THE threat to Nigerian unity, fanned by ‘indigene’ and ‘non-indigene’ issue is apparently not about to abate, going by a recent order emanating from the Abia State Government. The Theodore Orji-led government practically sacked so-called non-indigenes from the state’s public service, even when many of these are Igbo sons and daughters from other states in the South-East. The action is only an extension of similar divisive practices being perpetrated by governments at various levels in the country, but it underlines the threat to the much-touted national unity.

By asking non-indigenes in its employment to disengage and return to their states of origin by October 1, 2011, Abia government has re-enforced the notion against one Nigeria, and the fact that states creation has robbed the nation of its bond of unity by assuming a potent divisive factor, contrary to the nationalist spirit prevalent at independence in 1960. Governor Orji should rescind the decision in the interest of national unity

About a fortnight ago, Abia State directed all non-indigenes in its employment, except those in tertiary institutions, to disengage and return to their states of origin. The directive did not consider that most of the affected people were born and bred in Abia State and have lived all their lives there, with entrenched family ties and businesses. Why should they be dislocated now because their fathers came from different states? The policy is absolutely wrong-headed.

The country needs to redefine non-indigeneship, as the present perception is fraught with danger, being at the root of the crisis in Jos and many other flash points in the country, where “indigenes” and “settlers” are ditched in bloody confrontation. It is insensitive for any state government to fan the embers of disunity at this time that Nigerians are being driven from their homes as a result of civil unrest in many parts of the country.

According to the circular dated August 25, 2011, issued by the Head of Service, Mr. G. C. Adiele, all heads of ministries, departments, agencies and the Local Government Service Commission were directed “to submit the names of all non-indigenes in their employ… failure of which or any connivance thereto shall attract strict sanctions by Government.”

The government’s excuse that it wrote to the other governors in the South-East before sending their “indigenes” packing, and that the action was taken to accommodate Abia indigenes dislodged from some states in the North is untenable. Nor was the hint that its action was predicated on how to pay the new minimum wage. The explanations are flimsy. It is surprising that other governors have not reacted to the action. Is it because they are guilty of the same offence? Surely Abia indigenes are not the only Nigerians affected by the crisis in the North?

The Abia action amounts to re-opening old sores that have festered since state creation began in 1967. Enugu State had in 1991 expelled all Igbo “non-indigenes” in its employment as soon as the state was created from the old Anambra State. And recently, Sokoto State also expelled Zamfara and Kebbi indigenes from their schools. Gov. Orji is replaying the covert acts in many other states, but his actions are unjustifiable and unconstitutional.  Section 15(2) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “national integration shall be actively encouraged, whilst discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited.” In promoting national integration, subsection 3 further enjoins the state, including state governments to “secure full residence rights for all citizens in all parts of the federation.”

We join other well-meaning Nigerians in condemning the Abia policy and all divisive tendencies that have the capacity to tear the country apart, whether in form of suicide bombings, militancy or the now fashionable trend of expelling Nigerians as “non-indigenes” from places they have economic, social and spiritual attachment.  The persistent bloodletting in Plateau State was caused by this same indiscretion. It ought to serve as a lesson to all and sundry.

Sadly, most other states in the federation are directly or indirectly guilty of barring “non-indigenes” from their rights in government, and giving preferential treatment to the so-called “indigenes”. The leaders, rather than addressing it, are instead championing the cause of disunity. The matter is most disturbing for its potential to destroy the nationalist dream of the country’s forefathers. It is a dangerous reality that must not be allowed to fester.

States creation has inadvertently divided Nigeria into 36 semi-autonomous and antagonistic states, thereby moving the country from ethnic nationalities to sub-ethnic components. Currently, the only persons that profess national unity are political leaders at the federal level, and that probably because of their personal benefits. This is no way to promote Nigeria’s unity.

President Goodluck Jonathan, and all the state governors have a serious challenge to address this problem, else they will be collectively guilty of subverting the constitution, provisions of which they all swore to uphold. The rights and privileges of Nigerian citizens in the country are sacred, and governments at all levels have a primary responsibility to protect them, and prevent the violation of the country’s unity.

-Guardian

Posted by admin on Sep 26 2011. Filed under Abia, Headlines, State News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry