advertisement

[email protected] Zurich, Switzerland

ANNOUNCE THIS ARTICLE TO YOUR FRIENDS

INTERVIEW (NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO GERMANY)

PROFILE

HIS EXCELLENCY PROF. TUNDE ADENIRAN

orn in Ekiti State, Federal Republic of Nigeria, in 1945, His Excellency Professor Tunde Adeniran is a Political Scientist and a product of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and Columbia University in the city of New York, U.S.A. He was a staff of the United Nations Organization in the mid-seventies and taught in some American Universities before he took up appointment at the University of Ibadan where he worked for twenty years before he retired to go into Politics in 1998. While in the University, Professor Adeniran was:

1. Member of the University Senate for fifteen years;

2. Coordinator of various programmes within the University system;

3. Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (1980-81);

4. Sub-Dean (Post-graduate, Faculty of the Social Sciences), 1981-83 and

5. Head of the Department of Political Science, May 1994 to April 1997

In spite of being an exceptionally busy man, Professor Adeniran still finds some time to enjoy soccer, tennis and do some creative writing and voluntary work.

"Our Local Government system is one of the most tragic aspects of the democratic process"

His Excellency Professor Tunde Adeniran

Question 1:

Your Excellency, it was exactly one year on the 14th of June 2005, that you submitted your letters of credence to the German government, what would you list as the major achievements of the embassy after one year?

Answer:

The achievements of the Nigerian Embassy in Germany during the past one year could be summed up into four areas. The image of our country was really bad, very bad when I took off due largely to the hangover of the Abacha years and the activities of 419 perpetrators. I had to tackle the problem head on and I thank God the image problem has been solved considerably but we still have a lot to do. We need to continue the promotion of good image through our activities at home and abroad and the correct and credible interpretation of developments.

Secondly, Nigerians in Germany now see the Embassy as their Mission. They interact with me freely and their problems are handled promptly. I show personal interest in their welfare.

Thirdly, there has been aggressive cultivation of potential investors who now visit Nigeria to confirm the new pictures I have conveyed to them regarding the investment climate and environment. They are now showing interest in Nigeria's possibilities, unlike a few years ago when they were really fearful.

A fourth area of achievement is in institutional collaboration. Through the grace of God, a number of institutions are now interested in collaborating with Nigeria in education and health sectors, as well as in environmental technology, among others. I secured some last year and this year and I am pursuing more exchange programmes in this regard.

Question 2:

One of President Obasanjo's main priorities is to bring investors to Nigeria. What are the main challenges in this area and how would you now assess the economic relationship between Germany and Nigeria?

Answer:

Through my investment drive, I have realized that we need to remain consistent in our economic policies. The incentives being offered foreign investors by President Obasanjo, coupled with the reform agenda and transparency initiative, are quite helpful in promoting Nigeria. But the various Ministries and agencies connected with investment promotion need to furnish us with relevant information on time and on a regular basis. I feel better now that I see some positive development on the horizon in the economic relationship between Germany and Nigeria.

Question 3:

Unlike some other countries in Europe, Germany doesn't have double citizenship policy. Consequently, many Nigerians have dumped Nigerian citizenship and picked up German. What can the nation do to make our country more attractive and her citizens more patriotic so that anywhere they are they'll still love to keep their Nigerian citizenship?

Answer:

We are doing our best to inspire patriotism in all Nigerians here. The issue of dumping Nigerian citizenship for the German passport is an economic necessity by those who do so because Germany is not as flexible as other countries that allow dual citizenship.

Question 4:

There is a wide spread of Nigerian population in Germany, what problems have you identified as affecting this Nigerian community and what measures are you taking to improve their welfare?

Answer:

Many come to Germany without adequate knowledge of the country and necessary preparations. Others are here who also do not enjoy the benefit of guidance and counselling. We are working in close collaboration with the Nigerian Community and the Nigeria in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) to ensure we rectify the situation. We want Nigerians to live as law-abiding residents in Germany and benefit from the educational and technological advancement of the country.

Question 5:

In many countries in Europe, illegal Nigerians are being deported in large numbers. Governments do charter special flights for this purpose. Would you know of such a case in Germany? If so, can you give the number involved?

Answer:

We have not got to that stage yet. To the best of my knowledge, the Nigerians being deported are through the regular flights. I am aware there was a proposal to that effect sometime ago but it has not been accepted.

Question 6:

Since the Chairman of INEC flew the kite on Electronic Voting System (EVS), the country has been split into 2 camps: those in favour and those against. Do you think Nigeria is ripe for EVS?

Answer:

First things first, Education should be the first priority of Nigeria. Unless and until we make education free and compulsory up to the secondary school level, and insist on proper training of teachers and quality education for Nigerians, we won't get anywhere. EVS should be introduced after UBE is solid on the ground and mass education is fully implemented, coupled with serious political education.

Question 7:

Your Excellency, with the outcome of the National Political Reform Conference and the pullout of South-South delegates, would you still consider it a success? What would be your recommendation?

Answer:

The success or failure of any programme depends on the purpose or goal. I consider the NPRC a success because it afforded a sizable representation of Nigerians the opportunity to discuss national issues and come up with suggestions. From the outcome the Nigerian people, the National Assembly and the Presidency all stand to benefit in terms of having a broader understanding of national issues and how to solve them.

Question 8:

The debt relief of 60% representing about $18 Billion of the $30 Billion debt overhang given by the Paris Club, came as a good news for Nigerians, but considering the fact that we have to pay $12 Billion cash, is that still a cause for Nigerians to celebrate?

Answer:

Certainly there is reason for Nigerians to be happy. Some relief is better than no relief. It shows the efforts of Mr. President are yielding visible results. That's the beginning of good news from global strategic networking.

Question 9:

Sir, in your assessment, is there anything the Germans can teach us in terms of administration or in the social arrangement of our society?

Answer:

Germany is a Republic and a Federation. And so is Nigeria. We have a lot to learn from their system; especially what I call the German spirit based on the pursuit of excellence and the all-round demonstration of patriotism in every aspect of life.

Question 10:

Any word of advice for Nigerians in Diaspora including those in Germany?

Answer:

There is no place like home. No matter how long we stay abroad, let us remain focused, working hard to excel, staying in regular touch with our fatherland, making whatever contributions that are possible even while still away, and returning home as accomplished men and women and as great assets to Nigeria.

Question 11:

As a respected scholar on Nigerian politics, what are the greatest problems facing the politics and which changes must be made to guarantee democratic stability beyond 2007?

Answer:

Presently, the democratic structures are weak and under constant assault. We need to strengthen them. For now there are three areas I believe we need to go into serious engineering: the political parties should be revamped, restructured and reoriented. Secondly, the State Assemblies do not seem to understand or appreciate why they exist. Many of them operate as mere extensions of the Governor's offices. The third issue is Local Government administration. Some see it as a colossal waste but I consider it a potentially good instrument of development that is being currently terribly abused as a tier of government. It represents something altogether different from what it ought to be. It is sad. Our Local Government system is one of the most tragic aspects of the democratic process.