Nigeria’s unity must be collectively determined

September 11, 2017

Mr Emeka Ojukwu, the first son of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, recently said that President Buhari discussed the unity of Nigeria with his late father, who initiated the idea of Biafra in the first place. This does not however mean that the unity of Nigeria is settled. Is it only the late Ojukwu and President Buhari that should discuss and determine the unity of the country?

Which chapter and section of the nation’s constitution says that if the late Ojukwu and President Buhari discuss the unity of Nigeria, it should not be discussed again?

Nevertheless, let’s agree that the late Ojukwu, who was the initiator and the founder of Biafra, represented the Igbo in the said discussion of Nigeria’s unity and President Buhari, who was yet to be the president at the time of the discussion, represented the Hausa/Fulani in the same discussion of unity. Then, who represented the Igyede people from Benue State in that discussion?

Who represented Sayawa people from Bauchi State in that discussion? Who represented the Igala people of Kogi State in the discussion? Who represented the Afo people from Plateau State and so on?

Our leaders should know that when it comes to discussing the unity of Nigeria, all the ethnic groups in the country must be involved, represented, carried along, and must have a say.

Two persons, representing only two ethnic groups cannot discuss and decide the unity of a country that is having over 400 languages.

Note that Nigeria does not belonging to only the Hausa/Fulani and the Igbo. So, a decision on the unity of Nigeria by only two persons from the above mentioned two ethnic groups cannot be accepted.

Finally, if Nigeria must remain united, all the ethnic groups in the country must be engaged in discussing and negotiating its unity.

In addition, youths across all the ethnic groups in the country must be given a forum to enable them have a say in the discussion and negotiation on the unity of Nigeria.

We are not going to allow only those who are already in leadership positions to discuss and decide for us (youths) during the discussion and negotiation of Nigeria’s unity.

Many of those who are in leadership positions in the country from all the ethnic groups have been selfish, stingy and greed.

It is not debatable that they are always working for their personal interests, thereby making policies, taking decisions and actions that benefit only them and their families without considering the interest of the general public.

Because of this, youths should be given a forum to participate in the discussion, negotiation and decision on Nigeria’s unity.