As Nigeria continues to grapple with the complexities of its past, it’s astonishing to see politicians like Femi Fani-Kayode perpetuating divisive narratives that only serve to widen the ethnic chasm. In a recent outburst, Fani-Kayode claimed that the Igbos were responsible for the 1966 coup, a notion that has been thoroughly debunked by historians and scholars.

But let’s set the record straight. The Igbos weren’t responsible for the assassination of Dele Giwa, the imprisonment of Obafemi Awolowo, or the assassination of Bola Ige. They weren’t responsible for the killing of MKO Abiola and his wife, Kudirat. And they certainly weren’t responsible for the alleged coup plot that led to the imprisonment of several Yoruba army generals, including General Oladipo Diya, General Abdulkareem Adisa, and others.

In fact, the 1966 coup was a complex event with multiple actors and motivations. As General Ibrahim Babangida, a key player in Nigeria’s military history, has pointed out, the coup was not an Igbo conspiracy, but rather a response to the corruption and ineptitude of the federal government at the time.

Moreover, Fani-Kayode’s attempts to rewrite history and demonize the Igbos are not only ahistorical but also reckless. His brand of politics is divisive, destructive, and has no place in modern Nigeria.

As someone who has been vocal about the need for unity and progress in Nigeria, I believe it’s time for us to move beyond the veil of hate and misinformation. We must confront our past with honesty and integrity, acknowledging the complexities and nuances that have shaped our nation.

Only then can we build a brighter future, free from the shackles of ethnic bigotry and hatred. As we reflect on our nation’s history, let us remember the words of Nelson Mandela, who said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Let us rise above the petty squabbles and divisions of the past. Let us choose a path of unity, understanding, and reconciliation. Enough is enough. Let’s reject the politics of hate and division. Let’s choose a path of unity, understanding, and reconciliation.

As a proud Nigerian and a advocate for progress, I urge my fellow citizens to join me in this call for unity and reconciliation. Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.