I have watched in amazement and utter bewilderment,and with some measure of amusement too,the unrelenting assault on our collective sensibilities by one Dr. Junaid Mohammed whose academic or political pedigree remain largely unknown.It is rather tragic that in these trying times,when Nigeria is grappling with potentially cataclysmic challenges of security and social unrest,and when all well-meaning citizens are making concerted efforts to stem the tide,some member of the dubious northern intellelligentsia is coming up with inflammatory and sensationalist propositions.
In his latest ill-prepared dish of banal propaganda,Dr. Junaid posits that in the event that Nigeria does break up, the "North" (yes,that amorphous appellation again) will ,as a matter of right, take over Abuja.
Without a doubt,no postulation can be more jaundiced or jejune.Assuming that Abuja,by reason of its geographical position were even to be regarded as a part of the North,is it not true that majority of the funds used in the conceptualixzation,development and maintenance of this city were derived from the proceeds of crude oil? Will such monies be refunded to the south-south upon a break-up of this country?
One wonders if his assertion does not border on deliberate mischief.why is he not in a hurry to "acquire" Benue or Kogi for instance? Why the emphasis on Abuja.
Dr. Junaid's contributions to national debate have been marked by an isufferable arrogance and a shocking crudity and banality not usually attributed to dignified men of northern extraction.His vituperations are laced with dangerous ethnic undertones and point in the direction of a dangerous dimension of fanatical tribalism and religious bigotry.
Such views,if they must be expressed,surely can find expression amongst men of similar ilk.Freedom of speech should not be used as a veneer to mask inciting and invidious comments.