Nigeria’s envoy to Chad, Babagana Kingibe has said that the country’s unity is negotiable.
In his speech at The Sun Newspaper awards for 2020 in Lagos on Saturday October 16, the former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) stated that in spite of what his colleagues say, every union is negotiable.
According to him, when a party is trying to opt out of a union, he/she must consider the pros and cons of his/her choice before making a final decision.
Kinigbe said: “I was born in Nigeria. I was groomed in Nigeria. I believe in Nigeria. People of my generation believe in Nigeria. We have no doubt about the fact that we have no option, but Nigeria.
“However, I think that a few of my colleagues believe that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. Of course, it is negotiable. Even the unity of a family is negotiable. Even the constitution of husband and wife is negotiable. The moment either parties feels this union is no longer bearable, that he or she will rather go his/her way. You help them to sit down consider their condition after a careful and rational examination of the pros and cons of how to be married that they take the decision which suit them best.
“It is enough just to say I do not farewell where I am. So, I am going.”
The envoy however added that any party that wants to pull out from any union, must also consider the implications.
Kinigbe said: “Are you sure where you are going? Are you sure of the consequence of where you are going? Do you really feel that the grass is greener on the other side? If you do, sit with your partner in respect, in mutual respect, in love if possible, but without demonising your husband or your wife because you will always remain the ex of the other person. But discuss quietly so that even if you separate in the future you can inter-relate with love and respect.”