The preliminary results from the 2006 head-count are out, and generating heated responses nationwide. Expected.
The Population Commission says we are about 140 million (Male: 72m, Female: 68m). It also puts North at 75m, South at 64m. Though it promises to give further details at a later date (in which case why the rush?), it reports that Lagos State has 9m while Kano State has 9.3m.
Although the commission rightly calls for reasoned observations and structured objections, the federal administration has speedily approved(?) the figures, with a promise to get parliament to follow suit. This National Assembly? Just wait!
In Nigeria, let's not forget, almost everything is controversial. May the census be very different? You kid! But the haste in releasing these figures is not going to help anyone. And the objections? Oh, both Lagos and Kano are crying foul already! Alarm.
Prediction: Considering that the two important states are of the "opposition" parties, there is no question that this disputation will be titanic! Watch.
Prediction: The Niger Delta State of Bayelsa (core of the Ijaw Nation) has cried foul. Considering its place in Nigeria's oil image, we must worry! Alert.
Prediction: The Obasanjo Administration is not necessarily a darling of the Nigerian Media, and can eerily count on the proudly independent press to do it no favours. Considering how long the PDP-controlled parliament stalled on the Freedom of Information bill, and being in an election quarter right now, it seems easy to foresee "payback" time!
Prediction: Tie this to the "Identity Card" scheme and the "Voters Registration" project and the botched Third Term Agenda, and you can be sure that the debates will rage for aye. Oh yes!
Outcome? I rest my case.
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