The National Union of Nigerians

Over the years we have observed the power in unity harnessed by certain unions and organisations against an unfavourable policy or action by the government in power infringing on their rights as Nigerian citizens. Examples of such groups are; Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Tanker Drivers Association, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and so on. These groups have fought the government several times and sometimes gotten to their way. These victories prove to us that power actually belongs to the people if they demand it and not in the hands of the government as some would have us believe. However, many of these fights were triggered by a decision of the government affecting an interest of the group and not by the group seeking out better policies and laws for its existence. They fought events and incidences but not VALUES and ISSUES.

I believe it is time we; you and me, unite against issues and values which hinder the growth we seek for our nation. We must become the ‘National Union of Nigerians’ to fight against vices that have plagued our nation for so long. If we must down our tools once more as a nation, let it be for national causes like;

- Seeking better funding for our education and health sectors and not leaving the fight to the NUT and NMA alone. It is our collective future as a people at stake,

- Adopting probe reports and recommendations that we deem to be in the nation’s interest. An example of this for many Nigerians is the Justice Uwais electoral reform report,

- Enacting laws that abolish barbaric and inhuman traditions still observed in some parts of our nation. An example is the manner in which widows and the fatherless are treated by a certain culture in Nigeria. Some say it is a tradition but they are so quick to forget the exploits of Mary Slessor who spoke against the slaughtering of twin babies which also was a tradition,

- Demanding the resignation of certain political officers or appointees who we see as lacking integrity or appropriate qualifications. An example could be the present boss of our electoral body.

I could go on and on but I think the message has been passed. I often ask myself, ‘’what if the people of Nigeria had downed tools to see their mandate fulfilled in the election of June 12, 1993?’’ That is history now; we have present causes to fight and win, and WIN WE MUST. We have united in the past as individual groups for our own interests but now we must seek to unite for causes larger than us. Galvanizing the energies of all Nigerians will not be an easy task but it is a necessary one. There will definitely be murmurings and seeds of discord sown as the struggle gets tougher, by those who feel untouched by the present situation. Paraphrasing President Obama, we would never unleash our greatest potentials as individuals until we are ready to commit to a cause larger than us.

We may never be directly affected by many of these policies or issues but it is our responsibility as citizens of Nigeria to fight for those who are; many of whom cannot plead their own case.

Thank you and God bless Nigeria.