The development appears to have confirmed Fani-Kayode’s penchant for making controversial statements on the social media and his notoriety for posting what a respondent described as ‘hateful and spiteful ethnocentric comments’.
The latest statement has generally been interpreted to be targeted at a particular ethnic group in the country.
In a tone that suggested he was not prepared to give up playing the ethnic card yet, FFK wrote, “At the end of the day, whatever happens in 2015, the only thing that is important to me is that the Yoruba nation is in a position to defend itself in the event of hostilities from any quarter. We will not allow any other nationality to claim our land or to lord it over us. That will never be allowed to happen again.
“Either Nigeria must be restructured or Nigeria shall break. This matter will finally be settled once and for all in 2015. Nigeria will be 100 years old as from next year. It is time for us to finally decide whether we still want to remain together or go our separate ways.
“No nationality that has a pathological hatred for the Yorubas will ever lead or rule Nigeria again and neither will they be allowed to live amongst us peacefully. That much I know — if you hate us, you had better forget ruling from the centre and stick to your zones and states and you better leave our territory and relocate back to your state of origin.”
After reading the statement, some Nigerians attacked Fani- Kayode on Twitter and Facebook . They described the piece as clearly demonstrating his hatred for Ndigbo and concluded that it was high time they called him to order.
Even the Chief of Staff to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Patrick Obahiagbon, reacted to the statement in a series of tweets, saying, “Ah there he goes again with his rancid diatribes… Is he sloshed again? The ones who claim Voltrons of their tribes are actually the worst bigots… Don’t fall for their wishy washy quasi sentimentalist twisted views… I really don’t know how people live their lives viewing everything on a tribal line… There is so much more to life… Quite shameful really.”
Although he was accused of subtly fanning the flame of ethnic disunity at a time when unity is needed the most, FFK has said nothing in response on Twitter. Meanwhile, his Facebook page has transformed into a war theatre of sorts, as Nigerians from various ethnic backgrounds launched attacks at one another.
Reacting to the FFK’s comments, Okey Anachuna said, “I rest my case. Instigating ethnocentrism will damage what the Boko Haram has left in its trail. I rest my case.”
Also addressing the former minister, Egondu Okorie said, “A man of your status should learn to reason before making statements. I am sorry to say this, but one thing I have noticed is that you lack wisdom. You should be advocating peace rather than these hate comments. Has it ever occurred to you that many Yoruba men and women are married to Igbo? Every nation or tribe needs the other, be it Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa. So you have to stop doing this.”
Popular blogger, Linda Ikeji tweeted her reaction to FFK’s comments. She wrote, “The former minister’s major occupation is to fan the embers of disunity amongst the ethnic groups in Nigeria.”
Surprised at the reactions, Fani kayode posted another comment, saying, “ I implore all those that are contributing to this thread to please modify their language and to be as civil to one another as possible. I appreciate the fact that passions are running high but we can make our points without hurling insults or being abusive. Thanks.”
Although a better part of the discussion has been taking place on the Fani Kayode’s Facebook wall, he has not been spared by critics who have tagged him an ethnic bigot on Twitter. For example, one Oforokere tweeted, “People like Femi Fani-Kayode are the main reasons why Nigeria remains disunited. An adult acting like a kid.” And Zainab Hong simply asked, “What in the world is wrong with Femi Fani-Kayode?”
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