Source: http://chrisngwodo..com/2012/01/why-nigeria-cant-break-up.html?m=1


No bad idea is repeated as constantly as the notion that the solution to chronic violence in Nigeria is for her to "break up." The case for Nigeria's disintegration surfaces routinely after tragic episodes of violence and has emerged following the recent increase in sectarian terrorism. Some perspective is necessary. Since the days before the Civil War, beating the drums of separatism has become a sort of pre-programmed response to national calamity. Rumours of our impending divorce attended the 1964 elections, the June 12 1993 crisis, the death of Moshood Abiola in 1998 and the Sharia controversy in 2001. In 1990, a gang of over-ambitious soldiers attempting to oust the Babangida regime even purported to evict five northern states from the federation. Thus, current debates about the durability of Nigeria are nothing new.

It is intellectually lazy and astonishingly parlous thinking to suggest that the solution to our national crisis is disintegration. It is true that much life has been expended on the Nigeria project to no apparent redemptive effect but what we owe the dead and the unborn as well as ourselves is clear-minded thinking on the fate of our union rather than just emotive polemics.

The usual suggestion is that Nigeria be divided between a "Muslim North" and "Christian South" or among its so-called big three – the Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo. Beyond these imprecise propositions, there is little specificity as to what shape post-Nigerian nations would look like except perhaps for the preposterous suggestion that every ethnic group should become a nation. These arguments are fallacious. Nigeria is not and has never been a country of monolithic religious halves. Christians and Muslims are scattered in substantial proportions and ethnic variety across the country. There are Fulani Christians and Igbo Muslims. Millions of Yoruba families contain adherents of both faiths. Nigeria is far more complex and diverse than the Hausa-Yoruba-Igbo tripod. Making each ethnic group a nation throws up problems. What would we make of Ijaw communities who hug the coastline stretching from the south to the south west? The sheer diversity and interlocking spread of hundreds of ethnic nationalities makes tidy disintegration a virtually impossible proposition.

A popular fallacy is that prior to the advent of the colonialists, Nigeria's ethnic groups existed in self-contained cocoons of utopian bliss unburdened by the necessity of interaction with others. But many of the ethnic and regional identities which are now presumed "sacred" are in fact colonial creations. For instance, it was only after colonization, that the term "Yorubaland" began to be applied to the realms of all rulers who claim descent from Oduduwa, instead of only to the Oyo Kingdom. Before the British came, the Egba, Ijebu, Ekiti, Ijesha and Ilorin peoples fought costly interstate wars among themselves. The longest pre-colonial civil war was the sixteen year Kiriji war which was fought between Yoruba city states. Yoruba nationalism was forged by Obafemi Awolowo who rallied the descendants of Oduduwa as a political force in the new nation. Similarly, Igbos were organized into separate and autonomous republics. Many of them had scant contact with each other with some entirely oblivious of others before the advent of colonialism. Consequently, Igbos fought no wars as a collective. Igbo national consciousness was largely the handiwork of Nnamdi Azikiwe who at one point preached the manifest destiny of the Igbo in Africa. Hausa city-states co-existed through times of war and peace. Even when Uthman Dan Fodio's jihad established the Sokoto Caliphate, the new emirates were never synonymous with "the North" which was a later British invention and was fortified as a political identity by Ahmadu Bello.

Significantly, pre-colonial societies were not based on ethnic units but rather on age groups, occupations, residence and settlements. Instead of monolithic tribal blocs competing for a share of the national cake, city-states, inclusive kingdoms and republics for the most part made up the area that was eventually christened Nigeria and experienced centuries-long commercial links and cultural cross-pollination.

Dissolving the Nigerian federation will not resolve the violence that bedevils places like Jos, the conflicts between the Ife and Modakeke in Osun, the Aguleri and Umuleri in Anambra or the Ezza and the Ezillo in Ebonyi, the Jukun and the Tiv or the Itsekiri and the Urhobo. Nor will it end conflicts between nomadic Fulani pastoralists and agrarian communities stretching from the north to the south. These are essentially either local or intra-ethnic conflicts.

Ethnic homogeneity cannot indemnify society against conflict. Somalia, the world's poster child of failed statehood, has only one ethnic group, the Somali, only one language and is one hundred percent Islamic. South Sudan which only recently celebrated its divorce from Sudan is now embroiled in inter-ethnic conflict within its borders. Back home, we need only look at Bayelsa State and other ethnically homogeneous states to establish conclusively that ethnic homogeneity is not a predictor of peace, social justice or smart governance.

While prodigal political elites practise divisive politics, the Nigerian people themselves live in a socio-economic reality of interdependence and integration. The use of oil wealth from the Niger Delta in sustaining state bureaucracies all over the country may be the most obvious example of this. Less remarked is the dependence of southern urbanites on northern produce for food. The Fulanis are the main custodians of Nigeria's livestock population, holding over ten million cattle, twenty million goats and millions of sheep. Their industry significantly accounts for protein consumption in the south. The north remains Nigeria's food basket.

We are so captivated by the witchcraft of separatism that we fail to appreciate the fortuitous or providential alignments of ecological, geographical, cultural and economic factors that have fostered interdependence and integration. For example, if violence in the north was simply about anti-Igbo hatred then it would be saner for Igbos to stay home in the east. But the east is disadvantaged by its erosion-prone poor soil which cannot sustain the population density of the area and which accounts for the comparatively high level of migration of Igbos to other parts of Nigeria. Despite everything, Igbos (and other Nigerians) continue to migrate and mingle because human coexistence dictates it. No man is an Island. Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man is from Kano but has most of his investments in the south and employs more southerners than northerners. Millions of Nigerians have become socio-cultural hybrids through intermarriage, cultural adoption and transplantation.

Nigeria's problem is not her diversity but the failure of the state to affirm Nigerian citizenship as the ultimate identity superseding all other allegiances. It is our failure as citizens, intellectuals and politicians to articulate an all-embracing Nigerian ethos. Rather we waste valuable time and energy rebooting hackneyed definitions of Nigeria as an artificial creation or a mere geographical expression. Yet all nations, possibly except Australia, being creations of human political will, are artificial and begin as geographical novelties; they are not received from heaven. It falls on succeeding generations to transform them from mere geographies into socio-political moralities; to create transcendent solidarities where none existed before. This is what nation-building is about and this is what we have failed so spectacularly to do. Sectarian politics thrives largely because of the dazzling scale of ignorance that Nigerians demonstrate about their history, geography and each other.

It is foolhardy to believe that the failure to treat ourselves as citizens rather than as ethnic and religious partisans will disappear if we dissolve Nigeria. If we cannot treat each other humanely now that we are compatriots, how on earth are we going to do better if we become foreigners? Last year, the Abia state government fired several "non-indigenes," many of whom were Igbo-speaking, from its employment to make room for equally Igbo "indigenes." Significantly, most conflicts in Nigeria are between so-called "indigenes" and "settlers," a dichotomy that at times seems to defy ethnic or religious solidarity. These petty bigotries and manifestations of apartheid will not disappear with the Nigerian union. The challenge of civic security is inescapable for there is no possible post-Nigerian construct that would not contain either religious or ethnic minorities. It is worth noting that Biafra, the most serious separatist effort in our history was undermined both by the superior power of the federal forces and the reluctance of ethnic minorities who feared for their own prospects as citizens of Biafra. The problem remains creating a just, fair and equal citizenship that shelters all of us regardless of creed, ethnicity, class or gender. Nothing suggests that new ethnic republics would in any way be more peaceful, stable or more prosperous than the current Nigerian reality. In short, it would require less effort to renew the Nigerian enterprise than to construct afresh new polities.

Delusions and dreams of a parasite.

Having said all this, nations are not eternal but finite, expiring when they have outlived their usefulness to history and humanity. Nigeria is no different. Nigeria does not currently face immediate disintegration but a slow and steady erosion of federal authority by sundry paramilitaries, warlords and terrorist gangs, until the nation slips inexorably into failed statehood. Already we see signs of this in the brazen terrorism of pseudo-religious extremists who seek to establish alternate governments as well as the rise of oil-bunkering pirate gangs in our southern coastal waters.

It would be a pity if we were to let Nigeria fail. No one who has studied her history, encountered her acute humanity, sampled her cultural riches and researched the dreams of her founding fathers would fail to sense her ordination for higher purposes. For us to abort this purpose would be nothing short of cosmic treason. As Eme Awa once remarked, "If we were to dissolve the federation, a future generation of people will pass the verdict that the Nigerian elites committed suicide while of unsound mind." Nigeria has not been tried and found wanting. We simply have not invested enough of our intellectual and moral energies into actualizing her promise.

Practically​







Impossible

After writing all the jargon you put up there, better start thinking about how your region will survive without Niger Delta oil because there would be none for you soon.

All is well said.. but repetition,keep repeating in our history, a generation would come to change it. the northern part is not ready for any better reshuffled in as much any part still feel aggrieved the drum of sessional be louder than previous and the more it hit the more we getting closer to the land of separation.. as a man from south west. I want it separated ..enough of all these short changed, we now can live as a better Neighbors

break up ?

Following with keen interest

The use of oil wealth from the Niger Delta in sustaining state bureaucracies all over the country may be the most obvious example of this. Less remarked is the dependence of southern urbanites on northern produce for food. The Fulanis are the main custodians of Nigeria's livestock population, holding over ten million cattle, twenty million goats and millions of sheep. Their industry significantly accounts for protein consumption in the south. The north remains Nigeria's food basket.

How many of these delusional livestock is sold directly by the government and such money is distributed to the 36 States of the Federation? I thought you had any cogent point to make not knowing it's a regurgitation of trites that every 'scholars' from the other side spew... Wehdone.

As for me, there are too many contradictions and injustice already. Some people are so alien to the other. The only thing that unites us is geography, sports and manipulations by politicians. Is there any hope? Yes! As distinct and diverse as we are, tension, fears and diffidence can be avoided with true federalism. Our diversity could be a force but not when people like you come up with concoctions and conjectures to defend a sinking order. Nigeria will definitely disintegrate if we fail to tell ourselves the truth.

BMCskullHunter:
After writing all the jargon you put up there, better start thinking about how your region will survive without Niger Delta oil because there would be none for you soon.

I am your brother

Truth be told










Open your heart

This thread is so annoying. Listen, if this zoo is not thorn into pieces now, next generation would keep fighting like as its today. The earlier we go our separate ways now and save generation to come stress of forcing patriotism on those who refused to identify with this failed entity the better.
Everybody should answer his father's name and develop his own country. Marriage is not by force. Development takes place where there is peace and unity, but here in Nig, the reverse is the case.. that's why Nig is where it's today.
#Saynotoforcedmarriage
#Sayyestofreedom.

Nigeria has expired
It is living on borrowed time

Parasites chanting one Nigeria should all go and hang themselves in peace

Nonsense

lightblazingnow:


I am your brother

God forbid bad thing
We have nothing in common
Don't be a unity beggar
Have a little shame nah

lightblazingnow:

Having said all this, nations are not eternal but finite, expiring when they have outlived their usefulness to history and humanity. Nigeria is no different. Nigeria does not currently face immediate disintegration but a slow and steady erosion of federal authority by sundry paramilitaries, warlords and terrorist gangs, until the nation slips inexorably into failed statehood. Already we see signs of this in the brazen terrorism of pseudo-religious extremists who seek to establish alternate governments as well as the rise of oil-bunkering pirate gangs in our southern coastal waters.

It would be a pity if we were to let Nigeria fail. No one who has studied her history , encountered her acute humanity, sampled her cultural riches and researched the dreams of her founding fathers would fail to sense her ordination for higher purposes. For us to abort this purpose would be nothing short of cosmic treason. As Eme Awa once remarked, "If we were to dissolve the federation, a future generation of people will pass the verdict that the Nigerian elites committed suicide while of unsound mind." Nigeria has not been tried and found wanting. We simply have not invested enough of our intellectual and moral energies into actualizing her promise.

Of all your historical acumens you deliberately skip the part that between 1956-August 1967, the northerners were in a perpetual cry for secession... that it took the intervention of the British (the oil factor) for Murtala Muhammed to allow the north remain in Nigeria after being an accomplice to the brutal killing and massacres of thousands of easterners. Yet you are quick about mentioning Henry Okar 1990 coup statement of severing some northern States. Like a comment above noted, you a biased parasite.

lightblazingnow:





I am your brother

Dude you're not my brother. If you say you're my brother, upload a video of you saying "buhari is a vegetable" in Igbo 20 times then I'd believe you.

The parasites of Yogoslavia(Serbs)said the same thing until you know the rest of the story,Parasites of Sudan(Arab wanna be's)said the same thing and today there is South Sudan and what about almighty parasites of Soviet Union(the Russians)etc.......
Everything have time and season and I strongly believe the time will come when Nigeria will collapse on its own without a single gun shot.
Nigerian leaders will loot the country to death in no distance time.

BMCskullHunter:

Dude you're not my brother. If you say you're my brother, upload a video of you saying "buhari is a vegetable" in Igbo 20 times then I'd believe you.

lol nwanne m obi adiru GI mma

The OP's epistle is one of the longest I have ever bothered to read on Nairaland. It is well written, which is one of its few merits.

I want the OP to know that Britain, our colonial masters have held two referendum since 2014 and another one is scheduled for 2018/19

Scotland is a constituent part of Britain, the 5th richest nation in the world. Despite all the advantages of Scotland being part of Britain, they still agitate to leave Britain. Why? The answer is in one word, sovereignty. The OP is talking about Nigeria, far below Britain, why would the Scots be even thinking of seceding from the 5th richest nation on Earth? And not just Scotland, elements of Northern Ireland want to leave too and join their kith and kin in the Irish Republic. If our own colonial masters can contemplate secession, then who are we that they brought together to say we are indivisible?

The question of Nigeria breaking up or the reasons why it shouldnt break up does not arise. Our colonial masters Britain voted to leave the EU, the single largest market in the world and the richest, who are we to question their democratic decision? It is theirs to make.

The same should be applied to the issue of those who agitate or are agitating to leave the Nigerian colonial contraption called Nigeria. Im an Igbo man, I dont deny that the activities if the colonial masters helped to unify the Igbo nation that used to be a scattered cluster of confederations, but that is no longer the point

The point is who wants to continue being a 'Nigerian' and who does not. Despite the huge potential of Nigeria as the largest black nation on earth, it should the decision of its constituent people to decide if the want to carry on with it same as our colonial masters, Britain, allowed Scotland to decide and will still allow them to decide again in 2018/19.

People can argue the pros and cons of Nigeria being together or breaking up from now to eternity but unless we accept that it is the ultimate right of the people to decide. We must trust the people to decide their fate rather than trusting Lugard to decide it for us. If the people are denied their God given right to decide their fate, then it all means that Nigeria is an instrument of bondage and it will never work

Let us not allow anger







To prevail

We must win this








Battle

I have shown you

Nice one OP

Where is Soviet Union.?

Where is Yugoslavia.?

Where is Sudan.?


Op, keep fooling yourself why a Scottish style referendum takes place here someday

We must uphold







Our unity

Forget the idea

even married couples break up