Salis Advocates 'Equitocracy' as Solution to Nigeria's Unity Crisis
A United States-based lawyer and political advocate, Owolabi Salis, has introduced a novel democratic framework aimed at resolving Nigeria's escalating ethnic, religious, and political rifts. He issued a stark warning that increasing secessionist agitations could jeopardize national stability if not addressed promptly.
Background and Urgent Call for Unity
Salis, a three-time gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, detailed his proposal in a policy document titled "Astro-Democracy for Nigeria: The One Nigeria Project." He emphasized that Nigeria must remain united despite its diversity, describing the nation as pivotal to the political and socio-economic advancement of the Black race worldwide. With over two decades of residence in America and extensive global travels, Salis reinforced his conviction that Nigeria serves as a critical pillar for Black progress.
"We have no option than to stay together. The hope for the Black race in political and socio-economic growth rests here in Nigeria," he asserted. This proposal emerges amidst growing concerns over separatist movements and worsening insecurity across various regions. Salis highlighted alarming trends, such as reports of states deporting Nigerians to their regions of origin, which he deemed a dangerous practice capable of undermining national cohesion. He urged the Federal Government to intervene immediately and outlaw such discriminatory actions, stressing that all citizens must enjoy the freedom to live and work anywhere in the country without bias.
Challenges and the Need for Structural Reform
While acknowledging diversity as one of Nigeria's greatest strengths, Salis pointed out that poor management of ethnic and religious differences has fueled crises, including insurgency, banditry, separatist movements, and communal conflicts. He cautioned that without addressing structural issues, Nigeria risks violent disintegration through terrorism, farmer-herder clashes, and regional agitations. Salis identified several flaws in the current system:
- Political domination by majority groups
- Electoral malpractices
- Weak internal party democracy
- Marginalisation of minorities
These challenges, he noted, have bred widespread distrust in governance and heightened political tensions. "The system we operate now creates more crises. The more crises you are able to create and distribute, the more political relevance you enjoy," he remarked.
Introducing the Equitocracy Model
Salis proposed a new governance model termed "Equitocracy," also described as a diversity-based democracy. This system aims to ensure proportional representation and eliminate perceived marginalisation of minority groups. Under this framework, political power would be distributed based on a structured evaluation of Nigeria's diverse ethnic and regional identities. Salis argued that both the current presidential system and the previous parliamentary system have failed to guarantee fairness and inclusiveness.
He explained that in the equitocracy model, each of the 36 states would nominate candidates, with acceptance determined through a nationwide evaluation process involving all states. The candidate garnering the broadest national support across states would emerge as president, fostering inclusiveness and reducing ethnic bias. Additionally, this system is designed to:
- Encourage merit-based leadership
- Eliminate electoral violence
- Reduce the influence of incumbency and money politics
Salis underscored the necessity for equity in resource distribution and governance, warning that treating any group as second-class citizens could exacerbate tensions. He called for broad-based coalitions involving past and current political leaders, lawmakers, and local council officials to drive these reforms.
Commitment to National Cohesion
Reaffirming his dedication to Nigeria's unity, Salis urged both citizens and leaders to prioritize national cohesion over sectional interests. "Nigeria belongs to every Nigerian. We are stronger together, and it is our responsibility to preserve this unity for future generations," he concluded. This advocacy comes at a critical juncture as Nigeria grapples with internal divisions and seeks sustainable solutions for lasting peace and progress.
