A Case For National Integration

There cannot be Nigeria without the Fulanis, or should I say, Nigeria, if the name(Nigeria) remains without the Fulanis, would not be the same Nigeria that is right now...

If Nigeria must move forward in the interest of all and sundry, there must be mutual respect and appreciation for every ethnic nationality. The Igbos must not be considered better than the Ishekiris, because of the size of her population, or the Urhobos better than the Ikwerres because of her population. I have posited in different fora that the three(3) major language concept in Nigeria is segregative and divisive in its entirety. In a nation that's made up of varied ethnic nationalities, and by implication different languages, it is an aberration to consider some languages major and the rest minor, if the nationals are truly desirous for national integration.

As an Ijaw or an Igala, how do you feel when you see in your national currency languages of other ethnic nationals(Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo) being inscribed on it and yours conspicuously omitted? Does it make you feel Nigerian to hear some languages(Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo) being spoken on national television programmes and yours nowhere to be heard?

The psychological implications for being considered a second-class citizen in a nation that's supposedly yours can't be over emphasised.

It's time we did what's right in Nigeria if we wish her well.

May God bless Nigeria and all well-meaning Nigerians...

John Miles Wanogho
Writing from Port Harcourt