Human Rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) says the displacement of some ethnic groups above or below others accounts for the clamour self-determination by agitators in Nigeria.
He stated this while delivering This Nigeria Newspaper lecture themed, “25 years of uninterrupted Democracy in Nigeria: The prospects and possibilities” on Thursday June 27th 2024 in FCT, Abuja.
Ozekhome said he would like Nigeria to remain as one Country as a Patriot, but insisted that peaceful separation is allowed as it’s in some other climes.
According to him, ‘if the union is no longer working stakeholders can hold a dialogue for the way forward. “Self-determination is recognized by the United Nations (UN). But, it is not what I recommend for Nigeria.
“I will like Nigeria as a big, prosperous and united as Dolly Parton’s coat of many colours where we can develop together knowing that there is a space for each other”.
The senior lawyer, however cautioned that “no tribe in Nigeria should be referred to as a dot in the circle”.
“I am a minority born at Ivbiuku Community in Agenobode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. I am proud to be who I am and where I come from”.
“Don’t base Nigeria alone on a tripod of the Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani’s and the Igbo’s. A tripod is never balance. So, what do your do with 371 ethnic groups in Nigeria? That is why Nigeria is not balanced.
‘You can’t displace some people to be clappers, hewars of wood and drawers of water, while others are busy luxuriating away. This is social injustice. It creates unrest, chaos and anarchy”, Ozekhome said.
But, the human Rights activist recommended end to what he termed political corruption by the ruling class and the need to bridge the gap of social inequality in Nigeria that works for Nigerians well-being.
He further sued for the rejigging of the economy to provide means of the livelihood for the fast growing population of Nigerian youths into a productive venture.
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