Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities trade with each other, mostly care for each other, increasingly inter-marry and have similar aspirations for thier children. But this present version of the vehicle that is the State is broken. It can be repaired ->
The federating units must be freed up immediately. This current public health and economic crisis must not be wasted. Come 2023, the strength of our elected federal leader must not be a function of centralization. Strength must instead be defined by a willingness to let go ->
I cannot pretend to understand the workings of the many different proud ethnic groups of this land. But I know those of modern Plateau. This is one of the most ethnically diverse States of the country. But we know each other well. We have lived symbiotically for centuries
I have observed that the ties that bind us as a people in plateau are increasingly defined by a fear of neocolonialism from the “core north” and fears of religious subjugation. This is not healthy. And I place the blame for this at the doorstep of Abuja. This is not who we are ->
I am incredibly proud of my ancestry and heritage. This takes nothing from the awe I have for the breathtaking cultural richness of other ethnic nationalities of this land. But this centralized state is threatening everything. Replacing this awe with an odor of mistrust.
I pray for a leader and a context as we approach 2023 that will free Plateau. Free everyone. This covid crisis already provides the latter. I believe there is benefit to retaining union. I also believe there are many “countries” in this country. Many possible economic miracles.
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