PRESIDENT SPEECH ANALYSIS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

By

​1 On Monday, 17th March, 2014, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Azikiwe Ebele Jonathan, GCFR declared the National Conference 2014, open amidst mixed reactions.

 

2 The National Conference 2014 was a product of the National Dialogue Advisory Committee inaugurated on Monday 7th October, 2013 by the President, ‘in response to the yearnings of  our people’ to explore the option of a National Dialogue.

 

3 The Committee in carrying out its assignment, collated views from all Nigerians in various groupings; socio-political, organised private sector, labour youths, women and traditional rulers etc.

 

4 The overwhelming feedback from the consultations with Nigerians was a National consensus for the conveyance of this National Conference 2014, to address the evident yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

 

 

5 The President noted that the National conference was conveyed for the purpose of intense introspection on the political and socio-economic challenge confronting the nation. The need to dialogue has been evident, as Nigerians have constantly discussed National issues through different social network and media platforms. Of significant importance is the president’s observation that lots of young persons have exhibited the passion to dialogue. And indeed, for the first time there was an increase in the number of youth participation.

 

6 The conferees were expected to patriotically articulate and synthesize the thoughts and views of Nigerians to:

 

                          'forge the broadest possible national consensus in support of those recommendaions,

                           and strive to ensure that they are given the legal and constitutional backing to shape

                           the present and the future of our beloved fatherland' (pages, 11-12)

 

 

 

7 This is a charge on the conferees. The president appears to be calling on the delegates to forge broadest possible national consensus in support of conference recommendations. This charge also extends to identifying and taking active steps to articulate legal/constitutional basis for implementation of recommendation.  This includes backing recommendations that will shape the present and the future of the Nigerian state. It is therefore imperative that the president envisages fundamental changes in line with the aspirations and yearnings of Nigerians.

 

8 SCHOOLS OF THUOGHT ON THE CONFERENCE

Prior to the setting up of the PAC, the president had himself expressed some scepticism on the nomenclature of such a conference, taking into consideration existing democratic institutions, that were products of the people’s will. However, the president’s conviction to set up the National Conference 2014 was informed by his belief that 'we are in a Democracy'

9 This same recognition of the prime will of the people was reinforced in the National Conference Inauguration speech, irrespective of the various arguments.  These arguments, as gleaned from the speech, can be categorised into four.

 

• There are those who hold the view that such a conference is not needed having regard to the fact that we have an elected National Assembly. As such, all issues could effectively be tabled before it.

• The second category of arguments were expressed by a majority of Nigerians who hold the view that ‘there is need to rebuild trust by involving them in the process of developing a guiding document of our National political relationship which is more acceptable to all sections of the country’ (pg 13, paras. 1)

• The third category argues that elected representatives of the people must never arrogate all knowledge and wisdom to themselves. (pg. 13, paras 3)

• The fourth category was of the view that there is a need to openly and frankly discuss the nation’s sources of perennial conflicts, with a view to seeking acceptable solutions.

 

10 Even though the National Assembly’s involvement in the process was noted in the speech, there appears to be an obvious leaning towards recognising the yearning by the people for inclusiveness and intellectual contribution, especially in the process of ‘developing a guiding document of our national political relationships.’ 

 

11  The implication of the above position is that, even though the national Assembly exists, on a matter relating to the        formulation of a GUIDING DOCUMENT, the people seek for inclusiveness in the process and they reasoned that elected representatives of the people should not ascribe to themselves the status of ’OMNISCIENT’ in matters regarding the development of our country.

 

12  It is based on the forgoing collation of views that the president opined that:

 

                   ‘I have chosen to act on the sincere conviction that in the truly democratic nation

                    we are striving to build, we must never ignore the loudly expressed views

                    of the majority of ordinary Nigerians’.  (Page 12)

 

13 If one may ask, what then are the views of ordinary Nigerians? I believe that this conference has expressed them and what is left is for Nigerians to add their sovereign voice.

A further reaffirmation of the will of the people was expressed in the speech thus:

                 

                 I am in full agreement with our people. The power we hold is without question,

                 in trust for the people. Sovereignty belongs to the people. Their voices must be

                 heard and factored into every decision we take on their behalf’.

 

      (QUESTION: should the views of Nigerians be sought regarding the outcome of the conference?)

 

14.    The above statement recognises the existence of a trust relationship; the representatives of the people been the trustees, while the people the beneficiaries of the trust property. In this regard, the trust property is the Federal Republic of Nigeria, over which the beneficiaries have a sovereign interest.

 

15.  WHAT THEN IS THE NATURE OF A TRUST RELATIONSHIP?

It is an obligation arising out of the confidence reposed in the trustee or representative, who has the legal title(elected/nominated) to the property (Federal Republic of Nigeria)  conveyed to him, that he will faithfully apply the property according to the confidence reposed, or in other words, according to the wishes of the grantor of the trust.

 

16.    It is important to note that the overriding term of the trust relationship is that ’sovereignty, at all times belongs to the people and they can exercise same without hindrance, if the need arises regardless of the trustees’ legal status.

 

17     One interesting aspect of this trust relationship is that the beneficiaries (Nigerians) are also the settlor (i.e. the owners of the trust property and also created the ‘trust’ for their own benefit.  This is a unique setting. The people benefit from the management of the Nigerian state and also have the power to revoke the trust or alter its terms without the trustee interfering by virtue of their dual role of beneficiary/settler.  

 

18.  NATIONAL ASSEMBLY/NATIONAL CONFERENCE: THE COMPLIMENTATRY QUESTION

In view if the reservations expressed by some school of thought, the president’s speech recognises the fact that the national conference 2014 was set up to give voice to the people to ventilate their yearnings and desires. It is in no way intended to usurp the constitutional role of the National Assembly or that of the Executive. It is rather complimentary.

 

19.    The question is; to what extent will the complementary relationship between the National Assembly and the National Conference go, given that they are both a product of the people of Nigeria, irrespective of the question of legal standing. The former of the constitution while the later a product of the consultation between National Dialogue Advisory Committee and Nigerians. It is pertinent to observe that in all the above cases it is Nigerians that were involved in the process. If then we get to the point of complimentary stagnation, what happens? Who prevails? Given that that the NASS is a creation of the constitution and the National Conference is a creation of the Executive arm, the argument relating to the non constitutionality of the National Conference will arise and by necessary implication, the legal validity of its recommendations. But one finds solace in the fact that no conference in the history of our great country was heralded by legislation, they all emanated from the exercise of executive powers (under civilian or military governments.)

 

20.    Now back to the crux of the matter. If the above complimentary stagnation (between the National Assembly and the National Conference) is experienced, do we in good sense and with our patriotic orientation jettison the voice of Nigerians, even though some will argue that the National Assembly is the authentic voice of Nigerians? No doubt, the National Assembly is part of the embodiment of the people’s representation along with the Executive arm of government. Both Arms administer the trust property called ‘Nigeria’. In this regard and using our ‘Trust Concept’ of governance as espoused above, one can safely say that the Settlor/beneficiary may be called upon to exercise the power to invoke the fundamental term of the Trust relationship. (i.e. sovereignty belongs to the people). This line of reasoning is captured by the President’s speech thus;

       

                                             ‘  Their voices must be heard and factored into every

                                                decision we take on their behalf’.  (Page 13, paras.3)

       

     And also;

 

                                             ‘…involving them in the process of developing a guiding

                                                 document of our national political relationships…’

 

21    The radical question is, do we involve Nigerians in the implementation of the Conference resolutions?  Definitely yes. Why? Nigerians are the Settlor of the trust property called ‘Nigeria’ and at same time its beneficiary.

 

22  ON CONSTITUTION

Opinions on the status of the Constitution are diverse. Irrespective of theses opinions, the speech recognises the fact that the constitution is a:

 

                      ‘Living document that needs to be revised and improved from time to time’ (pg 15 paras. 2)

 

23.   Thus, the President envisages some constitutional recommendations, given the ever evolving challenges and the need to constantly and proactively search for contemporary solutions, to emerging socio-political problems.

 

24  This view is hinged on the fact that historical evidence at our disposal shows that previous conferences held were preceded by challenges that needed solutions. In that regard, the 2014 National Conference was no exception. For instance, can we honestly say that the pre independence socio-political environment is still the same and should continue to guide our existence as Nation?  WHO IS AFRAID OF CHANGE?

 

25  NIGERIA OVER SECTIONAL INTEREST

A careful perusal of the president’s speech reveals that the delegates are been called upon to jettison section interest and place Nigeria first. The speech urges delegates to the National Conference 2014 ‘…to think anew’. This is a profound statement, categorically calling for progressive thinking without compromising the integrity of Nigeria. . 

 

26  IS IT REFERENDUM? IF YOU SAY SO!!!

Without any iota of doubt, the president explicitly notes the possibility of   the use of a referendum in implementing certain conference decisions. However, the qualification is that conference must deem it necessary.  Did conference deem so?  Honestly, YES.  (see CONFERENCE REPORT for confirmation).  This is in line with the need to accord the citizens of this great country a platform for inclusiveness and a window for;

‘Their voices must be heard and factored into every decision we take on their behalf’. (Page 13, paras. 3)

        And also;

 

‘…involving them in the process of developing a guiding document of our national political relationships…’

       

                                                                 ON A PERSONAL NOTE

This is the most holistic Conference this nation has ever held. Besieged with lots scepticism and attempts at sabotage, it survived and exhibited one of the defining virtues of our Nation; Fortitude.

Above all, the conference signifies that it is time for profound leaning towards accommodating progressivism without compromising the territorial integrity of NIGERIA.

 

                                                     Thank you; see you at the decision point.