₦airaland Forum

nifemigold:
Although Nigeria had gained independence from Britain on October 1st, 1960, the freedom was only partial as it remained a commonwealth realm under the constitutional monarchy of the Queen of England.

It was not until 1963 when the Declaration of Independence was signed that Nigeria became 'totally independent'. However, Total Independence as a political and economic reality is a topic that would remain debatable in social discourse over five decades after.

The debate is not only limited to how politically and economically vibrant we have become since the first republic, but whether the Federal Republic of Nigeria is truly a nation or what some have loosely coined  'confederation of nations'.

According to the first Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in his book, 'Path to Nigeria's Freedom' published in 1947, he stated that "Nigeria is not a nation; it is a mere geographical expression".

" There are no ‘Nigerians’ in the same sense as there are ‘English,’ ‘Welsh,’ or ‘French’, the word ‘Nigeria’ is a mere distinctive appellation to distinguish those who live within the boundaries of Nigeria and those who do not". Obafemi Awolowo 1947

Although he later played a major role in preserving the federation, his position of Nigeria as 'no nation' still echoes through the continued ethnic conflicts and renewed agitation for secession in parts of the country today.

In case you are in doubt about what a nation is, Oxford dictionary defines it as a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular state or territory.

Is Nigeria really a nation?
To be continued.
Watch this space for "A Story Of Nigeria Before The Whites Came"

Nifemi Oguntoye
Broadcast Journalist and Compere

jerseyboy:
Like former Yugoslavia, Soviet Union, Sudan, India (Pakistan plus Bangladesh) etc Nigeria is a faux Nation. All faux nations eventually will collapse. Just a question of time.