Promoting Equality, Rule Of Law, And Inclusion: Nigerian Perspectives

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 Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic nationalities, and more than 500 spoken languages. Despite its rich cultural heritage, Nigeria has struggled with promoting equality, rule of law, and inclusion. Nigeria's Constitution guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or place of origin (Section 42). However, inequality persists particularly in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The country's Human Development Index (HDI) ranking is 158 out of 189 countries (2021), indicating development changes. Nigerians are clamouring for greater equality in resource allocation, particularly in the Niger Delta littoral region, where oil exploration activities have led to environmental degradations, poor agricultural outputs, and economic marginalizations. The EndSARS Protest of 2020 highlighted police brutality, unequal treatment of citizens, particularly youth and marginalized groups.

The rule of law is a crucial aspect of Nigeria's governance. Nigeria's judiciary is a key institution for promoting this principle. However, corruption, inefficiency, and politicization undermine its effectiveness. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticized the slow pace of justice, inadequate funding, and lack of transparency in judicial appointments. The NotTooYoung ToRun Movement (2018) pushed for electoral reform, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and transparent governance. Nigerians are advocating for constitutional reforms to strengthen institutions, promote accountability, and ensure that leaders are accountable to the people they serve.

Nigeria's diversity is her strength, but it has its challenges as well. The country has grappled with ethno-religious conflicts, particularly in the Middle Belt and North East regions. Inclusive governance, equitable resources allocation, and addressing historical injustices are crucial for promoting national unity. The Nigerian Government has launched initiatives to promote inclusion, such as the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and the Internally Displaced Persons Act (2022). Civil society organizations, like the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, are working assiduously to increase women's participation in policies and decision-making.

To address these challenges, Nigerians are calling for severe reforms. Strengthening institutions is crucial, ensuring independence, transparency, and accountability in governance institutions. Promoting inclusive governance, addressing historical injustices, and equitable allocation are also crucial. Addressing corruption, implementing robust anti-corruption measures, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance are vital. Investing in human capital, prioritizing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for marginalized groups, is also necessary. Fostering national dialogue, encouraging open discussions on national issues, promoting unity, and reconciliation are key to Nigeria's progress. 

Without any atom of equivocation, there is no equality and rule of law in Nigeria. For example, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu demanded for the sovereign State of Biafra because of the constant killings of Igbos by Fulani jihadists, including the age-long oppressions and marginalizations of the Igbos. Sunday Igboho agitated for a sovereign State for the Yoruba ethnic nation. Both of them were arrested for trial for the same offence. Sunday Igboho was immediately released, while Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still languishing in DSS custody till today -- always tortured, denied medical attention, and fair trial. The Kenyan court ruled that Kanu is guiltless. The Supreme Court of Nigeria also ruled that Kanu is guiltless. Yet, the Nigerian Government is still keeping him in detention. Nigeria is an animal country -- no justice, no equality, and no human rights. She operates kangaroo judiciary! One, it means that in the eyes of the Nigerian Constitution, Sunday Igboho (from Yoruba tribe) has more value and rights than Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (from Igbo tribe). Two, late President Buhari paid one billion United States Dollars to the Kenyan Government in order to have Kanu flown back to Nigeria for trial, whereas Fulani jihadists and terrorists (Buhari's kinsmen and fellow Muslims) were granted pardon and rehabilitated. The Fulani herdsmen who killed thousands of innocent people and displaced others till today were pardoned and givem money by the Nigerian Government to start businesses of their own. Buhari went further to singlehandedly repeal all laws in the Nigerian Constitution against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping -- setting them free from the long arm of the law. Now, where is the equality among the Nigerian citizens in this judgment? Three, there is no rule of law in Nigeria. There is no law to convict Kanu from the Constitution as it stands now. The Federal Government feels like crying because of this development. There is no law available to convict Kanu, an Igbo man, and their enemy. There is no law enshrined anywhere in the Constitution against terrorism. Tinubu and his goon, Justice James Omotosho, are trying to convict Kanu with a repealed law. The whole world is watching them as the drama of Kanu's trial unfolds.

The phrase, "What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.", is a popular idiom all over the world. What is the meaning of this idiom? It means that what is good for one person or situation is also good for another person or situation. It implies fairness and equality in treatment or application of rules. Unfortunately, "What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.", does not apply in Nigeria. There is inequality in everything we do in Nigeria. There is tribalism, favouritism, and nepotism in everything we do in Nigeria. In essence, if something is considered acceptable or beneficial for one party, it should also be acceptable or beneficial for another party in the same situation. The phrase portrays consistency or parity in treatments, decisions, or policies. If the Federal Government department offers a certain benefit to one employee, it should also offer same benefit to another employee in similar roles or situations. The phrase could be applied to argue for equal treatments or rights for different groups, regions, tribes, and religions.Tinubu and his goon, Justice James Omotosho, have decided to detain Kanu in custody and torture him to death. The Bible said, " To me (God) belongeth vengeance, and recompense, their feet shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste (Deut. 32: 35). The feet of Tinubu, Omotosho, and DSS shall slide in due time. The day of their calamity is near. Their judgment shall come upon them.  

In conclusion, promoting equality, rule of law, and inclusion are essential for Nigeria's development. By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can harness its diversity to drive development, peace, and prosperity for all.

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