The National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, has raised concerns over the future of Nigeria’s national unity. Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, the youth leader warned that persistent religious extremism and political domination could strain the country’s delicate socio-political fabric.
The Spark: Controversial Claims on Nigeria’s Identity
Igboayaka’s warning came in response to remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, who reportedly defended the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, asserting that Nigeria is fundamentally an Islamic nation. The OYC leader argued that such statements directly undermine the country’s diverse secular structure.
According to Igboayaka, portraying Nigeria as belonging exclusively to any single faith is dangerous and fosters mutual suspicion among the nation’s diverse ethnic and religious groups. He emphasized that while every region and community has the right to pursue its political ambitions, Nigeria’s constitutional identity remains multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-national.
A Push for a Democratic Referendum
The controversy surrounding these statements, Igboayaka noted, has processes that have inadvertently strengthened the arguments of self-determination groups, including pro-Biafra organizations, who are calling for a national referendum. Rather than resorting to violence, he urged these groups to leverage democratic avenues to voice their grievances.
“Sheikh Yahaya Jingir’s statement has provided credence and credibility to the call for the restoration of the Republican State of Biafra through a referendum,” Igboayaka stated. He argued that a peaceful, constitutionally backed referendum would allow Nigerians to democratically express their preferences regarding the nation’s political layout and resolve deep-seated structural issues.
Concerns Over Federal Government’s Silence
The OYC president also criticized the federal government’s silence regarding the cleric’s controversial remarks. He warned that failing to address inflammatory religious rhetoric can severely damage public trust in democratic institutions and aggravate existing societal divisions.
“The Federal Government’s silence means consent,” Igboayaka claimed, urging political leaders to act with caution and address statements capable of stoking religious tensions. He concluded by calling on citizens who value Nigeria’s pluralistic identity to support peaceful constitutional dialogues to prevent the escalation of ethnic and religious divisions.