OVER the years, the disengaging of non-indigenes from their respective places of work for one reason or the other by host ' state governments has been a very controversial issue.Recently, the Abia State Government reportedly sacked all the non-indigenes in its public service.As expected, the action is generating a lot of debate. It was reported that more than 100 Enugu state's indigenes, mostly women, were amongst those disengaged; others were from Imo and Ebonyi States. The Spokesperson for the Chief Theodore Orji - led government, Mr. A.B. Agbazuere, who is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Conflicts Management, said Abia State Government did not sack non ' indigenes in its public service but 'transferred services'. In retalliation, the Imo State Government, according to media reports, "directed" Abia State indigenes in its public service to return home. This is a highly-sensitive matter and if care is not taken could have ripple effects around the country.Although a look back in history shows that the practice of 'transferring services' of non-indigenes back to their states of origin dates back to 1997, we believe it is a stark contradiction to the 1999 Constitution and capable of causing disunity and disaffection in country. It breeds ill-feelings and resentment from victims. Nigerians do not have to go too far down memory lane to recall the bitter feuds and violence that erupted in recent times over the explosive issue of indigenes versus settlers.Indeed, it is being fingered as the root cause of the bloody conflicts in Plateau State. As recent as last month, hundreds lost their lives and properties when violence flared up again in Jos. Section 15 (2) of the 1999 Constitution states that 'national integration shall be actively encouraged, whilst discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited.' Subsection 3 enjoins state governors to 'secure full resident rights for all citizens in all parts of the Federation.'The disengagement of non-indigenes under a so-called 'transfer of services' is capable of fanning the embers of political and social tension. It could lead to acts of reprisals from other states which could escalate into all manners of confusion in the country. Nigeria is currently grappling with the deadly bombings and violence caused by the religious sect, Boko Haram. She hardly needs further acts which have the potential of escalating insecurity. Nigeria's leaders must remember that a country fraught with social tensions cannot provide a conducive environment for economic growth and development. Nor will it portray her well in the eyes of the international community. Foreign investors and tourists tend to shy away from unstable countries.Nigerian leaders at various tiers of government must desist from paying lip-service to the promotion of peaceful co-existence, unity and stability in the country. They must desist from policies and acts capable of breeding disruption. Indigenisation should not be used as means to gain popularity and votes. Good governance is about delivery of services to the people in a transparent and accountable manner. Every Nigerian should feel free to live and work in any part of the country and also aspire to attain his or her goals without any inhibition.Finally, the unresolved problem of indigene-ship has remained one of the root causes of political instability, religious bigotry, ethnic chauvinism and cultural suspicion among Nigerians. The country can no longer turn a blind eye to it. It is high-time, therefore, that the National Assembly took a critical look at this matter and work out progressive legislation to address it.
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