By: Abiodun Jamiu
Nearly all African countries had once wined and dined to the dialectical meal concocted by European super power at the historic “Berlin conference” where Africans were balkanized and appropriated for full pledge “legitimate trade”. Even “amidst stiffed relationship” among the leading European imperialist nations in their pursuit of power – amidst stiffed relationship and differences they achieved a common goal.
The European imperial destiny (colonization) was carried out using both carrots and whips; varying measures were taken at pacification or invasion in non-compliances. The segmented kingdoms and empires along the coast which hitherto became known today as Nigeria were neither an alien nor a stranger to the balkanization processes, In fact she can be said to be an offshoot of 1884. Consequently, diverse groups, empires, kingdoms and perhaps, hamlet were married off in 1914, not minding the “Isakole fee” (consent) that would have warmed various ethnic personalities’ heart to shower such blessing that would clear the thorny path into the bully world of pristine couples we find ourselves today, to satisfy British imperialists goals of economic and political exploitation.
Following the amalgamation, British consolidation processes began with a far-reaching trajectory speed that saw the institution of governance and administration of the country as well as the adoption of British underlying divide and rule policy aimed at thwarting the political integration so vital to national economic and political development likewise a united front against her trade.
Nigeria, right from inception, has been crisis ridden, a by-product of the “forced marriage” which has thus resulted in the death of millions and destruction of properties. The single most grandeur and devastating was the three years civil war that almost torn the country apart –children are orphaned, starvation and hunger was rampant and kinsmen faced each other in a divided front.
Without dwelling in the muddy water of history, a child is playing with knife, the knife cuts the child and he throws the knife away, what is the essence? The knife has done its part; the deed has already been done. The amalgamation is a blessing, a creation of Africa super-power which can only be explored if we re-integrate ourselves and put aside all facets of differences under the banner of our great nation, Nigeria, for the socio-economic and political advancement of the country.
Invariably, our differences have inflicted on us more hiccups than good. Indigenous collaborators have perpetually manipulated these cleavages to inflame our rages –heroes have fallen, blood is being spilled, promising stars have been lost to the antics of manipulation. Unity in diversity is more preached than acted upon. It is high time we harness our resources and extinguish rages of disunity and hatred. Hatred poison human relations, affecting everyone like a diseases; unity and love embrace human relations, caressing everyone with blessings.
The vice president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbanjo, is to be commended while speaking on the nation unity. He reiterated that “Our nation has been in a marriage for a while now. Sometimes there is disagreement. What is important is that you must live together. You must remain united”
TOGETHER WE CAN, I AM WHAT WE ARE
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