BRAC rejects secession push, calls for tolerance among ethnic groups

By Abubakar Yunusa

The BRAC Coasted Aborigines, comprising Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, on Tuesday rejected renewed secessionist agitations in parts of the country and called on Nigerians to embrace tolerance across ethnic and religious divides.

The group warned that divisive rhetoric and hate speeches could heighten tension and threaten the fragile unity of the nation if not urgently addressed by political and community leaders.

In a statement on Tuesday, the group said challenges associated with governance should not be used as justification to portray Nigeria negatively or promote sentiments capable of triggering another national crisis.

It noted that while Nigerians have legitimate concerns about leadership and development, labelling the country as a failed or cursed state would only deepen mistrust and worsen existing socio-political challenges.

The group alleged that there were growing campaigns aimed at discrediting the Hausa/Fulani leadership, warning that such narratives were capable of fuelling ethnic rivalry and political instability.

It stressed that attempts to instigate conflict through inflammatory religious rhetoric and sponsored hate speech must be condemned by citizens who desire peaceful coexistence.

The group also expressed strong opposition to separatist agitations linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra, stating that the BRAC states had no intention of aligning with any proposed Biafra Republic.

According to the statement, despite sharing geographical proximity and historical ties with the South-East, the coastal states maintained distinct political and cultural identities.

The group recalled historical tensions following Nigeria’s 1966 political crisis, citing the attempted breakaway by Niger Delta activist, Isaac Adaka Boro, as evidence of longstanding political differences between the regions.

It maintained that current separatist campaigns could worsen insecurity and ethnic distrust if not properly managed through dialogue and responsible leadership.

The group further alleged that some broadcasts linked to separatist movements had promoted messages capable of endangering innocent citizens, particularly traders and travellers moving across regional boundaries.

It warned that such developments could provoke reprisals and heighten inter-ethnic hostility across the country.

While acknowledging that all ethnic groups share responsibility for Nigeria’s political and security challenges, the group urged leaders and citizens to promote understanding, respect and national cohesion.

It called on Nigerians to accept cultural differences and work collectively towards strengthening peace and development in the country.

The group emphasised that sustainable unity could only be achieved through mutual respect, responsible political engagement and collective commitment to Nigeria’s stability.