There are two sets of mindsets that are dysfunctional and not helpful for nation-building. One is the North sees Nigeria as their patrimony and have to continue to rule or determine who will rule. This mindset is not compatible with nation-building. The other is the South sees the North as parasitic, does not bring anything to the table and depends on the South for survival. This is also a bad mindset. I believe that every part of the country has resources is contributing to nation-building. If the oil fields are attacked today by foreigners, it is not only the oil producing areas that will defend the fields. The sheer size of the country and the diversity are things that we should hold dear. I don’t see any part of Nigeria that will be better off outside this federation than inside it. Most parts will be ungovernable outside this federation. It is in our interest to ensure that everybody is equal before the law so that we can build a nation out of Nigeria. We need to define the issue of citizenship. Where do we lay emphasis if we want to build a nation? Is it on indigeneship or citizenship? How do you treat an Hausa boy born in Amausa, Owerri, who grew up in Owerri, married in Owerri and lived in Owerri all his life? Can’t he contest for the chairmanship of Owerri? The same thing applies to an Igbo boy born in Abeokuta, Kano or Maiduguri. We should be honest about building Nigeria. If not we should go our separate ways but that will be the blackest day for the Black man. Cliff Mbagwu,speaking about the need for Nigeria not to break up.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 04:19:54 +0000
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