Chief Goddy Uwazurike has made remarks that have caused controversy and challenge popular notions about political leadership in Northern Nigeria. He was a delegate to the 2014 National Conference and the former president of an Igbo socio-cultural organization. Uwazurike recently spoke with The Sun News and provided information that may change how people see the political dynamics in the area. The North is home to numerous minority groups, and I'm going to shock you with this, Uwazurike started. Despite popular belief, not everyone in the south identifies as Hausa or Fulani.
In contrast to the oversimplified perspective held by many in the south of the country, this remark emphasizes the rich diversity found in Northern Nigeria. Uwazurike continued by making an astonishing assertion regarding the North's political influence. "The Hausas are mainly farmers and traders, but they are not the political leaders in the North; the political leaders are the Fulani," said the politician. This viewpoint questions the commonly held belief that the Fulani and Hausa communities hold equal political sway in the area. In his remarks, the outgoing delegate highlighted the cultural and linguistic components of Hausa identity.
He elaborated by saying, "Hausa is a language; yes, there is a Hausa tribe, but it is a language," implying that there is more nuance to the Hausa identity than what is commonly assumed. Uwazurike also brought attention to the fact that Fulani people are present in large numbers throughout the states in the North, which suggests a more decentralized power structure than is often believed. "The Fulani... are spread in all the Northern states," according to him. Uwazurike made an intriguing connection between attempts to examine alternatives to conventional political leadership systems and a plan involving 18 states.
Although the interview did not go into detail, he did say that the idea for 18 states arose from a desire to look beyond political leadership. The former representative urged the audience to keep pushing for change as he wrapped up his speech. "So, Ikenga and Nwoko are free; let the agitations continue until the civilians do the right thing," Uwazurike added, dropping hints about ongoing conversations or actions relating to political reform in Nigeria.