In Nigeria at the moment, one cannot talk about a Nigerian referendum without bringing Biafra into the picture as the embers of events leading to the civil war in the 70's appears to be re-ignited. But beyond this (Biafra matter), referendum is an act that could have a far-reaching effect, and countries that are truly democratic in setting, have employed this in addressing specific issues of national concern.
So, there lies the question: What is a Referendum? – According to Encyclopedia.com; A referendum is a form of direct democracy in which the entire electorate votes to accept or reject a policy proposal. The given definition has two key components I will like to highlight: ‘the Electorate’ and ‘Policy’. These two (elements) have a tremendous influence on the eventual outcome of the vote- the electorate is been expected to response to the question raised in the referendum by simply choosing to accept or reject.
A referendum is more like seeking a mutual avenue to end a ‘dispute’: putting one forward does not necessarily mean acceding to defeat plus there is no certainty that the victory will sway to one side or another until the votes are counted. However, it is important to state here that the state here that whatever move that is being must not be done without the state legislature’s involvement. In other words, referendum can only be permitted within the ambit of the law. Failure to do this will be tantamount to committing treason.
Now, focusing the lens on Nigeria; it would be injudicious to solely pin the word ‘Referendum’ to Biafra and the activities of IPOB- a scenario that borders on secession. The concept behind referendum is obviously broader than that, and there are a whole lot of issues that can be tackled through referendums. Again, we seem to sort of see referendum in ‘bad light’ in this part of the world so much that a special assistant to the president once put objectivity to the swords by limiting referendum to the Biafra situation. But far from it; the practice, if intently pursued, can help us correct some maladies that are apparent in the nation’s polity since it provides the avenue for the electorate to free express their opinions.
However, the ‘sad truth’ is that there is no such provision in the Nigerian constitution. So, before we can have a Nigerian referendum, there has to be a constitutional review. But who will ‘bell the cat’, and move the notion for the inclusion of referendum in the constitution?
If we are to progress as a truly democratic- with no inkling of dictatorship- nation then the electorate have got to be involved in [a more profound manner] in the decision-making process- not just the general election- especially as it regards passing certain laws.
The Nigerian referendum is not just about Biafra, and should not be limited to that. More so, considering the fact that some of the edicts that are presently in effect were triggered during the military regime, it is necessary to mastermind a means of reviewing some of those policies thus setting the tone for a restructured Nigeria- as such, referendums should be evoked to have this done. Besides, allowing referendums to take place will certainly quell many agitations that have without the use of force rising over the years as we get to reach a point where we agree to disagree.