Politics
A Case for Peaceful Separation: Rethinking Nigeria’s Forced Unity
A Case for Peaceful Separation: Rethinking Nigeria’s Forced Unity
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
For over a century, Nigeria has struggled to hold together the patchwork quilt of nations stitched into a single entity by British colonial interests. Despite decades of independence, national identity remains elusive. Ethnic rivalries, regional marginalization, and economic imbalances continue to tear at the fragile fabric of this artificial federation. While many still advocate unity as a moral imperative, a growing number of Nigerians—both at home and in the diaspora—are beginning to explore an alternative path: peaceful separation.
Contrary to widespread fear-mongering, separation is not synonymous with war. History is replete with examples of nations that have dissolved their unions with dignity and peace. The United States split from Britain in 1776; Belgium separated from the Netherlands in 1830; Singapore parted ways with Malaysia in 1965 over ethnic and religious tensions; and in 1993, Czechoslovakia executed the “Velvet Divorce,” birthing the Czech Republic and Slovakia without a single drop of blood.
On the African continent, Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, and South Sudan emerged from Sudan in 2011. Though not all secessions have been peaceful—Yugoslavia and parts of the former Soviet Union being cautionary tales—the possibility of a negotiated and dignified exit remains viable, especially for countries like Nigeria whose internal contradictions are too numerous and too persistent to ignore.
A Forced Union in Crisis
At the heart of Nigeria’s problem is the failure to evolve from a colonial configuration into a truly federal state. The so-called ethnic groups in Nigeria—Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Tiv, and others—are not mere “tribes,” as often mislabeled, but full-fledged nations in their own right. In Europe, these groups would be called what they are: distinct nations with different languages, cultures, worldviews, and aspirations.
What unites Nigeria today is not a shared vision but a centralized constitution imposed through military fiat and maintained by successive governments for political expediency. The result is an overburdened federal system where one region’s dominance is perceived—rightly or wrongly—as a source of systemic injustice. The cry for restructuring has been loud and long, but it is now giving way to a more definitive demand: peaceful separation.
Learning from the World
Across the globe, countries have restructured or separated in response to ethnic and economic realities. Norway and Sweden amicably separated in 1905. Iceland left Denmark in 1944. The Soviet Union disintegrated into multiple nations—Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, and others—based on ethnic lines. Even in modern-day Canada, Quebec retains a high level of autonomy with French as its official language, reflecting its cultural uniqueness.
Switzerland, often cited as a model multi-ethnic state, rotates its presidency annually among representatives of four major linguistic groups: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Its federation is composed of cantons, each retaining significant autonomy. Nigeria, by contrast, continues to centralize power in a federal government that is neither representative nor responsive.
The Nigerian Paradox
Some still argue that all Nigeria needs is good leadership. But that ignores the structural imbalances hardwired into the country’s political architecture. Even the most competent leader will struggle under a system that rewards ethnic hegemony and punishes regional innovation.
Take the Southeast, for example. The five states—Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu—have a combined landmass of just 29,525 km², less than that of Kogi State alone (29,833 km²). Niger State, the largest in Nigeria, is bigger than the entire Southwest minus Lagos. Yet policy frameworks continue to treat all regions as though they are equally endowed and equally represented.
The same structural flaw affects economic planning. The so-called cattle colony debate reveals how absurd Nigeria’s policymaking has become. Despite not ranking among the top 20 global cattle producers, Nigeria insists on clinging to archaic methods like open grazing—resulting in violent clashes between farmers and herders. Meanwhile, countries like India, Brazil, and Australia—world leaders in cattle and beef exports—have long adopted modern ranching techniques.
According to global data:
India has over 300 million cattle.
Brazil follows with 226 million.
The USA and EU are also in the top five, with mechanized systems that prioritize productivity and safety.
Yet, in Nigeria, the cattle business has become not just a source of conflict, but a symbol of how far behind the nation is in adopting global best practices.
Separation as Development Catalyst
Separation, if well negotiated, can usher in a new era of healthy competition among Nigeria’s regions. Singapore, after its split from Malaysia, transformed itself into one of the world’s leading economies. Bangladesh, which broke away from Pakistan in 1971, has surpassed its former counterpart in several human development indicators.
What holds Nigeria back is not a lack of human or natural resources, but the illusion of unity under a flawed structure. The political elite preach unity not out of conviction but convenience. They benefit from a system that concentrates wealth and power in the center while denying states the autonomy to thrive or fail on their own merits.
A peaceful separation could enable each region to pursue its developmental vision without interference. The North, with its vast landmass, could become a hub for ranching and renewable energy. The South could focus on industrialization and technology. The East could pursue its vision of commerce and manufacturing. Rather than clashing over a failing center, each region could chart its own path.
The Path Forward
Nigeria must confront its truths. The forced amalgamation of 1914 was never about nation-building—it was about administrative convenience for the British Empire. That colonial logic no longer serves the aspirations of the people.
What is needed now is a national conversation—not driven by fear, but by courage. A conference where all ethnic nationalities, civil society groups, youth representatives, and diaspora voices can negotiate new terms of coexistence. Whether that leads to a restructured federation or an amicable separation, the goal should be justice, peace, and prosperity.
It is not enough to quote slogans like “One Nigeria.” Unity, like marriage, must be consensual. It must be renewed with shared values, mutual respect, and equitable governance. Otherwise, it becomes a prison rather than a partnership.
As the world evolves, Nigeria must evolve too. And if evolution means reconfiguration, then so be it. Let us give peace a chance—not just by tolerating each other under duress, but by honoring each other’s right to self-determination.
Politics
Lagos Assembly Charges Security Agencies To Redouble Efforts In Combating Extortion By Miscreants
Lagos Assembly Charges Security Agencies To Redouble Efforts In Combating Extortion By Miscreants
Acknowledging that the scourge of brazen extortion by miscreants on Lagos streets was on the increase, the Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohunda Moshood Jimoh, and heads of other security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering with the latest security apparatuses, increase surveillance on black spots across the metropolis, and, where necessary, arrest such miscreants, and have the state rehabilitate them.
Hon. Sanni Okanlawon (representing Kosofe Constituency 1) raised the alarm at plenary Tuesday, May 6, under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ stating; “The unlawful extortion of stranded and innocent motorists by miscreants remains a growing concern that demands urgent attention. Nobody on the streets of Lagos is immune to their activities. If left unchecked, they could render the state unsafe.” He painted different unsavoury scenarios of how the street urchins operate brazenly, which he described as unacceptable, and called for urgent intervention to protect road users.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho Constituency II) noted that this particular trend threatens the safety and sanity of road transportation in the state. Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere Constituency 1) corroborated this and emphasised the need for active surveillance by security agencies. He also suggested the involvement of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), noting that many of the offenders act under the influence of illegal substances.
Similarly, Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu Constituency II) urged the Commissioner of Police to set up a tactical team dedicated mainly to road monitoring because “It is high time the government took the bull by the horns.” Commending Hon. Okanlawon for moving the motion, Hon. Adebola Shabi (Lagos Mainland Constituency 2) said local government chairmen have a huge role in combating this menace. Effective strategies, she added, have to be devised while recommending the installation of CCTV cameras at identified black spots.
However, Hon. Obafemi Saheed (Kosofe Constituency 2) disclosed that the government has invested heavily in security through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, and, therefore, should not sit back and watch miscreants take over the city.
Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa commended Hon. Okanlawon and the lawmakers who contributed robustly to the debate. He said that the police and other security agencies, including the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), must collaborate to ensure that Lagos remains safe for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.
Lagos Assembly Summons Lands Bureau over Allocations, Recurring Land-Related Issues
The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the state Lands Bureau to appear before it to provide clarity on previous allocations and recurring land-related issues. It also approved land compensation for communities where the state government acquired lands for public use.
At plenary last Thursday, the House adopted the recommendations of the Committee on Rules and Business on a petition titled “Application by Oriba Community in Epe Local Government to join in the petition of Ladaba Community” presented by Hon. Noheem Adams.
Following the presentation of the report, the House unanimously adopted the recommendations as its resolution by asking the bureau to appear before it with proper documents to explain the status of lands acquired by the state. The committee also recommended that the bureau issue excision/allocation letters to the 68 affected communities, while their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) should be ready within one month of the House’s resolution.
Members who lent their voices to the matter commended the committee for ensuring they got justice for the affected communities and suggested that their compensation should be increased from 20% to 25%.
In his summation, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon.. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa acknowledged the need for increased compensation but noted that the state government has its plans. Particularly, he endorsed the allocation of 20% (2,000 hectares) of the 10,000 hectares acquired by the state government as compensation.
Speaker Obasa further recommended that the committee should collaborate with the Lands Bureau, Office of the State Surveyor General, and New Towns Development Authority for the effective implementation of the recommendations.
The Lagos State Lands Bureau is responsible for land administration and management. It oversees key activities such as land allocation, issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), land registration, and the management of state-owned lands.
Its primary goals include ensuring equitable and transparent land transactions, facilitating urban planning, and supporting economic development by maintaining an organized system of land ownership. The bureau also handles disputes related to land and implements policies to optimize land use while protecting public interests.
Oluremi Tinubu and Aisha Achimugu: A Bond Forged in Compassion, by Olabode Opeseitan
Two women with two distinct destinies. One, Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, is a political luminary and steadfast advocate for the marginalized. The other is Aisha Achimugu, a trailblazing entrepreneur who conquered the male-dominated oil and gas sector, yet wears her heart on her sleeve for humanity.
Though their paths differ, their souls converge in two profound ways: an unyielding passion for women’s empowerment and a lifelong covenant with charity.
For Oluremi, empowering women and uplifting the vulnerable is not merely a mission—it’s her oxygen. From founding the New Era Foundation as Lagos’ First Lady to launching her Renewed Hope Initiative as Nigeria’s First Lady—a platform championing youth and girl-child education and spearheading transformative projects like the Community ICT Hub—she has turned biblical compassion into action. Her unalloyed commitment to charitable virtues shone brightly during the commissioning of the hub in Ibadan, a Federal Government collaboration under her RHI that bridges the digital divide for thousands, revealing a heart that beats for the forgotten.
In Aisha Achimugu, Oluremi unknowingly finds a kindred spirit. Aisha’s SAM Empowerment Foundation has illuminated the futures of countless Nigerian girls through scholarships, mentorship, and vocational training, transforming aspirations into tangible opportunities. Her compassion radiates beyond borders, driven by a pan-African vision to uplift communities wherever the need arises. Whether empowering women in Nigeria’s underserved regions or advocating for sustainable livelihoods across the continent, Aisha’s mantra—“When God has blessed you, be a blessing to others”— resounds in every act of service. From rebuilding lives shattered by poverty to fostering dignity through education, her golden heart has become a beacon of hope for Africa’s most vulnerable.
Yet, their journeys have not been without storms. Both women have endured savage media trials—unfairly judged, their reputations scrutinized. Society often forgets: behind the headlines are mothers, leaders, and humanitarians whose “crimes” are loving too fiercely and giving too generously. They are imperfect, as all humans are, but in their relentless generosity, they mirror the very best of what humanity can be.
To Oluremi and Aisha: Your resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to your unbreakable spirits. When cynics question your motives, remember the girls now coding in Ibadan’s ICT Hub, the mothers reclaiming their futures through vocational training, and the orphans who see you as their lifeline. Do not relent. For every life you touch—whether through education, healthcare, or the quiet restoration of dignity—a ripple of hope spreads. Your legacies are not etched in headlines but in healed hearts and transformed destinies.
We see you. We celebrate you. And we beg you: keep shining.
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