Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, leader of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, has cautioned that the nation’s unity faces significant danger if political discussions continue to be driven by religious extremism. Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, he responded to claims made by Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, who reportedly defended the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket by labeling Nigeria a Muslim nation.
Igboayaka argued that such rhetoric undermines Nigeria’s identity as a diverse, multi-religious state. He suggested that framing the country as belonging to a single faith only fosters distrust among ethnic and religious groups. He noted that these comments have emboldened groups seeking self-determination, specifically those advocating for a Biafran referendum, to push for a peaceful, democratic process to decide the nation’s political future.
The youth leader further criticized the federal government for failing to address Jingir’s comments, suggesting that remaining silent on inflammatory rhetoric damages public confidence in democratic institutions. He urged all citizens concerned about the direction of the country to prioritize a peaceful referendum as a constitutional method for resolving long-standing tensions and addressing national grievances.
