Sanusi and interest groups

Sanusi-CBN3THE suggestion by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that socio-cultural, ethnic and religious associations should be banned, is both curious and ill-considered. Lamido said the groups, among them Arewa, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Ja’amatu Nasril Islam and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) should be outlawed “because they are political associations in disguise of religion and region”. He seemed oblivious of the law that permits freedom of association.

Lamido, of course spoke in his characteristic forthrightness. And he is entitled to his views on any issue. In truth, this nation needs people with the courage and conviction to speak their mind. Yet, is this suggestion the most urgent concern of the head of a national institution with direct responsibility for monetary and related management? Sanusi seemed to be unaware of the reasons interest groups exist at all, especially in a diverse population as Nigeria’s.

First, persons form groups to present their views and influence government policy. They are more effective as a group than as individuals. And, so long as they do not conflict with the law, they are entitled to pursue their agenda. Second, these groups aim at specific targets, such as educating the public on burning national issues; and they serve an agenda-setting purpose by drawing government and public attention to issues yearning for redress. Third, these groups foster indirect popular participation in the political process. Nigeria’s pluralist democracy is indeed well suited to sustain interest group activities as it fosters dialogue and choice.

The CBN chief’s fear that interest groups tend to fractionalise society may be justified to the extent that there are no fundamental, irreducible minimum national values and objectives to which every section subscribes. But the flaw is when he seemed to have concluded that there are no leaders at group and national levels sufficiently patriotic to balance the common good with personal and group interest. It is thus unreasonable to regard CAN, JNI, Afenifere, Ohanaeze and others as self-serving organisations, when they actually represent substantial portions of the country’s population that must be assured of as much right and responsibility, duty and privileges to Nigeria as any other group of citizens.

No government can ignore such groups without consequences. Besides, it is too simplistic to think that once they are banned Nigeria’s problems would end. Such a draconian step will drive them underground and create more problems for the government.

Sanusi’s job is to run the CBN to the best of his professional ability, and in the best interest of the Nigerian people. His job specification does not include pontificating on issues that do not clearly and directly impact on money supply and economy of this country. Indeed, the CBN Act of 2007 gives the governor more than enough responsibilities to keep him gainfully engaged. These duties require that he ensures monetary and price stability, manage the external reserves, act as banker to the Federal Government and give economic and financial advice; issue legal tender currency, and promote sound financial system by administering the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Act (1991) as amended. When his tenure is over, the CBN governor will be assessed, not by how many papers he presented on political, social and other topics, but by how well he has implemented the CBN Mission Statement: ‘to be proactive in providing a stable framework for the economic development of Nigeria through the effective, efficient and transparent implementation of monetary and exchange rate policy and management of the financial sector’.