Former Secretary to the Federal Government, Babagana Kingibe, criticises separatist agitators for not thinking through what they wish their people.

Kingibe spoke on Saturday 16 October at the Sun Newspaper Annual Awards where he won in the “Lifetime Achievement” category. He was a joint winner in this category with former military governor, Bode George, and Ohanaeze Chairman, Prof. George Obiozor.

Kingibe faulted separatist agitations based on sharing of the national cake.

His position is that “it is not enough to say I do not fare well where I am, so, I am going.”

Consequently, Kingibe urged separatists to think through their strategy. He also invited citizens to always accommodate divergent views.

This is because, according to him, the country is now polarized between unitarians (advocates of unity) and the separatists.

He described himself as a unitarian but cautioned his colleagues preaching that Nigerian unity is not negotiable.

“People of my generation believe in Nigeria. We have no doubt about the fact that we have no option, but Nigeria.

“However, … 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,” he said.

Kingibe believes that those who feel that the union is not treating well and threaten to leave should be listened to.

“You help them to sit down, consider their condition,” he said.

He however urged seccesionists to consider the implications of leaving and how it would affect them.

He also added that even when they get their wish, “they would still be on Nigeria’s land.”

Alhaji Babagana Kingibe is Nigeria’s current ambassador to Chad and the Lake Chad Basin Region. He was running mate to late MKO Abiola in the 2003 presidential elections.

Kingibe criticises separatist agitators

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