Nigerian Sinologist on China's 'Four Comprehensives'

Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim is a lecturer at the Department of Political Science and International Relations at University of Abuja in Nigeria. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Do China's "Four Comprehensives" have reference values for other developing countries?

Yes they do. Take for example my country Nigeria where we just concluded democratic transition, the new government has come to appreciate these values of President Xi Jinping. What the president of Nigeria proposed for Nigerians even prior to the election are: (a) strengthening discipline through fighting corruption (b) providing harmonious and prosperous economy through job creation and getting Nigerian youths employed (c) fight terrorism until Nigeria becomes prosperous without fear or threat among its citizenry. He has also set a committee to investigate some major flows committed by the previous government.

What connections do you see in the four aspects? For example, between "advancing the rule of law" and "strictly governing the party", and between "building a moderately prosperous society" and "deepening reform".

There is great nexus between rule of law and party discipline. The laws must be above everybody in China regardless of his position, wealth or influence and nobody should be above the law. If this is consolidated, members of the communist party must be watchful in whatever they do. Secondly, deepening reform and building a moderately prosperous society share a common peculiarity. This peculiarity is that, prosperity is not attainable without a better plan and reforming an existing system. Reformation is like a design of how you want the society to prosper.

As a national strategic blueprint, what changes do you think the "Four Comprehensives" will bring to China's future?

The benefits that China can derive from these comprehensives may include, but not limited to the following: (a) China will emerge a wealthier nation (b) China will become a model of development plans (c) the people of China will become more happier with economic development (d) it will consolidate Chinese diplomatic relations and foreign policy (e) China will continue to have more influence on international stage (f) the blue print will fulfill the popularly known hope of “Chinese dream” which is a complete renewal or rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Will the strategy have influence on the world’s future development?

Why not? Of course, nations will copy such model to develop. After China, we are going to see the emergence of more responsive and responsible governments in the world, constitutionalism, political stability and harmonious domestic and foreign policies.

Besides the four areas, what else are there in China's overall framework for future administration that you think need to be improved?

China must deal with the issue of "made in China" goods. This involves China formulating or taking stringent measures on quality and safety of goods produced. This will make people stop the campaign of "made in China goods".

Do you have anything else about the topic and yourself to add?

What I have to do is to apply the theory to myself, for myself and by myself in order to be a vanguard of prosperity in my family, local government area, state and my country Nigeria.

The author can be reached at sherfboy@yahoo.com.

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