Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has once again come under criticism recently over his comment on Nigeria as a “mere geographical expression”.
A concerned Nigerian and a lawyer, Mr Ayo Turton, responding to Osinbajo’s comment, in a speech titled “Mere Geographical Expression” — Ag. President Goofed!”, wrote:
In a recent speech, Prof. Osinbajo was quoted to have said that those who are using the phrase Nigeria is a “mere geographical expression” are ignorant of the fact that it was used to describe Italy a century before Nigeria and that Italy is still a “mere geographical expression”
He called those who think that Nigeria is doomed to fail because of the way it is presently cobbled together “pseudo-intellectuals”.
In his opinion (albeit factually wrong) he thinks that if Italy has survived for over 100 years before Nigeria, then Nigeria will, no sir.
I had to scratch my head reading that message because among those people he referred to as “pseudo-intellectuals” would be his own grandfather-in-law, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the sage.
I am giving the Ag. President Osinbajo the benefit of the doubt that he didn’t have the time to read and process that speech before committing that blunder.
And if that speech wasn’t prepared but impromptu, I dare to say you are wrong sir.
FACTS
When Klemens Von Metternich referred to “Italy” as a mere geographical expression in April 1847 it was a statement of fact.
Today’s Italy then was Italian Peninsula consisting of mutually independent sovereign states. There was no single country or nation known as Italy then. So, Klemens was right.
When Chief Obafemi Awolowo used the expression in relation to Nigeria, he used it as a metaphor for the haphazard amalgamation of several erstwhile sovereign entities that are still fiercely loyal to their ethnic origins to become Nigeria.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo was right then, and the expression is true about Nigeria till date.
The pseudo-intellectuals are those who think Italy is still surviving as a mere geographical expression. The difference conveniently overlooked by Osinbajo is what Italy did that we are refusing to do.
Italian Peninsula consists of independent sovereign states just like the territory now known as Nigeria consisted of many sovereign and independent governments.
When Italy became unified in 1861, the unification did not force the independent states under one central government but rather created autonomous regions forming the country known as Italy.
As of date, there are 20 of such autonomous regions in Italy making it a real federalist country.
(Unfortunately, the Ag. President has been calling those, who are asking for what Italy did, names.)
Therefore, Italy is no longer a “mere geographical expression” it has achieved the status of a nation-state having devised a system that works for everyone.
Did we learn anything from them? Likewise, Japan, Switzerland, Belgium, Indian, Indonesia, etc.
What Italy did ironically is all we are asking Osinbajo & co to do.
Nigeria remains a de facto and metaphorically a “mere geographical expression”
If not, he Osinbajo will be fully-fledged President right now. But those who think it is their turn won’t let him. They would rather have a President rule from London. A disheartening reminder of our colonial history.
The joke is on Mr. Ag. President”.
Contributing, Chief Femi Fani Kayode said:
Many here that are still in doubt about Osinbajo’s ape-like tomfoolery have much to learn from Turton’s insightful contribution.
Also recently, Fani Kayode had dropped a bombshell on Osinbajo over his well-publicised comment on restructuring.
Osinbajo was quoted as saying that “Those that are calling for restructuring are looking for appointment.
“When they say they want restructuring what they mean is that they want an appointment.
“Some people told us Nigeria is a “geographical expression” although it was not even original to them”.
In reaction, Fani Kayode said: “Instead of doing the right thing and soothing frayed nerves you are encouraging division in our nation and you are consolidating and perpetuating a ruthless and heartless quasi-apartheid system of government which has no basis in decency, rationality, justice or fairness.
“It is a cruel and barbaric system which sees a few as the master race and the rest as slaves. Given all this how can you possibly live with yourself and how can you hold your head up high?
“You join common slaves and ride on horseback whilst you condemn and confine the princes of the realm and the sons and daughters of the Most High God to walk around barefooted.
“This is not only sacrilege but it is indeed a great evil under the sun. May god forgive you and may He deliver you before it is too late.
“All those that said that we should have faith in the APC and the Acting President should carefully meditate on and consider his words and categorisation of those who believe in restructuring and self-determination,” he concluded.
Read the full report: Fani Kayode Drops Bombshell On Osinbajo Over Restructuring Comment
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