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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode (1659 Views)
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Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by irepnaija4eva(m): 11:34am On Dec 16, 2016 |
For three generations before me my forefathers, including my great grandfather, my grandfather and my father, have made solid and notable contributions to the developmemt of this country in both the private and public sectors. My great grandfather, Rev. Emmanuel Adebiyi Kayode, studied theology at the great Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leonne and Durham University in the United Kingdom after which he returned to Nigeria. He was ordained as an Anglican priest, was the first Nigerian to take Christianity to our hometown Ile-Ife and was the first to build and pastor the first Anglican Church in that ancient town. Throughout his life and ministry he fought for the rights of the poor and oppressed in Ile-Ife, including the people of Modakeke who, at that time, were treated as slaves and serfs. He did the same in Ondo province and Ijebu where he was later posted by the Church. My grandfather, Chief Victor Adedapo Kayode, studied law at Cambridge University and was called to the English bar after which he returned to Nigeria. He played a key role in the development of education in the country, was deeply involved in the fight against the excesses of our British colonial masters, fought for the rights of the so-called “African natives” and “indegenous population” in the old Lagos Colony and was the third Nigerian to be appointed to the Judiciary after a brilliant and rewarding career as a criminal lawyer. My father, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode Q.C. SAN, CON was born in the United Kingdom, studied law at Cambridge University and was called to the English bar after which he returned to Nigeria. Like his father, he also excelled as a lawyer and he set up the first and most successful indegenous Nigerian law firm of that time with Chief Rotimi Williams Q.C. SAN, CON and Chief Bode Thomas. He went into politics, was deeply involved in the struggle for our independence from colonial rule and he succesfully moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence in Parliament and went on to become a Minister and Deputy Premier of the old Western region of Nigeria. I have fought military rule, been involved in the struggle for democracy and I have participated heavily in partisan politics, political commentry and political discourse in our country for the last 26 years. I have had the rare honor and distinct privilage of serving her at the highest level of governance first as a presidential spokesman and then as a Federal Minister in two separate Ministries as far back as 10 years ago. I have suffered persecution, self-imposed exile, illegal and unlawful incarceration and the most vicious forms of insults and misrepresentation for Nigeria over the years and I have also invested my time, resources and energy heavily into the political terrain and development in our country. Yet despite all these wonderful opportunities, the monuemental sacrifices that my illustrious forefathers and I have made and our love for and commitment to Nigeria it is time to ask some hard questions. Those questions are as follows. Is Nigeria really one nation or is she many nations forced to remain within an artificial, unworkable and unsustainable entity? Are our people really “bound in freedom, peace and unity” as our national anthem proudly proclaims or is that just a deceitful mirage and never-ending illusion? Is our marriage and amalglamation borne out of consensus and a genuine desire to remain together or borne out of compulsion? Can a nation prosper, excel or achieve its full potentials when its people are perpetually squabbling and struggling over the distribution of its meagre resources and when they have two distinct and irreconcilable world views? Can it thrive when one group wishes to live and compete in the new, enlightened and modern free world whilst the other wishes to go back to the bondage of the dark ages? It appears that more people are asking these questions today than ever before. Is it not time for us to answer them? Must we wait for an ethnic or religious conflagration to occur or another civil war to take place before we accept the fact that there is something very wrong somewhere and that we may well be a nation of ethnic incompatibles? Why is it a crime for anyone to take as much pride in their ethnic nationality and cultural heritage as they do in being a Nigerian? Why is it wrong for anyone to say that ‘I am as proud of being an Igbo or a Yoruba or an Ijaw or a Fulani or any other ethnic nationality as I am of being a Nigerian?’ What is the ethos, essence, utility, sustainability and legitimacy of a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-religious plural super-state in which the various ethnic nationalities are expected to subsume their primary identities, de-emphasise the very source and root of their being and literally sacrifice their ancient bloodlines, noble history and rich heritage on the alter of a hybrid and artificial man-made entity called Nigeria? Is it really wrong for any of the numerous ethnic nationalities that make up our country to insist on their freedom and demand to be allowed to develop separately and at their own pace? This is especially so where and when they feel as if they have been turned into slaves and second class citizens by others in their own country? Is Nigeria a nation or is she a mere geographical expression? Is it true to say that there is as much of a difference between a Fulani and an Igbo as there is between a Turk and a German? Is Nigeria anything more than a British fraud set up to serve the economic interests of our former colonial masters? Given the circimstances is it unreasonable of us to ask for our very own Brexit? Some of these fundamental questions were first raised by the first Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo SAN, in 1947 in his book titled ‘Paths To Nigerian Freedom’ but sadly few listened. Consequently twenty years later Awolowo’s greatest fears and concerns were confirmed and our three year civil war in which over three million people perished, including women and children, took place. This was the only war in world history in which the premeditated starvation of young children and babies, in what was essentially mass murder and genocide, was described as a “legitimate weapon of war” by those who perpetrated such horrendous crimes against humanity. Since the end of the civil war neither Nigeria nor any of its ageing leaders, many of whom were military veterans and commanders in that civil war, has expressed any regrets, shown any remorse or brought anyone to justice for what was undoubtedly the greatest mass murder of infants and butchery of the innocents in African history. Yet nothing seems to have changed except for the fact that the ethnic identity and religious persuasion of the latest set of victims have become far more widespread and varied. In today’s Nigeria, unlike in 1966 and unlike during the civil war, it is not just the proud Igbos and ever-defiant Biafrans that are being slaughtered like flies on a regular basis but also the northern Christians, the Shiite Muslims, the people of the Middle Belt and the Niger Delta and the ever-compromising Yoruba. Consequently the same questions are being asked today about the continued feasiblity of our national unity and cohesion but this time with far more urgency and anger and by far many more people. Yet those that believe that they own Nigeria still refuse to listen and view those that ask such questions with suspicion, derision, contempt and even rage. They label them as being unpatriotic and ignorant and they threaten and attempt to intimidate and bully them into silence simply because they do not share their views. In Nigeria it is indeed a dangerous thing to be a freedom-yearning and independence-craving dissident or non-conformist and, like in the old Soviet Union before its eventual disintegration, you could end up paying for such views with your liberty or your life. Yet one wonders how much longer this can go on before the oppressed and the voiceless get fed up with merely asking questions and instead choose to actually insist on their rights, take their destiny into their own hands, rise up to the occassion and fight for their liberty? The quest for self-determination, freedom and liberation is a noble and legitimate cause which has never been successfully resisted or defeated anywhere in the history of the world. Every well-educated and widely-read individual can attest to the veracity of that undeniable and incontrivertable fact. The truth is that you cannot compel people to remain together in one nation by the force of arms forever. It may work for some time but it cannot last in perpetuity because sooner or later the chickens will come home to roost. The best you can do is to reach out to the disillusioned and marginalised in love and give them a reason to want to stay. Yet few in our nation can appreciate the wisdom in adopting such a course or treading such a path. The only language that is clearly understood here is the logic of compulsion and the language of force. Consequently Nigeria is unravelling at the very seams. I can literally smell blood on the mountain and I perceive and sense the secret massing of the bloodthirsty demon Magog, the god of war. The quest for the peaceful division of our nation is stronger today than ever before and as each day passes it gets stronger and stronger. It is far more compelling and stronger than it was before our civil war broke out in 1967 simply because far many more people are angry and fed up with what they are being subjected to by the powers that be and our forced union. Millions from all over the country are quietly murmuring but soon that mumur will become a massive roar and an irresistable and irrepressable demand. It will soon become a tidal wave. And when it gets to that point no matter how many people you lock up and kill it will not stop and neither will they be intimidated, silenced or deterred. In fact the more people you murder, subject to bloody pogroms, persecute, marginalise, jail and destroy, all in the name of keeping Nigeria one, the louder, the greater and the more deafening the roar, the agitation and the struggle will get. And at that point only God will be able to hold Nigeria together and He will only do so if it is His perfect will. May God grant us the wisdom, prescence of mind and courage not to dismiss these vital and fundamental questions with the usual arrogance and contempt but rather to do some real soul-searching, indulge in a little introspection and humbly answer them as best as we can. 10 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by Atiku2019: 11:35am On Dec 16, 2016 |
Reading.............. |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by RagnarBankz(m): 11:42am On Dec 16, 2016 |
Nigeria cant be one Nation!! Thanks to those that think they are born to rule!! |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by Bevista: 11:42am On Dec 16, 2016 |
I have my personal reservations about the oneness of Nigeria, or at least, it's governance structure. --- That being said, I have even deeper reservations about the author of this article. He was a beneficiary of this 'Questionable Unity' for about 16years and never for once did I hear him question the unity or structure of Nigeria. --- It is precisely this absence of sincerity of purpose that causes issues never to be discussed on its merits but rather on the alter of sentiments and interests. --- FFK is a pained looser, who thinks that championing the cause of Biafra will endear him to the SE and undermine the goodwill of the present administration. 11 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by irepnaija4eva(m): 11:45am On Dec 16, 2016 |
I think what Nigeria needs is self healing and reconciliation among all ethnic groups in other to move forward. 1 Like |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by malton: 11:50am On Dec 16, 2016 |
. |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by malton: 11:51am On Dec 16, 2016 |
RagnarBankz: And those that believe they are the better than everyone and developers of everywhere else. 2 Likes |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by 9japride(m): 11:54am On Dec 16, 2016 |
irepnaija4eva:[color=#006600][/color] U are on point |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by RagnarBankz(m): 12:02pm On Dec 16, 2016 |
malton: remember that they don't want to be in a nation with the pple that think that,they are born to rule!!!! So....let them LEAVE!!! But u guys wont allow them to leave, because you guys are in love with the way they develop everywhere!!!! 4 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by Annie939(f): 12:06pm On Dec 16, 2016 |
one people one nation |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by Goke7: 12:07pm On Dec 16, 2016 |
Bevista: thanks for summarizing the article jare cos ffk needs a job badly as he is so idle, under pdp ffk was so busy that he forgot to question Nigeria's unity. yeye de smell, as usual his followers will soon be here in their idleness too asking questions they never asked when their darling hero and pdp held sway. shior! 2 Likes |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by CliffordOrji: 12:14pm On Dec 16, 2016 |
Bevista:Well said. FFK was once a Presidents Media Spokesman; a Minister of Culture and Tourism; a Minister of Aviation; and a Campaign Media Cordinator. All the while he enjoyed the largesse of Natioinal Political Power, he was all for a united Nigeria, but since he lost out, he now has the temerity to question the unity of Nigeria. What a joke 5 Likes |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by Goke7: 12:21pm On Dec 16, 2016 |
CliffordOrji: Nigeria is only united to some folks only when they are in power, when they are out of power, Nigeria is no longer united. Bunch of hypocrites! 6 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by zendy: 12:43pm On Dec 16, 2016 |
It is quite remarkable what FFK wrote. Not too long ago, this same man disparaged Igbos in his write up's, justified the civil war, blamed Igbos for conducting the first coup, praised Fashola for deporting Igbos from Lagos, claimed Bianca Ojukwu was his ex-girlfriend, accused Ojukwu of trying to steal 'Nigerias Oil' and showed general and unbridled hatred for Igbos, blaiming them for all that went wrong with Nigeria. Today, the same FFK is married to an Igbo woman who gave him his only son. Today, FFK sees the civil war as genocide, believes in the right to self determination and even questions the so called sanctity of Nigerias unity and visits Nnamdi Kanu in jail, a man he would have undoubtedly called for his execution a few years back. What made FFK suddenly change and see the light? The cynical side of me would say it was when the APC came at him from all sides that his new found horison suddenly dawned. All I know that whatever changed FFK had better start changing Nigerian leaders because Nigeria cannot continue like this. Self determination is an inallienable right and we Igbos will always have the right to decide if we are Nigerians or not. 7 Likes |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by Pavarottii(m): 1:12pm On Dec 16, 2016 |
Bevista:For once zombie; focus on d message. And comment about d message or don't even open d thread once u knew it was ffk. 1 Like |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by annayawchee: 1:40pm On Dec 16, 2016 |
irepnaija4eva:who is reconciliating with who? Igbos and hausa? No way, nigeria already lost the opportunity after the civil war, and it will haunt this nation till her demise 2 Likes |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by Newmanluckyman(m): 1:48pm On Dec 16, 2016 |
Bevista:.. Thank you for this subtle observation. FFK should please fight his battle alone. No amount of sweet political talk, curry-favouring, will distract Ndigbo. Why must FFK bring Ndigbo and the civil war into the limelight each time he's writing his article against the Hausa-Fulani oligarchy? We will not take or fall for this bait. Ndigbo remains SACROSANCT in their quest for economic prosperity, liberty and freedom. I understand his ordeal. He needs a strong majority ethnic group in the south (Ndigbo) that will speak up against his unfair trial but please count Ndigbo out of this. We have our own battle to fight. We have our own grudges against the system but we WON'T be used to achieve another man, region, tribe, ethnic or political objectives . Ndigbo have learned bitterly from those who deny, backstab,betrayed, intentionally cajoled them into a war, fair weather friends and will NEVER fall for those bait again. Finally, FFK fights your cause or battle alone and leave Ndigbo out of it.Thank you. 6 Likes |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by T9ksy(m): 4:56pm On Dec 18, 2016 |
Newmanluckyman: What a funny write-up. Very comical folks, indeed. Who exactly cajoled you into fighting a war, you lot were obviously not prepared for nor have the resources to see it to a positive end? These folks and their vanquished syndrome mindset. Geez!!! 2 Likes |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by WINNERMENTALITY: 6:52pm On Dec 18, 2016 |
Like Awolowo like FFK, pls dont pay attentiom to that man. If things turn his side he will confidently deny all this, thats how sophisticated he is |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by KidsNEXTdoor: 8:09pm On Dec 18, 2016 |
There is no unity in Nigeria Even here on nairaland Nigeria is not one nation And will never be 1 Like |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by KidsNEXTdoor: 8:14pm On Dec 18, 2016 |
Annie939:With Fulani herdsmen? Or unstable afonjaz who are neither here or there, who are neither Muslims or ctians or traditionalists? God forbid 1 Like |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by KingsleyJohn: 9:14pm On Dec 18, 2016 |
Bevista: That is part of the problem, you need to do real soul searching about the essence of Nigeria and discuss that. Forget about the messenger. Or you think FFK can't just switch sides, join APC and all his sins will be forgiven, if in doubt as OUK |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by BrutalJab: 10:06pm On Dec 18, 2016 |
One ke? |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by basilo102: 10:21pm On Dec 18, 2016 |
FFK should shut up. he should stop bringing igbos and biafra into his madness. afonja is always afonja. he should focus on his people |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by Bevista: 10:56pm On Dec 18, 2016 |
KingsleyJohn:The bolded text is precisely the reason why I can't take FFK and his ilk seriously. --- His position on the subject matter is not genuine, but merely borne out of his present circumstances. If his circumstances changes tomorrow, his position will also change. Is that the joker you want me to waste my intellect to discuss issues with? 1 Like |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by tino22(m): 11:40pm On Dec 18, 2016 |
Bevista:By making this classification of yours, did you ascertain the points made, rather throw or your ignorance and hatred against IGBOS made you to attack FFK who I believe to be your brother.. Nigga I have the last word @ your dp but I think you tryna be ignorant. Peace out |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by tino22(m): 11:48pm On Dec 18, 2016 |
irepnaija4eva:Am not a fan of FFK but there are some valid point a scholar or a literate should pick which I believe it's essential.. We are talking about 1960-1966 scenarios and some folks are deliberating about PDP and APC and FFK switching parts. Nigerian youth open your eyes and learn History, it's very essential.. |
Re: Is Nigeria Really One Nation? By Fani-kayode by pchukwudi: 8:19am On Dec 19, 2016 |
Kid, you can at least keep your darn mouth shut and learn how things are done. This subject is a real issue that has some practical life threateing consequences. This is not some textbook theories on which you can flex your personal opinion incoherently. [s] Newmanluckyman:[/s] |
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