The festivities are probably some smart chap's idea to siphon public funds; nevertheless, Nigerians have a lot to celebrate. Variegated talents from the different ethnic groups that were amalgamated by the British have combined to give Nigeria its present cannot-be-ignored status in Africa and the world. Some Nigerians continue to argue for the country's breakup. These advocates often find a way to link each latest tribulation to the purely selfish interests that motivated the colonial creation of Nigeria.
But I have witnessed the same knotty issues that play out regularly on the national stage plague the states and local government areas with equal vehemence. If Nigeria were to split, the same corruption, clannishness and miscellaneous chafes would accompany each division.
The centenary is a good time to finally stop pointing fingers. We may not be able to change yesterday, but we can take steps today that will alter what tomorrow will bring.
The key is to look inward. I am not celebrating anything - the amalgamation coerced people into a relationship that they did not bargain for and within periods of this marriage the legal, social, environmental and political rights of ethnic minorities have been undermined. The levels of division today go beyond religious lines - for example some Christians in the south and in the east are sometimes not satisfied with the way the Christians in the west handle situations.
Nigeria only exists as one country today because those who are angry don't have the resources or level of political recognition that can make them stand up to say: "It is enough. I see the centenary as presenting a false picture that all is normal to impress the majority, yet I foresee more insecurity nationwide, more heated agitation for control of resources and a suffering economy. The celebration is a time of great mourning in view of loss of lives of innocent people and the massive corruption that is going on in the country.
However, I'm against anything that can lead to the balkanisation of this country. I believe that a united, great formidable and indivisible Nigeria is the best for us but our problem has been the absence of leadership that will exploit its great potential. We have been brought together from diverse cultures, people and ethnic nationalities as a country but certainly we have not been able to manage the goodwill of those who conceived amalgamation. Centenary Anniversary Broadcast by President Jonathan.
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Africa Security worries overshadow Nigerian centenary As Nigeria holds celebrations to mark its centenary as a unified state, it was promised support by visiting French President Francois Hollande in its protracted battle with terrorism. French President Francois Hollande: 'Africa has a great future'. Nigerian students slain in suspected Boko Haram attack Gunmen have killed dozens of secondary school students and staff during a nighttime attack in Nigeria's northeast region.
Bamanga Tukur, ally of beleaguered Nigerian president, resigns Embattled Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan faced another setback on Thursday when his close political ally, Bamanga Tukur, stepped aside. Date Join the discussion at facebook.
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