A CURSE IN DIVERSITY

A CURSE IN DIVERSITY

                   I think the sectional idealism has been blown way out of proportion. Nigeria is no doubt endowed with a collection of ethnic groups beyond numbering; this has undeniably bolster our reputation in the international milieu and presented numerous opportunities in our tourism. Additionally, the country has become the envy of other countries especially in Africa; possessing a broad spectrum of ethnic nationalities with impressive cultural backgrounds. However, what is a blessing could become a curse if not properly managed. Sequel to this piece, there has been honest agitations from factions in the country that we all go our separate ways. This piece is as a result of diligent and meticulous observations, experiences and thoughts.

                 The history of this dear nation is replete with devastating events orchestrated by some of these ethnic groups for some flimsy reasons best known to them: the so called holy war of 1804-1810 between the Fulanis and Hausa kingdoms of the north. Are the two tribes not Nigerians? The ife-Modakeke crises of 1849, the ife-ijebu-oyo forces against the Owu in 1821, the ijaye war of 1860,need I say the incessant ethno-religious upsurge between Beroms and Hausa Fulani in plateau state ; the list is endless. The reason for all these mindless display of lawlessness is not far-fetched. We were taught from the cradle, that our “people” are the best race in the nation, that we have the best festivals, the most pretty girls and handsome young men; all these orientations that give us a sense of pride which are mostly false. Our subsequent venture into society says differently. I do not attempt to encourage an absolute elimination of our cultural heritage which is our identity, rather an absolute overhauling of unhealthy ideas that are inimical to a progressive society. From the foregoing, these ethnic groups that spread the length and breadth of the nation have a distorted picture of themselves, their beliefs, history, and heritage; armed with such bigotry, they run amok. If this is just an unfounded theory or merely pessimistic tendencies, how can we explain the incessant hullabaloo by some ethnic groups for unsubstantiated reasons? Needless to state the aftermath of such spree, “the dead tell no story”. The nation was devastated when scores of security personnel where slain in cold bold by the infamous ombatse group along Nasarawa-akwanga road on 7^th May 2013 for motives best known to them. The questions that flood my mind like a loose faucet is not the popular ‘why did they do it’ but how did we have such a group?

              Furthermore, I have closely monitored reactions that trail appointments of personnel into high ranking positions. While the nation basks in the euphoria of such appointment, some sections of the populace are asking the mindless question; where is he/she from, what tribe, is he/she from our village? When these questions are answered in the negative, these groups will feel cheated and would look for avenues to vent their disappointment which are mostly cataclysmic. Every group wants to stake their claim in participation, involvement in the running of the nation. Section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has attempted to resolve this conundrum. The federal character provision which in it construction seeks to guarantee equal participation and involvement in affairs of government has done quite a job in achieving this aim, though I have my reservations for this concept. Although the effort of the framers of the constitution is commendable, I feel that it is not merely an issue of construction but that of ideology. I will expound more on this later.

         Another practice I assiduously detest is the sentiment that pervades my countrymen when it comes to marriage. The moment a young man indicates interest in a damsel, the question that ultimately follows is which tribe does she belong to? This misdoing is to say the least criminal when viewed in the light of national integration and constitutional promulgation. Additionally, this breeds ill-feeling and heightens the tension of an already divided Nigeria. Maybe this explains the reason for the plethora of divorce cases replete in our families. Evidence has shown that a successful marriage is what the subjects make of it; if it were the union of two persons from the same ethnic origin, the divorce menace would have simply vanished. Joining two individuals merely for the reason of ethnic sentiments is myopic, foolhardy, with an aftermath of cataclysmic results. Nigerians are extremely sentimental even with the gravest of matters: buying wares from a salesman or woman, settling in a neighbourhood, visiting a doctor, the rest is left to our imagination. We must be decisive about what we want; a nation cannot survive like this no matter how opulent.

             The constitution has done its part in laying the platform on which the citizenry must build. The letter of this solemn document must invade our conscience influencing the way we see and treat each other. The urgent issue of national integration, unity, and mutualism must be written on the tablets of our hearts, engraved on our subconscious, giving life to the intention of the constitution.

                As I prepare to bring this piece to a deliberate end, it is only expedient to highlight these salient thoughts that brighten the mind of my readers. Nigeria is a country with a variety of ethnic nationalities; it is only ludicrous to think that one ethnic group will capture and rule a population of over one hundred and fifty million people. The sooner we read the signs the better. Although many scholars have described the evolution of Nigeria as a “forced marriage” between the cluster of regions by the British, it is also worthy of note that we are meant to be together. Dwelling in the past beclouds our vision of the future, restraining us from the glimmering light of hope. Even if the problem of Nigeria is foundational, how long shall we cower in fear to a future that holds so much promise. We will still converge in our markets to buy and sell together, queue together in the same petrol stations, urge our national team; cheering the likes of “Ahmed Musa”, chanting “Eminike” when he scores, get treated in the same hospitals and live in the same neighbourhood among others. The earlier we come to terms with these ubiquitous facts, the greater our chances of salvaging this country from its imminent death

                Diversity is colourful, beautiful and enviable yet precarious. It is whatever we make of it. Nigeria is heavily endowed with such qualities but has also fallen to the onslaught caused by these multi ethnic entities. Diversity, blessing or a curse?