PATH TO GENUINE CITIZENSHIP by Yemi Obideyi

The Vision of the New Nigeria provides for a re-definition of citizenship of the country. A new name, a new orientation, a new method or approach to governance. A shift from the mentality of old because the new is conceived of and constructed on ideals that connote higher values than the usual ethnic background, biological history or any of such things that marked out the old pattern as a mere shadow.

Citizenship proceeds from the birth of a nation. where there is no nation, it is almost impossible to have citizenship. Being the legal right to belong to a particular country, citizenship as a concept, defines a nation from all angles.

Whereas it confers right upon the people or members of a country, it demands responsibility from them as a way of justifying the privileges granted. Sense of belonging represents the pivot on which citizenship thrives. The reciprocal character of citizenship is only guaranteed or assured where the existence of a nation goes beyond the realm of hallucination, being palpable in form, word, substance, essence and reality.  

In practical terms, effective citizenship begins with nationhood. In Nigeria, the old and dying Nigeria, nationhood is non-existent. The citizenship of the New Nigeria envisioned in Libertocracy is  defined on the basis of where a person lives and makes his daily contribution in terms of human endeavour. The wisdom behind this is first to replace ethnocentrism with the seed of nationhood. Libertocracy provides that people in a country should elect representatives on the basis of professions or legitimate occupations therein. The status of Citizenship under this arrangement is anchored on the meaningful contribution made by members of the nation in meeting the needs of others around him/her. 

For instance, one who lives in Kano and sells yam, tomato or vehicle spare parts, under the New Nigeria,  is “a citizen of Nigeria in Kano whether his name is EMEKA NNAJI, YUSUF USMAN, EZE OKONKWO, ADEBAYO ADEDEJI OR AKPAN ACHIBONG”. His state is Kano and would not be registered in any other state or local government except he is de-listed first from the former on account of relocation or transfer.

Citizens would not suffer prejudice any longer because of name, place or state of origin. It is simply unwise for a system to deny citizens access to electoral candidature anywhere in the country as long as they are settled there, law abiding and responsible. It is principally irresponsible of a law (or practice) of a nation that seeks unity and oneness among its citizens to discriminate against its citizens from one state or region to the other. This and other distasteful tendencies are outdated in the Vision of the New Nigeria. We can ask the questions: 

What (or which) tribe does God like within Nigeria? Which ethnic group does God hate in Nigeria? Which ethnic group is God Himself? What language does God speak? Is it Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Efik?

God did not make anyone Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw, Fulani or Yoruba before birth. A child can only cry at birth, cannot speak Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa or any tribal language. It is what the people around him speak that he grows up to speak.

God hates evil- deceit, fornication, adultery, stealing, lying tongues, embezzlement of public fund, greed, idol worshipping, selfishness- and not language.  

By implication therefore, the New Nigeria provides that a citizen of Kebbi – whatever be his/her name- has equal rights with all other citizens of Kebbi. Any prejudice or ill-treatment meted out to him or her becomes an offence against the nation. 

The New Nigeria Citizenry envisioned portfolio  is one which produces a Yusuf Zakariyau and Akin Akindele as representatives of Imo and Sokoto states respectively. Dofan Gboko, Onyebuchi Ononye, and Bala Malumfachi to represent  Cross Rivers, Kano and Anambra being their states of residences.

Citizenship in Libertocracy reckons directly with talents, God's 'gifting' and endowment.