28 Aug Issues That Unite Nigeria Should Dominate National Conference – Ndoma-Egba
Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, is a chip off the old block. As one of the oldest senators in the parliament of present political dispensation, he is highly revered, especially, against the backdrop of his perceived status as a hero of legislative excellence. In this interview with ONYEKAAJUMOBIONOCHIE and SYLVESTER OMOSE in Abuja, the Senate Leader whois noted for playing a major role in the historic Doctrine of Necessity that threw up President Goodluck Jonathan, and sponsoring the now popular Freedom of Information Bill (now an Act), bares his mind on the state of the nation and what should be the pre-occupation of political office seekers, come 2015.
May we start by knowing a brief background of your humble self?
As you well know, my name is Victor Ndoma-Egba, a chip of the old block of the highly respected Honorable Justice E.T. Ndoma Egba of the Court of Appeal, now, of the blessed memory. I was bom on March 8, in Ikom uptown of Cross River State. After my primary and post-primary education, I proceeded to the University of Lagos, where I earned a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree.
I was then called to the Bar in 1970, but in my quest for further knowledge, I proceeded to the University of Calabar, where I earned my Master of Laws (LLM) degree.
Thereafter, I went into full private legal practice and proved my mettle as a learned gentleman. As time went on, I rose to become the Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch and later, President, Calabar Chamber of Commerce. When the Cross River State Government noticed my sterling leadership qualities, I was first appointed the Director of the Cross River Basin and Rural Development Authority and, thereafter, Commissioner and Transportation.
Having distinguished myself as a commissioner, I felt it was necessary for me to represent the interest of my people at the national level, particularly, at the upper chamber of the National assembly. In 2003,1 then contested and won the senatorial race the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP}, and due to the effectiveness I offered the people of my senatorial district1 was re-elected m 2007.
At the Senate from then, I was the deputy Senate Leader and member of the Body of principal officers of the National Assembly, so far, I had sponsored and taken active part in the debate and passage of many bills on the floor of the Senate
I had also served as chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, where 1 played an enviable role in ensuring the activities of the Senate were effectively disseminated to the media. I was one of the senators who championed the passage of the freedom of information Bill, believing that it is an essential ingredient that would enhance transparency and accountability in governance
Additionally, I had exhibited my God given gift as a resourceful personality when, along the line, I served as chairman, Senate Sub-committees on Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals. Other committees which I had served as member, some of which I still maintain strong presence include: Upstream Petroleum Resources, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Judiciary, Environment and Industries. Presently, by the grace of God, I am the Senate Leader.
Now, how have these various exploits in the Senate rubbed off on your constituents, against the common belief that some lawmakers see going to National Assembly as mere status symbol?
Indeed, I have been one of the leading lights in the Senate, past and present I have always been alive to my responsibility as a Senator, following my belief that the primary duty of the lawmaker is to make laws for the smooth running of the nation. I am not a man who is unmindful of his peoples plights or predicaments. Before I came to the Senate, I had done a personal survey of the peculiar needs of my people. Their needs are basically good roads, electricity, potable water supply, employment for our youths and empowerment for our children and women.
Although I would not want to blow my own trumpet,
I would humbly say that I have sufficiently drawn the attention of the Federal Government to the needs of my Senatorial District. Many communities in my Senatorial District are, to say the least, now feeling the impact of my representation. I am not saying that I have solved all the problems, but I believe that, given the resources available to me, I have done quite a lot to make my people happy. As is apparent, I have now given the people of Cross River State a voice in the senate. I have equally workedharmoniously with the present and past governors of the state to impact positively on the lives of the people.
It is on the basis of this that I would, particularly, want government at all levels to make conscious efforts to improve the standard of education in Nigeria, so that the next generation of Nigerian leaders would be very- knowledgeable and compete favorably with their peers in developed societies.
Particularly, I would want government to tackle the problems of epileptic power supply,-insecurity, unemployment and bad roads. Essentially, I am worried stiff that some major federal roads in Cross Rivers State are in deplorable condition and, therefore, would like the Federal Government to give my people a sense of belonging by fixing such roads.
You just talked about scarce resources; what would you have loved to see done differently if the resources were surplus?
Obviously, I would have loved to see greater institutional capacity to enable us, effectively and efficiently, carry out our oversight functions. I would have loved to see greater institutional memory as against the great erosion of institutional memory from the high turnover of members. I would like to see my senatorial district that is secure and prosperous, where my constituents compete with their peers in the country for opportunities, a senatorial district that has adequate federal attention and has enough federal tertiary institutions, a district with industries and commercial activities.
With your vast experience as a three-time Senator of the National Assembly, how would you describe Nigeria’s democracy relative to what obtains in other climes?
Democracy is a process, indeed an endless journey, as there is never a point you can conveniently say you have reached the destination of your journey. You can, hardly, at any time, say this is the democracy of our dream.
Even the USA, after more than 200 years, is still trying to perfect its democracy. What this means, is that we still have a long way to go, as our democracy will keep unfolding and evolving. Having said this, however, I can conveniently say I am, so far, satisfied that this has been our longest democratic episode and it has clearly come to stay.
With the much awaited National Conference being on for some time now, what are some of the issues you would have loved raised if you were a delegate?
The platform of the Senate provides me a more veritable platform to discuss those issues that are fundamental to the future peace and progress of Nigeria. Those issues include: equity in the distribution of opportunities and resources, control of natural endowments and security, and the terms of our federating units as well as the
nature of our federation on itself. However, I would like to advice, in my own humble way, that issues that unite and make us progressive dominate the conference and discourse.
Insecurity is one big burden beleaguering Nigeria presently; what would you proffer as an immediate solution?
Insecurity, especially terrorism, is a global phenomenon. In Nigeria, the situation is aggravated by recent happenings around us: the Arab spring, the events in Libya, Mali, Chad, Sudan and recently, Central African Republic. These events have freed militias and arms which, given our porous borders, our large population of uneducated and unemployed youths, provide a ready army from where terrorists recruit. It is, indeed, a complex situation, and so, we must address the issue of education, unemployment and the economy. We must have a marshal plan for the northern states. We must, diplomatically, engage the international community and, especially, our neighbouring countries on the issue of security and, above all, every Nigerian citizen must be a stakeholder in the security of the nation.
With this state of affairs, political pundits are of the opinion that, if Jonathan drops his ambition of rerunning in 2015, the country will, automatically, become calm. What is your immediate response to this? I am quite confident that President Goodluck Jonathan is capable of addressing these problems. To me,
President Jonathan is eminently qualified to Me for the 2015 presidential race and so, where he comes from is insignificant. What Nigerians want, as a matter of fact, is someone who can deliver, someone who can meet the needs of the people. We want someone who can give us good roads, regular electricity supply and address the problem of insecurity, which the president is, apparently, tackling head on. I am of the view that, if given a little more time, all these things will roll away naturally.
But, there is a growing animosity, especially from the north, for him to step down, for the region to take over, and serve out the Late Yar’Adua’s term of office; how do you reconcile this?
Do not expect a consensus or unanimity on whether or not Mr. President should run again or not. It will, indeed, f e strange if all agreed or disagreed. That is why his emergence will be through a process in which the will of Tie majority will be expressed.
Not long ago, the PDP’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, made a case for automatic ticket : – President Goodluck Jonathan, state governors and jefforming lawmakers. How democratic do you think this is, knowing full well it is capable of disfranchising many qualified aspirants?
The Electoral Act, as amended, provides for direct or indirect primaries by political parties to choose their candidates for elective positions, even as the Supreme Court has, again and again, held that it is the internal business of political parties to choose their candidates for elections. Political considerations, especially the viability of the candidate influence, in no small measures, the choice of a candidate. Automatic ticket, per se, is not undemocratic, particularly, if an inclusive process to arrive at a consensus was deployed and that consensus was not by the instrument of coercion.
As different political parties position themselves against the 2015 general election, how do you view the entire scenario, against the backdrop of the polity being heated up already? What would be your candid advice to all Nigerians?
As we approach elections, this is to be expected. My advice is that, as we politic, the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians should be uppermost. Our politics must never undermine the integrity and corporate existence of Nigeria.
Now, back to the National Assembly; you were one of the few Senators that came up with the idea of the Doctrine of Necessity that rescued the nation from near collapse in the build up topost-Yar’Adua succession brouhaha; why did lawmakers, particularly you, take that step? Is it for the love of then Vice President Jonathan or what?
Being part of a National Assembly that has stabilised the polity, especially, in our difficult times, has been most satisfying. I recall, particularly, those trying days that followed late President UmaruYar Afinas absence due to ill health and the resourcefulness.: the Senate coming up with the Doctrine of Necessity. I did that out of pure love for my country. I am proud to be a Nigerian, and so, watching my dear country going apart. to me, was a big challenge. I am glad today I a m part of those that saved the situation. Also being part of the National Assembly that successfully amended the constitution. not once, but three times – the first successful amendment since 1963, was also gratifying so. being part of process that delivered our country first general accepted election elections
In all of these, what is sincere assessment of the present Senate, especially under the leadership of David Mark?
In my sincere assessment of David Mark of leadership, the Senate for the first time in the current democratic dispensation, there is stability in the office. Secondly the present leadership of the senate is, equally the most scandal free since 1999, the senators have now taken their place in the scheme of things and in the mind of the people. The public now looks up to the Senate to resolve, not only political problems, but other important issues.
Speaking generally as an experienced lawmaker, what would you point out as the inherent challenges in law making?
No doubt, law making has been daunting, yet remarkable. After several years in active private legal practice, coming to the Senate was like starting a new life, a new school. I had to learn the ropes, the rules, and the procedure. The Nigerian constitution took a different import in the legislature from the courts. The mechanics of its application in court is different from its application in the parliament. Law making is different from its application in a forensic sense and I had come from a life of the forensic application of law. Then, I needed to make the adjustment. To be effective in parliament, apart from the knowledge of its rules, procedure and the constitution, you need to network.
One also had to deal with the negative perception of the institution and its members. After several years of military rule, the Nigerian public had become used to life without a parliament. To the public, therefore, the parliament which they had done without, for several years, is the needed scapegoat for the nations ill. What will pass without notice in the Executive or Judiciary is a major issue in the National Assembly. But, in spite of this perception, the National Assembly remains the symbol of our democracy. Balancing our role against hostile public perception has been a challenge, wTe may not be hundred percent perfect, but we are making tremendous progress, and with time, we shall get there.
What would you consider as an outstanding bill you have singularly sponsored or co-sponsored?
On a personal note, being the sponsor of the Freedom of Information Bill (FIB) which, today, is an Act of the National Assembly, is my high point, although I have, as at today, 19 bills standing to my credit. This humbles me a great deal, and makes me to think of doing more.
I also have several motions to my credit, including the motion that spurred the Federal Government to act to secure the release of Nigerian sailors taken hostage for more than a year by Somali pirates. In the parliament, I try to contribute as much as possible on the issues that I understand so much, and I also lend my voice outside the floor to topical issues. I am not afraid of sharing my thoughts and holding opinions. It is my constitutional right.
What shall we be looking forward to, regarding your legislative assignment?
Flealth care has not had a comprehensive legislation governing it. Rather, wre have pieces of legislating governing aspects of the medical profession and an aspect of the sector. This is my present challenge and I am thinking of getting a lasting solution to it.
What is your general message of hope for all Nigerians, especially, in these trying times?
Our democracy has come to stay. Democracy brings development. Therefore, we should strive at all times to keep faith with it. I try to do my very best in every situation I find myself to keep the country ever united. They, too, should do their best in every situation they find themselves.
They should not be criticising for the sake of it; let their criticisms be very constructive. Take I, for example, I welcome positive and progressive criticisms, but not just criticising even when there is no just cause to do so. Good disparagement is the beauty of democracy.
You were known to have, at different times, received national and international recognitions over your sound legislative skills, which culminated in you becoming the Senate Leader; what does this mean to you?
The recognitions humble me; they encourage me to exert myself even more and also serve as an admonition to all of us that are occupying one elective or appointive position or the other, to strive to give our very best to the nation and those that elected us.
Finally, what would you want to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered as a patriotic Nigerian who made his little contributions to the best of my ability in making the society better. I would like to see a judiciary that is allowed to do its job; I would like to see the media that are fearless in defending those core values that make a nation. I wrould like to see a political class that is driven by the common good and not by individual ambition and aspiration. Finally, I would like to see a society that enjoys incremental prosperity and security
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