Opinion: What if Nigeria Breaks Up?

“The implications of a disintegrated Nigeria appear downplayed by those who by their actions or words openly canvass it”

Imagine for a moment Nigeria dissolving or collapsing into smaller countries like the ‘Republic of Biafra’, ‘Oodua Nation’, ‘Republic of Arewa’ or the ‘Ijaw Nation’? Is it possible for the 51-year-old country to so fail and in the alternative fragment?

Can Nigeria go the way of India, from which Pakistan was excised, or the Soviet Union that produced smaller countries like Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, or recently Sudan that has just had a breakaway Southern Sudan?

In the event that the country breaks up, will there be peace, harmony and progress in the new emerging entities? What will be the gains or losses of a disintegrated Nigeria? These are questions that beg for answers; answers, which remain in the wind. 

Why do citizens openly canvass for a break up? Has there been no gain in the Commonwealth of ‘Nations’ called Nigeria? Why is Nigeria unable to justify the cardinal elements of its motto, Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress, which speak volumes about the dreams of the country’s founding fathers?

These four cardinal elements – unity, faith, peace and progress – paired like Siamese twins – are essential building blocks for the construction of a viable country. First, they give prominence to the first task of building a strong bond among the country’s many tribes and tongues, a process that will be driven by a strong belief in the collective strength of the citizens, followed by the second task of achieving peace and progress.

That was the conviction of the founding fathers of Nigeria at independence. Then, it was expected that a united country with a strong faith in its abilities would not have difficulty achieving peace and progress that will make it a force to reckon with in the comity of nations. However, after 51 years of independent existence, these dreams of the country’s founding fathers have sadly remained tall dreams as the country, buffeted by a cross-current of opposing influences appears to be drifting dangerously away from the set goals.

Last week, the country had a low-key independence anniversary celebration during which the President and his guests were literally holed up in the precincts of Aso Rock Villa not only because of the need for prudence as canvassed by the federal government but obviously for security reasons, to prevent loss of lives and properties.

This had to be so at least to ward off the menace of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, militants fighting the cause of the Niger Delta areas where the activities of oil companies and the neglect by past governments had caused serious environmental pollution and loss of lives.

MEND had last year, embarrassed the government and people by throwing bombs near the Eagle Square in Abuja, the federal capital where events marking the country’s golden jubilee were being held. Days before last week’s anniversary, the same group had threatened to repeat the bloody act, and the fear was that they could do it again. Continues on the Next Page…