By Kehinde Okeowo
Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, has disagreed with those saying Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable, rather he believes it is
He, however, feels it is better done sitting down to discuss the issues before deciding whether to leave or not, than using unconstitutional means.
Kingibe made this known while speaking at The Sun Newspapers 2020 Awards in Lagos, on Saturday.
According to Nigeria’s envoy to Chad and the Lake Chad basin region, all unions are negotiable including a union between a man and woman.
He however said, since break-up does not include physical relocation of lands and people, separatist agitators must realize the manner of disintegration will be crucial to future relationships between all the parties.
Kingibe who reiterates his belief in the unity of Nigeria appealed to all the regions of the country to live in harmony and respect each other.
“I was born in Nigeria. I was groomed in Nigeria. I believe in Nigeria. People of my generation believe in Nigeria. We do not doubt 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 and consider their condition after a careful and rational examination of the pros and cons of how to be married so that they make the decision which suits them best.
“When we ever say we want to go away, I do not think they realize the going away. It is not that you carve out the piece of land, take it up and put it in another side of Ghana. The piece of land will be here. You will be here. Everybody will be here. And we all want to prosper. My appeal to everyone is, please, let us be respectful of one another. Let us not demonize one another. Let us respect the views of everybody.” He said.
The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), added that it is not a given that separation will solve the problems.
He also advised that separation between the regions in Nigeria must be discussed with mutual respect so that there will be a continuation of harmonious relationships after alienation.
“Are you sure where you are going? Are you sure of the consequences of where you are going? Do you really feel that the grass is greener on the other side?”
“If you do, sit with your partner in respect, in mutual respect, in love if possible, but without demonizing your husband or your wife because you will always remain the ex of the other person. But discuss quietly so that even if you separate in the future you can inter-relate with love and respect,” he concluded.
Kingibe is one of the distinguished Nigerians, who were honored in Lagos yesterday by The Sun Newspaper; he was given the Newspaper’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award
