A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, has stated that the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is negotiable.
His position runs contrary to those of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari who had, at various times, said that the unity of the country could not be negotiated.
Kingibe made this known, on Saturday night, when speaking at an event organised by The Sun Newspaper.
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Using the example of a couple’s relationship, Kingibe explained that once a party decides to opt-out of a union, he or she must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of his or her decision before making a final decision.
“I was born in Nigeria,” he explained. In Nigeria, I was groomed. Nigeria is something I believe in. Nigeria is something that my generation believes in. We are certain that we have no choice but to go to Nigeria.
“However, I think that a few of my colleagues believe that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable.
“Of course, it is negotiable. Even the unity of a family is negotiable. Even the constitution of husband and wife is negotiable.
“The moment either party feels this union is no longer bearable, that he or she will rather go his/her way.
“You help them to sit down, consider their condition after a careful and rational examination of the pros and cons of how to be married that they make the decision which suits them best. It is not enough to say I do not fare well where I am. So, I am going.”
Those seeking secession from Nigeria, according to Kingibe, should think about the consequences and how it would affect them.
He went on to say that they should keep in mind that even if they got their wish, they would still be on Nigerian soil.
