Nigeria’s unity is negotiable

The recent nationwide broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari after his arrival into the country from London, where he spent three months and some days, has caught my attention and impelled me to convey a message to him through this piece. According to President Buhari, the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable.

When there is a misunderstanding, conflict, crisis, sadism and war among two or more parties of the same nations or different nation, same countries or different country among, same societies or different society, negotiation is always needed in order to give room for meeting and dialogue among the aggrieved parties. This is in order to establish normalcy, love, peace, unity and growth.

Nevertheless, the ongoing agitations in the country by different ethnic groups, the killing of innocent Nigerians by Fulani herdsmen or rather, armed Fulani men; the bombing, slaughtering and butchering of Nigerians by Boko Haram terrorists; the quit notice issued to the Igbo by Arewa Youths and many more, are indications that love, understanding, peace, and unity are no more present in the country. Therefore, it is completely wrong for the president to say that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable.

At this point, let me ask the president how he is going to end the above mentioned problems without negotiation. I do not mean to be disrespectful in this piece.

However, I would like to remind the president that the recent dialogue between the Federal Government under his leadership and the Boko Haram terrorists that necessitated the release of five terrorists in exchange for the release and freedom of 82 Chibok girls was a negotiation.

Therefore, if the president can negotiate with terrorists, I wonder why he doesn’t want to negotiate with Nigerians for the unity of Nigeria.

To establish normalcy, understanding, love, peace, unity and development in this country, there must be negotiation.

Awunah, Pius

Mpape, Abuja.