Detribalization, Identity And National Development
Publication Date: 05/07/2019
Author(s): Onuh Paul Ani, Ike Chinedu Cyril , Nnaji Daniel Ikechi.
Volume/Issue: Volume 2 , Issue 2 (2019)
Abstract:
‘Detribalization’ is an idea that has been increasingly floated in the political circle in Nigeria, since the return to civil rule in 1999, as a feature of patriotism that should ultimately lead to national unity and state development. The argument is that the peoples of Nigeria have to de-identify with their ethnicity to elevate to being ‘detribalized Nigerians’, an identity of some sort. The implication is that detribalization is an end that all patriots must achieve and exude. This paper argues that such ideas at best amount to (national) self-delusion, and at worst seeks to cleanse folks of their long held, time tested identities, criminalize identities, prejudice cultural heritage, asphyxiate ethnic evolution, and ultimately undermine national development. We observe that the notion of a ‘detribalization’ amounts to abuse of concept, misapplication of concepts, and the dearth of ideas. Such ideas in the national discourse, as of today, should be replaced with ‘ethnicity’ as that is what it seemingly refers to. Ethnic diversity however is a gift rather than a curse and should be harnessed for development. The centre should be disincentivised to check hostile inter-ethnic competition for resources by modelling federalism in its ideal form and practice.
