Of Nigerian Tribes And Federal Character




The daily lives of Nigerians are woven around the various tribes and ethnic groups in the country.  Where an individual comes from, largely determines his or her fate on several issues bothering on social, political and  economic prospects.
People of the same tribe have, overtime, established unions that would cater for their interests, wherever they find themselves, outside of  their home communities.
These unions are functional in all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.  Such unions have for long, embarked on developmental programmes, which originally is the responsibility of the Government.
Sadly, Government has failed to live up to the expectations of the people, who are increasingly embarking on self help initiatives, through these unions. Most Nigerians attribute their difficulties in life to the tribal consciousness in all facets of National life.
In an attempt to ensure equity, Government established the Federal Character Commission, to address issues relating to equal representation in federal institutions.
Has the Commission been able to achieve its objectives ? The answer to the question could be got from the personalities holding sway, in the Ministries, Parastatals, Departments and  Agencies.  The scepter of tribalism abounds in every sector, one can think of.
Not long ago, President Muhammad Buhari appointed a new Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu. Reactions have trailed Dr. Kachikwu’s appointment.
One of such reaction is from Eze Dr. Alex Anozie, the Eze Ndi Igbo of Ibadan and Oyo state. Dr. Anozie is from the South East  geo-political zone. ”It is something good, they have done to appoint that  gentleman there, but the impression that he is from the South East is wrong. He is not from the South East, he is an Ibo man quite alright, but he is not from the South East. He is from the South/ South, he is from Delta state”.
Indeed, in Nigeria, tribes transcends individuality.
Solomon Adewunmi is the Editor-in-Chief of New Federation (news2day.emyspot.com), People(2day.emyspot.com) and Federationewsday(one.emyspot.com) He attended Ajeromi Ifelodun High School, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos and the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos. He possesses - * BBC/EC CERTIFICATE IN NEWS JOURNALISM (FEB. 2001) * CERTIFICATE IN ARTS AND CULTURE CRITICISM (NANTAP MAY 2001) * CERTIFICATE IN PEACE JOURNALISM (JUSTICE, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE COMMISSION) *CERTIFICATE IN CONFLICT ANALYSIS[UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMME, OCT.2004] *CERTIFICATE IN INTERFAITH CONFLICT RESOLUTION( UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE, JAN. 2009).

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