FYI, the following article from the Nigerian paper The Guardian,
currently on their site at
http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/editorial_opinion/article03 , was
forwarded by Uchenna Agbim. I have been unable to source the article
referenced by the author of this piece. DZO
A constitution to save Nigerian languages
By Chinyere Ohiri-Aniche
I Read with interest the article by Niyi Akinnaso titled "Language and
Constitutional History" which was published in The Guardian of Sunday
February 5, 2006. My interest stems from the fact that during the
National Political Reforms Conference which was held at Abuja early in
2005, I had sent a memorandum to the Conference titled "A Constitution
To Save Nigerian Languages From Extinction". Those of us working in
the area of Nigerian languages know that only constitutional
provisions, backed by serious commitment from government to effect
their implementation, can save Nigerian languages from their imminent
death.
Our recent researches show that unless some drastic steps are taken,
Nigerian languages would have become extinct in 50 years or so. The
memorandum this writer sent to the National Political Reforms
Conference, therefore, called for constitutional provisions that will
compel the active use of Nigerian languages alongside English in all
aspects of our national life - governance, education, the media, etc.
Specifically, some of the following constitutional amendments were
suggested.
* Amendment to Section 55 to give equal status to all Nigerian
languages in the National Assembly. This section should be amended to
read: "The business of the National Assembly shall be conducted in
English and in any Nigerian languages as the occasion demands".
The occasions and modalities for implementation were explained in the
memorandum. This amendment envisaged that we do not limit the possible
use of Nigerian languages in the National Assembly to Hausa, Igbo and
Yoruba. Rather, with the installation of translation and
interpretation facilities, we could open up participation in
governance to our citizens of all linguistic backgrounds, who might
not be so proficient in English. This will be in line with the
practice at such international level as the United Nations or the
African Union where people from diverse linguistic backgrounds are
nevertheless able to participate in proceedings.
* Amendment to Section 97 to emphasise greater use of indigenous
languages in State House of Assembly. The amendment is in two parts.
Section 97 (a) should read: "The business of the State House of
Assembly of a monolingual State shall be conducted in its own
language, but the House may, in addition to its own language, conduct
the business of the House in English".
Let us, here, salute those State Legislatures such as Ogun and Anambra
states which have introduced the use of their languages in their
Houses of Assembly, albeit on a limited basis. Section 97 (b) should
read: "The business of the State House of Assembly of a multilingual
state shall be conducted in English and in any of the state's
languages as the occasion demands". As in the earlier recommendation
regarding the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly makes
available translation and interpretation facilities to enable active
participation of all citizens in the House deliberations.
* Legislation in Respect of Languages At Local Government Level
Needless to say that governance at the grassroots level can never be
effective unless the people's language is used. There is thus need to
put in place legislation requiring Local Government Councils to
function in their own language(s).
* New Provisions For Nigerian Language Qualifications For Elective And
Appointive Offices. The memorandum further observed that all those who
disdain our languages and culture have no business sitting in our
National or State Houses of Assembly, nor should they be elected to
govern us, or appointed to preside over our affairs in any capacity.
Consequently, the memorandum proposed that all Sections of the
Constitution which deal with qualifications for elective and
appointive offices should add a new clause making demonstrated
knowledge of a Nigerian language one of the qualifications for such posts.
I conclude by returning to the recommendation of your correspondent,
Niyi Akinnaso, that it behoves both the government and the law makers
to see to it that all Nigerian languages are written and developed to
cope with the task before them in the Constitution. In fact, if the
right political and popular will is there, this is quite easy to
attain. For example, in recent times, Ibibio and Urhobo languages have
recorded great achievements in development and in their increased use
in schools and the media. With the right efforts and support, every
other Nigerian language could equally be so developed - to the immense
benefit of all of us - politically, socially, economically,
educationally, etc.
* Dr. Ohiri-Aniche is with the Faculty of Education, University of Lagos.
© 2003 - 2006 @ Guardian Newspapers Limited (All Rights Reserved).
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