Chike Obidigbo, a respected elder statesman, has hailed the news that the north is prepared for the division of Nigeria into separate entities as noteworthy.
Recently, Professor Ango Abdullahi, a highly regarded northern leader, expressed that Nigeria’s amalgamation agreement has lapsed and proposed the consideration of parting ways.
Obidigbo interpreted this statement as a signal for the establishment of a separate homeland for the Igbo people due to escalating hostilities from influential factions in both the North and Southwest.
He highlighted how the recent nationwide youth-led protests in the country resurfaced longstanding concerns, revealing the underlying insincerity of Nigeria’s unity.
Referring to comments made by Prof. Ango Abdullahi, Obidigbo expressed his amusement at the revelation and emphasized the imminent need for a civilized resolution to avert potential unrest stemming from the unresolved differences within the nation.
He emphasized that the recent events have underscored the fragility of Nigeria’s forced unity, warning of the looming threat of discord if not addressed promptly and judiciously.
Obidigbo acknowledged the voiced sentiments by Prof. Abdullahi and emphasized the necessity to acknowledge Nigeria’s complexity and the challenges posed by its diverse populace.
He addressed the shifting political dynamics following the recent protests and the implications for national unity, particularly noting the strains between different regions and political factions.
Reflecting on the evolving situation, he endorsed Prof. Abdullahi’s call for national dialogue to discuss the equitable distribution of assets and liabilities following the perceived expiration of Nigeria’s amalgamation arrangement.
Obidigbo highlighted the historical marginalization of the Igbo people and noted the current discontent in the North, suggesting a growing consensus on the need for restructuring in the country.
He critiqued the political maneuverings that sidelined the Igbo community and emphasized the imperative for inclusive and balanced political representation across all regions.
Obidigbo concluded by urging for a collective engagement to address the emerging challenges and emphasize the need for a cohesive and inclusive approach towards achieving sustainable national unity.