The Fatal Mistakes Made In Nigeria Between 1914 To 1999 -By Amb. Sharif M.M Al-hassan

If we should devout the entire day to discuss this matter, our desire would not be achieved because of numerous idiosyncrasies involved in this dicey matter. But a summary of it would send the desired message for good people of Nigeria to learn and to improve the Nigeria situations by knowing where the fault lies.

There is no clear evidence that shows how the Colonialists came to the conclusion to amalgamate the Northern Protectorates and the Southern Protectorates to form Nigeria in 1914.A Nation of multi religious, cultural and of different nationalities. A Nation that evolved from various Empires such as Hausa Dynasty,Kanem-Borno, Benin ,Oyo and other empires across Nigeria.
The fused activity of 1914 probably did not pay much attention to these peculiarities before Nigeria was fused together. This arrangement is still hurting Nigeria as a Nation.

The choice of Parliamentary type of government in 1960 of British model contributed as part of the Colonial relics. Hence with this fresh in the minds of Nigerians than,a conducive gap was formed for the first military intervention to occur. This remained an indelible scar in Nigeria till today.

The rush debunk by the military in 1966 which resulted in the annexation of the powerful regions of North, West, East and later Midwestern with all her successes than remained an unresolved matter till today despite the division of Nigeria to 12,19 and 36 States. Has these solved Nigeria problems?.

The uncontrolled and organized military incursions in Nigeria as it pleases them contributed to the slow growth of Nigeria in all aspects. Nigeria for years remained in Police State as a result of numerous military interventions all on the premise that they came for correction. Till Nigerians got tired and struggled to get them out from governance finally in 1999.

However, the most tragic action of Nigerian military was the annulment of 1993 popular election of June 12.A truly excellent election of Moslem Moslem ticket and no single agitation. An election of which Northerners voted emasse for late Chief MKO Abiola of SDP leaving their own, late Bashir Tofa of NRC. An election that set forth the present dispensation.

Lastly is the current 1999 CFRN which many people wrongly believed that Nigerians were not contacted. However to the best of my knowledge public opinions were sought before its acceptance by the then Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) even though at a very short time.This was so because the lifespan of former Head of State General Abdulsalm A. Abubakar’ regime that facilitated it was just for nine months duration. Indeed this Constitution must have many loopholes and inadequacies which Nigeria is suffering now. This obvious great mistake must be ratified also in future.

Therefore, my respected Nigerians, what is currently happening to Nigeria is not a factor of today but it is accumulative factors that spanned for more than one hundred years ago. We must therefore, not relent in ensuring that,we cooperate with each other and ratify these problems for the overall interest of all as we progresses in life in Nigeria.