The world itself is a suitable place for conflict, violence, deception, criticism, hatred, nepotism, tribalism, segregation, discrimination, and bigotry, among others, because of the differences that characterise us as individuals.
We perceived the world from diverse points of view and that was exactly what give birth to our inability to embrace altruism rather than egoism. This attitude is exactly what our public office holders are portraying this day, squandering and embezzling public funds without even thinking of the consequences of doing so, and its effect on crippling the country’s economy.
Blindly, people too out of ignorance were divided along ethnic and religious lines and therefore move to consider politicians based on their religion and ethnicity rather than their track record and capacity to deliver good governance.
The aforementioned differences have been in existence and will stay till the end time. As a result, we should learn to respect our differences and tolerate each other by trying to make life easier for one other, let’s work towards moving this country to greater heights. Besides, many like-minded individuals have tried to draw the attention of people regarding politics free from religious and ethnic biases but all to avail due to religious extremism, self-centrism, misconceptions, illiteracy, and ignorance.
Politically, we are so much more concerned about the religion or tribe of a particular politician than his ability to lead with utmost patience and a high sense of responsibility. That is why states like Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, and Gombe which have a great number of tribes and ethnic groups remain underdeveloped for years due to those practices. This is not limited to the North-east because other parts of the country are bedeviled by issues caused by insincere politicians, hypocrites, religious extremists, and separatists that lead to the killings of many.
Farmers and pastoralist conflict has been in existence since the time immemorial but the government due to a lack of strategic thinking failed to work and proffer a lasting solution to the perturbing crisis.
Also, the spate of kidnapping and banditry is alarming that the situation is out of hand. The North-east is still engulfed in communal clashes and Boko Haram insurgency, and the Southern part are experiencing the illegal and unconstitutional activities of IPOB separatists. The above-mentioned security issues have resulted to the killings of thousands of innocent people.
Thus, politicians take advantage of our tribalism, regionalism, and stereotypical perceptions of other religions, and cultures, to narrowing our thinking and dividing us along religious, and cultural lines for their selfish interests.
Today, we live in a country where people cannot travel safely because of their identities. Hence their constitutional rights to freedom of movement can no longer be exercised.
Regrettably, some respected elders, traditional rulers, and religious clerics that are supposed to be earning exceptional and massive respect have ventured into politics and belong to one political movement or another which makes them lose their integrity and respect in the eyes of the poor masses.
To crown it all, It’s high time we woke from the daydream and faced reality. We are one but different along religious and ethnic lines. Therefore, we should embrace ethno-religious tolerance, respect for elders, and constituted authorities. Our priority is Nigeria of our dream that will compete with so-called developed nations in terms of fast-tracked socio-economic and political development.
Maryam Buba Gabaju,
Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri,
Maiduguri Borno state
