THE NIGERIAN QUESTION: TARABA IN FOCUS

Map of Nigeria

THE NIGERIAN QUESTION: Excepts from my book: Redefining Peace and Social Justice in Nigeria

King James Nkum

The country known as Nigeria is strategically located within the Western coast of Africa, slightly north of the Equator. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to south and the Sahara desert to the north. The giant of Africa nation lies approximately between latitudes 4 Degree North and 14 Degree North and between longitudes 3 Degree East and 15 Degree East, encompassing a vast geographical area of contrasting landforms, climatic conditions and vegetation belts. The surface area of the country is approximately 923,800 square kilometers with over 160 million people. The most populous African nation is bordered by the republics of Cameroun to the east, Benin to the west, Niger to the north, while the southern boundary is formed by 800 kilometer Atlantic coastline, which includes the eastern sector of the Gulf of Guinea.

There are lots of arguments and counter-debates as to whether the Nigerian state is a true nation in the context of nationhood. Other nagging issues relates to the question as to whether it is a unitary or federal arrangement, in the light of the system of government being operated. In any event, it is not the author’s intention to dabble into these heated debates, but simply to chart a blueprint for a brand new, progressive and prosperous Nigeria in view of the recent emerging security issues. In trying to understand and proffer solutions to the persistent socio-political and economic problems bedeviling the country, certain factors have been identified as culprits which over the years, have heated the polity and thereby keeping the country on a boiling point.

It does not take rocket science to decipher that a lot of things have gone wrong with this great country and something must be done to urgently remedy the situation before the Giant of Africa degenerates into a failed state. When viewed from an objective prism, it will becomes obvious to the reader that the problem of Nigeria is Nigerians themselves and interestingly, the solution of Nigeria is with Nigerians. Each and every one of us has contributed in one way or the other in bringing this great nation to her knees, whether directly or indirectly, advertently or otherwise. The blame is not to be placed at the doorsteps of the leaders alone, although leadership failure remains the bane of Africa’s underdevelopment and unending political crises, Nigeria inclusive. The important requisites in this connection are purposeful, dedicated and accountable leadership, and committed, sincere and patriotic followership. We must take personal responsibility to remedy the problem accordingly. It all begins with the mind. We must make up our minds to remedy our destiny and the destiny of the next generation by evolving a new mindset to achieve greatness, sustainable human development and survival today for posterity. Just like new wine needs to be put in a new wineskin, Nigeria needs a radical surgical reform in all ramifications. This is imperative, if only the dream of ultimately achieving national unity, greatness and survival of a virile, united and progressive country can ever come true.

Some of the recurrent issues which have contributed in bringing down the Giant of Africa are little foxes, but which destroys the vines and clogs the wheel of our progress to the promised land of greatness. These ‘foxes’ could be more deadly than atomic bomb! They include recurrent decimals such as regionalism and ethnicity, electoral irregularities, persistent energy crisis, incessant strike action, fiscal federalism and resource control, constitutional amendment and good governance, as well as the Bakassi imbroglio, among several others as highlighted in the first chapter of my book REDEFINING PEACE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN NIGERIA"

Taraba is one of the 36 Federating units that makes up Nigeria and is in need of peace.

The frequent killings in the State only takes it further backward. All good people of Taraba must unites against the enemies of peace and progress for a peaceful and prosperous Taraba of out wildest collective dream.