Runner-up to the late Moshood Abiola in the 1993 June 12 election, Babagana Kingibe, has said that Nigerian unity is negotiable.
Some people, especially in government circles, insist the country’s unity is not negotiable, a reason government is at war with separatists like Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho.
Kingibe, however, said, like every other union, a nation’s oneness was negotiable.
He made this known on Saturday when he spoke at ‘The Sun’ award.
Kingibe, who is the Nigerian Ambassador to Chad, said,
“I was born in Nigeria. I was groomed in Nigeria. I believe in Nigeria. People of my generation believe in Nigeria. We have no doubt about 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 parties feels this union is no longer bearable, that he or she will rather go his/her way. You help them to sit down consider their condition after a careful and rational examination of the pros and cons of how to be married that they take the decision which suit them best.
“It is enough just to say I do not farewell where I am. So, I am going.
“Are you sure where you are going? Are you sure of the consequence 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 demonising 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.”
