The story of the Nigeria nation state, sixty-four years of nationhood for some reasons, is dotted with separatist groups springing up at different times since independence. The Biafran struggle which came early in the day, shortly after independence that has now metamorphosed into the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), readily comes to mind. We also have those agitating for the Oduduwa Nation, the Niger Delta Liberation Front, the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, and the latest one, Democratic Republic of Yoruba Nations, among other pockets of separatist groups in Nigeria who are seeking for self-determination.
This is anchored on the argument that the union of Nigeria, ab initio, precisely in 1914 was based on faulty foundations. Many also believe that poor federal infrastructure in the regions since independence, blamed on weak, over centralised and corrupt leadership, again are contributory to people of the different ethic nationalities agitating for self-determination. Much as we agree that people should exercise the rights to liberty and freedom, there are also accepted, civilised ways the citizens are expected to conduct themselves to avoid infringing on other peoples’ right.
Without holding brief for the separatists, the activities of the political class, especially those who are bent on holding the country down through various means of manipulations, whether in the open or secret, gives impetus to the agitation. The so-called freedom fighters are daring as never at all contemplated, not minding the consequences to their survival. For example, the inability and failure of the previous governments to implement the recommendations of the Justice Oputa panel that reviewed the constitution, and recommended the best way forward for Nigeria’s corporate existence, which the Goodluck Jonathan administration failed to bring to life, remains one of the uncharitable events in the history of the country that leaves a sour taste in the mouth, given the challenges of today.
That some elements, especially those that are occupying positions of authority are still opposed to the restructuring of Nigeria, again would continue to fan the embers of separatists’ movements, unknowingly. That those who tried to disturb the peace in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, calling for the Democratic Republic of Yoruba Nation may have been rounded up by the law enforcement agents is far from accepting the truth that the time is now to discuss Nigeria beyond clamping down on the agitators. Their actions, according to reports, in a way may have increased security surveillance in the South West.
Surprisingly, the spokesperson of the group, upon interrogation why they embarked on such dangerous mission, showed no remorse, but instead argued that their action was propelled by hunger and deprivation which every Nigerian, according to him, is facing, excluding the political office holders. The statement may be of no consequence after all, they have been arrested, but given the mood of the country, time has come for the government to really consider the idea of treating the root cause, rather than the symptoms of the nation’s illness which are majorly, poverty and deprivation, before the situation gets out of hand. We call on the Federal government to find lasting solutions to agitations in the country, and bring the Nigerian people into one-fold where no one would be marginalised or deprived of his or her livelihood, as it’s the case currently.
