Small state; big stature By Sesan Adeolu Odunuga

Can it happen in Nigeria? Are institutions in Nigeria democratic?

At the centre of EU partnership and relationship with many European states not yet members of the union is democratisation of institutions. 

The EU largest enlargement in history happened in 2004 when ten new European states joined the union. Slovenia, Poland, Estonia et alia went through rigorous institutional democratisation before becoming members of the union.

So also are the states under the current EaP framework going through extensive and modern institutionalism, especially the public institutions.

Sometime in April, i submitted a claim before the FIC (first instance court) against a state agency; begging the court to upturn the decision of the agency. I appeared at the first hearing for preliminary assessment on the case.

However, i failed to appear thereafter. I received correspondence on the dates of subsequent hearing but i was never available during those periods. The judge decided that my admissible application could not be considered further due to frequent absence. She now adjudged that the court application fee be refunded by the state and from the state budget.

Hehehe! I was holding the decision since September this year; awaiting further instructions on how and where to go. Nothing happened hitherto yesterday. I was in the state of "Brooklyn" yesterday. I do not know if you have ever been in (and not into) that state.

I decided to visit the court yesterday afternoon wearing a furious demeanour. I am here to see the judge in my case or at least, the secretary to the judge, I said. The secretary came, took the document and went inside. 

On the return of the "seke"; the anger in me raised my two shoulders in an upward movement little below the ceiling when i just heard: "...but sir, you need no further instructions other than visit the Ministry of Finance.......then you will get your money refunded into your bank account".

Really? Some people can lie sha! How can i just go to the national Ministry of Finance and get back my money from the state budget just like that! Even in Nigeria, which is the giant of Africa; an oil rich nation for that matter will not ask you to head on to the Ministry of Finance and get a refund. 

These white skinned people self! Always thinking in an opposite way! That was me soliloquizing.

Well, "i sha go there sha!". Arriving the Ministry of Finance at few minutes before 5 pm. Sir, you need to submit the completed refund application form to the next office with your personal bank account details for it to be considered within the next 3 business days. That was the desk officer at the Ministry of Finance talking. Okay ooo! I did as she said. And as i turned my back trying to leave the lobby she said in an angelic tone: "happy new year to you in advance". I reciprocated as a cosmopolitan gentleman.

Three (3) working days; beginning from 5.30 pm yesterday, i got a credit alert from my bank some 40 minutes ago. Behold it was a credit alert of the refund from the national Ministry of Finance.

I became more angry. Why? I did not ask you to treat it "urgently or accordingly" (as my former MD at a MFB used to say).

What if it happened in Nigeria to me as a citizen of Nigeria (not as a foreigner as it was in the case with me here)? The court is not interested in the amount you paid even though judgment was not pronounced on your application. Money paid into the big pocket of the government cannot sneak out of same.

What if it happened in Nigeria? The refund request would have to be taken to Abuja for submission after which a date not less than 30 days would be given for consideration. If eventually approved.
I must re-visit the Ministry of Finance in Abuja for verification by submitting the last and first names of my mother and that of my deceased pater.

To identify myself as a genuine Nigerian i may be asked to stretch forth my hand and widely open my fist so that from the palm of my hand; my nationality could be discovered.

If i get to be positively verified. My refund application may wait for the consent of the state house.

Since Nigeria is not in Europe. If institutions in Nigeria could not be Europeanised. At least, get it democratised since you assert that you operate a presidential democracy!

Small state; big stature.

You can reach Sesan at princelop@gmail.com

Sesan Adeolu Odunug

BY SESAN ADEOLU ODUNUGA