With over 250 ethnic groups or tribes, Nigeria is a truly plural society. According to Van Den Berghe, 1964: 2, a society is pluralistic to the extent that it is structurally segmented and culturally diverse. In more operational terms, pluralism is characterised by the relative absence of value consensus; the relative rigidity and clarity of group definition; the relative presence of conflict, or, at least, of lack of integration and complementarity between various parts of the social system; the segmentary and specific character of relationship, and the relative existence of sheer institutional duplication (as opposed to functional differentiation or specialisation) between the various segments of the society.
As the above is a perfect description of our country, the question therefore is the required governance strategy to create a sustainably developing and peaceful nation. Applying a strategy best suited for a homogenous society to a heterogeneous one will expectedly give flawed outcomes. To govern a plural society, a key factor is the extent to which the society is integrated to create the required level of social trust to enhance better understanding and management of the varied interests and differences. Regrettably, this we did not effectively pursue or even pursuing at the moment. Of the four main types of social trust- integration, linkage, synergy and organizational competence/coherence, Nigeria can only be said to have partially achieved the first one which is ‘integration’. It is the type where trust/relationship is mainly found within members of the same family/village/tribe. In a situation where trust stops at the family level (extreme point of integration), the society will be characterized with pervasive level of ‘individual amoralism’ (a state of pervasive individual selfishness). This unfortunately is the state of social trust in Nigeria with the outcomes very clear in all aspects of our individual, communal and government interactions.
With the above illustration, it is important that our leaders especially the current government appreciate our socio-cultural peculiarities and our history in their governance decisions, actions and inactions. While there are many examples, the recent proscription of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) generally known as the Shiites is the most current of such disturbing and counterproductive actions of the government. Though not supporting violence in any form, it is difficult to understand how effective the banning will be in addressing the demands and possible grievances of a deep seated religious group of about five million members. Moreover, remembering the international links and implications of the group and the in-effectiveness of other previous proscriptions indicate that a better approach might be required. As at yesterday, protests have been held in other countries with Iranians in the protest accusing Saudi Arabia as the main force behind the ordeals of El-Zakzaky and his IMN members. It is imperative to exercise utmost caution and wisdom in the way the issues are handled considering developments in Yemen and Syria where similar international interests and powers are at play.
Nigeria is a plural society and the only way to guarantee sustainable growth of the country is through a determined and effective inclusive governance that all especially the minority groups will perceive as fair and just. In my previous article, I had cautioned that the only way we can genuinely show lasting penitence and truly avoid a reoccurrence of wars and genocide such as the one experienced in Rwanda is to effectively address all signs that point to the emergence of genocide. These include cries of oppression, marginalization, tribal persecution, negligence and other social vices that negate or suppress the freedoms and opportunities of citizens. Most unfortunately and lamentably, Nigeria is now more characterized with pervasive signs similar to the ones that festered and caused the Rwandan genocide. If we want a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria, our leaders including religious and traditional rulers cannot continue to claim to be leaders when in brazen atrocities and irregularities, they maintain a debauched unconsciousness and sometimes even collude and affirm immorality and injustice with their revered credibility and assumed moral fortitude.
When it is reported that an entire village has been wiped out with hundreds of lives including women and children killed, it should not be lightly discussed and treated. When over 300 members of a particular group are killed, a proper and unbiased investigation must be carried out and honest justice convincingly applied. When elections in areas perceived to be dominated by specific ethnic group are deliberately and violently disrupted to disenfranchise the group in order to achieve preferred electoral outcomes, should such be encouraged and supported? When such barbarism receive little or no condemnation from our leaders and treated with levity even by relevant government agencies, then we are encouraging the development of negative sub-cultures and beliefs that might not be curtailed with proscriptions. When it is reported that Nigeria is now the poverty capital of the world with about 91 million Nigerians living in extreme poverty, it should not be glossed over rather it should alarm us and trigger concerted short, medium and long term commitment and actions of the federal, state and local governments. That about 21 million Nigerians, our brothers and sisters are unemployed is a very serious issue that should not be treated with levity. World Economic Forum describes it as a time bomb waiting to explode. Those are the voices of the people that must be heard and genuinely addressed for Nigeria to prosper. As the voice of the people is the voice of God, these lamentable human inflicted hardships and pains cannot continue to be glossed over by a few that we entrust with our life and existence. No amount of accusation, counter accusation and proscription will solve the problem. Central to this is the urgent need to restructure Nigeria. The decay is deep and corrective actions are urgently required. Restructuring through devolution of powers to the regions and states provides the most effective curative option to address our varied socio-economic and political challenges and keep Nigeria as one country.
Franklin Ngwu
Dr. Ngwu is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy, Finance and Risk Management, Lagos Business School and a Member, Expert Network, World Economic Forum.
