A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson, Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation for the 2019 general elections, Segun Sowunmi, has warned that the excessive tribalisation narrative of the current administration’s policies, coupled with the dwindling economic situation, if not managed, could cause havoc in the country.
Sowunmi, who issued the warning on Monday, while addressing Journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, called on Nigerians, especially political leaders, to desist from tribal rhetoric capable of plunging the country into chaos.
He noted that though the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government started on a wobbly note by floating the country’s currency amidst the removal of fuel subsidy, he added that the criticism reeking of tribal colouration and divisive tendencies must be avoided.
Sowunmi stressed that the political leaders and the elite in the geo-political sub regions of Nigeria must learn how to engage the government in a responsible and constructive manner capable of enhancing democratic values, rather than engaging in actions or tirades that will further divide the nation.
“This nation has never been in a more delicate or fragile situation since 1914. The issues that have bedeviled the country under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are tending towards threatening the concept called Nigeria,” he said.
“The excessive tribalisation narrative of government policies, the politics of the geo-political zones of our sub region within our country, the global economic challenges, the difficulties of managing the complex administrative, governance and economic issues, and our irresponsible political conversational struggle within the country, have never been on the tenterhooks.
“Any leader in Nigeria, whether at the national, state or LGs, he or she will inherit the administration as it is handed over to him or her. Before the person gets there, he has no magic wand or clairvoyance by which he is going to see clearly the state of things. I am convinced that all the past leaders had governed according to their capabilities and capacity. They all meant to do well up to the limit of their competence.
“It, therefore, follows that when we want to analyze or engage the government, we must do so from the position where they stand. I am also convinced that since the amalgamation, we have been struggling to be a nation called Nigeria, and if we don’t manage our tribal rhetoric very well, we will injure the country mortally.”
The PDP chieftain urged Tinubu to dismantle his fourth-rate and southwest-dominated economic team and balance key appointments to ease tension in the country.
He noted that ‘The Alternative’ was founded, to address the dangers posed by tribal rhetoric across the country, noting that it has become imperative for Nigerians to avail themselves with alternative ways of doing things in the country, alternative ways of doing democracy, alternative ways of engagement and conversation, so that the citizens don’t destroy what has been created over the years.
On his aspiration for the position of the National Chairman of the PDP, Sowunmi said he remained the only person who can reposition and reinvigorate the party and reclaim its number one position in Nigeria
