I stand by non-violent protest

BY ORJI UZOR KALU

I stand with you, but with peace through conversations and dialogue without going the path of violence to resolve whatever issues we have. This is a great country, and we are not going to bring it down with any act of violence where discourse can win and bring all of us together.

The quest to make Nigeria greater and better for all is a collective responsibility. Having travelled extensively, I have seen what can be considered ideal or visionary in other countries. With our country’s potential, we should not just aspire to these ideals – we should have already achieved them. But what is holding us back?

We are the problem, starting from the grassroots to the top. We the led and leading, yet we are still searching for solutions. I write this with a heavy heart, knowing we are gearing up for another protest. How long will this continue? It has become a tradition to take to the streets at every political turn.

Is the August protest justified? Yes, it is. Not just because it is our constitutional right or a democratic norm, but because we need to express our dissatisfaction. However, we must consider our approach. Are we asking questions from a place of hopelessness, frustration, disappointment, and anger, or are we asking with a burning love in our hearts, seeking a better country?

The protest is right, but is it timely? Even the wealthy are struggling, and the administration is still in its early days. Some economic policies may be harsh, but they are not intended to punish Nigerians. We must face our economic reality and acknowledge that tough decisions are necessary to achieve our ideals.

Some of us have endured the bitter experiences of this country, and what has it left us with? The hope and conviction that things cannot get worse and that a better future awaits if we take responsibility and avoid divisive issues.

In my opinion, the planned protest should be reconsidered, and if the reconsideration does not happen, it should be done with our humanity intact, rather than letting anger, frustration, and disappointment consume us. We cannot attempt and afford to put this great country of ours on the right track through the acts of violence and destruction.

I agree with the president, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, that we should never curse this country come what may, we should never do anything to disrupt its unity, because this country is a prosperous one.

Over the years, as a nationalist who believe in this country, its unity and progress; I have always believed we shall overcome all the shortcomings that seemingly hold us back. We will get there and we must get there! But getting there is not going to be achieved by any act of violence, but through peace, through the expression of whatever our dissatisfactions are by conversations and dialogue within and outside of us.

This is a sweet country, a loving country, a country with people with the best mentality, which should not be allowed to wane because of some temporary setbacks. We will get there, as a people and a country.

The President means well for the country, and the economic policies are not intended to punish individuals. Perhaps the government should consider revisiting the idea of a regional system to address the ongoing issues. This would involve dividing power between the central authority and regional entities, allowing for national unity and regional autonomy.
The benefits of this system include:

1. Decentralization: Power is distributed evenly, enabling regional governments to respond to local needs.
2. Diversity: Regions can maintain their unique cultural identities.
3. Efficiency: Regional governments can tailor policies to suit local circumstances.
4. Participation: Citizens can engage directly with regional leaders, fostering ownership and accountability.
   This approach can end the constant pressure on the federal government and promote more effective governance.
   Adopting a regional system of government does not guarantee immediate victory, as it comes with its own set of challenges:
5. Coordination: Balancing regional autonomy with national unity can be complex.
6. Inequality: Regions with more resources or population may dominate decision-making processes.
7. Conflict: Regional interests may clash with national priorities, leading to tensions.

However, with dedication and focus, we can overcome these challenges and succeed like other countries that have implemented regional systems. Examples include:

1. Federalism (e.g., United States, Germany): A constitutional division of power between national and regional governments.
2. Confederation (e.g., Switzerland, Canada): A looser association of regions with significant autonomy.
3. Devolution (e.g., United Kingdom, Spain): Transfer of powers from a central government to regional authorities.

These countries have successfully implemented regional systems and enjoy relative peace. If Nigeria adopts a regional system, it can strike a balance between national unity and regional diversity. While challenges will arise, the benefits make it a viable option for empowering local communities while maintaining a strong central government.

The benefits of Nigeria adopting a Regional System of Government include:

1. Decentralization of Power: Reduces federal government control, allowing regions to manage their affairs.
2. Promotes National Unity: Fosters cooperation and understanding among regions, promoting shared citizenship.
3. Efficient Resource Allocation: Regions can tailor development projects to their needs, optimizing resources.
4. Cultural Preservation: Regions can preserve and promote their unique cultural identities.
5. Economic Growth: Regions can develop local economies, reducing dependence on the federal government.
6. Improved Security: Regional governments can address local security concerns effectively.
7. Enhanced Participation: Citizens can engage directly with regional leaders, increasing political participation.
8. Reduced Ethnic Tensions: Regions can manage local conflicts, reducing ethnic tensions.
9. Increased Autonomy: Regions have more control over their affairs, allowing for self-determination.
10. Better Service Delivery: Regional governments can provide services like healthcare and education more effectively.

By adopting a regional system, Nigeria can address diverse regional needs, promote national unity, and drive development, reducing the need for endless protests.
In the meantime, with a few days left until the planned protest, the federal government and stakeholders should engage in deep conversations and dialogue with the protest organizers. Both parties should be willing to listen and find common ground. While some may be hesitant due to sentimental concerns, prioritizing peace and progress is essential.