The President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Pogu Bitrus has alleged that during the First Republic when the South East attempted to secede, Nigeria fought to maintain unity. He stated that the consequences of secession are clear and that the Igbo are still viewed as second-class citizens today.
He argued that Prof Ango Abdullahi’s statements for a revisit of the 1914 amalgamation treaty may be part of a publication that the Middle Belt has rejected. He expressed his disappointment that someone of Prof Ango Abdullahi’s stature would promote separatism. He highlighted that it is uncertain how Nigerians will respond to Prof Ango Abdullahi’s comments. He however emphasize the importance of considering the consequences of secession and the potential impact on national unity.
He said in an interview with The Sun, “He (Prof Ango Abdullahi) may be part of the publication which we referred to and which the Middle Belt has said they would not be a party to. When our Igbo brothers around the First Republic and all those coups decided to go their way, Nigeria fought vehemently to ensure that the country stayed together. It is unfortunate that somebody of his calibre would, for whatever reason, start beating the separatist drum. The truth remains, are we going to sit back and watch?
When the Igbos decided to have Biafra, we went and messed them up. Up till today, the Igbo, a very progressive group known to everybody, are still being considered as second-class citizens in their country. I don’t know how Nigerians will interpret what he (Prof Ango Abdullahi) has said. Time will tell whether a group can decide to walk away and we just sit down and watch or something else would happen. I believe there are more people who believe in our Unity than separation.”….S££–MOR£