Babagana Kingibe, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, has opined that Nigeria’s unity is negotiable.
Kingibe, Nigeria’s envoy to Chad and the Lake Chad basin, said the country’s unity could be negotiated whenever a party feels they want to opt-out.
He made the remark during an event in Lagos over the weekend.
Kingibe, however, pointed out that when a party is trying to opt out of a union, he/she must consider the pros and cons before making their final decision.
According to Kingibe: “I was born in Nigeria. I was groomed in Nigeria. I believe in Nigeria. People of my generation believe in Nigeria. We have no doubt about the fact that we have no option, but Nigeria.
“However, I think that a few of my colleagues believe that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. Of course, it is negotiable. Even the unity of a family is negotiable. Even the constitution of husband and wife is negotiable. The moment either party feels this union is no longer bearable, that he or she will rather go his/her way. You help them to sit down and consider their condition after a careful and rational examination of the pros and cons of how to be married so that they can make the decision which suits them best.”
He noted that those that want to pull out must also consider the implications.
“Are you sure where you are going? Are you sure of the consequences of where you are going? Do you really feel that the grass is greener on the other side? If you do, sit with your partner in respect, in mutual respect, in love if possible, but without demonising your husband or your wife because you will always remain the ex of the other person. But discuss quietly so that even if you separate in the future you can inter-relate with love and respect.” he added.
Lately, agitators like Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho have been clamouring for Nigeria’s breakup.
While Kanu clamours for Biafra, Igboho agitates for Oduduwa Republic.
However, both Kanu and Igboho are being held by security agents in Nigeria and Benin Republic respectively.
