Obasanjo Urges Unity, Dismisses Blame on Igbo for Secession Attempts, Highlights History of Secession Efforts Across Nigeria

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the notion of solely blaming the Igbo for their desire to secede from Nigeria, arguing that all major ethnic groups in the country have attempted secession at different points in history. He made these remarks while addressing a 20-member delegation from the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obasanjo expressed discomfort when people suggest that an Igbo person cannot become the president of Nigeria due to the ethnic group's role in the January 15, 1966 coup, which marked the end of the First Republic. He noted that the North also tried to leave Nigeria, referring to the secessionist movement known as "Araba."

The former president stated, "It pains me when people say that because the Igbo attempted secession, an Igbo man cannot be the president of Nigeria. I say, what nonsense? No section of Nigeria has not considered secession. What is 'Araba' in the North? The North had planned to break away from Nigeria, as my friend Ahmed Jooda once said."

He continued, "What is a treasonable felony? None of us can claim to be better than the other. We need to put our heads together and build a united country."

Obasanjo expressed support for the concerns raised by the League of Northern Democrats, stating that many Nigerians share these views. However, he added that he would fully back the group if it adopts a national rather than regional outlook.