Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over Nigerians prioritizing ethnic affiliations over national unity, which he believes is obstructing the country’s development. Speaking in Effurun, Delta State, Jonathan emphasized the need for federal lawmakers and leaders to see themselves as representatives of the entire nation, not just their ethnic groups. He highlighted that Nigeria’s failure to foster unity, despite over a century since amalgamation, has left the country struggling with deep-seated divisions.
Jonathan pointed out that other nations with diverse populations have successfully embraced unity to achieve progress, whereas Nigeria remains divided along ethnic lines. “The forces pulling us apart are too strong,” he stated, urging leaders to implement policies that strengthen national cohesion. He added that Nigerians must recognize the benefits of unity and work toward dismantling barriers that prevent collective growth.
The former president also addressed the challenges of leadership in a multi-ethnic nation, noting that while appointing ministers is constitutionally straightforward, assigning heads of agencies often leads to allegations of favoritism. He called for policies that prioritize national interest over individual or regional gains, stressing that genuine development can only be achieved when Nigerians see themselves as part of one unified nation.