British colonial legacy fuelled tribalism, religious bigotry in Nigeria — Bode George

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, has attributed Nigeria’s persistent divisions to what he described as “two evils” planted by British colonial authorities — tribalism and religious bigotry.

George made the remark on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show while responding to a question on whether he felt disappointed that the Federal Government ignored the rejection by Herbert Macaulay’s family of the posthumous state pardon granted to the late nationalist by President Bola Tinubu.

President Tinubu recently approved presidential prerogative of mercy for Macaulay and 174 others across different categories.

Macaulay, widely regarded as the “father of Nigerian nationalism,” was convicted twice by British colonial authorities in Lagos.

However, InfoStride News reported that the Macaulay family rejected the posthumous gesture.

Reacting, George said the government was free to act as it pleased, stressing that Nigerians would ultimately judge its actions.

“That’s their business. They are in power. Let them use it as they think. When the time comes, it will become a general view of Nigerians as a family member — the man who dared the British,” he said.

George went on to argue that tribalism and religious intolerance, which he referred to as colonial “evils,” continue to shape Nigeria’s major conflicts.

“Two evils were planted by the British in this country — tribalism and religious bigotry. Every time there is one issue or the other, you can trace it back to either tribalism or religious bigotry. Look at this Christian-Muslim matter. In the western area, you can hardly find a home without a Christian, a Muslim, and a traditionalist,” he said.

Citing his family as an example, the PDP stalwart noted that his eldest sister was a Muslim, whom he sponsored to Hajj and supported in practising her faith.

“All these things we are talking about are existential imbecilities that have no bearing on the management of this country. Nobody chose to be born a Christian or a Muslim. Just love your neighbour as yourself — it’s even in the Qur’an,” George added.