By Editor
In a rapidly changing global political landscape, the emancipation efforts sweeping across Africa have captured the attention of many. As Nigeria grapples with a multitude of crises and an increasing exodus of its youth, questions are being raised about why similar redemptive efforts seen in Francophone West Africa are not being replicated in Nigeria. Tony Nnadi, of the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination (NINAS), provides a critical analysis of this issue and outlines the imperative of sovereignty recovery for Nigeria. His insights not only highlight the complexities of Nigeria’s colonial legacy but also emphasize the urgent need for systemic change.
The Francophone West African Emancipation
In recent years, several Francophone countries in West Africa have made significant strides in reclaiming their sovereignty from the lingering effects of French colonial rule. Nnadi attributes this progress to the unique colonial policies imposed by France, which, despite their repressive nature, have allowed these nations to unite against a common external oppressor. The assimilation colonization policy of France, which sought to integrate its colonies more directly into the French state, created a more straightforward pathway for these countries to identify and overthrow their local agents of French control.
The Nigerian Dilemma
Contrasting sharply with the Francophone experience, Nigeria’s colonial history under British rule has left a more convoluted and entrenched legacy. The British employed a system of direct and indirect rule, establishing a “Resident Hegemon” in the form of the Fulani, who were co-opted into a joint venture with Britain. This arrangement effectively excluded the indigenous peoples of Nigeria, creating a deeply rooted local agency that continued to serve British interests long after independence.
Nnadi argues that this entrenched local agency, supported by a unitary constitutional arrangement, has created a sophisticated system of internal colonization. This system, masquerading as democracy, is bolstered by a complex web of stakeholdership and settlement schemes that extend from the federal capital to local governments, ensuring the perpetuation of a fraudulent constitutional order.
The Disguise of Democracy
One of the most insidious aspects of this system is its ability to disguise itself as a functioning democracy. The imposed unitary constitution, credited falsely to “We the Peoples of Nigeria,” has created an artificial sense of national unity and cohesion. Deceptive narratives, such as “Nigeria is our only country” and “Nigeria’s unity is non-negotiable,” have been used to suppress legitimate demands for self-determination and sovereignty recovery among Nigeria’s indigenous nationalities.
According to Nnadi, this façade of democracy has been further reinforced by fostering debilitating divisions among the indigenous peoples. By pitting different ethnic groups against each other through a sophisticated web of false narratives and historical grievances, the ruling elite has managed to prevent any meaningful cooperation among the victim-natives. This divide-and-rule strategy has ensured that the status quo remains unchallenged, despite the growing discontent among the populace.
The Path to Sovereignty Recovery
Nnadi’s analysis points to the urgent need for Nigeria’s indigenous peoples to recover their sovereignty from the internal colonizers operating under the codename “Nigeria.” This recovery begins with the dismantling of the fraudulently imposed unitary constitutional order. He advocates for a joint jailbreak from this “union of death, attrition, and backwardness,” restoring sovereignty to the indigenous nationalities to rework their political existence or coexistence through unfettered self-determination.
The task ahead, as Nnadi sees it, is monumental but necessary. The first step is to topple the unitary constitutional order that has locked Nigeria’s indigenous peoples into an oppressive and unrepresentative union. This involves a comprehensive reconfiguration of the union, allowing for the restoration of sovereignty to the indigenous nationalities and the reworking of their political existence or coexistence on their own terms.
Lessons from the Continent
Nnadi’s call to action is not just confined to Nigeria but is part of a broader continental struggle against neocolonialism. The article “Africa Revolt,” co-authored by Nnadi, highlights the nature of the task ahead for all African nations in their journey to recover long-suppressed sovereignties from the suzerainty of foreign hegemons. This continental perspective underscores the interconnectedness of these struggles and the need for solidarity among African nations in their fight for true independence and self-determination.
The Role of International Allies
While the struggle for sovereignty recovery is primarily a domestic endeavor, Nnadi emphasizes the importance of international support. The role of Britain’s Western allies in sustaining Nigeria’s current system cannot be overlooked. International advocacy and pressure can play a crucial role in holding the Nigerian government accountable and supporting the efforts of indigenous movements like NINAS.
The Imperative of Defending Democracy
At the heart of Nnadi’s argument is the imperative of defending democracy. The EndSARS protests and the Lekki Tollgate massacre have shown the lengths to which the Nigerian government will go to maintain the status quo. The use of state violence to suppress peaceful protests is a stark reminder of the fragility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
To defend democracy, it is essential to uphold civil liberties, ensure accountability for human rights abuses, and promote political engagement among the populace. The EndSARS movement has demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of civic engagement in driving change. It is crucial to continue this momentum and resist any attempts to erode democratic freedoms.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Tony Nnadi’s remarks provide a sobering analysis of Nigeria’s current predicament and a clear call to action for sovereignty recovery. The challenges facing Nigeria are immense, but the path to liberation lies in dismantling the fraudulent constitutional order and restoring sovereignty to the indigenous peoples.
As the continent of Africa undergoes a wave of emancipation efforts, Nigeria must not be left behind. The lessons from the Francophone West African countries show that it is possible to reclaim sovereignty and chart a new course for the future. It requires courage, solidarity, and a commitment to the principles of democracy and self-determination.
The journey to sovereignty recovery is a long and arduous one, but it is a necessary journey for the future of Nigeria and its people. By standing together and demanding change, Nigerians can break free from the shackles of internal colonization and build a nation that truly represents the will and aspirations of its diverse peoples.
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