A Divided Nation: The Clamor for a Split and the Bigger Fight for Our Collective Survival

The decadence of what Nigeria is today, in a few people’s minds, may be due to what Chimamanda called the “single story” narrative of the stark marginalization of a part of the country.

However, like a good number of Nigerians of my generation, I grew up in every region of Nigeria. Nigeria has not always been like this. One sect or group of Nigerians may have contributed to the decadence, but Nigeria’s despicable decline is largely the result of the democratization of the devious, insatiable greed of its elite. This was carried out by members of the elite from the North, East, West, and South and is unabashedly perpetuated today.

A failure to recognize this is a huge disservice to all that is decent or significantly palatable in any region for which we claim to fight.

The Temptation of Separation

I understand the persuasion of those who want Nigeria to split as a panacea for the deep-seated roots of corruption, nepotism, and disregard for common human decency that have eaten into the fabric of every region and tribe.

The people who make up Nigeria today will carry the scars and burden of decadence, no matter what region they go to or eventually belong to.

For those who still clamor for a split, I objectively ask: Upon what lines will that be today?

The fault lines of the old Biafra are no more. A more corrupt South-South region, created out of the sheer blind greed of its elites, now exists. Their disgraceful economic exploitation of their people will only allow them to remain subservient to their masters in the North or the West.

Memories of a Shared Nation

I may see things differently. And maybe I am respectfully naive or foolish in my belief in one Nigeria. Maybe it is the only thing I have ever known, or perhaps I am afraid to lose the nostalgic memories of the souls who created a Nigerian utopia in my head.

The Ummunas of Onitsha, the Seguns of Lagos, the Ibrahims and the Yakubus of Kano and Zaria — those who loved me beyond my tribe or religion.

Maybe I am really living in a dream that needs a rude awakening. Yet I hold on to the memories of those who, with pride, called me their brother as I now live in a foreign land that I know will never truly welcome me, my dependents, or ever truly become my own.

Healing Old Wounds

I know, as I see the fault lines artificially created by us or impressed upon us, that one thing is real and leaves no room for conflicting thoughts: Our kingdoms are gone, and our empires, as we knew them, shall never be again.

The nation — or nations — we must build and live in must begin by doing away with hate and strife. Not by forgetting the injustices committed against us or the pains we inflicted upon others, but by reconciling our suffering through forgiveness and tending to our scars so that they do not reopen old wounds.

The Greater Threat Ahead

There are problems far bigger than the little differences or faults we find in ourselves. The global clouds of a new world order are gathering. We missed it all before at the Berlin Conference. Those who shaped our destiny then would have no compunction about dividing us again while we remain consumed by our internal fights.

That would become the catalyst for dividing us once more, not along mineral interests this time, but along ideological lines. It is time to connect and concentrate our resources, time, money, and intellect, to free our freedom fighters and empower the right people who understand the bigger picture.

We must collectively help redirect our energies toward the larger existential threats facing the nations we have or hope to create.

Power is most effective when concentrated. It is time to concentrate our power and deploy it for our collective survival. This is not a dream, it is the reality we must face today for the future of our children and grandchildren.