Nigeria Turning UAR: The Dilemma

Do you think changing the country name from Nigeria to UAR ( united African republic) makes us united? What shall we do with the great nations song? Will our currency change? What will someone from the United African Republic be called? Uranium or Urea?

These questions and more are keeping Nigerians awake with many wondering the overall necessity of the proposal to change the name of the country.

Nigeria’s Proposed New Name – United African Republic

For more than two weeks now the lawmakers have been going about the country asking citizens question, about the view to amending the constitution.

However, a tax consultant, Mr. Adeleye Jokotoye proposed a new name and his choice of UAR (United African Republic) to reflect hundred ethnic groups that comprise the country.

Mr. Jokotoye made this known during a hearing in Lagos, citing that the name “Nigeria” was an imposition by the past colonial masters.

The Proposal reads:

First and foremost, I want to recommend a name change from Nigeria to the United Africans Republic (UAR).

The significance of name change cannot be overemphasised. Even God our father, in the Holy books, changed names of prophets e.g. Saul to Paul, Jacob to Israel, etc. The reason for name change is to physically and psychologically reflect a new beginning.

Thus, at this crossroads in our history, it is mandatory that we change our name to reflect a new beginning which will be ushered in with a new constitution. The word ‘Africa’ is a Greek word meaning ‘Without Cold’. Africa was originally called ‘Alkebulan’, meaning ‘Mother of Mankind’ (Garden of Eden).

Alkebulan is the oldest and the only word of indigenous origin used by Moors, Nubians and Ethiopians. So, if we like, we can go a step further and name our nation, United Alkebulan Republic (meaning ‘United Mother of Mankind Republic).

The new constitution should also give room for continuous review as and when due, and future referendum if required also want to suggest the following.

The constitution should provide for a council for each of these offices where six members from each geo-political zone will be represented to take collective unanimous decisions for the office, instead of one man holding all the powers of the office.

These council members will attain the position by seniority and numbers of years in service, and they will each need a department in the service as well as being council members.

The name NIGERIA was suggested by British journalist Flora Shaw in the late 19th century. It was derived from River Niger which enters the country from the North-West to the Niger delta and it empties into the Atlantic Ocean through many tributes.

The Necessity for Name Change

The idea of the name change was quite understandable by some Nigerians with the addition that it’s a baby step to a big leap of restructuring the country.

Mr. Jokotoye also suggested a review of the 1999 constitution, reform of governance structure and taxation control.

A few Nigerians were all in for the name change if it means that the stale constitution will be entirely reviewed: purge out the irrelevant, update the ineffective and create new ones.

Also, the idea resonates with some Nigerians who think the North believe they own Nigeria and the origin of the name might have something to do with that.

Since the new name reflects every ethnic group, it gives everyone an equal sense of belonging and should at least, in a way, reflect practically too.

In furtherance, some believe the name change is very timely especially now that different groups are advocating the division of the country.

Perhaps, a name change can lead to a restructuring wherein we collate our interest to reform the nation and become a truly united nation.

A Name Change is Irrelevant

Unfortunately, many found the idea of name change to be lame as they point out that the problem of Nigeria is bigger than her name.

Changing the country’s name is like repainting a house to another colour with the same wall. Change of name will not make any change except for a new passport, a new flag and also currency.

Will the leaders change to become loyal and selfless? will the lives of the people matter? will there be an increase in employment opportunities? will there be good roads, electricity, improved security and basic amenities? – The name change doesn’t actually solve the problem of the country.

Anyway, the lawmakers are still gathering opinion and will soon dish out their decision on the name change proposal.

What’s your take on this? Do you support the name change? Or you think it’s absolutely irrelevant?