National Conference; The Stakes are high

Since 1914 when Lord Luggard,as the officiating minister,conducted the 'marriage of inconvenience' that later culminated in the birth of Nigeria,the variables had showed that this marriage of the Northern and Southern protectorate under the nomenclature of "Amalgamation" will not enjoy any conjugal bliss or honeymoon.Fifty three years after,this marriage has always been on the brink of a divorce especially during the civil war.
The Nigerian state has been bedeviled by various challenges that have nepotism and tribal proclivities as its substructure. All the National heroes, properly so-called, were sectional or tribal heroes!!! From Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo to Sir Ahmadu Bello, sectional and tribal interest seemed to be the basis upon which they hoist their nationalistic drive. Our founding fathers were "mostly"(emphasis mine) interested in the betterment of their respective regions and then ride on that "sectional goodwill" to sit on Nigeria's exalted seat!
These sectional,ethnic and tribal sentiments has laid the foundation of our Nationhood and it has catenated continuously and consistently even after fifty three years of independence. Our multi-tribal and multilingual nature should be harnessed to bring strength and unity in diversity.How do we achieve this seemingly herculean task? This is where the sovereign national conference becomes very apt and timely. All the regions and ethnic groups need to sit on a round table and discuss the basis of our existence as a Nation. According to President Goodluck Jonathan, there should be no 'no go areas' on the conference table and I strongly agree with him.The conference should of necessity draw up a 'People's constitution' since the biggest lie ever told to a Nation is the preamble of the 1999 Constitution handed over to us by the Military
However,there are many skepticism surrounding the proposed Conference. Analyst are wary of the timing of the conference. Why is it now that we are close to a general election?Is it a ploy by the Presidency to divert attention from the myriads of challenges facing the country under his leadership? Critics have also asked the legal implication of the conference and how the nominees for the conference will be selected. Furthermore,the most boggling question is whether the report of the conference will be submitted to either the President or the National Assembly? These and many more questions should be answered by the authorities and answered well.
The ball is now in the court of the presidency to clear the grey areas and I strongly suggest that the National Conference committee headed by Sen Femi Okurounmu should be given a free hand to carry out this National Assignment. God help this 'geographical expression'(borrowing the words of Obafemi Awolowo) called Nigeria.
This article was written by Idorenyin Umoh. For comments,inquiry and criticisms,call 07063255897