Issue of Ethnic Conflict in Nigeria and Possible Solutions -By Ohwofasa EmuesiriOghene .E

Nigeria, the Giant of Africa, has over 400 ethnic groups but three(3) out of these groups namely; Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa are recognised as the main ethnic groups in Nigeria. This then lead the remaining groups to strive for recognition in the country .

Since the period of independence, Nigeria has been battling with the problem of ethnicity which later led to some major ethnic conflicts that resulted to loss of lives and unqualifiable damages of properties. An excellent example is the civil war also known as the Biafra war (6th July 1967-15th January 1970).Though the war is a past event , Nigeria still suffers from the scars till this very period.

What is ethnic conflict? , It is a conflict relating to either one or all the ethnic parties of which the basis of the conflict ends are often political, economical, social or territorial gains. The main causes of this ethnic conflict in Nigeria evolved as a result of scarcity of political resources, corruption, religion, inequality , language barrier, tribalism and internal land dispute.

Corruption and political resource control are one key causes of ethnic conflict in Nigeria and it has continued to quietly destroy the country from within.

It is aided by bad leadership whereby leaders often times intentionally create artificial barriers along tribal and religious to advance their own political interest. They also ensure the voices of the citizens are not in cohesion to challenge their bad leadership.

Religion is another leading factor of ethnic conflict in Nigeria

In Nigeria, we practice 3 (three) major religion (Christianity , Islamic and Traditional religion) and each religion have their different beliefs . For instance, large part of the northern Muslim have been accused of intolerance to people practicing other religions in the north and this has led to the killing of many who are non-Muslims and of southern extraction.

The issue of inequality and tribalism are interrelated in the fact that inequality arises due to perceived favouritism of persons or regions belonging to one tribe over others by the government and its agencies. Another point that encourages tribalism and inequality in Nigeria is the feeling of ethnocentrialism. i.e a belief that one tribe is superior to others and this has led to a sort of distrust amongst Nigerians mostly among the youths.

Other causes like internal land Disputes , language barriers etc are often initiated by citizens due to factors like high level of illiteracy , unemployment and historical issues between the two rivals.

The issue of illiteracy in Nigeria can actually be curtailed or totally eliminated in Nigeria through the following means; Eradication of the feeling of ethno centralism , Tolerance, Youth education, patriotism, Government policies and programmes, inter-ethnic marriage etc. By eradicating the feeling of ethnocentrialism, this should not be done among citizens of the country only but also by the leaders of Nigeria. This will not only help foster the unity of Nigeria but build significant trust among all the tribes in the country.

Another possible solution is unity among religious groups in Nigeria. Religious leaders should encourage its members about the importance of peace by respecting other religious beliefs. Other minor means like Tolerance, Youth education, Patriotism i.e. one love and devotion to his/her country, Government policies and programmes and inter-ethnic marriage are to be strongly practiced among citizens.

In Nigeria, to overcome the problems of ethnic conflict in Nigeria and reach the principal goal ; National unity, it is necessary to unite people in as many aspects of life as possible .i.e. rather than promoting war, distrust etc for personal and selfish interest, we as Nigerians should promote peace and unity among ourselves and disregard any feeling of ethnocentrialism, Tribalism etc. Because Nigeria together we stand but divided we fall.

This Article was written by Ohwofasa EmuesiriOghene Erhomo. An 100l student of the faculty of law, Delta State University Abraka.