Senator Victor Umeh has called on Nigerians to abandon ethnic divisions and embrace national unity, citing Rwanda’s transformation after the 1994 genocide as a model worthy of emulation.
Speaking during an interview on SYMFONI, the former national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) said Nigeria’s progress depends on its ability to move beyond tribal sentiments and create equal opportunities for all citizens.
Umeh reflected on Rwanda’s recovery from years of conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, noting that the East African nation has successfully built a strong national identity despite its troubled history.
According to him, the lessons from Rwanda demonstrate that countries can overcome deep-seated divisions when leaders and citizens commit themselves to national reconciliation and development.
The senator recounted a visit to Kigali in 2024, where he attended a conference and interacted with hotel workers. He said he was struck by the response he received when he asked whether a staff member belonged to the Hutu or Tutsi ethnic group.
Umeh said another employee simply replied that they were Rwandans, an answer he described as a powerful reminder of how far the country had moved from its past.
He explained that Rwanda’s leadership made a deliberate effort to discourage ethnic identification and instead promote a shared national identity after the genocide that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria, Umeh argued that the country’s political and social challenges are often worsened by tribal considerations, especially during elections and appointments.
He maintained that leadership should not be determined by ethnic origin but by competence, vision and the ability to serve all citizens fairly.
Quoting Rwanda’s post-conflict transformation, Umeh said, “They may still have the blood of the old, but they have not embraced each other.”
The senator stressed that Nigeria must create a society where citizens are judged by their contributions rather than their ethnic background.
He also expressed concern over what he described as growing feelings of exclusion among some sections of the country, warning that unequal opportunities could deepen national divisions.
Umeh urged political leaders to uphold the constitutional principle of federal character and ensure fairness in appointments, recruitment and access to government opportunities.
He further called for reforms that would strengthen democracy and foster a greater sense of belonging among Nigerians.
According to him, the country possesses enormous human and natural resources, but national development will remain difficult if citizens continue to view one another through ethnic lenses.
The lawmaker concluded by appealing to leaders and citizens alike to work towards building a united nation where merit, justice and equal opportunity form the foundation of governance…..See More
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