Kingibe Says Nigeria’s Unity Is Negotiable 

Kingibe urges individuals considering independence from Nigeria to think about the consequences of leaving and how it would effect them.

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

Babagana Kingibe, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has criticized the notion that Nigeria’s unity is non-negotiable.

While addressing at The Sun Newspaper awards for 2020 in Lagos on Saturday, October 16, 2021, Nigeria’s envoy to Chad and the Lake Chad basin area stated the country’s unity, like that of a family, is negotiable.

Using the example of a couple’s relationship, Kingibe argued that if a party thinks the union is no longer tolerable, it is critical for the aggrieved party to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of his or her options before making a final decision.

He said, “I was born in Nigeria. I was groomed in Nigeria. I believe in Nigeria. People of my generation believe in Nigeria. We have no doubt about the fact that we have no option, but 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 considering independence from Nigeria should think about the consequences and how it will effect them, according to Kingibe.