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National Dialogue: Let's Face the Reality By Jamilu M. A. Kudan To say that the question of the Nigerian unity will not be tampered with at the on-going National Dialogue among other things is a clear pointer to the fact that Nigeria as a nation has a long way to go and that Nigerians are still yet to come to terms with reality. How do you convene a National Dialogue to discuss and seek solution to Nigeria's problems and exclude from participation the various ethnic nationalities some of which even agitate for secession. Chief Ralph Uwazuruike is agitating for independent Biafran Republic under his Movement For the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and he must not be taken for granted. Mujahid Alhaji Dokubo-Asari under Niger Delta people Volunteer Force (NDPVF) is calling it quit from the Nigerian federation. The middle Belt region has also come of age and vow not to be associated with the 'core-north' again. These are all political agitations which pose great danger to the Nigerian territorial integrity. But the religious issues even need much urgent solution. Nigerian Muslims are canvassing for a free Islamic atmosphere to practice their religion without hindrance or molestation. They are striving to bring back their lost Islamic empire destroyed by the British colonialists and merged into what is today called Nigeria. Therefore excluding some issues as 'no-go' areas in the dialogue regardless of how crucial the issues are is an indication that the conference is being used as a tool to achieve some short-time political ambition and that our so-called leaders are ever ready to compromise the peace and stability of the nation to satisfy their personal interests. But take my word for it, National Dialogue or no National Dialogue, Nigerians must sooner or later be ready to face the inescapable reality: That Nigeria is an artificial creation of British colonial masters created to facilitate their political domination and economic exploitation without consideration of the constituent ethnic nationalities and the geographical situations of the various religious communities and that Nigeria will only know peace when these divergent ethnic nationalities and religious communities have unanimously agree on the terms of their coming together. To face this inescapable reality is a task that must be done. And the more this is neglected the more the country is becoming prone to disintegration No thanks to the colonial masters for this time-bomb which we blindly mistake for colonial legacy. Jamilu M. A. Kudan 21,Tudun Wada Kudan, Kaduna state, Nigeria |