Nigeria’s unity discourse has intensified amid rising ethnic tensions, political mistrust and debates over national cohesion.
At a public book presentation in Abuja, NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) said Nigerians must reject narratives portraying diversity as a national burden, insisting it remains one of the country’s greatest strengths.
Marwa delivered the keynote at the unveiling of Buni Boy, a book written by late legal scholar Niyi Ayoola-Daniels.
“Diversity is a gift to safeguard” — Marwa
In his address, Marwa said the book and the life of its author “speak to the unity and strength woven through our diversity as Nigerians”.
“Our diversity is not a burden but a gift and a trust we must safeguard,” he said.
He reflected on the Nigeria of the 1960s, a period he described as more trusting and united despite the civil war.
“Those of us who grew up in the 1960s know it as lived truth. The experience captured in the narrative mirrors the country we once walked through with unguarded hearts,” he said.
He recalled his education across Zaria, Enugu, Abeokuta, and Lagos, and his admission to the Nigeria Military School, noting that pupils came from all ethnic groups.
“Whether you speak Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo, we regarded ourselves as kin. We saw one another as Nigerians,” he said.
Marwa recounts why he conducted free and fair Lagos election
The NDLEA boss also revisited his days as Military Administrator of Lagos State, saying he resisted pressure from the military hierarchy to influence the 1999 governorship election, which was eventually won by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The military hierarchy instructed me to prevent him from emerging governor because of his pro-democracy activism. But I chose to conduct a free and fair election that produced the most popular candidate,” Marwa said.
He added that Lagos residents “showed him great love” at a time when the federal military government was unpopular in the state.
A call for national healing
Marwa acknowledged Nigeria’s long-standing ethnic tensions and governance challenges but cautioned against using them to justify division.
“These difficulties cannot justify any idea of tearing the nation apart,” he said.“Our challenges should push us to repair the fault lines and pursue greater inclusion.”
Tribute to the author
Marwa praised Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, widow of the author, for preserving her husband’s legacy, describing the book as a powerful story of justice, discipline and personal transformation.
He said the story resonated with him not only because he governed the old Borno State where Buni Yadi was located but also because he personally met the family of the judge whose decisions shaped the author’s life.
What’s next
Analysts say Marwa’s remarks may revive discussions on national cohesion, particularly as political actors debate constitutional reforms and restructuring.