Jasper Emenike is a development worker and peace and conflict resolution expert. In this interview with NGOZI OKPALAKUNNE, Emenike, who is also the national president of Progressive Ambassadors of Nigeria (PAN), spoke on how poor governance has contributed significantly to poverty, unemployment and the associated conflicts in Nigeria. Emenike, who also facilitated improved bilateral trade cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana, stressed the need for greater respect for human rights and the rule of law. He also spoke on other issues of national interest. Excerpts:
What drew you into development work and what is the most impactful project you have embarked on?
The burning desire to impact humanity and empower communities with relevant information and skills to be able to stand on their own and possibly take ownership of their lives actually drew me into development work. The joy of seeing people actualising their dreams has been my most impactful, if not rewarding, experience. Knowledge, they say, is power.
With the high rate of poverty in Nigeria, how would you link poverty, unemployment and conflict in Nigeria?
In my opinion, supported by empirical facts, corruption and poor governance have contributed hugely to fueling poverty, unemployment and associated conflicts in Nigeria. This is sad, though. Corruption creates wastage, fuels poverty and engenders a culture of impunity. It stifles genuine progress and destroys the economy. On the other hand, bad governance, which is the lack of good governance, is the greatest enemy of development. Leadership demands good governance, and any society that lacks visionary leaders will automatically lack good governance. Sometimes the resources are there, but the required knowledge and capacity for effective service delivery that connects to the desires, aspirations, and priorities of the people is conspicuously missing. It is said that you cannot give what you do not have.
There are many conflict zones in Nigeria, including insurgency, banditry, among others. What do you think are the driving factors for all these? And what is the way forward?
However, the challenges of insurgency and banditry, which are culturally and historically new to Nigeria, are mainly driven by societal vices, moral decadence and an insatiable desire to acquire wealth by all means -and of course lack of fear of God. I need not mention that most of these conflicts are intentionally orchestrated purely for economic gains and the blame culture continues. We cannot continue like this. The way forward is that we must return back to our roots by reverting back to family values, inculcating the culture of diligence and fear of God.
I was not born in the Diaspora. I grew up in the village and finished up to secondary school level before departing Nigeria. Back then there was nothing like insurgency in Nigeria. Some persons have become so brazenly evil to the extent that what used to constitute abomination in those days are rather celebrated today.
The only language our society understands today is money, just acquire money, get rich at all cost and flaunt it at will. No more conscience and reverence for God. Even some parents push their children into this tragedy. How on earth could kidnapping and banditry become form of business transactions in Nigeria today? The solution remains societal conscious return to core family values, respect for human dignity and the fear of God.
Do you think the government has played a role in addressing some of these issue?
I rather think that government needs to do more in addressing these issues. We just need to sit up by demonstrating the political will. Governments at all levels should govern by example and place the interest of the citizenry to the front burners.
The main role of government is to lead and to inspire. Citizens alike, should support and promote progressive policies of government especially those that align with their priorities and expectations. Truth is, the challenges of insurgency and banditry cannot be addressed only by government alone but, government should strive to win the trust and confidence of the people to address these challenges. At Progressive Ambassadors of Nigeria, this is where we are at the moment, connecting the citizens with government and aligning their desires and priorities through strategic partnerships.
In what ways can youths, women, and traditional rulers prevent conflicts in their communities?
The first step is change of mindset, to understand that peace is priceless, not extended favour. Our youths must stop allowing themselves to be used as agents of violence. Parents should speak the truth, avoid divisive tendencies and teach by example, and the traditional institution should be true custodians of our culture and tradition. A lot has really gone bad in today’s generation but absolutely not beyond redemption. Emperor Hiro Hito once said “In a world where the sea and Ocean are brethren why must the wind and waves so continually clash” This quote is classical definition of the importance of peace. Permit me to also mention that the political elites should endeavour to prevent conflicts in our communities especially in this electioneering season, including our religious leaders.
Words are powerful and when used in the negative way can create tension, inflame passion and consequently lead to destruction of lives and properties. Conflict can come in many ways and we must prepare our mind to deal with it, however it comes. Peace can also be achieved through forbearance and no two parties can achieve peace except by compromise. Compromise by way of one party sometimes accepting to let go, displaying more maturity and extending love not out of weakness but meekness. I have been involved in settling communal crises for a long time and I am speaking from lived experience. Again, our traditional institution should not allow itself to serve as precursor or appendage of conflicts in all ramifications. When you know the truth and turn a deaf ear for whatever intent and purposes, you are knowingly breeding conflicts. We need to support our traditional institution to succeed.
Are there policies you think the government can initiate and implement to achieve a lasting peace in the country?
Sure. A few examples may suffice. First, Nigeria needs to improve on respect for human rights and the rule of law. Nigeria’s human rights rating in the global index today is not in its best shape. Injustice and disrespect for human dignity are potential triggers to conflicts. I have emphasised recently during our third annual National Conference/Award held in Lagos that the temple of justice, which is called the last hope of the common man should not just be seen to be working but should be working, strong and trustworthy in order to preserve our national dignity and sense of nationhood.
I therefore call on relevant governmental institutions and law enforcement agencies to embark on policy reforms for more effective service delivery.
Secondly, I feel strongly that there is need to sufficiently equip the National Orientation Agency by way of sufficient budgetary allocations to effectively discharge its duties. I believe that conflict prevention, management, resolution and peace building should be adequately embedded in the mandate of the agency and if possible, the agency should be reorganised to report directly to the Presidency.
The best way to achieve lasting peace, especially among our communities, is via public orientation or re-orientation, as the case may be. It is cheaper, safer and more productive. I am yet to see the government placing the much-needed attention and funding priority on the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
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