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Libya's Muammar Gaddafi says Nigeria should be divided into several states along ethnic lines - comments which are bound to anger Nigeria's government.
He said Nigeria should follow the model of Yugoslavia, after previously saying it should be divided into two - along the lines of India and Pakistan.
He recently said Nigeria should be split into a Muslim and a Christian country to end communal clashes.
That prompted a furious Nigeria to recall its ambassador to Tripoli.
Nigeria's foreign ministry said Col Gaddafi's initial comments were "irresponsible".
"His theatrics and grandstanding at every auspicious occasion have become too numerous to recount," said a foreign ministry statement.
A Nigerian senator called Col Gaddafi, until recently head of the African Union, a "mad man".
Nigeria's government has not yet commented on his latest comments.
The BBC's Rana Jawad in Tripoli says the dispute appears to have become a tit-for-tat game.
'Peaceful secession'
In response to Nigeria's condemnation, Col Gaddafi issued a statement to the state-run news agency, Jana.
"It became clear... that Nigeria does not consist of two parts," he accepted, before adding:
"The Yoruba people in the west and south demand independence, while the Igbo people live in the east and south.
"It became clear that the Ijaw people demand independence and the [Hausa] people in the north call for the establishment of the [Hausa] state".
In his original comments, Col Gaddafi said that Nigeria should be divided into two - comparing it to the partition of British India into Hindu-dominated India and Muslim Pakistan, which led to at least 200,000 deaths and possibly as many as one million.
But the Libyan leader now suggests Nigeria should follow in the footsteps of Yugoslavia.
He says the most bloody conflict in the former-Yugoslavia - in Bosnia - arose because that was a multi-ethnic state, while the other countries seceded "peacefully".
An attempt by Nigeria's Igbo people to gain independence in 1967 sparked a war which left more than one million people dead.
Hundreds have died this year in violence between rival Muslim and Christian groups around the city of Jos.
Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation, with some 130 million people. It has more than 250 different ethnic groups, broadly divided into a largely Muslim north and mainly Christian south.
What do you think of Col Gaddafi's opinion that Nigeria should follow in the former Yugoslavia's footsteps? Send us your views, using the postform at the bottom of the page.
Please read a selection of your comments below:
I am utterly flabbergasted for such an outrageous and nonsensical remarks from the Libyan leader. Gaddafi along with other African Presidents should expend their energy and use the bully pulpit to advocate for a united Africa. Nigeria's current predicament is due in large part to poor governance, greed and financial mismanagement by the country's bureaucrats over the less fortunate. Learn history and take a page from the US.
Landing Kassma, Westchest, OH
Gaddafi has surely a mental problem and needs to be helped out, he also wanted to divide Switzerland into different countries... he's sick!! He says such things only when he wants to "insult" a country he doesn't like: It's like two babies fighting!
Paolo Tartaglia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
it is amazing that african people are subjected to the whims of there so called leaders. so what is holding Nigeria together? what is holding any african country together including Libya. is it the existence of a national identity or economic interest? NO they are held together by violence and oppression. these people call gaddafi a "mad man" for suggesting what looks like the obvious solution. maybe he is wrong, but what we have in africa today is something that could not be tolerated. the nation-state system and the class of people that inherited the colonial state have reduced the people to the state of them not even knowing what is going on. survival is what on the people mind. and their leaders are the ones that put the money they get from any one willing to rape the land, ahead of the interest of the people. that is true whether democracy or not. the change that comes to africa must be total. get rid of the nation state. and the monsters that use it.
nabaddoon, ottawa, canada
Those vilifying Gaddafi for suggesting a break up of Nigeria to save lives have simply responded with empty rhetoric without any clues as to how to justify or stop the bleeding of Nigerians as the price of unity.
Robert Sanda, Alberta, Canada
I don't think Gaddafi is a mad man but a logical man if only on this issue. He is right on so many levels. Nigeria needs to be broken up into 3 or 4 states. If it cannot be broken down into these said states then it should have a decentralized government. Just like they have in the United states and elsewhere. That way the people would have a more direct control over their ideas and one region would not be neglected or given priority over the others.
Gee Baba, Cranston, US
Even if Nigeria is divided into 100 nations, Gaddafi can be rest assured he will never actualise his aim of Islamising Africa and becoming its maximum ruler. This guy should wake up, he's an Arab! He should stop deceiving himself - a pity even his Arab kin do not accept him. What a pity, his ultimate dream on planet earth, would remain just that, a dream!
John Ufot, Calabar, Nigeria
A toad does not jump in the daytime for nothing. I am beginning to think that we need to re-examine our national security and indeed whether Nigeria is truly a nation. Where does this dude derive his courage - making our business his business?
Danjuma Abubakar, Abuja, Nigeria
The recent crisis in Nigeria is not far from what can be referred to as "religious ignorance" where people claim to fight for their religion without understanding the real teachings of the religion. The question is "if we preach God as peaceful, then why do we fight". Gaddafi's suggestion is quite apt for resolution of the crisis. Every region thus, Muslim and Christian region should pilot their own affairs, have their own system of government, this will lure every member of a group back to its region thereby eliminating unnecessary killings.
Mbanefo Ebuka, Onitsha Nigeria
Col Gaddafi is only repeating what God had already done which the so called people refused to see. God uses water - river to create natural boundary. who is that blind that cannot see rivers showing the divide of the nations - the north; the west and the east. It is only a matter of time. They shall surely separate.
DANNY, Calabar
Gaddafi is not a mad man but Nigerians not seeing any truth in what he said. The reality is is we have ethnic mistrust for one another even as we speak. This ethnic mad, cuts across everything in Nigeria religion, economics, political life of the people. Even in the last Yar'Adua issue, some Nigerians requested for a break. I have more respect for him than before his statement. He is the only one bold enough to tell our leaders the truth. Remember, if we continue in the same trend, what Gaddafi said will come to past. As a Nigerian u do not need a prophet
T.Oyee, Dallas
Gaddafi like making headlines. Am so glad he could not bribe his way to second term in office as African Union head. His regime is repressive certainly cannot divide Nigeria with his comments we have come a long way and our differences have united us thus far. Nigeria with its number is greater than Libya. Here in Canada they refused him entry when he wanted to come and visit after the meeting in the US.
Terry, Canada
Rantings of a MAD MAN.
Na'allah Bako, Abuja, Nigeria
I now know that Col Gaddafi is an honest man who wants justice for the millions of Nigerians neglected, suffering, in-abject poverty, sick and without hope. He is the only leader of a country that has honestly spoken openly for the division of Nigeria. Unlike the other World powers who is only protecting their self interest in Nigerian oil. Thank you Gaddafi and God Bless Libya.
Stella Almeida, London
Gaddafi is entitled to his own opinion which to my way of thinking is based on ignorance as it concerned Nigeria. This is the same man advocating a United states of Africa but when a part of Africa is in crisis, all he could come up with is divide the Nation. no wonder some people said he's a Mad-Man and unfortunately he's doing his best to prove them right. Nigerians are not new to communal crisis, though this is not something to be excused, i assure you that peace will come to Nigeria because the real tussle is extra-religious. there seems to be some people somewhere who are beneficiary of this carnage and until those idiots in Aso Rock come to life and muster enough guts to bring them to book, we are yet to see the end to this crisis. The problem with Nigeria is basically corruption and bad governance which secession of the different units can not resolve. As for Gaddafi, I see no reason why any sane man/woman will give attention to a man who knew nothing nor has any interest about Nigeria and her crisis. Nigeria will get it right, quote me anywhere.
Calin, Abuja, Nigeria
In the context of current global trends, Col. Gaddafi has no basis offering advice to Nigeria. The example of the European Union and integration is something to emulate if unity with diversity is to be achieved especially for Nigeria. What is required is the political will and commitment by every Nigerian to learn to coexist with one another, and do more to root out corrupt, unqualified and inept people at the helm of affairs. Nigerians can use their diversity as a source of great strength to rebuild a strong and productive Nation.
Rev. Martin Dama, Jos, Nigeria
Gaddafi has been known to be consistent inconsistent in his utterances. He speaks in a manner as the words come to his mind, as a baby who cannot control his bladder. He is far from being a legal illocution or adviser in a sensitive issue like that of Nigeria. His aspiration is to be the president of the United States of Africa. Having ruled his country for 40 years, he is never contented, as he seeks for more power and authority every day. Today he calls for Jihad against none Muslim nations, and his son ad other members of his family are about the law; tomorrow he tries to retract some of his utterances. What a man is Gaddafi! Indeed is a parody of a leader.4o years, he is never contented, as he seeks for more power and authority every day. Today he he calls for Jihad against none Muslim nations, and his son ad other members of his family are about the law. What a man is Gaddafi! Indeed is a parody of a leader.
John Oyewole, Rho (Milan), Italy
Dividing Nigeria into various independent states is desirable, but unviable. As a Nigerian who understands the nation, I know that dividing Nigeria in this manner will solve one problem, only to introduce a myriad others. Cross-cultural tension will transform to cross-border wars, everyone would like to have a piece of the oil, and in the end, the whole thing might go to waste. Oil represents one of the major reasons that Nigeria is still together as one state, those who 'own' it do not have the means to exploit it, those who exploit it cannot let it go. Until oil has run out, there will always be one Nigeria. Otherwise we're asking for serious social unrest.
Joseph, Melbourne, Australia
We must enjoy the Gaddafi Show, trash talk entertainment, equivalent to Jerry Springer Show of the US while it lasts. If we didn't have him as a leader in Africa, it's considered having a meal w/o the proper spices. He likes to stir things up. One time he wants a United States of Africa and another time, when he's high on petroleum, he wants to divide up one of the strongest country of Africa into pieces like Yugoslavia. What do you call a person of this nature? hypocrite???
Fasil, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Is Gaddafi the first person to say this? No he is not, majority of Nigerians want a separate state even those who are hiding under the umbrella of politics. For peace sake let people go their separate ways.
Joe, London
@ Ben. every country in the world is an artificial creation, so what you are saying is in effect creating two rival territories each despising the other will some how lead to peace? it did not work in Yugoslavia and it wont work in Nigeria. We in the west have laid waste to enough of Africa. lets leave it alone.
alexander mcgill, glasgow, scotland
Now Col Gaddafi is right for saying Nigeria should be divided into several state, to be candid this country will not stand together for long neither did we want to stay together, only the leaders who enjoy our oil wealth want the country undivided.
wole oworisa, lagos, nigeria
Am surprised that Gaddafi could afford to be honest, despite being a Muslim, Nigeria is the making of the British, sadly it's still maintained by those who are milking the State dry, there is no common interest, love between, the South, East, West or North, all you have is common hatred and distrust, Gaddafi is my hero now.
oluremi olaitan, ibadan, nigeria
The call by the Libyan leader for the division of Nigeria into two or any other number is wrong. How can he reconcile this call with his previous call for a United States of Africa? If a simple conflict in a single nation can not be settled how possible can all Africans unite under a single rule? I believe old-age is causing the Libyan leader to lose his sense of directions in reasoning. His cognitive skill is declining on a daily basis. As an African, I believe all Africans need to respect and honour one another irrespective of religious beliefs. This should not serve as a line of division.
Chief Dadee, Banjul, The Gambia
Col Gaddafi's outrageous statements indicate that he fails to understand the socio political and cultural dimensions of African states such as Nigeria. For somebody who has been calling for African unity, he should be promoting Nigerian unity with a common and shared identity. His meddling in the in the internal affairs of a sovereign country is a clear violation under international law. This calls for suspension of Libya in the AU and the complaint registered at the UN.
Edwin, UK
Gaddafi is not a mad man, his words are right and welcomed. Gaddafi i Amechi ask you to keep on saying the truth. Also remember to do justice in your country as well.
Frank Amechi, Abidjan
Gaddafi is a joke ... do not take him serious. I feel bad for Libyan citizens who are stuck with this fool.
N Nnabuihe, Warri, Nigeria
Gaddafi has hit the nail on the head. The only people that want Nigeria to continue as it is are beneficiaries of corruption and Northern domination. People like "mad man" Senate President David Mark. This country built on false foundation is ripe for disintegration and dissolution. Let nature take its course and smother this genetically impaired entity
Chetam Obilo, Port Harcourt Nigeria
Gaddafi radical as he may sound sometimes is actually a champion of truth. He is not timid to say real issues and this has won him as much support and admiration as of those who call him all sorts of names and labels. I respect his approach which is the only practical solution to such crises. Col. Gaddafi you deserve my support on the Nigerian situation.
Aluma A B, Kampala
Colonel Muammar Gaddafi is always controversial person. He thinks he knows the solution to every problem. They call him "mad Man" not without a reason. I wish he minds his business. Partitioning a country to tiny states will not solve the problem equality, rule of law, fairness and democratic right to every citizen will. Nigeria have more 250 ethnicities does Gaddafi think by creating 250 independent states out of one country is a solution is crazy to say the least.
Negasi Beyene, Washington DC
He is a fool and he has run out of sense......There is only going to be one Nigeria.
Rafiu Babatuunde, London, UK
President Reagan called him the "mad dog" of the Middle East, and that was more than 20 years ago. You can hardly blame him for making irresponsible comments, the man is simply that... mad.
Omar Orya, Sydney Australia
I am not sure if dividing the country is the best solution to Nigeria's problems. Nigeria is on the brink of becoming a failed State if urgent steps are not taken by the leadership of that country to solve the nations problems. The sharing of power between the Hausa in the North and the Yorubas, leaving the Igbos out of the deal is a recipe for disaster.
Foday Bangura, Woodbridge, Virgnia
Now that's what I call sense. Nigeria hasn't known any peace since independence because of the differences between the various ethnic groups. Secession would be the best - lives would be saved besides Nigeria is a European (British) construction. Almost all African states should do the same it will solve a lot of problems on the continent. Imagine if Rwanda had done that they wouldn't have been the genocide of 1994. Grand idea from Gaddafi for once.
T Ndemera, Leeds, UK
Gaddafi is simply stating the truth. Nigeria is exactly the same as the Former Yugoslavia and USSR. It is an artificial creation put together by the British for economic reasons. The longer we delay the harder and potentially more devastating the split will be. Let us face up to the truth and split peacefully and in a way where by the new states can retain economic and political links in a new loose union.
Ben, London
It's interesting how he just feels like he can say that out loud, that disappoints me! If he re-read his history books, the last time they tried to divide Nigeria , there was a bloody civil war. Nigeria can absolutely not afford another civil war. We are pushing to 170 million people - that would just be havoc!
Ese, Fort Worth, USA
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