By Babafemi Ojudu
In recent times, it has become increasingly common for those who call for unity in Nigeria to be labeled as traitors to their tribes. This is both unfair and dangerous. Unity does not mean the erasure of identity—it means the pursuit of peace, justice, and progress in a diverse society. Even within our tribal enclosures, there are deep, primordial divisions. These divisions are unending and should not become a lifelong obsession. Our true focus must be the pursuit of a better life for the majority of our people.
While the frustrations driving separatist sentiments are real and deserve thoughtful attention, the answer is not to break the country apart. History teaches us that separatist movements around the world—whether in the Balkans or South Sudan—often lead to prolonged conflict, economic collapse, and humanitarian crises. The promises of liberation too frequently give way to cycles of violence and instability.
Ironically, many who aggressively promote ethnic exclusivity at home are the same individuals who line up at foreign embassies, seeking visas to multicultural societies. They pursue Green Cards, permanent residency, and even public office in countries built on diversity and inclusion. Some benefit from housing and welfare systems abroad—systems they would deny others at home. A few have even threatened the peace of their host countries through criminal activity. Yet from the safety of these lands, they disparage fellow Nigerians for coexisting with those of different tribes. The hypocrisy is glaring.
We must not fall into this trap. Calling for peaceful coexistence is not betrayal—it is wisdom. “Live and let live” must become more than a slogan; it must be a national principle.
Yes, we must confront injustice, marginalization, and structural imbalance. But we must do so through dialogue, reform, and strategic engagement—not through the flames of ethnic nationalism. And who else can lead this effort if not our elected leaders—those we have entrusted with our collective future?
What we condemn in foreign leaders like Donald Trump—division, scapegoating, and demagoguery—we must not glorify at home. It is time to end the rabble-rousing, the name-calling, and the dangerous stereotyping.
Let us embrace one another.
My vote is for humanity—for a Nigeria that works for all, not one shattered by bitterness and blame.
Senator Babafemi Ojudu
