Chief Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has blamed Nigeria’s persistent divisions on what he described as “two evils” planted by British colonial authorities: tribalism and religious bigotry.

George made the remarks on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, while responding to questions about the Federal Government’s decision to grant a posthumous state pardon to Herbert Macaulay, Nigeria’s nationalist pioneer, despite his family rejecting the gesture.

President Bola Tinubu had granted the presidential prerogative of mercy to Herbert Macaulay and 174 others across various categories. Macaulay, often regarded as the “father of Nigerian nationalism,” had been twice convicted by colonial authorities in Lagos.

Commenting on the family’s rejection, George said the government was free to act as it deemed fit, but Nigerians would ultimately judge such actions.

“That’s their business. They are in power. Let them use it as they think. When the time comes, it will become a general view of Nigerians,” he stated.

George then turned to broader national issues, emphasizing that tribalism and religious bigotry are deeply rooted in Nigeria due to colonial influence.

“Every time there is one issue or the other, you can trace it back to either tribalism or religious bigotry. Look at this Christian-Muslim matter. In the western area, you can hardly find a home without a Christian, a Muslim, and a traditionalist,” he said.

Citing his own family as an example, George noted his eldest sister is a Muslim, whom he sponsored to Hajj and supported in her religious activities.

“All these things we are talking about are existential imbecilities that have no bearing on the management of this country. Nobody chose to be born a Christian or a Muslim. Just love your neighbour as yourself, it’s even in the Quran,” he added.