The different ethnic nationality groups in the country yesterday unanimously agreed on the urgent need to renegotiate the unity of the nation.
The groups are Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Northern Elders Forum, and Afenifere among others.
They all spoke at a public lecture hosted by Ambassador George Obiozor, the President General of the Igbo apex socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze.
Obiozor took a swipe at anybody or group, insisting that the country’s unity is not negotiable. His words: “Recently, some Nigerian political leaders have said that “Nigerian unity is non-negotiable.” This is an irony because these leaders seem to have forgotten Nigerian history or have failed to learn the lessons of history in general. “Nigerian history is negotiable and must be re-negotiated for it to stand or survive the test of time.
The reality over the years remains that despite the best efforts of all our leaders past or present, Nigerian unity is not guaranteed. It is simply, at best, an aspiration and not yet an achievement. Consequently, the statement that Nigerian unity is non-negotiable is simply a historical fallacy.”
Continuing, he said “if we are to salvage our country, we must begin to face reality, stop the syndrome of self-deception and self-delusion about Nigerian historical exceptionalism. Today, if the truth must be told, our diversity has turned into disorder, and our democracy into an invitation to incremental anarchy.
“For Nigerian unity and nation-building to succeed, the leaders must borrow a leaf from or emulate the experiences of countries that did not ignore the element of pluralism in their respective countries and societies.”
