By ISHAYA RANGU
As we celebrate our 64th Independence, I find myself wrestling with existential questions. What exactly are we celebrating? Is it tribalism, banditry, hunger, sectionalism, or religious and political divisions? Are we rejoicing over our political self-interest, the unequal treatment of minorities, authoritarian leadership, a failing education system, or unemployment? Unfortunately, it seems that our most talented individuals are thrown into the margins. Are we celebrating religious institutions that extort money in the name of faith, the gradual decline of Nigeria, the silencing of marginalised voices, or rampant criminality?
Chinua Achebe, in his book ‘The Trouble with Nigeria’, poignantly observed that the country’s core issue is “the unwillingness to learn from history, the refusal to accept responsibility for our actions, and the lack of moral courage to confront our weaknesses.”
The continuous farmers-herders clashes, Boko Haram’s reign of terror, and numerous other afflictions leave me bewildered and heartbroken. As I pen this plea, my spirit is weighed down by the crushing burden of tribalism – a hydra-headed menace threatening to tear the very fabric of our society.
This insidious cancer has spread its dark tentacles, infecting every aspect of our national life, like a malignant tumour. A house divided against itself cannot stand. We now find ourselves at the crossroads of destiny, where the path we choose will either make or break our collective future.
Tribalism’s destructive force demands our collective attention and immediate action, especially in light of the forthcoming Plateau State local government elections. As the African proverb goes, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” We must not allow tribalism to ruin our common future. To rebuild this nation, we must set aside our differences and elect credible leaders – regardless of political or religious affiliation. We must look beyond party platforms and vote for leaders who truly represent the nation’s best interests, individuals who have Nigeria at heart.
In the upcoming council elections, I urge all rational-minded citizens to prioritise the nation’s well-being over blind party loyalty. We must reject electoral malpractices and demand a free, fair and transparent process.
As Achebe also emphasised, “Leadership is the critical factor in Nigerian development.” We need leaders who will unite, not divide; leaders who will prioritise the nation’s interests over personal gain. As a Yoruba proverb rightly says, “A family that does not unite will find it difficult to stand.” We are enmeshed in a web of tribalistic politics, where ethnic loyalty takes precedence over the greater good of society.
Many have unwittingly become victims of this divisive mindset, blinded by ignorance. Our education system does little to expose us to diverse cultures and histories, limiting our ability to understand and appreciate one another.
Our economy is severely skewed, with unequal opportunities and an uneven distribution of resources – a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Social justice has been compromised, with inequality and discrimination becoming the new normal.
If we do not address the issue of tribalism, we are courting disaster. Continued ethnic conflicts and violence will stifle economic growth and push more of our best minds to seek greener pastures abroad.
The time to act is now. We must recognise the destructive power of tribalism, engage in constructive dialogues, support inclusive policies and learn to celebrate diversity. Our strength lies in unity; our downfall lies in division.
As the legendary Hubert Ogunde once said, “Unity is the backbone of our nation.” To achieve this unity, we must focus on educational reform, inclusive leadership, open dialogue and economic empowerment.
Let us seize this moment and forge a new path for Nigeria, one where every citizen can thrive – regardless of tribe, religion or region. The clock is ticking and we are at the eleventh hour.
As the Igbo proverb goes, “A child who does not learn from his mother’s teachings will not learn from the teachings of the world.” Therefore, we must learn from our past mistakes to avoid repeating them.
No doubt, tribalism is a deadly virus threatening the very existence of Nigeria. Where is the Nigeria of our dreams? Let us reclaim our lost glory and build a brighter, united future.
Comrade Rangu writes from Bassa LGA, Plateau State