Sowunmi warns Nigerians against tribal rhetoric, urges constructive engagement

By Omobolaji Adekunle

A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi, has warned Nigerians against engaging in tribal rhetoric that could lead the country into chaos.

Sowunmi, speaking to journalists in Abeokuta on Monday, highlighted that Nigeria’s current fragile state requires responsible and constructive engagement with the government.

He stressed that the excessive tribalisation of government policies, combined with the country’s deteriorating economic situation, could have severe consequences if not managed properly.

The PDP leader urged political leaders and elites from across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to engage with the government in ways that promote democratic values, rather than exacerbating divisions with inflammatory rhetoric.

Sowunmi also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconstitute his economic team and ensure a more balanced approach to key appointments in order to reduce tensions within the country.

Noting that the current administration had faced a difficult start, with the devaluation of the naira and the removal of the fuel subsidy, Sowunmi added that these challenges had contributed to the current economic instability.

Additionally, Sowunmi introduced “The Alternative,” an initiative designed to promote alternative methods of engaging with democracy and political discourse in Nigeria. He said the initiative aims to mitigate the dangers posed by divisive tribal rhetoric.