Suggesting a possible solution to Nigeria crises. Granting autonomy to the various region could be a way forward. The Scotland independence referendum of 2014 could offer a guide.

1. NIGERIA AT 54: A CALL FOR THE SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE
REFERENDUM
On Oct 1, 2014, Nigeria celebrates her 54th independence ceremony.
The independence that was gained decades ago, with a motive of
moving the nation forward after the colonization. Half a century, many
eras have been witnessed, military regime, civilian government,
Nnmadi Azikwe, Ebele Jonathan. Perhaps, it might not be necessary to
diffuse in detail about the current situation because it is obvious to all
and sundry. Though we are blessed with both mineral and natural
resource, the country is found among the extremely poor countries
(IMF 2013).
It is worth arguing the situation at the time of independence with the
present, it seems things are far from getting better. Some of the major
issues that the country has faced are resource control, leaders’
selection process, ethnicity crises, religion restlessness and disunity
among the various ethics group. Thus the recent event in the United
Kingdom could offer a permanent solution to Nigeria´s dilemma.
On the 18th Sept 2014, the Scottish voted on whether to be an
independent country. Scotland is a country that is part of the United
Kingdom, occupying the northern part of Great Britain: the English and
Scottish thrones were united under one monarch in 1603 and the
parliaments in 1707(Wikipedia). The independence referendum
question was “should Scotland be an independent country?” It has
“yes” or “no” answer option for the electorate (blank Andry). Although
the campaign against independence called “the better together” had
the majority vote, nonetheless, the call of independence by various
geographical region in Nigeria would not be an arbitrary thought.

2. Some of the campaign by the YES Scotland group was that Scotland will
be able to get the government they choose, securing oil fund in the
North sea, there will be more job creation and they will be able to take
responsibility etc. (independent Scotland). The campaigns of YES
Scotland might not be too different from the interest of some
Nigerians.
Nigeria has always lived in the fear of a region seceding. In fact, the civil
was because of the Biafra interest to have their independence. The
Yoruba (western region) has mostly been in the opposition party, the
Niger Delta (southern region) have always clamored for resource
control (this was the root cause of the unrest in that region from 2003
to 2009 (Wikipedia)), The Hausa (northern region) has been
experiencing ethic and religion fight. The current Boko haram menace
has cost many lives and many towns have been destroyed. The security
budget is consuming the highest percentage in the budget(CBN).
Being a democratic setting, it could be presumed that the regions in
Nigeria can take a leaf from the Scottish and dialogue with the central
government about further autonomy. This opinion could be tested by
the voting system. Although, there is power in togetherness
nevertheless, if those regions were given independence, by the treaty,
membership of ECOWAS, and negotiation, those benefits could still be
harnessed.
The objective of this essay is not to call for the break up of Nigeria but
to suggest the possible solution to the lingering crises.
Long live Nigeria,
Long live President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

3. HAPPY 54th INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY