A Nation in search of Relevance: Ideology and the Nigerian Politics

By Dele A. Sonubi

Program Officer, Friedrich Naumann Foundation

Preambles

Anyone looking at the nation of Nigeria from outside its geographical shores will agree that by size and political importance, Nigeria is indeed the giant of Africa. Since many decades, Nigeria has carried itself and its foreign policies to project the image of a “big brother” for the rest of the continent. Agreeably, Nigeria is huge enough and powerful enough to continue to protect its image; however, the continent needs not a “big brother”, but a role model, both economic and political role model. So far, the political role modeling is present; Nigeria currently has the largest political party (People’s Democratic Party- PDP) and approves the existence of a truly multi-party system in the whole Africa. The economic role modeling is also highly present, what with so many billions of dollars Nigeria makes on crude oil and its petroleum products revenue daily, the trillion of Naira banks and financial institutions declared as profits, the constant development in the Agro-allied, the small scale industries and many other highly productive sectors of the Nigerian economy. The activities in the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market indicate that, indeed, Nigeria is currently a good economic example for the rest of the continent even South Africa. But there is a huge need to sustain such example. There is need for sustained growth in both the political and economy not just viewed from the present but also in a far future. This sustenance will not depend on someone’s wishful thinking or expectations (which dies with him when he leaves), but it should depend largely on a structural ideological orientation, which suggests and commits the country to consistent policy directions, which invariably will be the yardstick of measuring long-term achievements or development of that country aside from using GDP. Ideology is a distinctive thinking of a critical class of people, who deliberate and conceive answers to social, economic and political directions a nation or group should pursue in order to be prosperous.

Nigeria in need of ideologies

It is not a mere wish that Nigerians will like to enjoy a better polity; a polity where values such as the Rule of Law is supreme, where there is respect for gender and human rights, where there is socio-cultural and economic prosperity and the citizens are happy people largely because the infrastructures are working- there is constant electric power supply (without having to appeal to Shango to rescue NEPA)[1], the roads are passable for all vehicles not only 4wheel drives, telecommunications even though there are physical changes with the arrival of GSM, are improved beyond the constant “Network service failure” (MTN) or “NITEL special service information…all trunks are busy please try later”! Nigerians will prefer a polity where there is democracy and respects for the lives and privileges of oppositions, a polity where there is peace[2] and security. These expectations are values, which are predicated upon highly functional structural premises or structural thinking. These are values that do not automatically become effective once a popularly good hearted and morally upright politician contest and win election. Good heartedness or “well meaning” alone, are not the sufficient for sustainable political and economic development; rather, it is ideology. The reason being that with political power, the holder is dealing with many people who have divergent opinion, conflicting tastes and incoherent wishes as numerous as the total number of people being governed. Improving service delivery to these diversities of people and bringing concrete democratic dividends to them will turn a “good man” into a frustrated and “bad man” Both Governor Reverend Father Adasu of Benue State and Governor Rev. Jolly Nyame of Taraba State, in spite of their good intention and noble hearts, are good examples in this regard. They could not transform their states into economic paradise in 3 years before General Badamosi Babangida[3] Maradonically dribbled all the elected representatives in 1993 by aborting the political transition processes. Governor Nyame is back in the government house now in this present political dispensation; “returning to take all those things he forgot in the government’s house the last time.”[4] Once again, he is yet to transform the state from its present poverty level. Apart from being a good politician, there is a need for an ideology, to complement and structure the “good intentions” even if the ideology is an incoherent one, because over time, an incoherent ideology will be developed by more critical minds to become more coherent.

The notable problem in the Nigerian politics is the lack of structural premises upon which electoral promises are based which is beyond “well meaning intention” or political mastery. The current political trends in Nigeria lack clear ideological background, which both politicians and their respective parties pursue for ruling. An example from advanced democracies such as US shows politics and governance being guided by clear and structured ideologies such as Conservative Republican Policies or Liberal Democratic Policies depending on which party is in government. In Germany, one notices the Christian Democrats, the Social Democrats, and the Free Democrats all having basic and distinct ideologies separating one from the other. In the British Parliament, one could see the back and forth arguments between the Labor Party, the “Tory” Conservative Party and their minor, the Social Democratic Liberal Party cutting across on ideological lines of divide. In these democracies, ideologies are clear bases for ruling or desire for power. Party memberships are not dependent on whether the politician’s face is good lucking (Bill Clinton) or a billionaire (Ross Perot), political affiliations are largely based on party’s ideology which tells the electorate where the vehicle of the country might be heading once that party is voted into the control of power and even if it is in the opposition. In Germany for example, citizens might want political reforms, people might want to pay less in taxes and be free from so many regulations inhibiting investment and discouraging profit maximizing, nevertheless, electorates are rather reluctant to vote Free Democratic Party into government because of its stance on complete reform, cut (if not abolish) social benefits or welfare, subjecting church taxes to debates and individual prerogatives, and many other radical changes which are the predicates of Liberalism, the political ideology of that party. But it is clear that parties are vote in or out base on their ideological posture and representations as opposed to parties not having any! However the problem in Nigeria is a significant absence of ideology in our governance and party politics. We do not seem to have a long term structural thinking which projects a cogent anticipated state of Nigeria apart from the incoherent VISION 2010 or the mixed ideological based NEEDS!

The history of lack of ideology in the Nigerian Politics

Nigeria has been having political parties since the 1930s/40s - the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM), the Nigerian Democratic Party (NDP), the National Convention of Nigeria and Cameroons (NCNC), the Action Group (AG), the Northern People's Congress (NPC), the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), etc. Most were anti-colonialist in their activities, but some had ideologies. They all had manifestos which reflected their ideological orientations. The ideology of the Action Group, for example, was "welfarism", as clearly stated by Awolowo and as reflected in the party's slogan of "Life more abundant" and its policies when in government - promoting the welfare of the masses through free education, free medical services, developing infrastructure, enabling farmers to get good prices for their agricultural products, etc. The NCNC and NEPU, which were allies, were "populist" parties with a touch of socialism in their brand of populism. Populism is a political ideology, which concentrates on championing the cause of the down-trodden masses and is directed at mobilizing them and promoting their interests. This was reflected in the manifestos of both parties. The NPC was a patently conservative party whose principal goal was to protect the interests of the ruling oligarchy in the then Northern Region of Nigeria.

The AG ruled in the Western Region, the NCNC in the Eastern Region, and the NPC in the North and their ideologies were reflected in their policies and the way they ran their governments.

What has changed since then?

First, with the attainment of independence, economic development became the principal goal of all the parties in power. And since each party comfortably controlled its own area of operation and did not feel threatened by a weak opposition, political activism gave way to quarrels over sharing the spoils of office and ideology became less relevant. Professional politicians, during the prolonged years of military rules who became financially “broke” and needed money to keep up with their ostentatious lives became less curious about ideologies as much as their thirst for access to power and funds. The aborted transition to civil rule program of General I.B Babangida did not help since most of the politicians spent all their personal savings seeking one elective office or the other. Since the reason why they are into politics is for the financial gains, politicians are ready to join any party which promises them the best strategies for rigging and wining elections rather than going to a party whose ideological formations akin to their thinking and wishes for the people they want to lead. Consequently, the political class does not spend sufficient time ruminating over an ideological perspective for the nation; rather they struggle to be chosen as the party flag bearer at different elections and at all costs. On the same night of his denial to represent the party at the presidential election, Pastor Chris Okotie Pastor of the Household of God in Ikeja, Lagos, announced his departure from one party to another party, which could guarantee him the much-desired presidential flag bearer! Politicians cross carpet so easily and without any cogent ideological principles. This is significantly because there are hardly any principles involved in their political career in the first place!

Moreover, some politicians are lacking the intellectual prowess that is required for in-dept political thoughts and predictions. (i.e. Barkinswo former Governor of Sokoto State who when asked about minerals resources in his state commented that “we have Coca-Cola, Fanta, 7up…!”) Some of the politicians even forged their credentials to enable them run for elections meaning that they never had the full requirements for holding political office not to speak of high positions! (Salisu Buhari, former Speaker National House of Assembly was removed from office because of fake certificates, Evan(s) Enwerem, Former Senate President was accused of impersonating someone else, Governor Bola Tinubu, due to the immunity of his office, is still awaiting Police investigation on allegations of forgery of educational claims.

Apart from the above, the absence of critical thinking in the Nigeria democratic experiences is due to the fact that over the years, leaders had imposed electoral candidature on the people based on ethnic loyalty and paternalism. A party such as Alliance for Democracy (AD) will offer for elections, candidates accepted by its old clan leader rather than the candidates with the best policy analytical minds. This kind of structure makes it possible for politicians to seek favor from this leader instead of appealing to the critical thinking of the followers based on a perceived vision, mission and objective in a long term. But the followers must vote, and most often such votes are decisions between two or more evils! Up till date, a clear ideology of AD for which it seeks election is never projected. The same is with the other political party. Because President Obasanjo was persuaded to contest for presidential election on this basis, is largely responsible for the imbalances in the president’s socio-economic policy thinking. One time, he preaches liberal economic policies (deregulation of petroleum and telecommunications sector) which rightly indicate a global economic trend. He even travels around the world inviting investors to the Nigerian Economy. But at another time, he is banning importation of shoes and cloths!! It thus makes it impossible to understand the direction in which this party plans to take the country in a long term.

Finally, 35 years of military rule deprived Nigerians of channels to express their political sentiments, and prevented the organization of political parties and activities. This deadened the political consciousness of the people, including most of the elite, and made the environment inhospitable for the propagation of political ideologies. For the few who remained politically conscious - at great risk to their freedom and lives, e.g. NADECO (Nigerian Democratic Coalition), CLO (Civil Liberty Organization), etc. - the sole objective was ending military rule. And when military rule was over, they became confused as to what happens next and what to do with the political freedom gained. So, we had a period of about 40 years in which political ideologies were irrelevant or stamped out and organized political activism was reduced to the barest minimum by the jack-boot of the military dictators.

Now, how come ideologies have not re-emerged with the return of civil rule and political freedom?

First, 35 years of corrupt military rule had changed the political psyche of the nation. It enthroned corruption as a way of life, made the acquisition of wealth by those in office the sole goal of being in government. One of the former military heads of state used to boast that one of his achievements was that he made millionaires out of a large number of Nigerians when he was in office. So, for most of those in politics today, the sole goal of acquiring political power or office is self-enrichment! In this kind of atmosphere, ideologies cannot flourish.

Secondly, the transition from military to civil rule under Abdusalam Abubakar was rushed. It provided little time for like-minded people to come together, exchange and iron out ideas, and formulate ideologies and policies in order to form genuine political parties. The few political activists were anxious to see the military go and the formation of political parties for the holding of elections was a sine qua non. Those who had benefited from holding political office or who had seen others do so and wanted their share of the national cake had to belong to political parties in order to continue to control political power and enjoy the benefits of it.

There were even fears at the time that if the political class delayed in taking up the offer of the military to hand over power, the soldiers might change their minds and the unique opportunity might be lost for ever. Under these circumstances, the political parties that emerged were composed of strange bedfellows and without ideologies. They even had no manifestos for the 1999 elections! This was why it was possible for the Alliance for Democracy (AD), a seemingly progressive group, to team up with the All Nigerian People's Party (ANPP), an obviously conservative group (judging by the caliber of members), to contest the Presidential Elections. And this is why there has been so much instability in all the major parties and in the state and national assemblies.

The way out

It is not the case that there are no Nigerians with ideologies, there are individuals and private citizens with clear ideas. What is lacking in Nigeria is a good foundation for promoting these ideologies or encouraging party formations on clear ideological bases. There is therefore, a great need for a National Political Summit, where issues such as trends and perspective could be discussed in a collective forum. The world is constantly changing; developments of “911”, the bombings in Madrid and its treats across Europe are affecting situations in even lesser developed countries. No ideology can remain immune to these global changes. Therefore, there is a need for ideological summits where issues of national directions could be reasoned out. However, for a nation like Nigeria, with its huge ethnic diversity, a nation where tears of injustice and imbalance distributions of crude oil resources flow from the Niger-Delta into the center capital city, Abuja, where religious fundamentalism becomes the reason for neighbors killing one another from one day to the other, where an ethnic origin largely influences political and economic opportunities, where Sharia is politicized for the sake of causing confusions, in such a diverse entity as Nigeria, a liberal ideology becomes a recommendable way forward to social, political and economic development. As an ideology, liberalism is the belief and a movement to celebrate the freedom and responsibilities of the individual. It is predicated upon the belief that human beings have rights, both natural and inalienable, which cannot be negotiated but recognized and respected. The famous father of American Democracy once declared that, “…For scores and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty and Dedicated to the propositions that all men are created equal…”[5] Since the individual forms the nucleus of a society, an assessment of the society is to be made from the degree of freedom which that society extends to its members. In the core views of the liberals, the recognition of freedom of the individual will help to formulate the appropriate socio-economic policies for growth, political reforms and social developments. The reason for this is due to the fact that, self-interests are the engine of any entrepreneurial activities and development. Every individual will instinctively aim at his or her own profit interests and the margin that best makes him happy. This view was enhanced in the speech of the American Liberal thinker, Thomas Jefferson, who, in his independence speech noted that

We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem [6]

It is true, that all forms of socio-political ideologies will agreeably promote the same tenets as described above (that is, rule of law, democracy human rights and so on). However, what significantly differentiate socialism, communism, nationalism or the other isms from liberalism, is the core believes in the right of an individual to own property. Liberalism believes, very strongly, that an individual must have a right to own what he worked to possess. If life must make meanings, if the quality of his/her life must be enhanced by the projection of tomorrow and his/her anticipation of the variables, uncertainties and changes, then, s/he must have the right to use his/her natural talents to possess and keep all the products of his/her labor. S/he must have the rights to own property. A privately owned property will be appreciated and better cared for.

The Liberal arguments proceed further in the following sequences. To guarantee the freedom and liberty of the individual, which is the goal, there must be proper rule of law. Only proper Rule of Law will ensure the principles of protection of rights, which individuals already have. It is a guide and non-partial medium of safeguarding infringements of rights or excesses of its usage. But Rule of Law cannot operate on its own outside the existence and proper entrenchment of a Liberal democracy. Democracy is based on the notion of popular participation, transparency and accountability. With rule of law, individuals, through the appropriate legal systems of justice, can define and ensure that government is accountable, can insist on his or her rights and there will be basis for fairness and justice in the country. For the average African and indeed anyone in the world, any political paradise without economic power is uninteresting. Liberalism believes in free market economy. Free market economy is a policy, which enhances and guarantees the individual’s right to purchase and own properties, helps to reduce poverty, creates job and wealth through profit maximization and privatization of enterprises. A promotion of private sector led initiative is therefore a strong pillar to guarantee the liberty and freedom of individuals

The future- A Happy note?
As Nigeria moves towards the next general elections in 2007 and people jostle for nomination and election, divisions within the existing parties will become more pronounced; there will be re-alignment of political forces; and new political parties, some of which will be composed of like-minded persons and have the rudiments of strong political focus and ideologies - will emerge.

Dele A. Sonubi
Program Officer,
Friedrich Naumann Foundation
6f Walter Carrington Crescent
Victoria Island
dele4you@hotmail.com

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[1] Olusegun Obasanjo if not for Christian beliefs, would have sworn by Shango, the god of thunder, that definitely NEPA will work (quote from Financial Times).

[2] This is, when Peace is defined not only as absence of war, but also presence of justice and fairness.

[3] General Babangida rule Nigerian as military head of state from 1984-1993. He was noted to have organized the freest and fairest election in the history of Nigeria. He created the two political party Social Democratic Party -SDP and National Republican Convention-NRC (a little to the left and a little to the right in ideological “prescriptions”). The crafty way he abolished the staged transition to civilian rule program earned him the nickname, Maradona by his admirers. Maradona was then the raining legend of soccer game.

[4] General, Olushegun Obasanjo mocking a Nigerian past ruler, who wanted to run for election into office again after leaving the post.

[5] Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, given November 19, 1863 on the battlefield near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA

[6] Jefferson, Thomas, “The Declaration of Independence”