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The issue of ethnicity in Nigeria is complex and has deep historical roots. While governance failures have undoubtedly played a role in exacerbating ethnic tensions in the country, it is important to recognize that ethnicity in Nigeria predates its modern governance structures and has its origins in pre-colonial and colonial-era dynamics.
That being said, governance failures in Nigeria have certainly contributed to the exacerbation of ethnic tensions and conflicts in the country.
According to a senior lecturer at the Lagos state University and a Religious Scholar, Dr. Mustapha Bello, assertion linking the failure of governance to the issue of ethnicity in Nigeria touches upon a complex and longstanding issue in the country's socio-political landscape.
He exonerate how governance failures exacerbate ethnic tensions, stating that some of the ways in which governance failures impacted ethnicity in Nigeria include:
He said Mismanagement and corruption in the distribution of resources have often been along ethnic lines, leading to feelings of marginalization and exclusion among certain ethnic groups, stating that this can breed resentment and fuel inter-ethnic conflicts.
He pointed that election winner-takes-all nature of Nigerian politics has often meant that certain ethnic groups dominate political power and access to resources, while others feel marginalized.
This lack of inclusive governance can deepen ethnic divisions.
“Failures in governance, such as the inability of the state to provide security for all its citizens, can lead to the rise of ethnic militias and self-defense groups, further polarizing communities along ethnic lines.
“Inadequate provision of basic social services by the government can deepen ethnic divides, as communities may feel neglected based on their ethnicity.
He said Politicians have often exploited ethnic identities for political gain, stoking tensions and promoting divisions along ethnic lines to serve their own interests.
“In many cases, poor governance leads to the marginalization of certain ethnic groups in terms of access to resources, political representation, and economic opportunities. This can fuel grievances and deepen ethnic divides.
“When governance fails to ensure equitable distribution of resources, particularly in a diverse country like Nigeria with various ethnic groups, it can lead to competition and conflicts among different groups over access to and control of resources.
“When governance structures are weak, corrupt, or ineffective, it erodes trust between the government and the governed, as well as among different ethnic groups”.
This lack of trust can heighten tensions and impede efforts towards national cohesion and unity, he said
He stressed that addressing these governance failures requires comprehensive reforms aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and equitable distribution of resources.
NigeriaHe noted that by improving governance structures and processes, Nigeria will work towards fostering national unity, reducing ethnic tensions, and promoting the well-being of all its citizens, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.
