Nigeria: Tribe must die

OVER the past six decades of Nigeria’s independence from the colonial masters, it is mortifying to imagine the current place of Nigeria in the world economy. Growing up, I could boast that Nigeria earned its title ‘Giant of Africa’ due to its development, diversity, and economic situation. What was regarded as a blessing in the 19th century currently stands as the bane of Nigeria, the reason why Nigeria might cease to exist. I have seen firsthand how this diversity, while a potential strength, often becomes a source of division. For Nigeria to achieve its full potential in growth and development, it’s important to transcend these tribal and ethnic divisions.  Reflecting on Nigeria’s history, I am often amazed by the lasting impact of colonialism on a nation as large and diverse. Nigeria’s borders were drawn by colonialists, joining over 200 ethnic groups and tribes into a single nation for the convenience of governance for them. The vast diversity and numbers remain proof that Nigeria was never meant to be a country but more. Colonial amalgamation created a nation-state with nothing but ethnic divisions, distrust, and tribal war. Situations that warrant proper consideration weren’t considered. The colonial masters didn’t consider our cultural, linguistic, and historical differences. Consequently, Nigeria inherited a legacy of division that continues to influence our politics and development.

Clearly, it is obvious that the only advantage and collaborations of these historical divisions and how Nigerians are interwoven is through marriage. Every weekend, there are definitely Yoruba and Igbo owambe and other interethnic marriages.  Many Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa individuals married across ethnic lines, forming bonds that transcended tribal identities. Visit Kano, and see the high number of Yoruba women married to Northerners. These inter-ethnic relationships only further complicate the notion of separation. Prominent individuals own properties around the country, ignoring their ethnicity. This is another major reason why these individuals would rather watch Nigeria burn down rather than split into nations. The significance that tribe plays in Nigerian politics can not be over-emphasized. Politics foster nation’s growth and development, but our tribal sentiments are the major driving force of our politics. Political decisions, budget allocations, and developmental initiatives are often influenced by ethnic and religious considerations. I am saddened by the fact that Nigerians’ major deciding factor for voting is tribe and not credibility and competence in the 20th century.

It is only during Nigerians elections that voting patterns are frequently divided along ethnic and religious lines, removing the basis of democratic process and hindering national unity. Nigerians will fight tooth and nails during elections to support a tribal brother regardless of their competence. Cease regional development due to tribal sentiments. Politicians are tightly woven regardless of their tribe and religion but will push this as an agenda during competition. Public offices, resource allocation, and development projects are frequently distributed based on ethnic affiliations rather than on need or competence. This not only hampers development but also fosters resentment and division among different ethnic groups. David Easton, a renowned political scientist, said that for a political system in a country to be stable and effective, it must manage conflicts and build a sense of community among its members. This means that Nigerians must first build loyalty and trust to themselves. Above ethnic and religious barriers, in order to create a political environment where all citizens feel represented and valued. To build a stable and effective political system, Nigeria must eradicate ethnic barriers and promote loyalty on the national level rather than an ethnic agenda. We must learn to stop the dog-eat-dog acts and stand up for the nation.

Michael Samora, a sociologist, argued that a nation divided by ethnic and tribal lines can not achieve sustainable growth. This theory is further proven by the current Nigeria society. Social integration, according to Samora, involves creating policies and institutions that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. Samora’s theory shows the need to eradicate ethnic divisions to foster social collaboration. Many Nigerians ethnic loyalties often override national loyalty, leading to social fragmentation and conflict. The previous 2023 election has shown how tribally inclined many Nigerians are, including the youths. Hook, line, and sinker. Politicians set the hooks, like fishes, citizens pick the bait. Driving their agenda, my brother must rule. Only a particular fraction of Nigeria westerners are a step ahead of the norm, showing their support for another candidate. Without a cohesive society where individuals are valued for their contributions to national development rather than their ethnic affiliations, Nigeria remains decades from development.

Going through Easton and Samora’s theories, I can firmly assert that Nigeria’s growth and development depends on the eradication of the concept of tribe and ethnicity. Ethnic divisions create barriers to effective governance, social collaboration, and economic development. They breed mistrust, fuel conflicts, and perpetuate inequality. When we as citizens identify more with their ethnic groups than with the nation, it becomes challenging to mobilize collective efforts toward national goals. For Nigeria to achieve sustainable growth and development, we must transcend our tribal and ethnic divisions. The insights from David Easton and Michael Samora portray the need for the removal of tribe and ethnic as an important attribute to identify as a Nigerian. It is either you are a Nigerian or not a Nigerian. Being Nigerian should come first. As being a pan-Yoruba individual does not affect my rationality, I prioritize development over ethnic loyalty, but this can not be said for millions of Nigerians. The truth remains, Nigeria’s glory will return with the abolishment of tribes. Otherwise, we are in for a long ride. But if we can not put Nigeria first above our tribes, it is better we go the USSR way – peaceful dissolution of the amalgamation of 1914.

• Adeleye, a strategic communications expert and real estate broker based in the United Kingdom, writes in via [email protected].

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