Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently made a significant assertion. He stated that Nigeria’s colonial masters, the British, left behind the deeply rooted problems of tribalism and religious bigotry.

George shared this view on Friday during an appearance on Arise Television. He was specifically reacting to the current state of the nation and its numerous challenges.

The elder statesman expressed his profound regret. He lamented how these divisions, created by the British, have significantly shaped almost every national issue Nigeria faces today.

Furthermore, he urged the incumbent government to provide meaningful opportunities for Nigerians. Such opportunities, he believes, would help citizens engage themselves constructively.

Highlighting his core argument, George declared, “When the British departed, they left two profound evils in this country. The first is tribalism, and the second is religious bigotry.”

He questioned the logic behind such divisive sentiments. “Did you choose your birthplace?” he asked rhetorically. “Did you ask the Almighty God where you wanted to be? To be a Yoruba, an Hausa, or a Fulani man?”

George described these divisions as a “crazy thing” that the colonialists introduced. He noted that every national issue since independence has revolved around these sentiments. “What does this have to do with making people happy?” he pondered, emphasizing their irrelevance to national well-being.

George then appealed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) government. He highlighted the “terrible hunger” and “anger in the land.” He urged them to take immediate action to address these pressing issues. The government must particularly help Nigerians engage themselves meaningfully. Failure to do so, he warned, could lead to a “time bomb” as another election year approaches.