Soyinka: Nigeria’s Unity Negotiable

Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka has said the unity of Nigeria is negotiable.

Speaking at the commissioning of a new high school in Kaiama, Bayelsa State on Friday, the playwright said the issue of marginalisation must be addressed in the country.

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“The claim that the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable is a false statement,” Mr. Soyinka said.

“The right of the people to determine their future is what is non-negotiable.”

Soyinka said those who believe that the country must remain as currently constituted, are mistaken.

“Don’t tell me that Nigeria, as it is, is non-negotiable,” Mr. Soyinka said. “To me, that’s a fallacy.

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“Negotiation involves ensuring that there’s no marginalisation. Negotiation involves ensuring that the major components of the country are not feeding on the centre.”

Soyinka said he believes in the unity of Nigeria, but warned those against restructuring to stop being ‘dogmatic and dictatorial’ in expressing their position.

Contrary to the Professor’s opinion, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has constantly expressed the Federal Government’s position, that the unity of the country is not negotiable.

“Our unity is not negotiable. We should make sure that we remain united in order to enjoy the resources God has blessed Nigeria with. So many nations envy what we have as a nation,” Mr. Osinbajo said while receiving Muslim leaders in the State House June 25.

The Ijaw National Academy, which has been running for four months, accommodates up to 1,000 students at the junior and senior secondary levels.

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