Still on Ethno-Religious Politics In Kogi State
By Ocheni Decency Danladi
The politics of ethnicity, religion, and leadership failure in Nigeria have had a profound impact on the country’s national unity. These issues have often been exploited by politicians for their own gain, leading to divisions and conflicts that undermine the unity of the nation.
Ethnicity plays a significant role in Nigerian politics. With over 300 ethnic groups, each with its own cultural and historical background, ethnic identities are deeply ingrained in the society.
Politicians often use ethnic affiliations to mobilize support and consolidate power. This has created a sense of competition and rivalry among different ethnic groups, leading to a lack of trust and cooperation at the national level.
Religion is also a sensitive and divisive issue in Nigeria. The country is divided into two major religious groups, Islam and Christianity, with each having a substantial following. Politicians often manipulate religious sentiments to gain electoral advantage, exacerbating tensions between different religious groups.
This has led to violent conflicts, such as the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, which has further deepened religious divisions and hindered national unity.
Leadership failure is another critical factor affecting Nigeria’s national unity. Corruption, nepotism, and ineffective governance have plagued the country for decades, leading to a lack of development and widespread disillusionment among the population.
The failure of leaders to address the needs and aspirations of the people, irrespective of their ethnicity or religion, has fostered a sense of marginalization and alienation. This, in turn, fuels resentment and further polarizes the society, weakening the bonds of national unity.
The implications of these factors for national unity are far-reaching. They contribute to a lack of social cohesion, polarizing the population along ethnic and religious lines.
This hampers efforts to address common challenges, such as economic development, security, and social welfare. It also undermines the sense of belonging and shared identity among Nigerians, making it difficult to build a strong and inclusive nation.
The political atrocities of the elites in Kogi State is currently degenerating the already existing poor and fragile relationship among various ethnic groups in the state.
If the federal government maintain the silent attitude pretending not to be aware of the situation, eventually, the national resources will be deployed at the needless time.
The politics of ethnicity and religion, coupled with leadership failure, have had significant implications for national unity in Nigeria. These factors contribute to a sense of division, marginalization, and mistrust among different ethnic and religious groups, hindering the attainment of a cohesive and inclusive society.
1. Ethnicity:
Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups. Ethno-political considerations often influence political decisions, with leaders favoring their own ethnic groups.
This creates a sense of exclusion and fosters a competitive and divisive environment, where each group seeks to protect its interests at the expense of others. It hinders the development of a unified Nigerian identity, leading to inter-ethnic tensions and conflicts.
2. Religion:
Nigeria is divided between a Muslim majority in the north and a predominantly Christian south, with many adherents of indigenous religions in various parts of the country.
Religious differences have often been exploited by politicians, leading to conflicts and religiously-driven violence. Political leaders sometimes cater to the interests of their religious groups, deepening the divisions and weakening the sense of national cohesion.
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3. Leadership Failure:
The failure of leadership in Nigeria has been a major obstacle to national unity. Widespread corruption, weak governance, and lack of accountability have eroded public trust in the government.
Leaders have often prioritized their personal gains and the interests of their ethnic or religious groups over the national interest. This has resulted in a sense of disillusionment and frustration among citizens, further weakening the nation’s unity.
The implications of these factors for national unity are vast:
a. Social Fragmentation: Ethnic and religious divisions have led to the formation of social enclaves, where people predominantly associate with others from their own ethnic or religious backgrounds. Such fragmentation prevents the formation of a shared national identity and erodes social cohesion.
For example, the struggle for governorship election in Kogi State by November 11, 2023 has heightened tension in the state leading to only Kogi East having more than 6 contestants from different political parties, causing serious division among people from the same ethnic group and hampered unity in the zone.
To promote national unity, the Nigerian government and political leaders need to address these challenges. This can be achieved by promoting inclusive governance, prioritizing development that benefits all segments of society, and fostering inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue and understanding.
Additionally, there is a need for strong institutions that can hold leaders accountable and ensure fair representation and opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. Only through such efforts can Nigeria overcome the politics of ethnicity, religion, and leadership failure and build a united and prosperous nation.
b. Inter-Group Conflicts: Political manipulation of ethnicity and religion frequently sparks violent conflicts between different groups, leading to loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of property. This further deepens divisions and heightens mistrust between groups, hindering national unity.
c. Lack of Trust in Leadership: The failure of leadership to address the concerns and aspirations of all citizens breeds a lack of trust in the government. This lack of confidence undermines efforts to build a unified nation.
d. Inequality and Marginalization: Ethnic and religious divisions often result in uneven development across regions, with some groups feeling marginalized and excluded from the benefits of development and governance. This sense of injustice and marginalization fuels disunity and separatist tendencies.
To promote national unity, Nigeria needs transformative leadership that transcends ethnicity and religion. Leaders should prioritize meritocracy, inclusivity, and the pursuit of the common good.
Institutions must be strengthened to ensure accountability and inclusivity, and policies should address the root causes of division, such as inequality and marginalization.
Additionally, promoting inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue, fostering cultural exchanges, and emphasizing national values and identity can contribute to a more united and harmonious environment for the people of the state and Nigeria.
In addition, the Nigerian government and political leaders need to address these challenges. This can be achieved by promoting inclusive governance, prioritizing development that benefits all segments of society, and fostering inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue and understanding.
More so, there is a need for strong institutions that can hold leaders accountable and ensure fair representation and opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.
Only through such efforts can Nigeria overcome the politics of ethnicity, religion, and leadership failure and build a united and prosperous nation.
Ocheni Decency Danladi is from Kogi State
