SAN FRANCISCO, July 14, (THEWILL) – Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka on Friday declared that the unity of Nigeria as a country is an issue that must be debated so as to address the lingering complains of marginalisation by citizens.
Speaking when he joined the Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson to commission a new high school in Kaiama, he said “Don’t tell me that Nigeria, as it is, is non-negotiable. To me, that’s a fallacy.”
THEWILL recalls that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo had said a fortnight ago, “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”.
But disagreeing with this position, Soyinka maintained, “The claim that the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable is a false statement. The right of the people to determine their future is what is non-negotiable.
“Negotiation involves ensuring that there’s no marginalisation. Negotiation involves ensuring that the major components of the country are not feeding on the centre”.
While expressing belief in the unity of Nigeria, the renowned playwright however warned those against restructuring to stop being “dogmatic and dictatorial” in expressing their position.
