Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi not only states that Nigeria should be divided, but should be divided into multiple 
countries. His remarks come just a week after violent clashes between Muslim and Christian sects have rocked the country.
Originally, Gaddafi suggested that Nigeria be split in half. The northern part of the country would be dedicated to Muslims while the south would be Christian. the President has now altered his statement – now offering that Nigeria should be split into numerous countries – citing additional cultures as wanting their independence.
Gaddafi proposed that Nigeria follow the model of Yugoslavia. “The Yoruba people in the west and south demand independence, while the Igbo people live in the east and south. It became clear that the Ijaw people demand independence and the Hausa people in the north call for the establishment of the Hausa state.”
Gaddafi believes that the succession can be peaceful and all states would have equal share in the natural resources in what is currently Nigeria – including oil.
Nigeria has all but called the remarks ridiculous. According to the BBC, the Nigerian foreign ministry said Col. Gaddafi’s remarks were irresponsible. “His theatrics and grandstanding at every auspicious occasion have become too numerous to recount”. Nigeria’s central government has yet to comment on Gaddafi’s latest comments.
Nigeria has apparently dismissed Gaddafi’s statements, perhaps because of his persona. However, it would be very interesting to hear Nigeria’s solution to the issue. It is clear that over the past few months – as over 500 have died amid the cross-cultural violence – the government does need to do something.
This issue is not only restricted to Nigeria. Many African countries contain numerous cultures that were, unfortunately, forced together during colonization.
