With Kareem Abdulrasaq
Nigeria is a diverse country with many ethnic and religious groups, each having its own territory, identity, value and norms. There are also lots of sub-religious groups struggling for identity, power and supremacy. Unlike other country countries such as India, Sweden, U.S.A, Brazil, Rwanda, etc. where ethnic and religious diversities are exploited to better their social-economic development, many Nigerians see it as a challenge to their political, economic social wellbeing. Today, the country has witnessed unprecedented crisis related to its diversity. While lives have been lost, and properties destroyed, some Nigerians have left their fatherland due to the ethic/religious crisis manifested from its diversity.
The question as to why the diversity of a nation like Nigeria is becoming difficult to address may not be unconnected with the politicization of ethnic and religion in the country. A lot of politicians in Nigeria while seeking power, holding on to power, or intending to remove others from gaining access to power use the ethnic and religion division as campaign strategies. This has become a tradition since the First Republic and has remained in time and space in our polity. Therefore various issues (political appointment, security, economy, health, water project, infrastructural development, etc.) of national interest were given ethnic and religion colourations and this has passed down the generations. As a result, all efforts (NYSC scheme, States creation, Federal Character Commission, Unity Schools, Federal Capital Territory, etc.) aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence become fruitless.
Therefore managing diversity and the fault lines in the 21st century requires a collective responsibility of all Nigerians. There is need to change our education curriculum to conform to the changing system and attitude in the country. Topical issues such as meaning of diversity, significant, religious backing, examples of countries that have exploited it to their development, its implications to promote selfish interest, among others should be taught at all levels of our educational institutions. This will re-create sense of value, common identity and togetherness among the emerging generation. In addition, history curriculum should be improved upon and pupil should be taught the mistakes our past leaders and how it has affected the stability of the country.
Also school teachers from the nursery to the higher institution level should be trained and re-train on how they taught our history and religion related topics. There is no gain saying that many teachers today contributed to the ethnic and religion bigotry through hate speeches while establishing preference to one religion/ethnic group. There should also be an avenue/programme where religious leaders and traditional rulers be trained on proper conduct with their neighbours. Many religious/ traditional rulers causes ethnic/religion crisis due to their misguided utterance and ignorance about the law on the settlement. Joint religious programme involving pastors and imams in topical issues should also be encouraged.
Through, interfaith cooperation and dialogue, our religious diversity could be manage and others misunderstanding be addressed. These require a genuine readiness which in turn could bring about mutual trust, understanding of one another’s behaviour, attitude, practices, teaching and mission. Through cooperation, one can fully and genuinely respect another’s identity while simultaneously holding one own differing religious identity. One can be evangelical Christian, can appreciate, and even be inspired, by the dedication of Muslim neighbour to pray five times a day, while at the same time wanting them to know the philosophy of Christianity without force. This will not only lead to a sense of respect, it will also created strong bond and among otherwise distinct worshippers because they will able to understand one another’s faith, feelings and needs and manage their differences.
Also there is need to proffer strong economic strategies/policies that address youth unemployment and strong investment in human capital development when people are more viable and job is created, they will have less priority for disintegration. They will want to prevent their investment by all means, hence champion the course of peace in their various localities. It will establish the foundation for peace and stability across the nation. Also youths who champion the course of violence against their fellows are either jobless or out of work, if they are properly engaged the extent at which they will be used to perpetrate violence will be reduced.
Similarly, politicians who exploited ethnic, religion, or region difference to promote political ambition be banned from vying for any elective or appointed post including their family members. This will serve as lesson for the coming generations having understood the consequences of exploiting diversity to personal interest.
There is need for ethnic and religion re-orientations in the public places, social and traditional media, family, community, friends, and among colleagues. Also, radio and television programme should carry more of important of diversity, peaceful coexistence and broadcast past wars within and outside the country on the effect of disintegration in the socio-economic and political stability. They should also carry information about being a patriotic citizen. Also, quick response to communal land dispute should be ensured, or an agency should be established to address such issue and offices should be created across the 774 local government areas of the Federation.
Equity in the distribution of the national resources is very critical. Every community in Nigeria should benefit from dividends of democracy. This will prevent unnecessary agitations. Also corruption fight should be fought at all levels so that resources meant to develop certain areas are not diverted and that quality materials are used for efficiency. While there should also be fair treatment, Audit Reform law should be put in place to correct corruption in the MDAs.
Lastly, transparency and accountability in public sector is also key to managing any grievances among varying groups in Nigeria. This requires frequent publication of activities, consultation of key stakeholders on issues of strategic importance as affect people’s wellbeing. Openness in governance prevents public extortion, misappropriation, poor feedback and it’s capable of recreating the lost societal value and identity, making the whole issue of diversity difficult to generate call for separation but instead strengthen the country’s bond.
Abdulrasaq, is a Research Officer at the Grassroots Development and Advocacy Centre, Ilorin.
