By Jacob Kubeka (ABUJA) –
If the proposal by Adeleye Jokotoye sails through, Nigeria’s name will be changed to “United Africans Republic (UAR).”
Jokotoye, a relatively unknown Lagos-based Tax Consultant, submitted a proposal before Nigeria’s House of Representatives in Abuja yesterday, calling for a constitutional amendment that would allow for renaming of the country.
The two chambers of the National Assembly are currently carrying out a review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, a process that involves making alterations to the document.
Justifying the need for renaming of Africa’s most populous nations, Jokotoye argued that the name “Nigeria” was given by Flora Shaw, wife of the former colonial Governor-General of the territory, Lord Lugard, and therefore does not not represent the wish of the citizens of the country.
According to him, the proposed name, UAR, was needed to unify all the peoples of the country as well as foster peace and harmony among citizens.
Jokotoye said: “First and foremost, I want to recommend a name change from Nigeria to the United Africans Republic (UAR),” the proposal reads.
“The significance of name change cannot be overemphasised. Even God our father, in the Holy books, changed names of prophets e.g. Saul to Paul, Jacob to Israel, etc. The reason for name change is to physically and psychologically reflect a new beginning.
“Thus, at this crossroads in our history, it is mandatory that we change our name to reflect a new beginning which will be ushered in with a new constitution. The word ‘Africa’ is a Greek word meaning ‘Without Cold’. Africa was originally called ‘Alkebulan’, meaning ‘Mother of Mankind’ (Garden of Eden).
“Alkebulan is the oldest and the only word of indigenous origin used by Moors, Nubians and Ethiopians. So, if we like, we can go a step further and name our nation, United Alkebulan Republic (meaning ‘United Mother of Mankind Republic).”
Continuing, the tax consultant said it would also be necessary to restructure certain agencies of government to make them more relevant to the needs of the citizens.
According to him, “The new constitution should also give room for continuous review as and when due, and future referendum if required also want to suggest the following,” he said.
“The offices of the chief justice, police, service chiefs and INEC should never be appointed by the executive.
“The constitution should provide for a council for each of these offices where six members from each geo-political zone will be represented to take collective unanimous decisions for the office, instead of one man holding all the powers of the office.
“These council members will attain the position by seniority and numbers of years in service, and they will each need a department in the service as well as being council members.”
The name Nigeria, which was taken from the Niger River running through the country, was coined on January 8, 1897, by British journalist Flora Shaw, who later married Lord Lugard, a British colonial administrator, according to Etymology.