One of the most common political expressions in Nigeria over the years is the phrase “we are marginalized”. Bizarrely, every region in Nigeria feels that way. An impartial observer will therefore ask: who is marginalizing whom, and why do Nigerians feel that way?

The high importance Nigerians attached to being marginalized is derived from the belief that if their region’s citizens are not in the executive arm of government the regions will suffer development. Nigerians monitor appointments, promotions and redeployments in the government, armed forces, Police, and other government establishments. The reason for their keen interest is because they are combing for any evidence of regional bias.

As I ponder about what prompt every region of Nigeria to feel marginalized, I remember one important quote that will serve as a useful introduction. The quote is from my article: “Good Governance Will Transform Nigeria” It stated that “The new Nigeria society that we are envisaging will be one where all those who live in it will feel that they are part of the mainstream of society with equal stake as everyone else. It will be a society where all, particularly the less privileged members, have equal opportunities to achieve their potential”.

There is significant evidence to support the claim of marginalisation. Nigeria is a diverse but not an equitable and inclusive society. I have the opportunity to meet and work with Nigerians from various parts of the country. Generally, they do not seem to understand that the advantages of being a big country outweigh any disadvantages that may exist. Due to years of indoctrination by ill-motivated politicians and military leaders Nigerians have developed unfounded mutual suspicion of each other.

Each of the six regions that make up Nigeria can justifiably claim to be marginalized. Look at it this way. The six regions in Nigeria do not have homogenous ethnic makeup. One only needs to remember the reason given by Yakubu Gowon when he embarked on state creation in an attempt to solve the myriads of problems that each ethnic group claimed to be besetting them. Subsequent military leaders since Gowon had increased the number of states to a whopping 36, majority of which are unviable. Yet, marginalisation is still perceived as a problem. I have always held the view that whatever a properly operated state government system by truly federating units cannot solve will not be solved by a regional system of confederation that some people are advocating. If Nigeria needs a regional confederation it should not be because of the perceived marginalisation. That perception will not go away in a regional confederation. Majority of those advocating regional governments as a system of government in Nigeria are those who want their own power base that is greater than what a state government system can offer. The reality confronting us is that if Nigeria becomes six countries today, marginalisation will still be the first item on the political agenda. Therefore those who genuinely advocate regional confederation as a solution are missing the point.

The southerners claimed to be marginalized. The northerners also claimed to be marginalized. It must be the Aliens from Mars doing these marginalizing of our people! The level of ignorance in Nigeria is shocking, to say the least. In spite of the regular clashes between the various ethnic groups in the North, which are widely reported in the newspapers and television, a significant number of Southerners still consider the northerners as “Hausas”. That is, a homogenous ethnic group. Those in the South West express the same misconception about those in the South East. Even the most educated northerners can just about recognise two ethnic groups in the South, the Yoruba and Ibo.

Ethnic division is nothing unusual. It’s happening in a mild form in the USA, Brazil, Britain, Belgium and Netherlands. It took a dangerous dimension in Iraq, India, Indonesia and the former Yugoslavia. It is to be expected in a diverse nation like Nigeria.

Nearly all the conflicts in Nigeria are rooted in religious and ethnic rivalry. Mindless military dictators and politicians have all used the cultural and ethnic differences to build up their support base without due regard to the long-term damage to national unity. Ethnic struggle in Nigeria is now deeply rooted in most Nigerians value systems and beliefs. One region holds the other responsible for their woes. It has got so bad that ethnic rivalry has become a tradition in some regions. Rather than do something to curtail this trend, by raising the collective consciousness, awareness and responsibilities every federal government in Nigeria failed to recognise the danger that this portend. The consequence is that everyone, including CIA, anticipates the imminent break up of Nigeria along ethnic lines. Heaven knows how many “Nigeria” that will be!

The best solution to ethnic conflicts and claims of marginalisation in Nigeria is to grant the states more autonomy in the running of their affairs. In other words, Nigeria needs a truly federal system of government that provides minimum power at the centre, with emphasis on external security, economic policy and foreign affairs. The revised model of federalism should grant all citizens of Nigeria the right of abode anywhere in the country. The concept of “state of origin” should be abolished except for statistical purposes. Everyone should be able to vote and contest elections where they live. All that should be required is acceptable evidence of name, address and age. The idea that Nigerians have to travel to their states of origin in order to vote is absurd. Discrimination on the basis of ethnic or state of origin, and religion should be made illegal.

The past military governments obsession with unitary government with concentration of resources and power at the centre and negative emphasis on ethnic differences, have created a huge problem for Nigeria. If we want to overcome this problem, Nigeria must build an all inclusive society, emphasising diversity as its strength and affirming its commitment to removing discrimination of any sort. To start this process, Nigeria needs the new unadulterated generation to sit together to map a way forward.

Robot  Villager

# 1 The reality confronting us is that if Nigeria becomes six countries today, marginalisation will s...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 19.06.2007 07:50

Sapele Man  Villager

# 2 =Robot;184959>......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... The southerners claimed to be marginalized. The northerners also claimed to be marginalized. It must be the Aliens from Mars doing these marginalizing of our people! The level of ignorance in Nigeria is shocking, to say the least. In spite of the regular clashes between the various ethnic groups in the North, which are widely reported in the newspapers and television, a significant number of Southerners still consider the northerners as “Hausas”. That is, a homogenous ethnic group. Those in the South West express the same misconception about those in the South East. Even the most educated northerners can just about recognise two ethnic groups in the South, the Yoruba and Ibo........................................................................................................................ I think there is a justification for the Southerners believe that the Northerners want power to remain permanently in the North. The claim of marginalisation originates from this. I believe the Ibos and Yorubas and other ethnic groups in the South can live happily together. Posted by Sapele Man| 19.06.2007 17:20

Enforcer  Villager

# 3 =Sapele Man;185131>I think there is a justification for the Southerners believe that the Northerners want power to remain permanently in the North. The claim of marginalisation originates from this. I believe the Ibos and Yorubas and other ethnic groups in the South can live happily together. Hi Sapele Man, Must we equate our beliefs as being the same as fact or reality? Do you remember the crisis in Warri? Posted by Enforcer| 20.06.2007 03:49

Sapele Man  Villager

# 4 =Enforcer;185229>Hi Sapele Man, Must we equate our beliefs as being the same as fact or reality? Do you remember the crisis in Warri? Hello Enforcer, Well, if you believe strongly in something, you will most certainly take it as a reality. It is very similar to modern day Christians believing in the existence and work of Jesus Christ when they have not met him or see him perform any of the claimed miracles. The crisis in Warri is unique to Warri; it is simply a futile struggle for ownership and control of Warri by two ethnic groups. Posted by Sapele Man| 20.06.2007 16:26