Beyond Borders: Why unity is key to Nigeria’s future

Tafiyamabudinilimi” can be literally translated to “Travel unlocks the key of knowledge” in English. One can truly appreciate the beauty and diversity of Nigeria by traveling away from their comfort zone to other states. I hadn’t traveled to the South until I was posted to Delta State during my NYSC days. I traversed the bumpy road of Okene in Kogi State before reaching Delta State. AliyuTanimu I experienced my first culture shock before I finally acclimated to the food, culture, and traditions of the state. While my story may sound good, Nigeria is a polarized nation. Nigeria is blessed with human and mineral resources and has over 200 tribes and a population of over 200 million. The youth, who make up 70 percent of the population, are like zombies; they follow blindly like a cult. The political class continues to use religion, tribe, and ethnicity as weapons to divide the youth’s opinions. The political class is united in draining the coffers of the nation.Young people often ascribe religious, tribal, and ethnic connotations to everything. Unsuspecting parents can plant the seeds of hatred in their children towards other tribes. For example, the Jakuns and the Tiv have intermarried for decades, yet they’ve become embroiled in conflict. In Plateau State, religious clashes have consumed thousands of lives and destroyed property. Some politicians, traditional leaders, and religious leaders also fan the flames of hatred.

Some governors and elders’ statements are accused of being inflammatory and capable of inciting ethnic strife. During elections, politicians use religious leaders to divide voters, as we witnessed in the 2023 election where some presidential candidates visited churches and mosques urging their followers to vote for them. On social media, you see users throwing jabs and making derogatory and condescending remarks about other tribes and religions. No tribe or ethnic group is superior to another or holds a monopoly on intelligence. We witnessed how a former governor of Delta State who siphoned and mismanaged state funds was given a heroic welcome at the airport upon his release from prison in the UK, simply because he is from their tribe. Tribal and religious intolerance are deeply rooted in Nigeria. We often fail to see things from a wise perspective and instead ascribe political, tribal, ethnic, and religious connotations to everything. Recently, a senator accused the National Assembly of inserting 3 trillion naira into the budget. Instead of granting him a fair hearing, he was given a three-month suspension. What if he is telling the truth? What prevents the national assembly, in order to restore public confidence, from hiring a trustworthy independent forensic expert to verify the accuracy of his claim? If it is found that he misled the public, then they should suspend him immediately after the report. Sadly, because our loyalty lies to our tribe, the court of public opinion labels him negatively.

About a month ago, a religious cleric called the President’s wife an infidel. He even went further to threaten her life because of her faith. This incident exemplifies the depth of religious intolerance in Nigeria.

In 2016, Sadiq Khan, a son of an immigrant and a Muslim, ran to become the Mayor of London. He was elected with 57% of the vote, disregarding his roots, race, political affiliation, or religion, but rather based on his capacity and competence. In Nigeria, even educated individuals utilize divisive politics as a tool to garner votes. After winning the election, they retreat to their shells, empowering their children and rewarding their kin with lucrative government positions. It’s easy to manipulate unsuspecting illiterates or educated illiterates into submission. China has dominated some technological areas. They teach their children skills in developing and assembling drones, watches, and the like. In contrast, in Nigeria, some parents teach their children to hate other tribes and ethnic groups. We all have our peculiarities. No tribe or ethnic group is completely angelic, unsullied, or flawless. We can all learn from each other. From the intellectual Yorubas of the West, to the industrious Igbos of the East, and the nomadic and farming Hausa-Fulani of the North, God must have had a reason for bringing us together.

We also have some harmful traditional practices that are archaic and need to be weeded out completely. We should move away from conventionality and progress alongside the rest of the world, where tribe and ethnicity hold no place in governance; merit and competence should prevail. The Fulani, for example, are pastoral nomads. They move their cattle in search of grass from north to south. Ranching, which would provide them with more cash from hides, milk, cow dung, and meat, is not a common practice. Cattle rustling and the movement of cash have led to clashes with other tribes, which later morphed into banditry. The Hausa people have made begging a tradition, though not necessarily a positive one. The Becheve community, located in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River, perpetuates a barbaric tradition: selling their daughters in exchange for money and food.

In eastern Nigeria, some people still practice female genital mutilation, the osu caste system, harmful widowhood practices, disinheritance of women, ostracism, and banishment. These practices, along with cannibalism and human sacrifice (which are thankfully no longer practiced), have been outlawed by the laws of the larger society in order to curb their harmful effects.

Some archaic traditions are still practiced in the Southwest, such as scarification, female genital mutilation, widowhood rites, and the preference for male children. These customs persist within contemporary Yoruba society, despite being harmful and discriminatory towards women.

Most of Africa’s giant citizens feel pessimistic about their future because of the committee set up and white paper aimed at addressing communal, religious, and inter-tribal conflicts that have not been addressed for decades.

It’s wrong to stereotype and disdain any tribe or ethnic group due to the actions of a few. The day we accept our differences and embrace each other as one, Africa’s giants would prosper to a greater height. If we stop nepotism, marginalize the minority, and enable a level playing field, breaking free from conventional thinking, we would not only emerge as top developed countries but would do so owing to our abundant human and material resources. The mainstream media needs to act as a gatekeeper for sensitive information that could incite unrest. The government should be fair and impartial in prosecuting those who aid and abet communal, religious, tribal, and ethnic unrest in Nigeria. Travel across the vast expanse of Nigeria, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning display of diverse landscapes. From the cool, hilly terrain of Jos to the sandy beaches of Lagos, each region offers a unique experience. Explore the mountainous Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State, or marvel at the serene beauty of Oguta Lake in Imo State. Hike to the cascading Erin Ijesha Waterfall in Osun, or soak in the natural warmth of the Yankari Game Reserve’s hot springs in Bauchi State. Nigeria’s beauty is truly unmatched.

Let us stand united in our patriotism, joining hands to build a great Nigeria free from nepotism, regionalism, tribalism, religious bias, and political favoritism. We must say no to corruption and bad governance, regardless of whether the perpetrator is our tribesman, coreligionist, or fellow regional citizen. All lives matter, for every drop of blood holds the same value.

Arc AliyuTanimu, a writer and freelance architect, writes in from Kaduna, Kaduna State

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