Beyond a state of emergency (Nigeria)

[gottaB]

By Pini Jason

Since the mayhem in Yelwa Shendani (Plateau State) and Kano, many Nigerians and organisations, including those who were rabidly averse to it yesterday, have been calling for a Sovereign National conference. Even Dr. Ibrahim Datti Ahmed will go to war if National Conference is not convoked! The only authority of note still opposed to it is President Obasanjo.

So when the Federal Government issued a statement saying it “underscored the need to ensure peaceful existence among all Nigerians in spite of differences of creed as the unity of the country cannot be compromised” I began to wonder what exactly the government meant. Anybody who thinks he can build unity with the present structure and Nigerian constitution is either a cruel joker or a hypocrite. Or both. I wonder what unity the government is talking about; the unity that can leave over 1,000 Nigerians dead in two weeks of gory orgy, and another 35,000 scattered in refugee camps?

Beyond a state of emergency....

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Wow. Mr. Jason's is an impassioned plea for a new constitution and a Nigerian citizenship. If you're curious about the violence in Nigeria, or the phenomenon of weak states or quasi-states in Africa especially, do read this.

[bemildred]

1. No link. nt

[gottaB]

2. oops, got it

thanks