By Nanzip Lannap
Presented at the Musalaha conference in Coventry Cathedral..
21/05/2011
Africa’s most populous country is sometimes called its most corrupt and complex. Today’s news headlines speak much of conflict between Muslims and Christians and of the violence that occurred during the recent elections. Since the inception of a democratic government in 1999, Nigeria has been faced with issues of corruption among its leaders, unstable politics, communal conflict and misuse of resources. In the midst of all this, people live in abject poverty and in hostility with one another. Yet, Nigeria is a nation blessed with oil and other natural resources, ranking as the largest oil-producing country in Africa and the eleventh largest in the world. Before the discovery of oil, agriculture was the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy, with major harvested crops including cassava, palm kernel, cotton, and ground nut amongst many others. Nigeria is also a warm-cultured country, with a high value for relationships, hospitality, humour and a resilient people who belief in making life better for themselves. Even in the worst of situations, they will persevere through their troubles until destiny shines on them.
Historically, Nigeria was a British colony that was divided into Northern and Southern protectorates before becoming independent in 1960. First, the British nurtured the North and South separately. Lord Lugard, former Governor of the two protectorates, partnered with the northern Emirs to protect the Islamic civilization. The North was shut off from western influence to which the South was exposed. This colonial division contributed greatly to the current tension that Nigerians feel as they seek to live together as a state. More so, ethnic, regional and religious conflict becomes one of the sentimental fruit that often arouse in the competition for power, material resources and privileges.
Nigeria is a diverse country with over 230 ethnic groups speaking over 530 languages and practicing many different kinds of religion. Northern Nigeria has been blessed through most of its history by having both Muslims and Christians living together. But in recent years the North-Central Plateau State has been in flames due to sectarian violence between the predominately Muslim Hausa/Fulani tribes and other indigenous and migrant ethnic groups from other parts of Nigeria, which are predominantly Christian. This violence has led to the death of many, and the destruction of property worth millions of dollars and it has left a legacy of revenge.
In the Northeast, in Borno and Bauchi State is also flowing with the current trend of violence in Northern Nigeria with the development of a new ideology called ‘Boko haram’ sect of Islamic believers who are basically radical against all forms of Western education and system of government. This group has promised to make the country ungovernable insofar as the government is not in allegiance to their own view of Islamic civilization. They have perpetrated several attacks on private homes and government institutions, especially targeting police and military stations killing many people and destroying property. Since 2001 in north-western Kaduna State, there has been a horrible crisis over the idea of establishing a state in which their version of Islamic Sharia law would be applied to both the Muslim and Christian population. This extremism escalated into a clash between the Muslims and Christians in Kaduna that resulted into the death of hundreds and the destruction of property on both sides.
Presently the violence in Kaduna and other northern states reflects grievances and discontentment over the presidential election that took place in 2011. Many, especially in some of the northern states, do not accept the result favouring Goodluck Jonathan, a Southern Christian, who was declared to be the winner of the election. This dispute was the cause of riots that killed over 500 people in Kaduna and Bauchi State in 2011.
Looking at the conflicts in northern Nigeria, one can say it is not just about religious beliefs, as is mostly generalised, but goes beyond this into several other aspects of Nigerian society, which are in the grip of institutional injustice — governmental, political and economic. Unfairness in the system has led to inadequate basic amenities, a rapid increase in poverty to over 71%, more illiterate people roaming the streets and lack of job opportunities, which is resulting in crimes and violence.
The potential in Nigeria is immense and it is achievable if leaders at different levels of government and other establishments are willing to work with those they are leading by putting all regional, religious, political and tribal sentiment aside to strive for a better nation as a whole. Subsequently, one of the ways to achieve a better Nigeria is to let peace and love guide all actions of Nigerians to enhance unity and productivity, bearing in mind how much Nigeria’s reputation has been painted internationally with issues of corruption and instability. Nigerians have to “say no” to corruption and begin to work in transparency and accountability to change the story of poverty into one of a prosperous nation where there is equal opportunity and access to electricity, water, education, food and the other basic necessities that all its citizens need in order to live. Peace is not a substance that one buys: It is a lifestyle that must be nurtured collectively. Therefore, all Nigerians need to reactivate their spirit of brotherhood, a spirit of oneness that will enhance unity. This is fundamental in breaking the circle of violence that has produced so much hatred and fear that neighbours of different religious and ethnic backgrounds no longer know how to start living with each other in peace. All Nigerians have a part to play in this journey for a better country, thus let all Nigerians put their heads together and work together for a better future.