Nigeria; The United States of Africa By Femi Oyewole Emmanuel

The complexities of ethnicity and immature democracy have remained the restrictive rope to which Nigeria’s progress is staked. The immaturity of communalism among tribes, people and tongues, has made tussle for individual relevance the order of the day. I must sound it clear that, our inherited governmental system from colonial rulers is not compatible with our togetherness. Nigeria is yet to assume the rightful political shape.

I will be very blunt with the truth here: if Nigeria will rise up to the reality of her innate identity, we’ll start with a change of name and change of language. The slave mentality with which we were colonised repeats itself in a people categorically christened Nigeria on the planet earth. When slave masters give names to slaves, you are bond to operate within the limits of slavery. When you cease bearing a slave master’s name, then your year of jubilee is announced. You can now operate on your own. Check the scriptures.

One thing Nigeria is missing is the reality of our complexity and appropriation of our diversities. We are always good at preaching and making sermons when by actions, the objective of the sermon is defeated. For how long shall we deceive ourselves? Is Nigeria really one??? You know as much as I do.

Nigeria is a state that comprises of many nations. If the nations are not accurately emancipated, infightings are inevitable. Please, let’s deal more truthfully with ourselves this 21st century. We can’t afford to build our loyalties on shaky foundations. It simply wouldn’t work.

Political structures further destroyed nationalism in Nigeria. And nationalism was intentionally destroyed by political players to discourage communalism that fosters societal development. These very few political gladiators are feasting big on Nigeria, their prey.

I was moved to put this up when the issue of relocating FAAN and the CBN became a subject of discussion and consideration. Please, if this is Nigeria; which part of Nigeria is not legit to situate Nigerian assets? We have to stop kidding. Everywhere from southwest to southeast to south south to north central to north east and to north west is eligible to situate Nigeria’s assets. I’m no bigot like so many people childishly display. If a programme is planned in the interest of Nigeria; why should Nigeria be against Nigeria? It’s simple. Nigeria is against Nigeria because that Nigeria is NOT Nigeria. (Read that again.)

Please be attentive: every tribe in Nigeria is a national entity. The real feel of this nationalism is to grow the state, Nigeria. Any nationalist that counters progress by childish misinterpretation with tribal bigotry is an enemy of the nation. By protectorates amalgamation, the north is an embodiment of countless tribes and the south, the same. For whatever course for which either the north or the south contends, it should always be based on nationalism. The north is NOT a single nation and the south is neither. The north comprises of Hausa, Kanuri, Yoruba, Nupe, Ebeira, Tiv, Idoma, Egede, Nupe, to mention an infinitesimal few. The south also comprises Ibibio, Kalabari, Yoruba, Igbo, Benin, Itsekiri, Ijaw, to mention another so few. If the North however thinks she is struggling for a thing, it should be clear that the struggle is for a tribe more than one. North is NOT a tribe. If the south struggles for a thing, be it crystal clear that it is as well a struggle for a people more than a tribe. If therefore the south and the north understand the national reality to lift the state Nigeria, contentions over placement of any Nigerian structure is childish and sheer misplacement of national priority.

We can stop making a mockery of our togetherness by thinking outside the box of tribal limitations and grow this country that is already a laughing stock in the global community. The African giant that can’t even gather a seasoned national football team because tribal sentiments have been placed above national interests. When are we going to harness the beauty of our diversity? Is there no wise man in Nigeria?

We should choose not to live in foolishness as intelligent human beings. If I approach my tact right, I can become the president of the United States of America without any issues at all. In Nigeria, brothers are against brothers in the name of tribalism that has not increased them by an inch. Did you ever become a millionaire by being tribalistic? Did you ever become relevant by your tribal bigotry? What then are you doing with that ill wind? Grow up.

May Nigeria 🇳🇬 succeed. ✌️👊✌️

Oyewole Emmanuel is the National President, Distinguished Asiwaju Progressives