A Nigerian lawyer practising in the United Kingdom has announced a drastic decision that is sparking widespread conversation online. The legal practitioner, who uses the X (formerly Twitter) handle @chymaker, has declared his intention to formally renounce his Nigerian citizenship in the year 2026.
A Deliberate Decision and a Legal Threat
The lawyer revealed that his Nigerian passport expired back in 2020 and he has consciously chosen not to renew it since then. This sets the stage for his planned formal application to sever ties with the country of his parents' origin.
In a bold statement, @chymaker indicated he is prepared for legal battle if the Nigerian authorities do not grant his request. He stated he would approach the court to seek an injunction that would mandate the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to approve his citizenship renunciation application.
"My Parents Are Nigerian, Not Me"
Explaining his radical stance, the UK-based attorney drew a clear distinction between his identity and that of his parents. He emphatically stated, "It is my parents that are Nigerian, not me."
He further argued that since he was not born in Nigeria, he should not bear the burdens associated with the nation's challenges. The lawyer expressed a deep-seated grievance, even vowing to question God for associating him with Nigeria, demanding an explanation for what he perceives as an unfair linkage.
Future Visits on His Own Terms
Outlining his post-renunciation plans, @chymaker said that if he ever wishes to visit Nigeria after successfully renouncing his citizenship, he will simply apply for a visa like any other foreign national. He added a note of indifference, stating that if a visa is not granted, he simply would not travel.
His viral tweet, posted on a Sunday, read in part: "I have made the conscious decision not to renew my Nigerian Passport... in the new year, I will formally apply to renounce my Nigerian citizenship. If it is not approved, I will go to court..."
Mixed Reactions from the Online Community
The lawyer's announcement triggered a flood of reactions from Nigerians on social media, reflecting a spectrum of opinions:
- @scjerry_1 expressed understanding: "Not a bad idea. Everyone has a choice... If it were to be with reasons, I wouldn't hesitate to do same."
- @yinkadeniran posed a poignant question: "Why are you giving up on Nigeria?"
- @BolanleA4 shared a similar sentiment: "The one and only Nigerian passport I held was issued in 2001, I refused to renew it when it expired as I was already fed up."
- @cuppydat recounted a personal experience of being questioned by an immigration officer for entering Nigeria with a foreign passport and a visa.
Context and a Related Denial
This incident occurs against a backdrop where citizenship and national allegiance are sensitive topics. In a related development, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, recently had to publicly deny claims that he had renounced his Nigerian citizenship for American allegiance. His media office dismissed the allegations as misleading and inaccurate.
The story of @chymaker underscores a growing narrative of disillusionment among some members of the diaspora, while also highlighting the complex legal and emotional dimensions of national identity and citizenship in today's globalised world.
