Obidigbo Urges Tinubu to Act Fast on Northern Sentiments Towards Readiness for Nigeria’s Separation
Chike Obidigbo, a prominent elder statesman, has emphasized the importance of addressing recent northern sentiments about Nigeria’s potential division. He highlighted a notable comment from Professor Ango Abdullahi, a respected northern leader, who recently suggested that Nigeria’s current union has outlived its usefulness and should be reconsidered.
Obidigbo views this perspective as a significant indicator of a possible separate state for the Igbo people, given the escalating hostility they face from influential figures in both the North and Southwest. He noted that recent nationwide protests have reignited longstanding issues and exposed the nation’s superficial unity.
Obidigbo criticized the government’s pretense about Nigeria’s stability, suggesting that the so-called unity is a ticking time bomb. He underscored that the situation demands a serious and civilized resolution to prevent further conflict.
In a recent statement, Obidigbo expressed that the call for separation by Professor Abdullahi, coming shortly after a Yoruba group’s controversial protest against the Igbo in Lagos and the Southwest, signifies a critical moment for Nigeria. He concurred with Abdullahi’s view but added his belief that Nigeria is too complex for successful governance by a single leader, particularly given its diverse socio-political and cultural landscape.
Obidigbo also pointed out that the ongoing hardship protests reveal deep-seated fractures in Nigeria’s unity, with divisions becoming increasingly apparent despite efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promote South-South unity. He noted that the Southeast’s exclusion from the presidency, despite repeated access by the North and Southwest, underscores ongoing regional tensions.
With Abdullahi’s recent statements reflecting a readiness in the North to consider Nigeria’s division, Obidigbo welcomed this acknowledgment as a step towards addressing the country’s issues. He advocated for a national discussion on how to equitably divide the nation’s assets and liabilities.
Obidigbo lamented the marginalization and exclusion faced by the Igbo, arguing that the current discourse on Nigeria’s division is a reflection of broader issues within the country. He criticized the political maneuvering that led to the current situation and stressed the need for inclusive governance, suggesting that recent political decisions may have left the Southeast sidelined despite its significant role.
Overall, Obidigbo’s comments reflect a call for urgent and serious dialogue about Nigeria’s future, emphasizing the need for a fair and comprehensive approach to resolving the country’s ongoing divisions.
