There are factors that trigger demand for secession in Nigeria but the indivisibility and indissolubility of the Nigerian nation, as desired by the founding fathers, is boldly captured in the country’s constitution.
Over the years, successive administrations have tried to ensure that the country remains as an indivisible entity.
In fact, at different fora, especially in government circles when discussions are focused on matters of national integration and unity, most participants are always unanimous in concluding that Nigeria is better off as one indivisible entity.
Contrary to the position of those who want the country to continue as an inseparable entity, there are groups and individuals who are clamoring for separation.
To such persons or groups, continued coexistence as one nation is no longer desirable.
The agitation for self-determination is largely pronounced in the South Eastern and South Western part of the country; the major areas where the agitation has gathered momentum and attracted sympathy and support from a good number of persons.
It should be noted however that separatist agitations or movements are not limited to Nigeria; they are found in some other countries of the world.
There are some countries that came under separatist agitations in the past while some are still contending with the situation, just like Nigeria is doing now.
As a matter of fact, the constitution of Nigeria frowns at such separatist tendency, hence the recent steps taken by the federal government to go, even beyond the shores of the country, and apprehend the arrowheads of separatist movements to face litigation.
While the zeal by past and present administrations to keep the country as one indivisible entity is highly commendable, one is of the opinion that it has become imperative for the leadership to painstakingly examine the causes of agitation for secession.
However, studies have established that a feeling of alienation and dissatisfaction among some sections of a country easily triggers agitation for separation.
Research has also confirmed that most of the uprisings are by-products of injustice and abuse of power.
In other words, problems of inequality, economic deprivation, and non-adherence to the rule of law, especially the principle of federal character, are the possible reasons why some people appear hell-bent on self-determination.
It can be said that it was in an attempt to forestall the feeling of alienation, injustice, and deprivation in the country that a conscious effort was made in the constitution to give every section of the country a sense of belonging.
To keep the urge for secession at bay and promote national unity, as well as command national loyalty, the constitution insists that the composition of the government of the federation or any of its agencies must reflect the federal character of Nigeria.
Apart from the composition of the government of the federation, the constitution states definitively, that the conduct of government’s affairs must also be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of the country.
What that implies is that there shall be no predominance of persons from a particular state, sectional or ethnic groups in a particular government or any of its agencies.
Now, the question is how well has the government, past and present, adhered to the principle of federal character in the conduct of its affairs or composition of government?
Whatever the answer to that question may be, the government should ensure strict adherence to the provisions for the constitution in the composition and conduct of its affairs.
Also, there should be conscious efforts to assuage feelings of alienation, marginalization, and injustice, ensure that access to privileges is not lopsided, even as actions, policies, and programs of government should not stoke ethnic solidarity.
Such moves have the tendency to deter or neutralize the quest for secession.
To further sweep the issues that trigger demand for self-determination under the carpet while clinging unto litigation may not be the best bet in the long run.
Government should therefore swiftly address those factors that trigger separatist agitations bearing in mind that most Nigerians believe strongly in the indivisibility and indissolubility of the country which of course must be based on the principles of freedom, equity, and justice for all citizens.
Nigeria addresses the best and most exceedingly awful of what African states offer the world. It is a mosaic of more than 250 distinctive ethnic gatherings and dialects improved as an intersection between different types of Christianity, Islam, and native convictions, and Western, Arab, and local impacts. Its huge region holds useful horticultural land and monstrous stores of oil and gaseous petrol appraised at tenth and eighth biggest, individually, in world reserves.
Also read: Causes, solutions to falling standard of Education in Nigeria
1 Nigeria has worldwide political clout through its solid military powers and dynamic job in harmonious activities, just as its perceived strategic initiative in worldwide associations like the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC); Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC); as an establishing part in the African Union (AU); also, the Economic Community of West African States (ECWAS)
2 Its populace of 174 million additionally makes it by a long shot the biggest state in Africa and the seventh most crowded in the world
3 Nigeria is a land favored. Nigeria additionally exhibits large numbers of the issues that plague a lot of Africa’s steadiness and progress. Nigerians have regularly suffered conflict along with their numerous interior contrasts, from the bleeding 1967-70 common conflict to the 1,000,000 Nigerians dislodged by inside strife somewhere in the range of 1999 and 2004.4 Its larder of normal assets acquires truly necessary unfamiliar income, however, is a huge wellspring of defilement, internecine struggle, and debasement to the climate and agrarian occupations. Its set of experiences since autonomy in 1960 has been thrown by political tumult with various military upsets and absolutist governments, four various Republics, and a helpless basic freedoms record. Such issues have tottered monetary, social, and human advancement in Nigeria, which experiences a low (GDP) per capita (buying power equality) of $2,500 (175th on the planet), education pace of just 61%, future of 47.6 years (220th on the planet), and destitution rate at 70%, all making Nigeria one of the 20 most unfortunate nations for every capita in the world.
5 The nation is noted as a center point for digital wrongdoings, medication and illegal exploitation, theft, and incipient local radicalism, just as sickness and general human suffering.
6 Nigeria is a grieved land. This oddity of a country offers a lot to its residents also, the world, yet Nigeria has been not able to convey its latent capacity or understand its aspirations.
7 In spite of the fact that as of now in a positive pattern of solid monetary development and working on just versatility, the key issues that have tested Nigerian progress since its commencement remain stewing. These issues have been attributed to numerous complex causes, including its pioneer heritage, global interest, destitution, and social and strict struggles, that leave Nigeria in some cases swaying at the edge of shakiness and at risk of cracking. In any case, the root cause for these and different issues might be the outcome of the political economy of Nigeria and the subsequent outward and centripetal powers that hold Nigeria as a brought together state yet to be determined.
To test this declaration, this monograph will initially clarify the meaning of political economy utilized here; why Nigeria falters at times on the edge of fizzling as a state through the negative collaboration of contending financial matters, legislative issues, and social orders; and the subsequent wild debasement and solidified separation points that could fragment the state. It then, at that point makes unobtrusive suggestions for the U.S. Government, and the U.S. military specifically, to help Nigerians in accomplishing the dependability expected to stay a working, coordinated state. With its enormous populace, ethnic embroidery, rich financial potential, conciliatory clout, and military strength, Nigeria stays a significant local force in Africa with expanding impact in foreign relations. As indicated by both the Departments of Defense and State in their 2010 commitment exercises report to Congress
