Babachir Lawal Exposes Deep Divisions Among Nigerians in the Aftermath of the 2023 General Elections, Urges Northern Unity for Progress
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has spoken out about the alarming ethnic and religious divisions that emerged among Nigerians following the 2023 general elections. In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Lawal expressed concern over the extent to which people have become isolated and suspicious of one another due to the divisive nature of the elections.
Lawal specifically emphasized the challenges faced by the North, asserting that political benefits in the region would continue to be elusive unless its people can set aside their tribal and religious differences and unite for a common goal. He lamented the deterioration of the situation, remarking that the current state of affairs reflects a return to the days when ethnic and religious groups were fragmented within the country.
According to Lawal, this fragmentation is evident in the North, where there is a clear divide between the Yoruba, Igbo, Christians, and Muslims. Even within the Christian community, tribal divisions further compound the problem. Lawal highlighted the need to avoid such divisions, as unity seems unattainable in the current climate of animosity and acts of violence.
Lawal questioned the possibility of stitching together the torn fabric of the nation when its people have taken up arms against their own. He raised concerns over the lack of leadership in the North capable of convening a meeting of respected elders to deliberate on matters of unity and collaboration, as groups attempting to unite tend to be confined to specific religious affiliations rather than encompassing a broader scope.
Babachir Lawal’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for Nigerians to address the deeply rooted divisions that have calcified along ethnic and religious lines as a result of the 2023 general elections. Only through collective efforts to bridge these divides and foster unity can Nigeria regain its strength and progress towards a brighter future.
