TRIBALISM IN NIGERIA......

One of the major problems facing Nigeria as a country is tribalism. Tribalism and nepotism affects virtually ‘every’ aspect of Nigeria including sports, politics, ministries, banking sector, aviation, insurance, oil and gas, Ict, commerce, education amongst others and even as sensitive as religious bodies. We all agree that one of the major weaknesses of president Buhari’s administration is tribalism due to the fact that political appointments are given to people from the North. But come to think of it, the three major tribes in Nigeria are tribalistic, but from my own point of view, the Igbos are the most tribalistic, next to the Hausas in Nigeria. It is generally believed that the Igbos pursue after business, the yourbas-education and the Hausas –politics and power. As God may have it, each tribe got what they wanted.

It is undisputable that the Igbos control the commercial sector in Nigeria. Them, controlling the commercial sector does not mean they are the only successful people in business, but they make up a large number of the successful entrepreneurs in commerce, international trade, manufacturing, as well as petty businesses while the Yorubas mostly pursue after education. Talking about outstanding lawyers, lecturers, Accountants, amongst others they are in charge. However, a small percentage go into entrepreneurship with their vast knowledge. The yorubas exhibit an advantage over the Igbos by partnering with those who have power (Hausas), that is why you see some very rich Yorubas but they make up a very little percentage of the Yoruba population. The Hausas decide to retain power by excessively increasing their population to always be favoured by democracy. Presently they control almost every aspect of Government including military, ministries, amongst others.

I am a Batch B II stream corps member serving in Katsina state, and a fellow Hausa teacher told me that the Igbos initiated tribalism in Nigeria. He said that, before the Biafra war, the Igbos dominated in ‘top key’ positions in the military, education sector, ministries, amongst others and that when an Igbo man is occupying a key position as a result of his qualification, few years later he goes home to bring another of his brother, who in turn brings another of his brother which is not uncommon in the Igbo culture. But what shocked me most was that he said, some of the Igbos were using forged certificate to occupy key positions in government agencies which I believed without thinking twice. At a time, the Igbos dominated in “every” sector in the states’ economy leaving Northern indigens with nothing to do other than farming.

My view- we know that our Hausa brothers were not educated then, but we also know what our zealous Igbo brothers are capable of doing.
The Hausas out of hatred, revolted by killing the Igbos which could not be controlled by the then administration which led to the Biafra war”.

How do we address this issue of tribalism presently?

My take- Since the North who are not very educated controls political power, when carrying out their appointments, they should understand that Nigeria is not a regional or personal business. If they truly want One Nigeria,
1. They should have the mentality that Nigeria belongs to EVERYONE and it should reflect in their appointments and policies for example: accepting the idea of restructuring
2. Sensitive top positions like ministry of finance, Central Bank, debt management, education, external affairs, ministry of inland revenue, CAC, amongst others should be given to competent people while tribalism can prevail in the lower levels.
3. And they should also have the mindset that since Nigeria belongs to everyone, the position of the presidency should be rotated without resistance.
Note:
We agree that president Buhari is tribalistic, but before we say that, let us check ourselves and ensure that we are not.

Finally, to the Niger Deltans- learn to help one another. Few trees can never make a forest
Proudly Deltan
Proudly Nigerian
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


Comments are welcome- Thanks

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There's a lot of igbo culture being promoted within the igbo-British community. Have a look at the channel.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FvAOP3PxRc