By Efemena Agadama

The current issue that Nigeria is either becoming a failed state or is a failed state is a direct working by some individuals to cause diversionary chaos in the country in order to loot the nation’s wealth.  What makes such diversionary tactics to work is their ability to misinform Nigerians that are willing to listen and adhere to their advice.

The Federal Government should now as a matter of urgency deploy every authority to outlaw Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Oodua Peoples Congress, Arewa Consultative Forum, South South Peoples Assembly and all groups championing regional and tribal causes.  This should be a priority now, not later.  There should be one Nigeria and not divisive and regional identities.

The founders and leaders of these groups have contributed to the great divisive politics causing chaos in Nigeria. Someone who has lost relevance in politics will just come out in the name of any of the tribal groups to make inflammatory statements to gain media attention and regain some sort of sinister relevance. Citizens of Nigeria should not be known by their tribe but as Nigerians.

If you are relevant, come out and tell us what you have done for Nigeria and not what you have done for your tribe or nuclear family.  In fact, these people have done nothing for their tribes other than make statements that cause chaos and division among Nigerians.  They forget that Nigerians will never vote for anyone who has promoted regional or tribal politics.  And sometimes, one is tempted to believe that these people making inflammatory statements are being paid by some powerful groups outside the country to cause chaos and for them to sell weapons for Nigerians to fight themselves.

It’s even painful and sad to watch former presidents come out and make inflammatory statements. Religious crises did not start from 2011.  It started since 1960s and had its height during the Babangida’s administration where communities were razed and religious riots lasted days and weeks with hundreds and thousands killed.

Goodluck Jonathan’s administration is the first administration since independence, excluding Abacha’s and Buhari’s military regimes, that is yet to record religious crises that would last for many hours and this is one reason some people are trying to frustrate the efforts of Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, the Chief of Army staff. They should let Ihejirika to continue his good woks; the terrorist activities in the Northern part of the country are gradually fading out and the people from those parts should help the armed forces.

A very credible solution for a one Nigeria where everyone will share one identity, interest and a stronger relationship, where tribe and region will not define our association and progress is to urgently outlaw all regional and tribal groups.  They will never make a united Nigeria that the world will respect. Enough of the division that has been ongoing since 1960.  Yes, our fathers failed in uniting the country but do we have to fail like them?

Efemena Agadama, a playwright writes in from London