THE INCREASING RATE OF CONFLICT AND CRISIS AND THEIR EFFECT IN PRESIDENTIAL BASIS OF PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE

THE INCREASING RATE OF CONFLICT AND CRISIS AND THEIR EFFECT IN PRESIDENTIAL BASIS OF PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE.

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Nigeria is a country of over four hundred 400 ethnic groups and numerous sub-ethnic groups with different backgrounds. Though, these ethnic groups exist independently of each other, they had interacted with one another before the advent of colonial rule in the country. Colonial administration fostered ethnic consciousness among the people through the creation of artificial boundaries. Ethnicism was therefore brought to the fore in the political dispensation of the country (Ukiwo 2005). 

As  Nnoli (1980:5) cited in Babawale (2006:20, 21), that ethnicity comes in hand in a situation of inter-ethnic competition for scarce resources particularly in society where inequality is accepted as natural and material wealth is greatly esteemed. He also pointed out that ethnicity is not intrinsically negative, what often happens is the fact that the manipulation of the ethnic factor in political contestation often yield negative outcome. Nigeria as a heterogeneous society has continually faced the problem of ethnic consciousness as it has been entrenched in the Nigeria society to the extent that any activity or program of action initiated by the government of the day is seen as being influenced by ethnic considerations. This situation is fast becoming a value and consciously taught among each nationality in Nigeria and propagated to capture political positions has caused more harm than good to national integration and harmony. ( Nnoli (1980:5) cited in Babawale (2006:20, 21). 

 Ethnicity is a phenomenon in form and conflictual in nature and content such that people from different ethnic groups sees each other as competitors in the quest for resources rather than compatriots. This can only exist within a plural political states such as Nigeria with over four (400) languages. It is the relationship between the diverse ethnic groups with the political environment that produces ethnicity. In the case of Nigeria, its conflictual nature stem from interethnic competition for power and scarce resources. It is often characterized by inter-ethnic discrimination in jobs, housing, admission into higher institutions, scholarships, distribution of welfare services, marriage etc. This is often accompanied by nepotism and corruption. Merit is quite often sacrificed on the altar of ethnicity, thus, ethnic crisis becomes the resultant effects.   (Obaje 2002). 

 Obaje (2002), discuses some ways in which conflicts can be managed like, rights of citizens should be ensured for all Nigerians wherever they settled with appropriate privileges attached. He goes further to talk on how traditional institutions should be more involved at certain levels of decision making and development not just constitution. He added that government should check the excesses of youth Militia used by some political leaders to cover their lack of performance and insecurity. Any minor misunderstanding involving members of two different ethnic groups could have a catalytic effect and push things beyond the precipice. There are two major types or sources of this category of tension in Nigeria that is associated with the character of relationship between the so-called settlers and the host community (indigene); and that is  associated with perception of how kinsmen are being treated in distant location which attract  reprisal attacks on sentiment. Nigeria is undoubtedly a very tense country, in so far as ethnic relationship is concerned. A combination of interrelated crises has stretched the bends of unity. The fabric of nationhood, as well as the ingredients of citizenship identity is very thin to a potentially snappy point (Obaje 2002). This study is set out to explain ethnic crisis and its implications on good governance and development in Nigeria.