Britain planted two evils in Nigeria – PDP Chieftain, Bode George

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief BodeGeorge, has blamed Nigeria’s lingering divisions on what he described as “twoevils” planted by the British colonial authorities, tribalism and religiousbigotry. George spoke on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday,while reacting to a question on whether he felt disappointed that the FederalGovernment ignored the family of Herbert Macaulay after they rejected theposthumous state pardon granted to the late nationalist by President BolaTinubu. Recall that Tinubu granted presidential prerogative of mercyto one of Nigeria’s founding fathers, Herbert Macaulay and 174 others acrossvarious categories. Macaulay, often called the “father of Nigerian nationalism,”was twice convicted by the colonial authorities in Lagos. However, the PDP chieftain leading Macaulay’s familyrejected the gesture from Nigerian government. While speaking on Arise Television, George said thegovernment was free to act as it deemed fit, adding that Nigerians would, indue time, judge such actions. “That’s their business. They are in power. Let them use itas they think. When the time comes, it will become a general view of Nigeriansas a family member, the man who dared the British,” George said. He continued: “Two evils were planted by the British in thiscountry, tribalism and religious bigotry. Every time there is one issue or theother, you can trace it back to either tribalism or religious bigotry. Look atthis Christian-Muslim matter. In the western area, you can hardly find a homewithout a Christian, a Muslim, and a traditionalist.” The PDP stalwart cited his own family as an example ofreligious tolerance, noting that his eldest sister was a Muslim whom hesponsored to Hajj and supported in her religious activities. “All these things we are talking about are existentialimbecilities that have no bearing on the management of this country. Nobodychose to be born a Christian or a Muslim. Just love your neighbour as yourself,it’s even in the Quran,” he added.

Read More