Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a stark warning that the foundational issues which triggered the Nigerian Civil War remain unresolved and continue to threaten the nation’s stability. Speaking on the current socio-political climate, the elder statesman emphasized that the country has yet to fully address the grievances that pushed the nation to the brink of collapse between 1967 and 1970. UNRESOLVED HISTORICAL GRIEVANCES Obasanjo argued that the primary drivers of the conflict—namely marginalization, ethnic tensions, and the failure of equitable resource distribution—are still prevalent today. He noted that instead of learning from the traumatic experiences of the past, contemporary political discourse often mirrors the divisive narratives that preceded the outbreak of hostilities. According to him, these unresolved tensions act as a ticking time bomb for the nation’s unity. THE FAILURE OF NATIONAL COHESION The former president pointed out that the lack of genuine national integration remains a significant hurdle. He criticized the tendency of political leaders to prioritize ethnic and regional interests over the collective identity of Nigeria. Obasanjo warned that unless there is a conscious, concerted effort to foster true inclusivity and re-evaluate the structures of governance, the cycle of agitations and civil unrest will continue to persist. A CALL FOR RADICAL REORIENTATION To mitigate these risks, Obasanjo called for a fundamental reorientation of the Nigerian citizenry and leadership alike. He underscored the need for a national dialogue that is not merely performative but focused on addressing the systemic inequalities that fuel secessionist movements and regional animosities. He reiterated that military solutions alone cannot solve political problems, stressing that the peace achieved in 1970 was a cessation of hostilities rather than a permanent resolution of the underlying causes. Obasanjo concluded that for Nigeria to move forward, it must be prepared to face its history honestly and restructure its political foundation to ensure that every citizen feels a sense of belonging within the federation.