Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made a strong statement. He asserted that Nigeria’s colonial masters deliberately left behind tribalism and religious bigotry.
He made this assertion during an appearance on Arise Television on Friday. George was reacting to the current state of affairs in the nation.
The elder statesman lamented these historical divisions. He noted they were created by the British. These divisions continue to shape nearly every national challenge Nigeria faces today.
George quoted, “When the British left here, they left two evils in this country. The first is tribalism, and the second is religious bigotry.”
He questioned the rationale behind these enduring divisions. “The day you were born? Did you ask the Almighty God where you want to be? To be a Yoruba man, an Hausa man, or a Fulani man?” he queried.
He further stressed the impact of this “crazy thing.” It was left by the colonizers. This issue has influenced national discourse since independence. “What has it got to do with putting a smile on the faces of people?” he asked. He highlighted a clear focus away from citizen welfare.
The PDP chieftain appealed to the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) government. He urged them to provide Nigerians with meaningful opportunities. This would help citizens engage themselves productively.
George issued a stark warning. “While we are facing this terrible hunger in the land, and there is anger in the land, they should do something especially for the people to engage themselves meaningfully,” he advised.
He concluded with a dire prediction. “We are heading to election year. When you compound all those together, it is a time bomb,” he cautioned, pointing to potential instability.
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