleaded not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter, listed 11 reasons why Daura got the push. Take a look at the excessive use of power by this individual and they includes:
I. Denting President Muhammadu Buhari’s image
II. Overruling Buhari, Osinbajo on crucial matters, such as the $43.45million recovered at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos and confirmation of Acting EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu
III. Alleged disrespect for court orders on ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki and Ibrahim el-Zakzaky as well as the detention of Jones Abiri
IV. Determining who to see (or pray with) Buhari
V. Unauthorized deployment of operatives / sting operations against Supreme Court Justices, National Assembly, ex-DSS boss Kayode Are.
VI. Alleged interference in the affairs of other security agencies, especially the EFCC
VII. Alleged refusal to take orders from NSA Gen. Mohammed Babagana Monguno
VIII. Row over freedom for Chibok and Dapchi girls
IX. Romance with National Assembly officers
X. Alleged hostility to the media
XI. Usurpation of anti-graft agencies’ functions
THE GAINS OF STRONGER INSTITUTION:
When you appraise the performance of developed nations, and their exercise of their fundamental human right and their GDP, you will easily notice that they owe their success to the nature and structure of the Institutions of their government.
Let us look at the so called stronger nations. China, United States of America, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Saudi Arabia (for the purpose of this presentation), France, Japan etc, are strong Nations because they have very strong and responsible Institutions. Let me point out here, that it is always better to have stronger nations, than stronger individuals.
As I was researching on this work, I came across the submission of -Princewill Odidi, a Development analyst writing from Atlanta, and I want to end this presentation with his story.
"On Made In China 2025:
On several occasions I run across these Chinese kids here in Georgia Tech, what surprises me is the type of courses they study. Almost all of them under Chinese government scholarship here to study in Americas best universities are studying courses that have to do with the future.
They study artificial intelligence, systems science and engineering, and hard core courses for tomorrows World, their social lives are zero and they always hold sophisticated telephones. Very surprising, but China is a country that thinks ahead and every Chinese is a potential suspect.
Have you ever heard of the concept, made in China 2025? It is Chinese Development blueprint that had sent fear around the world. It is meant to transform China from a labor intensive economy that makes toys, cloths, pharmaceutical to one that engineers advanced products like robots electric cars, and space explorations.
The Chinese are believed to be the most determined species of the human race. Once they set their minds to achieve a goal nothing stops them.
Earlier today, I listened to a commentary where the presenter clearly stated that the Chinese state would not mind stealing technology and intellectual property just to meet their goal. I also read elsewhere, that Chinese kids are sent in droves to study unique courses like artificial intelligence, information systems, system science, robotic engineering, systems engineering in American schools. Surprisingly this is a deliberate state policy. You never see a Chinese student on scholarship studying arts, social sciences or religion.
What is most troubling is that they study these courses in America and United Kingdom top ivy leagues. They are here on full state sponsored scholarships.
While the economies of the world including the United States are exporting production distribution and exchange in an era of globalization, China is pursuing an agenda of localizing production.
They promote a policy to get almost 70 percent of their production value chain domiciled locally. This is very dangerous because in the future the entire world will answer to China in terms of production. My concern with China is how can a country and a people get it so right? China is always ahead of the rest in terms of development plans. Always scheming at a time our own kids are holidaying and eating barbecue in foreign restaurants.
The more I study the Chinese, the more I fall in love with these guys. They have leaders that think. They have leaders that plan for tomorrow. More interesting, even children as young as five years in China know in every transaction they have to eat up their opponents or be eaten.
The big question:
Can we ever have a country built on values? Unfortunately, this is our biggest handicap in Nigeria. Our leaders think only of themselves. Selfish and greedy, and some of our young people think only of what they can scoop out of these greed.
Vision 2020 we planned, this is 2019, nothing to write home about. Even the government themselves are busy politicking and killing themselves with no regard to attain the goals of vision 2020. Open a discussion with a federal minister on how his ministry plans to meet the vision 2020 goals he has no idea what you are talking about.
Our hospitals are still consulting clinics; women still give birth at home without medical support, our roads in disrepair, our schools abandoned and our politicians clueless.x.
Is there hope for our country that we can ever plan and execute with precision like the Chinese?
Sometime I wonder, do we embrace the Chinese and be re-colonized or do we continue to align with the west?
These young Chinese kids in Western schools studying robotics and artificial intelligence are the ones to compete with our own kids 20 years from now at a time our educational system and universities are dead and lecturers still going on strike. I fear for my country and our future, to be candid I fear! - "
So, my question is, how well are we really prepared for the future if we should continue to rely on strong individuals instead of strong institutions how can we drive this Country to be one of the Countries in reckoning?
There is so much to be said on this matter, but let me submit here that it is not too late, we can turn a new leaf by insisting on the amendment of our constitution, and encouraging our national Assembly to come up with legislations that are pro development, pro people etc.
You may wish to make your input.
God bless you all.
Chief (Barr) Kenneth Obidiche Udeze is an abuja- based legal luminary, National Chairman Action Allian and an Imo State University Alumnus
chukwudiobi74@gmail.com 08030902410, www.facebook.com/chukwudi obi.33, @sonsnid741,
Join Club080 and get enormous discount and offers on breast enhancers, mobile phones, air-times, free ATM etc www.club080.com/makemoni Make money tweeting. Do you have website or blog/ make more money from your blog http://nairapp.com/index.php?rp=823 Buy luxury Swiss grade watches Wishwatch : http://saveouridentity.blogspot.com/2014/08/swiss-watches-for-sale.html
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