political and economic issues of nigeria

The British presence in Nigeria, like that of most African nations, was marked by indirect rule and divide-and-rule methods of government. The local people maintained their government mechanisms through this scheme. However, the politicians were forced to serve as colonialist agents by imposing law and order and raising taxes. Divide and rule was a strategy in which misinformation was used to sow discord within emerging political institutions. As a result, they were divided and unable to unite against the colonialists. This style of governance has had a negative long-term effect on the unity of many countries (Thompson, 2016). Tribalism and violence between different ethnic and religious groups has hindered achievement of National Unity in Nigeria, just like in some other African states. This paper describes the

In many instances, individuals have described Boko Haram’s advancements as a threat to life and property. However, this group also poses a major threat on national unity. One of the ways that their activities have effected this unity is by preventing free mingling and movement of the people. Many Nigerians avoid travelling to the northern parts of the country because of fear (Anyadike, 2013). This means that there are less interactions between the people than would be the case if the north was completely safe. National unity is fostered where people are able to interact and exchange ideas while learning and appreciating each other’s values, beliefs and cultural practices.

Boko Haram’s activities has led to cultural, religious and regional sensitivity. Nigerians are more likely to treat others with contempt because of their religious beliefs, cultural and religious background. Many people fear losing lives and property to activities of Boko Haram. Therefore, they will try and avoid anyone that they suspect might have links to the organization. This fear often leads to profiling and avoidance of certain groups of people. Communication and interactions have become harder since people avoid becoming part of crowds for the fear of being victimized (Bamidele, 2012). One divide of Nigerians feel that Boko Haram is giving the country a bad image, hindering foreign investments and portraying the entire citizenry as bad people. They are likely to express this hate towards individuals who share certain characteristics with the Boko Haram thus straining national unity.

Violence has characterized many confrontations in the Niger Delta. While some communities feel that they are not enjoying the full benefits of natural resources in the area, others feel more entitled. Ibaba (2009) conducted a research involving 30 different communities. The investigation sought the feelings of members of these communities towards each other in the face of the oil disputes. Members of each community blames other groups for the violence and disruption of the oil production process. These individuals also feel that other communities are responsible for the internationalization of oil theft thus denying them access to the economic benefits of the resource. The volatile situation in the region has made it impossible for authorities to bring the people together and deliberate on how the resources can be exploited and distributed for the mutual benefit of all the members. The mistrust developing from feuding has made it hard for the communities to collaborate in other areas such as political leadership, other economic sectors and even education. For instance, feuding communities believe that electing an individual outside the tribe to a powerful government position will give their enemies opportunities to muscle them out of the benefit-sharing equation. This has strained national unity and promoted mistrust.



References

Anyadike, N. O. (2013). Boko Haram and national security challenges in Nigeria; causes and solutions.

Bamidele, O. (2012). Boko Haram Catastrophic Terrorism–An Albatross to National Peace, Security and Sustainable Development in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 14(1), 32-44.

Ibaba, I. S. (2009). Violent conflicts and sustainable development in Bayelsa State. Review of African Political Economy, 36(122), 555-573.

Thomson, A. (2016). An introduction to African politics. Routledge.