It is only in unity that Nigeria’s strength and future lies

It is two weeks into the new year. And I make haste to remind our people that before the general elections of 2027, concerned Nigerians should take another close look at older democracies like America and Great Britain. How are issues working out for them in the face of their peculiar challenges?

These are the countries which can pride themselves today as being in the forefront of global democratic governance. They were in the arena much earlier than Nigeria. In the remaining months before the next presidential elections, therefore, aspiring Nigerian leaders should be able to study and appreciate the social and political challenges these countries had to contend with over the years, and how they pulled through. Trust Nigerians. Their aspiring leaders should be able to encourage them to "photostat" how these advanced democracies are daily overcoming their challenges and how they are becoming more and more able to wield their various communities together in the interest of the human family. It is not that Nigerian leaders are yet to see the need.

Trust their “One Love” slogan. Nigerians know that they have indeed come a long way since our country attained independence on 1 October 1960. The compelling need for its very existence made it mandatory for the country to drop the parliamentary form of democracy it inherited from Britain. The country had experienced series of coups and counter-coups by its military for most of its post-independence years between 1966 and 1999. And at the closure of the military adventure into the country’s democratic governance, it became necessary to institute a home-made Nigerian constitution which would ensure that the military stayed back in the barracks and that soldiers were no longer in a position to stage coups in the future, against a constitutionally elected government of the people.

The country's leaders at the time decided to tailor government to fit into what they saw as the needs and aspirations of Nigerian citizens. And so, the end of military rule ushered in a new era of elections, and a return of civil liberties and freedom of the press. It saw an end to arbitrary arrests and torture which were prevalent during the military interregnum. Nigeria also began a long campaign against the bureaucratic and military corruption which had paralysed its economy and severely tarnished its international reputation.

In 1999, the nation’s leaders chose to adopt the American model of constitution. Nigeria, like the United States, was large. It was complex. Its composition was heterogeneous. Nigeria's constitution makers simply felt that what worked for Americans should also work for Nigerians. And why not?

In many ways, Nigeria’s constitution looked remarkably like that of America. There were 36 states in all, plus the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The President enjoyed a four-year term, with the possibility of a second tenure. The National Assembly was bicameral. There was the Senate. There was also the House of Representatives with the number of members determined by the populations of the states. At the apex of the federal structure of an independent judiciary was the Supreme Court comprising of up to 15 judges. The President had a Vice as his deputy. Each state had a governor and a deputy governor. There was a unicameral House of Assembly in each of the states. Also, there were other familiar procedures. Appointments to the Cabinet, the Supreme Court, and to Ambassadorial posts required Senate confirmation, for instance.

Be that as it may, the 1999 Nigerian constitution made important provisions which differed considerably from the American model. Most of them were made to ensure regional balance. One of the important provisions, for example, was that the President must have in his cabinet at least one minister from each of the states in the Federation.

Today, Nigeria is said to be the world's fourth largest democracy. It is said that one African in four is a Nigerian. With a population of about 200 million people, Nigeria is larger than any country in Europe. It is the world's eighth largest producer of crude oil and the United States' second largest supplier.

From the first day the country attained self rule, Nigerian leaders knew that theirs was a country which constantly faced the challenges of extraordinary socio-political complexities. They knew that their people speak hundreds of ethnic languages. Half of them belong to the three largest ethnic groups – the Hausa, the Igbo and the Yoruba. The rest of them, usually identified as the "minorities," come from the more than 250 other groups which also speak different ethnic languages and have their various cultural identities. Nigeria's constitution makers were determined not repeat the country's past mistakes.

Unfortunately, this diversity in language and culture continued to inflict a bloody nose on Nigeria's determination to march towards nationhood. The country’s leaderships at every level of governance seemed to find it difficult to grapple with the challenges. But the fact remained that the case of Nigeria was not different from the case of other big democracies, especially the United States and Great Britain.

America has 50 states - Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Great Britain is great because it harbours four countries in one – England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All of these people have their different ethnic languages and ways of life. But whether we look at America or Britain today, there is a trend that each of these progressive countries is adopting. They all believe that UNITY IN DIVERSITY is the only way forward for their countries. The doctrine of unity in diversity has sustained them and made them great over the years. That same doctrine, known in Nigeria as "ONE LOVE" can also sustain Nigeria’s democracy and make Nigeria great.

That is the truth.

Nigeria, often referred to as the "Giant of Africa" was my original country before I migrated to the UK with my family, some 25 years ago. My country is blessed with immense natural resources, cultural heritage, and a population that that is made up of diverse ethnic groups, languages, and religions. With over 250 ethnic groups, more than 500 languages and a population of about 200 million people, Nigeria is a conglomeration of cultures and traditions.

Unfortunately, these different cultures and traditions, rather than be a source of strength to Nigerian citizens, was often exploited by political manipulators to foster division and conflict in the polity. In the circumstances that now prevail especially in the context of security and social cohesion, it has become imperative for Nigerian leaders to now deal with our country's full potentials as a progressive and prosperous country. To do this, all Nigerian citizens must embrace the doctrine of unity in diversity which sustained and still sustains great nations like the United States of America and Great Britain. That is the one principle that holds the promise of a brighter future for my country.

Unity in diversity is the deep understanding by every citizen of the country that a nation can remain united despite its peoples' differences in culture, religion, ethnicity, and social practices. In countries like the United States, this concept has always enabled people from diverse backgrounds—including immigrants from every corner of the world—to work together to build a strong, vibrant society. Similarly, Great Britain, made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, thrives by respecting and celebrating the unique identities of each nation within the union while it fosters a sense of collective purpose.

In my country, Nigeria, the concept of unity in diversity is captured in the national motto: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” and in the “One Love,” slogan, popularized in the country's music and cultural discourse. But, achieving true unity in my country requires deliberate efforts to bridge divides and promote inclusivity. It demands that Nigerian leaders address the challenges posed by the country’s diversity, and work tirelessly to harness its benefits. Indeed, Nigeria’s diversity is both a blessing and a challenge. On the positive side, it provides a rich cultural heritage that includes vibrant music, art, cuisine, and traditions. Nigeria’s Nollywood industry, for instance, is the second-largest film industry in the world, drawing on stories and experiences from the country’s diverse cultures. Similarly, Nigerian music—from Afrobeats to Highlife—has gained global recognition due to its fusion of different cultural influences.

On the other hand, Nigeria’s diversity has also been a source of tension and conflict. Ethnic and religious divisions had often fuelled violent clashes, political instability, and economic disparities. From the days of the Biafran War of the late 1960s to recent conflicts herdsmen and farmers in the north particularly, the inability of Nigeria's political leaders to manage diversity effectively has continued to hinder our national development. If my country, Nigeria, is to move forward, its leaders must address these challenges head-on, in order to accelerate its march towards nationhood by promoting unity in all aspects of national life.

The main reason this must happen is the revealing fact that Nigeria’s ethnic diversity is one of its most prominent features. The three major ethnic groups—Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo—tend to dominate the political and economic landscape, often at the expense of smaller ethnic groups. This dominance had always created a sense of marginalization among minorities and had frequently led to agitations for greater autonomy or even secession.

To foster that unity has now become a compulsion. Nigerian political leaders must begin to promote equitable resource distribution. Economic policies that would ensure that all regions benefit from the country’s wealth, particularly revenue from oil and other natural resources must be put in place by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Political appointments and decision-making should reflect the country’s diversity, giving every ethnic group a sense of belonging. True federalism would allow states and regions greater control over their resources and affairs, reducing tensions over perceived marginalization. Anything less than that should be rejected by Nigerian citizens through a petition to the main opposition party.

On another level, religion evidently plays a significant role in the lives of Nigerians, with Islam and Christianity as the two dominant faiths. In my country, religious intolerance often led to conflicts, such as the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast and communal clashes in the Middle Belt. Nigerian political leaders need to urgently address religious divisions by promoting interfaith dialogue. Such initiatives that bring religious leaders together to discuss common values and address misunderstandings can usher mutual respect into the polity. The government must ensure that policies and practices are neutral and do not favour one religion over another. Public awareness campaigns can also help dispel stereotypes and encourage peaceful coexistence.

With over 500 languages spoken in Nigeria, linguistic diversity is both a cultural asset and a source of division. Language barriers can hinder communication and limit opportunities for collaboration. To address this handicap, Nigerian political leaders should be able to promote multilingual education. Schools should be made to teach major Nigerian languages alongside English, culminating in mutual understanding and respect. The government should also support indigenous languages. Efforts to preserve and promote minority languages can help maintain a richer cultural heritage and prevent marginalization. Beyond all that, Nigerian political leaders should encourage a national identity. While celebrating linguistic diversity, leaders should also emphasize a common Nigerian identity through shared symbols and values like NAFAP. NAFAP which I coined about five years ago simply means "Nigerian Anthem, Flag and Passport". (They do not recognise "though tribe and tongue may differ." They only recognise Nigeria - One Nigeria)

NAFAP
There is no doubt that economic disparities between regions and social classes only deepens divisions in Nigeria. The Northern region, for instance, lags behind the South in terms of education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This inequality fuels resentment and hampers national unity. But many see this "disparity" as the result of deliberate policies of some greedy, misguided northern leaders to perpetually enslave their people. For instance, they tell the common people that western education is taboo and should be seen as a plague while their own children are in school in the UK and USA.

To address socio-economic disparities, Nigerian political leaders must intentionally invest in education and healthcare. Targeted investments in underserved regions can help bridge the gap between the North and South. Government must create job opportunities and economic policies should prioritize job creation, particularly for young people who are vulnerable to radicalization and social unrest. Nigerian political, traditional and religious leaders must commit themselves to promote rural development. Infrastructure projects in rural areas can reduce the prevailing rural-urban migration and promote balanced development. Another fact is that ethnic and regional divisions often manifest in political disputes, with elections frequently marred by allegations of rigging and violence. This political instability undermines public trust in the government and weakens national cohesion.

To promote political stability, Nigerian political leaders should ensure free and fair elections. Strengthening electoral institutions and processes can build confidence in the democratic system. For example, Nigerian leaders should encourage power rotation. Rotational leadership between regions can reduce tensions and foster a sense of inclusion. Also, government should emphasize and promote accountability. Transparent governance and anti-corruption measures will always rebuild trust in political institutions. Nigerian youths, who make up a significant portion of the population, are often marginalized in political and economic decision-making. This exclusion had often led to frustration and, in some cases, participation in violent movements. To engage the youth, Nigerian political leaders should invest in education and skills development. Equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in life can reduce unemployment and social unrest. The government should encourage youth participation in governance. Initiatives like the “Not Too Young to Run” movement should be expanded to give young people a voice in decision-making. The government should also promote entrepreneurship by supporting small businesses and startups which can empower young Nigerians and drive economic growth.

The examples of the United States and Great Britain offer valuable lessons for Nigeria. In the United States, policies that promote equal opportunity and celebrate cultural diversity have created a society where people of different backgrounds can thrive together. In Great Britain, the recognition of regional identities within a unified framework has also fostered stability and progress. Nigeria can adopt similar strategies by celebrating cultural festivals. National recognition of cultural events, such as the New Yam Festival and Durbar, can enhance mutual appreciation. Moreover, Nigerian leaders should encourage inter-ethnic marriages. Policies that promote social integration can help break down barriers between ethnic groups. They should be building national pride. Campaigns that emphasize Nigeria’s achievements and potentials can inspire a sense of unity and purpose.

After all, unity in diversity is not just a lofty ideal. It is a necessity for Nigeria’s survival and progress. By addressing ethnic, religious, linguistic, socio-economic, and political divisions, Nigerian leaders can lay the foundation for a united and prosperous nation. The journey will not be easy, but with commitment, vision, and the active participation of all Nigerians, the dream of a truly united Nigeria can become a reality. The time to act is now, for in unity lies Nigeria’s strength and future.

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