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Army Arrangement; Dictatorial Cimilicy A Nigerian Kind Of Government By Prince Charles Dickson
The theory of cimilicy is an argument for the positive integration of the three elements in the public life of Nigeria such that they act in concert to maximize the general welfare of the people, these elements being (1) civilians (2) the military (3) democracy. As a term cimilicy is a pedagogic formulation of the said three words, where ci stands for civilians, mi stands for the military, li serves as a common denominator of both civilians and the military, and the cy stands for democracy.
Cimilicy presupposedly excludes the rigid dichotomy between civilians and the military, the theory has worked practically to the point that over the years of military rule civilians have become militarized and the military has become civilanized and politicized. What we there even call democracy is only a form of cimilicy. in reality cimilicy is not a bad form of governance but the purposelessness of leadership has made it a taboo which unfortunately is violated in broad day light.
As of dateline virtually all the top contenders to 2007 presidency are ex-military men, correct me by mentioning some present serving governors with ambition and I would show you strong military apologists. And off course no woman yet. It is not new in the world. But, we have taken this too far, truly great men like General Charles De Gauille of France, General DWIGHT Eisenhower of U.S.A, Jerry Rawlings of Ghana, Abdul Nasser of Egypt, Anwar Sedat of Turkey amongst many made a success of both the Military and civil societies. These men had dreams and visions.
However in Nigeria’s case I fear we are scientifically evolving another form of this system. This I term Dictatorial Cimilicy. The Peoples Democratic Party has become more like a military Divisional barrack with Policeman Tony Anieneh, Col. Ahmadu Ali, General Obasanjo, General Abdullahi and the likes strongly in charge of affairs.
The national confab muted the idea of banning past military rulers, obj the present democratic military dictator has told them not to worry, “He will make way where there seems to be no way.
Ironically from the perspective of the “right to rule”. They (the military officers) have the right, at least after looting the public coffers, putting generations of Nigerians yet to born in debt. They still want to exercise the right to continue to rock the boat of leadership in the nation.
From General Buhari, to the gap-toothed Minna General, my Adamawa Lord, General Marwa; what have they really contributed. Are we not tired of the same old faces? With no new idea on how to move the nation forward. Spending our hard earned money like father Xmas and bragging about.
What vision do these post leaders in or out of uniform have, other than their selfish ambitions?
Much as this is not a total condemnation of the Khaki boys. I use this opportunity to ask if we do have true democrats devoid of military stew, rice and beef. They are there, but they must stand up and be counted. Because most of those we call politicians and democrats are all one form of military apologists and benefactors.
This is a call of Patriotism. Nigerians need to be counted whether in inform or not. In and out of the barracks people are tired of it all. The 49 sitting 99 standing scenario must stop. Those who have continued to harp it in that we need to create, make or invent a system of governance. I always have been of the opinion that we should solve our own form of governance system that is pearlier to us that takes into cognizance our culture, habitation, values, norms and other factors.
It is faltering that six years into the present “democracy”. (if we can call it democratic). We seem to be moving in circles not knowing whether we are in a democratic or military government. The government would disobey the law at their whims and caprices.
Cimilicy can be good, however in Nigeria. We are driving towards chaos, as the ruling party is engulfed crisis after crisis. It is difficult to differentiate between the PDP and the government.
In its purest form, if cimilicy is a government in Nigeria that takes into cognizance Democrats like Wole Soyinka, Ransome Kuti, Balarabe Musa, Anthony Enahoro, Ogbonanya Onu and others to numerous to mention, then with such brains, we would have moved far from where we are now.
Painfully, in the last 12 years after June 12 the man at the center of the storm has waved it with the left hand. General IBB has always said if he opens his mouth. I pray he does before he joins his ancestors (I don’t wish the general death). However, he should tell Nigerians what went wrong. Rather than scheme on 2007 which is in the future. A great leader whether military or democratic possesses certain landmarks amongst which is truth. So already the foundation is shaky.
My call for cimilicy is for us to reflect soberly and ask ourselves is Nigeria and Nigerians getting the kind of leadership, the type of governance and system of rulership it deserves.
Are the associations of generals and ex-military chiefs ready to democratize, and are civilians ready to be democratic. For the Buhari’s, IBB’s to be beacons of light as democrats after heinous crimes against democracy then we need to ask questions of ourselves. This is a challenge to Nigerians to do something in the positive light towards bettering the future or else may the prophecy of America on the disintegration of this our beautiful land not come to pass.
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