The Role of State Constitutions in Protecting ... - International IDEA

NIGERIA’S EXPERIENCE IN MANAGING
THE CHALLENGES OF ETHNIC
AND RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY THROUGH
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
Otive Igbuzor
Preamble
Ethnicity and Religion are two issues that have played dominant roles in the way
of life and governance in Africa.
Religion dominates the roots of the culture areas of Nigeria…Little or no
distinction existed between the profane and the sacred dimensions of life.
Thus, all activities and instruments of governance and survival were clothed
in religious ritual, language and symbolism. 11
Over and above the factors of environment, political organization and outlook of
traditional Nigeria, the religious factor remained the major source of inspiration
in the catalyst for the people’s activities and world view. 12 The political behavior
of some Nigerians is still influenced heavily by the hyperbolic assumption that
one’s destiny is intrinsically and exclusively linked with one’s ethnic, linguistic and
religious identity. 13
This paper gives an overview of Nigeria’s political and constitutional history and
the evolution of its Federal system. The paper argues that the evolution of federal
system in Nigeria was truncated by military intervention. The paper also reviews
the operation of federalism in Nigeria and posits that minority rights are not
protected. Finally, the paper outlined the challenges of ethnic and religious
diversity in Nigeria and drew lessons particularly for countries in democratic
transition.
Introduction
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with a population of over 120
million people of diverse ethnic, linguistic, cultural and religious identities. The
history of the country can be traced to pre-colonial times when there were
“elaborate systems of governance, which varied in scale and complexity depending
on their geographical environment, available military technology, economic,
spiritual and moral force.” 14 There were various kingdoms and empires such as the
11) Kalu, O.A (1989), “Religions in Nigeria: An Overview” in J. A. Atanda et al (Eds), Nigeria Since Independence: The
first Twenty-Five Year,. Vol. IX. Ibadan, Heinemann P.11
12) Enwerem, I. M (1995), A Dangerous Awakening: The politicization of Religion in Nigeria, Ibadan, French Institute for
Research in Africa.
13) Dlakwa, H. (1997), “Ethnicity in Nigerian Politics: Formation of Political Organisations and Parties” in Okafor, F.
U.(1997) (Ed), New Strategies for Curbing Ethnic and Religious conflicts in Nigeria, Enugu, fourth Dimension Publishers
14) Political Bureau, (1987), Report of the Political Bureau. Abuja
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