CONTENTS
Preface
Reform Imperatives for a New and Sustainable Nigeria
Introduction
An Approach to Solving Nigeria’s Problems
bene diagnoscitur bene curator
(a condition that is well diagnosed can be well cured)
PART I
DECONSTRUCTING NIGERIA’S PROBLEMS
Chapter One
Why Nigeria Needs Fixing
It takes courage to solve a problem and cowardice to bestride it
Chapter Two
The Real Problem with Nigeria
Unwittingly we invited the problem; willingly we succumbed to it
Chapter Three
How Ethnicity Defines Nigeria’s Character
I am an individual before I am a member of an ethnic group before I am a citizen of a country
Chapter Four
How Corruption Ate Nigeria’s Soul
It's here, there and everywhere; it's you, me and everyone. We accept and perfect it at the same time that we decry and inveigh it
Chapter Five
Sweeping Not Piecemeal Reforms
There is a rational against all things but none is worse than the rational against positive change
Chapter Six
Roadmap to Reforms in Nigeria
It is not less difficult when there is a will but it is certainly easier when there is a way
PART II
SOLVING NIGERIA’S PROBLEMS
Chapter Seven
Brand New Constitution for a Brand New Nigeria
Our organizing principles should not bewilder and confound us but enlighten and preserve us
Chapter Eight
Cutting Our Constitution According to Our Clime
Our organizing principles should be tailored to fit us and not us to fit them
Chapter Nine
A Constitution of Autonomous and Equal Stake Holders
It is unreasonable to expect that equality means we should have equal pockets but it is not unreasonable to expect that equality means we should have equal say
Chapter Ten
The Necessity of a Fourth Tier of Government
The people are a necessary ingredient of a government of the people by the people for the people
Chapter Eleven
Portrait of a four-tiered Nigeria
Government ought to be about ensuring the basic needs of most and not assuring the exotic tastes of a few
Chapter Twelve
Managing Nigeria’s Natural Wealth
Oil may belong to all but some people suffer more because of it
PART III
PATHWAYS TO CHANGE
Chapter Thirteen
Leadership Initiatives for Sweeping Reforms in Nigeria
Change rarely comes out of the benevolence and magnanimity of those against whom the wind of change will blow
Chapter Fourteen
Blueprint for a People’s Revolution in Nigeria
A country without a vibrant and vociferous citizenry is a country curst to mediocrity
PART IV
LETTERS TO FELLOW NIGERIANS
Chapter Fifteen
Dear Mr. President of Nigeria
Chapter Sixteen
Dear Nigerian Politician
Chapter Seventeen
Dear ex Nigerian General Thingamabob
Chapter Eighteen
Dear Rank and File Nigerian Police and Nigerian Military
Chapter Nineteen
Dear Ordinary Nigerian
