Ethnic Agitations: We must learn from History! By Olaogun Michael Sunkanmi

It is no news that one of the topical issues in Nigeria at the moment is the agitations from across different ethnic and socio-cultural groups. These agitations are not far from the power play within the polity, most especially from the ethnic nationalities who believed they have been politically and economically marginalized since the return of democracy in 1999, with the marginalization gainning obvious expression by President Muhamadu Buhari’s administration as perceived by many Nigerians, most especially of southern extraction. 

 The Indigenous people of Biafra {IPOB} are frequently demanding for secession, while the Arewa youths and some northern elders have in the past demanded for the exit of the Igbos from the north and vice versa, also not forgetting the recent loud ring of Oduduwa republic in the south west which is also becoming a daily loud song in the mouth of some south west political and cultural leaders. And interestingly, the ethnic agitations and demand for secession already sank into the subconscious mind of average young Nigerians. 

Why now and should such ever happen again in Nigeria? 

Can all these demand happen without the shed of blood of innocent citizens?

While it is imperative for people to express their plights most especially under unfavourable political and economic atmosphere, I think government at the centre have not been sensitive enough to people beating the drums of secessions by trying to hear their plights.  We have failed to learn from history and if proper attention and care is not paid by government by seeking constructive way to put an instant and permanent end to their agitations, we may as a nation again experience what I call the “Ethnic Armageddon” that may plunder Nigeria into another socio-political unrest. 

For those who have forgotten or who don’t know or bother to know, I think it is important for all to learn. The civil war lasted for almost two and half years, 1967 to 1970 taking with it lives of almost two million Nigerians, severe famine lying on its wake for those that did not see the battlefield. We need to think of the would-be devastation of war in relation to the present Nigeria considering our population. We can as well learn from the present conflict between Sudan and South Sudan, which has claimed thousands of lives, and brought about severe famine. Many Sudanese, now refuges within and outside of Africa and a serious economic dislocation laying siege their sovereignty. Despite the “successful” secession of South Sudan, they are still not better off after years. 

Looking into the present state of insecurity in all geo political zones of the country; insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, kidnappings and farmer-herder crisis in other zones and the heavy impact of the aforementioned on our overstretched and limited security formations, can Nigeria afford to manage another civil war?

The lesson of the past, especially the most recent past are clear enough for the blind and the deaf, otherwise, we shall pay dearly for it once again as a nascent nation. Let posterity beckon on this article as a reminder that no Nigerian blood is worth shedding again for any reason what so ever----in the name of secession. The blood of innocent citizens flowing is too much to bear, let alone another war.

I salute the efforts of some individuals across regions who have continued with gospel of united Nigera. Truth be weighed, efforts of these few individuals cannot see the light of the day until all political and religious leaders join voices to condemn the subject matter.

The onus is on President, Muhamadu Buhari to ensure Nigeria does not go the way of Sudan, as he’s has been repeatedly accused of his body language promoting ethnic and religious sentiments. There is need for the President to do away with the use of force and listen as a father to the pains and demands of Nigerians at this time. Importantly, there is need for him to engage opinion leaders irrespective of political differences in helping him appeal to the consciousness of aggrieved Nigerians.  This should be done in good faith to find the panacea to the present agitations, if this call is not heed with bias, history will not favour Nigeria. A Yoruba proverb holds that “the king that rules when the town was peaceful will not be forgotten and otherwise”; we hope history will shine her light on true leaders and vice versa. And this also should serve as a wakeup call to President Muhamadu Buhari and possibly successive leaders in Nigeria.

As we salute and appreciate the efforts of our security agencies for their relentless efforts, we believe that they can do more to ensure peace and stability in the country if they get the right political will. 

It is important to know that no nation is devoid of challenges, the world powers inclusive; it is however, our collective responsibility as patriotic Nigerians who believe in our national creed to sue for peace at all times. I believe that our present situation if overcome will make us a more united an indivisible Nigeria. God bless Nigeria!

Note: This article was first published on 2nd July 2017

Olaogun Michael Sunkanmi, a social commentator wrote from Ilorin

michaelolaogun2014@gmail.com