The possible division of Nigeria has been making rounds in the media after tension recently sparked around the fragile state of the country’s existence. It all started with the Arewa Youth Consultative Council (AYCC) giving the Igbo population in northern states three months to evacuate the north as a result of the incessant agitations for Biafra. As a result of this, various factions reacted to this indictment and called on the federal government to act swiftly to calm the situation.
But as we earnestly await the actions and response of the federal government, the United States of America has pledged its support, stating that amidst the chaos and separation hues currently on-going, the country will continue to work towards the promotion of Nigeria’s unity. The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, said this on Monday 20th June in Ibadan, Oyo State. He also noted that in Nigeria’s unity lies the strength of the world’s most populous black nation.
The envoy, who led top officials of the embassy on a working visit to the office of the Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, in Ibadan, said that the U.S. recognised the strategic importance of Nigeria in Africa.
Mr Symington called on the state governments to work with the U.S. towards setting a new pace in socio-economic development, adding that Nigeria was loved all over the world, especially in the U.S. because of its unity.
“This visit is not just a courtesy call; it is in continuation of America’s vision and mission. We are looking forward to working with your state to set up a new pace in development,” the envoy said. “We are happy to be here and I’m telling you that Nigeria as a country is loved by all Americans and even in the world for the sake of the unity the country upholds.”
“The U.S. recognises the strategic importance of Nigeria in Africa. We will continue to work towards the promotion of the unity of Nigeria because that is where the strength of the country lies. The U.S. loves Nigeria because of its unity.”
With the U.S. stepping up to defend Nigeria’s unity, much is expected from the presidency. In this light, Acting President Prof Yemi Osibanjo is trying to drive the tenets of peace in the nation by meeting with the various traditional rulers of the north and the 36 governors to seek counsel and proffer a way forward.
But despite these efforts, another Northern youth consultative forum sent an open letter to the acting President indicating that though his strides for peace are lauded, the Nigerian government should allow the Igbos agitating for Biafra to secede as this would hasten the process of peace. They made it known in the letter that the Igbo’s secession claims are in line with the United Nations Charter which states in Article 1(2) that one of the purposes of the UN is “to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.” The letter also included a list of all the misgivings carried out by the Igbos since Nigeria gained her independence in 1960 as regards the need for Biafra.
While the presidency is yet to respond to this, the Igbo youths have taken matters into their own hands by writing to the United Nations indicating that the Igbo people are being victimised and there are signs of a possible genocide in the Northern part of the country.
The petition written by the worldwide Ohaneze Youth Council (OYC) demands that the United Nations provide special protection for the Igbos living in the North and that steps should be taken towards a referendum in Igbo land to finally determine the fate of their people.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has also weighed in on the situation. The EFCC boss, Ibrahim Maku, in a meeting with the national council for arts and culture Director-General, Otunba Segun Runsewe, stated that looters might be fueling the agitations for secession in some parts of the country.
Mr Maku appealed to Nigerians to stop celebrating those with questionable wealth, noting that corruption was a threat to the unity of Nigeria.
“We have to have a common consensus to fight corruption; all of us must agree to fight it. The cost of corruption to this nation is much. It is poisonous, it is something that breeds Boko Haram, militancy, these boys calling for Biafra and those people calling for some parts to leave Nigeria,” he said.
Maku alleged that looters were supporting separatist agitations in the country and funding the agitators in order to sabotage the country so that they could enjoy their ill-gotten wealth. He urged Nigerians to collaborate with the EFCC to fight corruption in order for the country to have a better future.
Meanwhile, pro-Biafrans believe that their course is noble and should be established, while northerners are agitating more than ever for the secession to occur. Though the input of the U.S. at this tipping point is much appreciated, the onus lies on the Nigerian government to restore some level of equilibrium in the society.
