Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of Nigeria's ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has emphasized the non-negotiability of Nigeria's unity. Speaking at a public event in Lagos on Wednesday, May 10, Tinubu urged Nigerians to work towards maintaining the country's unity, saying that it was the foundation of the country's progress.
Tinubu's statement comes against the backdrop of renewed calls for the restructuring of the country and the establishment of a more equitable federation. Many Nigerians believe that the country's current federal structure is skewed in favor of certain regions and that a more equitable system would help to address some of the country's most pressing problems, such as insecurity, corruption, and poverty.
However, Tinubu argued that Nigeria's unity was not negotiable, stating that it was the responsibility of all Nigerians to work towards maintaining the country's unity. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to put aside their differences and work together to build a better future for the country.
Tinubu's statement is significant, given his status as a prominent political figure in Nigeria. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential politicians in the country and his views carry a lot of weight among Nigerians. His statement is likely to be seen as a signal to other political leaders in the country to avoid divisive rhetoric and work towards maintaining the country's unity.
However, Tinubu's statement has also been criticized by some Nigerians, who argue that it is not enough to simply insist on the non-negotiability of Nigeria's unity. They argue that the country's problems are deeply rooted in the structure of the country and that a more equitable federation is necessary to address these problems.
The issue of Nigeria's unity has been a contentious one since the country gained independence from Britain in 1960. The country has experienced several secessionist movements, including the Biafra secessionist movement in the 1960s and the recent agitation for an independent state of Biafra by some groups in the South-East region of the country.
The calls for the restructuring of the country have become more pronounced in recent years, with many Nigerians arguing that a more equitable federation would help to address the country's most pressing problems. However, the issue remains a divisive one, with some Nigerians arguing that the country's unity is non-negotiable, while others believe that a more equitable federation is necessary to address the country's problems.
Tinubu's statement is likely to reignite the debate over Nigeria's unity and the need for a more equitable federation. It remains to be seen how other political leaders in the country will respond to his call for the maintenance of Nigeria's unity. However, it is clear that the issue of Nigeria's unity will continue to be a contentious one in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election.
