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Pre-National Political Reform Conference

Report

REPORT OF THE PRE-NATIONAL POLITICAL REFORM CONFERENCE (NPRC) MEETING OF NIGERIANS IN THE AMERICAN DIASPORA HOSTED BY NIDO AMERICAS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE NIGERIAN EMBASSY, WASHINGTON DC USA, FEBRUARY 19, 2005.

VENUE/TIME:
Nigerian Embassy, 3519 International Boulevard,
Washington DC 20008.
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

1. ATTENDANCE:

A. Individuals:

Dr. Ola Kassim (Chairman, NIDO Americas; Board member, Canada); Dr. Joseph U. Igietseme (Board Member, Southern Zone 3 & Pre-NPRC Secretary); Jimi Lawal (Board Member, Canada); Robert Ngwu (Financial Secretary; Board Member, Midwest region & Master of Ceremony); Uzoma Obi (Treasurer; Board member, North East, Washington DC zone); Dr. Emmanuel Okpalaugo (Board member, South America); Dr. Adeniyi Ogunkoya (Board Member, North East-NY/NJ); David Onu (Board Member, Southern Zone 3); Placid Aguwa (Legal Adiser; Board member, NY), Dr. Dennis O. Balogu (Board member, South Central Zone & Workshops' Coordinator ), Eghosa Edebor (Board member, South Central zone, and Coordinator, Houston TX Chapter), Folashade Arowoselu (Coordinator-Atlanta Chapter & Rapporteur, Workshop C); Simon Guobadia (Co-Cordinator, Atlanta Chapter ), Jumoke Akin-Taylor (Coordinator-NY/NJ); Paula B. Ajisefunni (Coordinator-Washington DC Chapter); Tony O. Nammor (Coordinator-Washington DC Chapter), Stella Onuoha (Manager, NIDO Office).

Sir Jude Nkpado (Wash DC), Otis Orji (Va), William U. Ezeoke (CT), Salisu Abdullah (CT), Joseph Ake (Lagos), James Medugu (Wash DC), Afam C. Agwu (MD), Bukola Shonuga (NY), Mikoyan Okolo (MD), Orjiako, U.H (Wash DC), Rabiu Shehu (GA), Felix Y. Pwol (Wash DC), Victor Bosah (NY), Pauline Igwe (TX), Alexander Gomes (TX), Okoi GE (Wash DC), Ganiyu A. Raji (MD), Bola Fakinlede (NY), Mach Andena (NY), Emmanuel Idegwu (Wash DC), Soyombo (Wash DC), Denen Akaa (Wash DC), Bolaji Aluko (MD), Uche Onwudiwe (VA), Robert Nwafo Nwanko (MD), M.C Ekeocha (Wash DC), N.N Obidi (Wash DC), Nnamdi Kamanu (Wash DC), Charles Oviawe (NY), Godson Offoaro (Wash DC), Obinna Muobi (NY/NJ), Victor Adeyoju (NY), Tessie Ajaho (MD), Mr. & Mrs. Robins Ezenezi (Wash DC), Dr. Stanly Onye (Wash DC), Rose Ogbonna (MD), Paul Udensi (Wash DC), Samson Agbabi (MD), Budahiru Lawal, Aliu Mustapha.

Dr. Chudi Uwazurike, Dr. Bolaji Aluko (Moderator, Workshop A), Tina Iyare, Mohammed Lasisi, Martin Akindana, Chuck Chukwuemeka, Dr. Bright A. Aregs, Osita Chidoka (Wash DC), Frank Guobadia ( Moderator, Workshop C, - NY), Cornelius Dumerene (Alexandria VA), Dr. Victor Udo, Dr. Kalu Kalu Diogu (Rapporteur, Workshop B) , Chris I. Uvieghara, Kenneth Okorie , Ozee Nwadike, Esq (Rapportuer, Workshop A), Dr. John Ifedi, (Moderator, Workshop B), Bolanle Adebowale, Patrick Afam, Ayodele Mobolurin, Obioha Felix, Ikenna O. Ezenekwe, Regina Akpan, Justina Ikpim, K.A. Familoni, Robins Ezenezi, Justus Odira Alaeto, Tony Isama, Aina Olufemi, Peter Nwogu, Godson Offoaro, James Uchendu Akwarandu, Ezem Ajeroh, Dr. Sam Esama, E.E. Imohe, Dr. Victor Udo, Rev. Samuel, Leon Ibeka, Emmanuel Anyasi, Jennifer Anyasi, Emmanuel Nanakumo, Dr. Dennis Balogu, Paulina Igwe, Alexander Gomez, Biko Agozino, Leo Anigbo, Paula Ajisefini, Ozee Nwadike, Stanley Ihuoma, Adaba Oviza, Chuks Eleonu, Kenneth Keke, Chinedu Ofor, Nnenna Ukeje-Eloagu, Lanre Ghenga, Ray Ihegbe, Dan Austin, Whispers Nigerian, J.J. Osongo, Ms Mustapha, Gerald Jones-Ojukwu, Stella Onuoha, Henry Kole, Bolahan Oloyede, Abiodun Adepoju, Bunmi Ogunlade, Jude Yange, Godwin Ani, Silas Gimba, Helen Gimba, Nkanta Udoh, Monica Ekeocha, Festus Anaele, Scholastica Nwabueze, Jay L. Adedeji, Nkeiruka Ogbuokiri, Vincent Ogboi, Uche Onwudiwe, Emeka Onwezi-Nwugwo, David Diwa, David Onu, Gerald Igvor, Tombani Banko, Cornelius Dumerene, Dr. Sithson Ahiabuike, Dr. Charles Agwumezie, Yemi Akinsanya, Chidi Onwukwugha, Henry Onwudwugha, Dr. Eric Uzo Chukwu, Nurat Yavah, Chris Chukwu, Mohammed Bagudu, Dr. Kevin Ita, Dr. Justin Harris, Dr. Stanley Onye, Shehu Rabiu, Chido Nwangwu, Charles Onwuche, Victor Bosah, Victor Udoh, Okey Mbonu, Dr. Ignatius Ukpabi, DR. Kalu Diogu, Mudasiru Mohammed Yavah, A.O. Kadiri, Ike Okoye, Ekam Ukpong, Emmanuel Idegwu, Lateef Olopoenia, Broderick Eribo, Ada Igbo, Victor Eno Sam Omasere, remy Ohuoha, Uche Alozie, Getrude Ezegbuna, Ms. Rosemary, Patience Osabuohen, Francis Asomkase, Bright Aregs, Paul S. Nomsule, Chijioke Godwin Ogbuka, Henry Owosela, Tasie Osere, Ifeoma Eze, Felix Pwol, Dr. Humphrey Orjiako, Ambassador Udoh Udoh, Deola Akindana, Jude Ojukwu, Mrs. M.O. Ekatah, Shade Arowoselu, Benita Ngwu, Bukky Shonuga.

B. Organizations:

NIDO Americas, Nigerian Embassy, Wash DC, Nigerian Consulate (Atlanta GA), Zumunta, ANC (Association of Nigerian C), World Igbo Congress, Urhobo National Congress, Edo National Association, Egbe Omo Yoruba, Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), Nigerian Foundation of Florida, Nigerian Association of Certified Public Accountants/National Association of Black Accountants, NIPRO, Intll, OKOP Usem Leadership Council, Nkwere Aborigenes Union, ANPA, Nigerian Foundation, Ihime-Mbano Association, African Peoples’ Action Congress, Enugu State Association, Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG), Nigeria-American Chambers of Commerce, Kwara Association, Nigerian Democratic Movement, Nwandinaba Association, Nigerian Public Accountants Association (NAPA), ISADUS INC, NICORE Inc., Afro Heritage Magazine, WNT Press, VOA Press, Thus Day, AIT Press.

2. OPENING PRAYERS:

These were conducted in Christian and Moslem verses.

3. OPENING REMARKS I:

Dr. Ola Kassim, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of NIDO Americas, thanked all those who responded to the pre-conference meeting invitation, and appealed for peace and open minds as participants discuss, debate and prescribe solutions and pathways toward a unified and greater Nigeria. The Nigerian Government recognizes the huge resources within Nigerians in the Nigerian Diaspora community and the significance of engaging the diasporal community in Nigerian development. This confidence in the diasporal community is reflected in the continuing effort to engage all Nigerians in the Diaspora (professionals and non-professionals) to actively participate in the nation building. Dr. Kassim’s remarks reflect the following specific matters:

(i) Special role of Nigerians in the Diaspora in nation building: Nigeria needs all her people for rapid transformation into a greater nation, and the special role of Nigerians in the Diaspora stem from both their technical and non-technical expertise, and their experience in other societies that will be useful to Nigeria. It is therefore important for Nigerians in the Diaspora to continue to believe in Nigeria and be ready to make the necessary sacrifices to contribute more meaningfully to Nigerian nation building. It is our duty.

(ii) The purpose of the pre-conference meeting: The recognition of the vital role of the diasporal community in Nigerian nation building has led, at least for the first time, to the involvement of representatives of Nigerians in the Diaspora in a crucial conference for forging a better and greater Nigerian Nation. The Federal Government is requesting the nomination of four members of the diasporal communities in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the rest of Africa to present the diasporal aspirations and prescriptions on how to better reform the political process to achieve a greater nation. In accord with its mandate, the Board of NIDO Americas has instituted a democratic process for nominating the candidate from the Americas and has also constituted a Working Committee (comprising NIDO and non-NIDO members) to synthesize the voices of Nigerians in the Americas to guide the presentations at the NPRC in Nigeria. In this respect, this process has led the Board of Directors of NIDO Americas to confirm Dr. Ola Kassim, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of NIDO Americas, as the representative of the Nigeria’s diasporal community in the Americas. The need for Alternates is yet to be finalized but will be handled by the NIDO Board when necessary. Considering the enthusiasm with which members of the diasporal community have responded to the pre-conference (people traveling from all over the Americas), it is obvious that Nigerians in the Diaspora are keenly interested in the affairs of Nigeria. There will be no doubts that a vibrant discussion will be held during this pre-conference meeting and a strong position or positions will be developed to represent the views of Nigerians in the Americas at the NPRC in Nigeria.

3. OPENING REMARKS II

The Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. George Obiozor expressed satisfaction with the strong support of the diasporal community for President Obasanjo’s proposed National political reform dialogue. He stressed that collective debates lead to the forging of collective solutions, and the central objective of the exercise is to forge unity and build a prosperous nation.

On the role of Nigerians in the Diaspora during the NPRC, Ambassador Obiozor opined that the Nigerian Govt recognizes and greatly values the diasporal community as a crucial resource in national development. This recognition and invitation to actively contribute to the political process is a testimony to the premium on the Diaspora community and the courage and vision of Mr. President for a greater Nigeria. Ambassador Obiozor therefore enjoined the pre-conference participants not to discuss in fear or fear to discuss what is in the best interest of Nigeria. The historic opportunity should be appreciated and seized by the diasporal community to become more relevant in Nigeria’s future. Just as the issue of dual citizenship for Nigerians was handled in the past, which has paved the way for many Nigerians to directly or indirectly engage in Nigerian governance, the diasporal community should eagerly and boldly table issues so that unsettled sociopolitical issues can be resolved. The Nigerian State is headed for greatness and as she evolves, those who undermine her may be sidelined as the nation’s greatness unfolds. The diasporal community MUST decide to take the side of positive change, since the inevitability of change and march of history with its incremental progress CANNOT be altered in any society. People must eschew activities that impede the ambition of people or society because one cannot revolt against one’s ambition.

Ambassador Obiozor commended NIDO Americas for the outreach and broad invitation to all members of the diasporal community to attend this pre-conference meeting. He recognized the huge sacrifices many people have made and continue to make to organize members of the diasporal community so as to provide ample opportunity to engage and dialogue with the Nigerian Govt. In addition, these forums furnish platforms to make friends, network and think tank sessions for forging consensus leading to a greater society. Besides, these activities breed collective success ultimately, and friendship with successful people and events engender personal success. However, mixing and listening to nay-sayers could culture despair and failures. Ambassador Obiozor called for meaningful debates and discussions leading to a unified message for the Nigerian people, our people. Let the people benefit from the experience and goodies of the Americas through diasporal commitment and participation in Nigeria’s development. The era of separate destiny is over in Nigeria.

3. PRE-CONFERNCE AGENDA AND PRESENTATIONS

The Board of NIDO Americas and the Central Constitution Review Working Group (CCRWG) produced an agenda which was based on 3 broad areas of reference and focus for the diasporal community. The contributions received from Nigerians in the Diaspora were grouped in these 3 categories:

a) Government: governance, public management, national and regional infrastructure, security, law enforcement, and property rights.

b) Elections, Party politics, and voting: Diaspora voting rights, electoral reforms and political parties.

c) Society and citizenry: Secularity of State, Diaspora engagement, consultation and consensus building, ethnic relations and nation state, and traditional institutions.

4. PRESENTATIONS

Summaries of the presentations will be presented in this report. Hardcopies of the individual presentations can be obtained from: (NIDO Americas, Nigerian Embassy, 3519 International Boulevard, Washington DC 20008. Telephone: 202-986-8400, ext 1023. Fax: 202-237-1078.

a. Keynote presentation: Dr. Chudi Uwazurike delivered a keynote address (What manner of nation? On the imperative of consensus building and citizenship rights as foundation for social justice, modus vivendi and enduring legitimacy in a renewed Nigeria) that opened the presentations. Professor Uwazurike observed that a new day has dawn in Nigeria with the NPRC amid clamors for sovereign conferences and national confabs. Nigerian people may have an opportunity to produce a constitution of the people. He warned that Africa and Africans are on the brink of extinction if certain pragmatic initiatives are not expedited, and Nigeria has a pivotal role in this process. Professor Uwazurike lamented that although Nigeria has always had GREAT IDEAS, the practical side and honesty of execution have been the issues associated with the apparent lack of movement in the country. As a way forward, Professor Uwazurike paraphrased Colonel David Ejior that Nigerians have to quickly choose among a Unitary State (with powers centralized at the national capital), a Federal State with weak provincial government, and a loose Federation with strong provinces and a relatively weak center. According to him, and in consonance with the earlier prescription of Ejoor, Nigeria must accomplish this choice without delay, not by bullets but by mutual and friendly discussion. That Nigeria is still wrangling with political reforms today means that Nigeria has not made a choice and that choice is reflected in the constitution that organizes and directs the nation. The constitution sets the rules of operation, the sociopolitical and economic agenda, what manner of State, the form of the State (monarchy, unitary, federation et cetera), citizenship, duties of citizens, leadership structure, citizenship-leadership relations, legislative and executive functions and relations, ethnic relations, revenue sources and sharing mechanisms et cetera. Dr. Uwazurike contended that the inadequacies and failures of the Nigerian constitutions underlie the problems of the nation. After going through the various constitutions since 1914, Dr. Uwazurike observed that the effort of the NPRC may lead to the 12th constitution. However, since this HOUSE SHALL STAND, everything must be done to produce a constitution that represents the aspirations of the people and will move the nation forward this time around, he declared.

According to Dr. Uwazurike, members of the Diaspora community like other Nigerians want a kinder and gentler nation with justices and security. The role of science and technology in this process is vital. Processes leading to consensus building and establishment of lasting infrastructure are also needed. In these discussions, a unified position that will be subjected to a referendum will assure Nigerians that these efforts are genuine and are for the people.

b. Workshops:

Following the day’s agenda, participants broke up into 3 workshops (Workshop A, B and C) reflecting the 3 broad areas of reference and focus for presentation of materials by different groups and individuals. The highlights of the workshops as reported by the Moderators and Rapporteurs are:

(i) Government: governance, public management, national and regional infrastructure, security, law enforcement, and property rights. Recommendations are:

* To restructure the federation into 6-12 viable provinces, governed by Vice Presidents that manage the regional resources.