Bisi Akande warns those advocating for dismemberment that it will lead to 100 years of war

FORMER Osun State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman Chief Bisi Akande has warned all those advocating for the dismemberment of Nigeria that their proposals are fraught with great dangers as it could lead to 100 years of war.

Over recent years, as Nigeria's economy has groaned under the weight of falling oil prices, mismanagement, corruption, incoherent government policies, insecurity and ethnic-based nepotism there have been strident calls for the country to be dismembered. In the southeast geo-political zone, agitations for the creation of the defunct state of Biafra have grown, while in the southwest, there are increasing calls for an Oduduwa Republic.

Over the last five years, these calls have become very strident as the current Buhari administration is seen as ethnically biased towards Fulanis in particular and northern Nigeria in general. Not only are President Buhari's seen as lopsided but his administration is seen as being reluctant to take on Fulani herdsmen and armed bandits in northern Nigeria.

Speaking on Monday in Ibadan during the inauguration of a project owned by Chief Adebayo Adelabu, a former Central Bank of Nigeria deputy governor and APC governorship candidate in the 2019 elections, Chief Akande told all those harbouring such thoughts to forget them. He said that allowing Yorubas to break away from Nigeria might lead to bloodshed and avoidable civil war that would further decimate the people.

Chief Akande said: “Those agitating for a Yoruba nation should have a rethink. This country must remain united to save it from war because Yorubas will be in war for another 100 years if Nigeria is allowed to break.”

He added that Nigeria was a product of war, pointing out that the country came into existence after Yoruba people had gone into 100 years of wars. According to the former governor, most African countries and the Western world envy Nigeria because the country is the heartbeat of Africa.

Chief Akande said that Francophone countries across the world have been praying for Nigeria to break because they were not comfortable with the country’s strength. He added that only an enduring country can overcome its difficulties.