Nigeria Has No Ethnic Problems – Actor, Kenneth Okonkwo

Actor, Kenneth Okonkwo has said that Nigeria has no ethnic problems.

Nollywood veteran actor, Kenneth Okonkwo has said that he does not believe that Nigeria has any religious or ethnic problems.

The veteran made this statement during a recent interview in London, United Kingdom.

Okonkwo said that the perceived ethnic problems facing Nigeria is as a result of the narrative by the Nigerian leaders.

He said, “I do not believe that Nigeria has any religious or ethnic problems, our leaders are trying to explore those fault lines to become relevant. If you get to any market in Nigeria, if a foreigner comes in, you will hardly distinguish between Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo.”

Continuing, the actor cum politician noted that Nigerians love each other beyond ethnic diversity and religion but the leaders are only passing a narrative favourable to them.

“We don’t have it (ethnic and religious problems) but our leaders created it in other to satisfy their selfish ends. When we were in that military regime, it came by force, by the power of forearms and the only thing they were looking for were the loyal people around them so they tend to gravitate around their own area because that is where they believe they will find people they can trust.

“So during the military regime in Nigeria, each military person has always gravitated around either his tribe or his religion not because he wants a religious jingoist but because he’s looking for people he is sure he can trust so that they don’t kill him. But in a democratic regime, everybody have the sense to strategize to accumulate power through peaceful means so it then depends on your political astuteness, strategy and ability to collaborate with other people which is what gives you power in democracy.”