Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religious lines and they destroy lives and properties. The reasons for these anomalies are not far fetched. Addressing the root causes of these conflict is often the first step towards providing long term solutions. Nigerians conflicts are social in nature including Hunger, Poverty, Ignorance inequality and exclusion, hypocrisy and high competition

Where there is ethnicity (or linguistic differences) and religious difference: hypocrisy and competition is high. In Nigerian history, there has been issues of civil war and ethnic groups don't trust each other. One tribe or ethnic groups feels like the other tribe is being unfair and will out-do them. One religious divide feels like the other should be subdued and is inferior.

In all honesty, Humans, just like all animals are territorial in the competition for available RESOURCES.
Nigeria is a country with Diverse ethnic groups with Evidence of abundance in terms of both Human Capital and Natural RESOURCES but divided along religious and ethnic lines.

In Nigeria, religion is more of a political tool to manipulate human emotions and attachments. People are easily manipulated right from childhood with certain doctrines or teachings which they are unable to break away from as they grow. Politicians see this and exploit it.

When it's time to contest for elections, politicians go to churches and mosques to create an attachment and make the people feel involved. Meanwhile, same political class will rob you blind and leave nothing but poverty and high competition.
The poorer the society becomes, the easier it is to controll them by ethnicity / religious divide, and this leads to more Poverty; poverty leads to violence.

There is no man as violent as a Poor man who has been told God is coming to help his financial status if he fights for God. Instead of being told, "your country has the right resources needed for development and peace".

So Nigeria and as a rich country with abundance is being systematically kept poor. The Nigerian man can tell his country is rich but is easily distracted with religious sentiments and ethnic supremacy; killing each other, destroy things and having a scarcity: because they've been told, "there is no money in Nigeria", "there is no light in Nigeria", "there is no jobs in Nigeria", "there is no food in Nigeria", "there is no crude in Nigeria"... gradually, we build a mentality of scarcity despite the fact that there is abundance.

Winner will be announced in 909090 AD.
100k gwo gwo gwo ngwo.

Nigeria is a nation of 200 million people. Not the largest population in the world, but the largest population in Africa. But this is a country with over 250 ethnic groups with different individual cultures and way of life.

This creates an avenue for tribalism and an average Nigerian owes allegiance first to his tribe before his country.

If he was in a position to fill up a vacancy, he would rather employ an incompetent candidate from his tribe than a competent candidate from another tribe.

This also plays out in government where majority of the government appointments, especially key strategic positions are heavily skewed towards a particular ethnic group.

Government policies are implemented to favour one ethnic group over another while some ethnic groups are completely neglected. In this country, we practice nepotism, cronyism, and tribalism instead of meritocracy like other first world countries.



Nigerians are predominantly Christians and Muslims with the core majority of Muslims in the North and Christians in the South. This is not to say there aren't Christians in the North or Muslims in the South. There are. But let me use the 3 major ethnic groups to explain. The Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa/Fulani

Majority of the Muslims are from the North with the predominant tribe being the Hausa/Fulani. The Igbos in the South-East are mostly Christians while the Yorubas in the South-West have roughly the same amount of Christians and Muslims in their tribe.

We have had religious and ethnic conflicts in the past and we still have them today. The Boko Haram terrorist group (a group that forbids western education) was birthed from an Islamic fundamentalist ideology.

Because of ethnic and religious sentiments, this terrorist group was handled with kid gloves until they grew in large numbers, got the support of the local population, and became too violent and organized for the government to control.

Today we have ISWAP (Islamic State of West African Province) a terrorist group that broke off from Boko Haram and pledges its allegiance to Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi.

The fact is this:

Muslims and Christians don't see eye to eye, Sunnis and Shiites hate each other. Christians are divided amongst their different denominations and the whole picture has an ethnic colouration.

This is why during elections, voters will choose candidates based on religious and ethnic sentiments rather than the vision and ability to do the job.

There is just so much difference, distrust, and disunity amongst the Nigerian people and this is why there is no end in sight for the division we face today.

Good evening Sir Eejo

I think the root of our problem start from the Civil War, I remember reading a novel when I was little about the war, I remember how the main character in the novel, an igbo man who was living in Port Harcourt then lost everything, his house, his businesses and how he had to relocate to his village, the novel was pretty sad because he even lost his son, I was little then but I saw how war can cause such a big devastation, so those feelings has been passed from generation to generation how "your tribe is your own people and the only ones you can depend on" kind of mentality.

I live in the south and I have seen other tribes focus on building houses in their own villages before they even build in the place where they live and have business.

We live in a world where our parents will tell us to learn our local dialect because when war comes that's the only way to save us.

The point is that the war have created a big friction in Nigeria and still now its still showing its ugly faces and our politicians know this, so they put fire into the flame, they want tribal sentiments to continue to remain in power, look at our past elections, it's all about voting for my tribal person for many voters, many don't even care about credentials, just voting for their tribes man.

In terms of religion issues, I think there have always been religion warfare for centuries, every religion always believe they are superior to another and there have always been fights and killings, it's been happening around the world which is very sad because my motto is "live and let's live".

In terms of scarcity, I am going to say this is mostly the fault of the elite like take for example we are a oil producing country and we are supposed to have a lot of refineries to produce oil for us but just look how a nation is depending on a private citizen Dangote to supply us Oil, isn't it so embarrassing that a whole Nigeria is depending on a private citizen on its supply for fuel and we having fuel scarcity once there is little issue or they didn't agree on an issue.

We have abundant of resources but the elite have turn this resources to monopoly, one person in charge of key products in Nigeria, we live in a county where when the little man can't even start a good business to decrease this monopoly, they are usually driven out due to power supply, insecurities, corruptions and many other things, so the elites in charge determine the prize which is usually expensive since there is no competition and the average citizen struggle to get it

Okay

Olryt

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

Our politicians manipulated our thinking that way So that they (the politicians) will perpetuate themselves in power for so long to enjoy the abundance with their families and cronies alone

Secondly, this is because of the different origins of the two predominant religions of Islam and Christianity coupled with their being rooted in separate geographical localities

Thirdly, the colonial masters did that so that we will never be a united country.
Remember when the motion for self rule was made and a particular tribe was made to kick against it by the colonial masters

jmoore:
Winner will be announced in 909090 AD.

100k gwo gwo gwo ngwo.

You think it's a joke? Dey play

ok

Permit me to blame the antecedent of the 1966 coup, it paved way for all the ethnic crisis that began till date...
Nigeria is a nation filed with diverse nations
It is impossible to stand as one currently.
But here we are today due to the selfish interest of the British empire almagamation act.

Now every ethnicity/region would want the bulk of the vast resources if given the opportunity to rule by their kinsmen.

This is the more reason their are uneven infrastructural developments and distribution across the country and the More reason every citizen would want to vote and elect officials along the tribal, religious and ethnicity line


Infact we're here today because Nigerians are so self centered and greedy to come together as one to champion a new cause for growth and prosperity in Nigeria. It is deep rooted !

We're our own problem and the sooner we realise that,the sooner we see beyond this trivialities and strive together as one for a better Nigeria.

We don't want to vote the best candidate,we simply want to vote our brother who comes from our respective regions whether he is corrupt or not ,just because we feel he will give more attention to the region or tribe he comes from.

A regional government will seek to address all this ethnic and tribal bigotry crises and pave way for even growth and development across the regions.

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

Because they have never experienced the love of God. Simple reason

If they had the love of God they would love one another as Jesus did. This only come by total submission t the lordship of Jesus Christ and not simple religion we have in most parts of Nigeria.


Jesus is the way the truth and the life. The only good that is in this world, the only unity and love is because of him. Choose him

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

I see selfish interests why Nigerians are divided along ethnic and religious line. It’s too much of greeds in our heart that makes us to be divided. No love ❤️ among us cos’ of too much greed and selfishness. It’s very unfortunate seriously. I pray 🙏🏻 🤲 Nigerians destroyed greediness and selfish interests and allows unity of purpose in our heart for us to move forward in the areas of job opportunities, economic developments and societal growths in the society. Please the money is much ok. Can you please split it in to 4 sides. All of us have different opinions. We may not arrive in the same point, but we are speaking with one voice. Long time bro. God bless you abundantly for your giving a thus far. Thank you 🙏🏻

This is why some Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion lines.


1. Upbringing and Socialization: How are Nigerian children raised by their parents? Some are taught at a younger age that their tribes are better than others. When such a person grows up, he/she see the other tribe as the enemy.


2: Religious institutions: Some religious institutions preach hate messages against others. This indoctrination at a younger age poses a big problem when they grow up.

3: Ignorance: Lack of exposure and knowledge can make the masses be willing tools in the hands of bad leaders who can divide them along ethnic and religious lines

4. Biased reporting and stereotypes in the media: When the media doesn't give out fair news in it's report, it ends up stereotyping a particular tribe to one negative trait. This sticks in the mind of the viewer/readers, which end up shaping how they see that tribe.

5: Finally, lack of love. If there's love, we should call a spade a spade, irrespective of tribe or religion.

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

okay sir

eejo:
Explain why Nigeria are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

It is lack of love towards one another, though Nigerian is a country with diverse ethnic groups ,but what makes the division amidst us is lack of love or compassion towards our brothers from other ethnicity.We did not see ourselves as one nation, we only thrive and support our ethnic in some instances.This has been in existence right from the colonial rules. The colonial masters preach division among us due to exploitation as they already known that we have materials needed for productivity and economic growth.

General Yakubu Gowon sees this problem after the civil war, that is why he introduce Nysc inorder to foster unity among us because he believes there's no love in our dear country

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

Nigeria's division along ethnic and religious lines is a complex issue rooted in its history, colonial legacy, and socioeconomic factors. Here are some key reasons:

Ethnic divisions:

1. Colonial legacy: Nigeria was created by the British, merging diverse ethnic groups (over 250) into a single entity. This artificial boundary-drawing ignored traditional territories and cultural differences.
2. Resource competition: Nigeria's economic resources, particularly oil, have fueled competition among ethnic groups, leading to tensions and conflicts.
3. Cultural and linguistic differences: Nigeria's ethnic groups have distinct languages, customs, and traditions, contributing to divisions.
4. Political representation: Ethnic groups often v

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

The divisions among Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines, as well as the resulting conflicts, can be attributed to a combination of historical, social, economic, and political factors. Here are several key points to consider:

1. **Colonial Legacy**: Nigeria's borders were drawn by colonial powers without regard for the ethnic and cultural realities on the ground. This artificial amalgamation of diverse groups has led to tensions, as different ethnicities often compete for power, resources, and recognition.

2. **Ethnic Diversity**: Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, with three major ones—Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo—dominating the political landscape. This diversity can lead to a sense of competition and rivalry, particularly when political power and resources are perceived to favor one group over others.

3. **Religious Differences**: The country is split between Islam and Christianity, with a significant portion adhering to traditional African religions. These religious differences can exacerbate ethnic tensions, as they often overlap; for instance, northern Nigeria is predominantly Muslim, while the South is largely Christian. This division can lead to conflicts that are framed in religious terms.

4. **Scarcity Mindset**: Despite Nigeria's vast natural and human resources, many citizens experience poverty and lack access to basic services. This scarcity mindset can lead to competition for limited resources, fostering conflict as groups vie for control over land, water, and economic opportunities.

5. **Political Manipulation**: Politicians often exploit ethnic and religious identities to gain power, fostering division and mistrust. This can lead to a cycle of violence, as political leaders may incite or exacerbate tensions to mobilize their base or distract from governance failures.
Nepotism has eaten deep into the Political section as was on display in the last Presidential election.

6. **Corruption and Governance Issues**: Corruption and ineffective governance have contributed to the mismanagement of resources, leading to widespread disenfranchisement and frustration. When people feel that their needs are not being met, they are more likely to resort to violence or conflict as a means of expressing their grievances.

7. **Historical Conflicts**: Historical grievances, such as land disputes or past violence, can linger and be passed down through generations, creating a cycle of resentment and retaliation. This history can fuel current conflicts, as groups remember and react to past injustices.
Even in Nairaland, tribalism and insults are mostly thrown between members of this great forum which fuels hatred against the tribes involved.
8. **Socioeconomic Inequality**: Economic disparities between regions and ethnic groups can exacerbate tensions. When certain groups perceive that they are systematically excluded from economic opportunities, it can lead to feelings of injustice and anger, which may manifest in violence.

9. **Media Influence**: The media can play a role in shaping perceptions and narratives about ethnic and religious groups, sometimes sensationalizing conflicts or reinforcing stereotypes. This can deepen divisions and create an environment where violence is more likely.

10. **Community and Identity**: Ethnic and religious identities are often central to people's sense of belonging and community. When these identities are threatened—whether by competition for resources or political power—individuals may react defensively, prioritizing group loyalty over broader national unity.

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting inclusive governance, fostering economic opportunities for all groups, encouraging inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue, and addressing historical grievances in a constructive manner. Building a sense of national identity that transcends ethnic and religious divisions is also crucial for long-term peace and stability in Nigeria.

Well, Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance due to some key reasons which I will try to explain below, it will be a long read but I promise that it will mark all point required.

Let's take a look at the historical context, we all know that Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language, culture, and historical grievances. The country was amalgamated by British colonial powers in the early 20th century without regard for these ethnic divisions. This colonial legacy has contributed to ongoing tensions, as groups compete for recognition, resources, and political power.
Now this amalgamation has led to Political Manipulation which makes our Political leaders to often exploit ethnic and religious identities to gain support and consolidate power. This manipulation can exacerbate tensions and lead to violence, particularly during elections or political crises. Politicians may use rhetoric that incites division, fostering an "us vs. them" mentality.

The Economic Disparities will also be taken note of, despite Nigeria's rich natural resources, including oil, many citizens live in poverty. Corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of equitable distribution of resources have led to feelings of disenfranchisement among various groups. Scarcity of resources—such as jobs, education, and infrastructure—can intensify competition among groups, leading to conflict.

I will also point out the Religious Differences in our country Nigeria, it is significant to note that Nigeria is populated by both Muslims and Christians, primarily concentrated in the northern and southern regions, respectively. These religious differences can lead to misunderstandings, mistrust, and conflict, particularly when intertwined with political and economic grievances.

Now I will also take a look at the Scarcity Mindset amongst the ethnic groups in Nigeria, the perception of scarcity, despite the country's abundance of resources, can lead to competition and conflict. Many Nigerians may feel that they must fight for limited opportunities, leading to a mindset that prioritizes group loyalty over national unity. This can result in violence and destruction as groups vie for control of resources or recognition.

Other point to note is Social Fragmentation: Urbanization and migration have led to diverse communities where different ethnic and religious groups coexist. However, this diversity can also lead to tensions, particularly if there is a lack of social cohesion, trust, and understanding among groups.

Insecurity and Militia Groups both in the South East and Northern part of the Country : The rise of various militant and militia groups, such as Boko Haram in the northeast and Fulani herdsmen clashes with farmers in the Middle Belt, has further destabilized the country. These groups often exploit ethnic and religious divisions to further their agendas, leading to cycles of violence.

The weakness of state institutions in Nigeria, including the police and judiciary, can also hinder conflict resolution and contribute to a culture of impunity. When individuals or groups do not trust that justice will be served, they may resort to violence to address their grievances. Take a look at what the Judiciary did during the last election and also how our Police officers are busy disgracing the force.

To address these issues, we need to promote inclusivity, equitable resource distribution, and strong institutions that can mediate conflicts and foster a sense of national identity over ethnic or religious affiliation.

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

We are divided because we were never one from the onset
The Europeans just brought us together for their selfish reasons
People of different languages
Different cultures
Different foods
Different beliefs
This is why we are divided

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

Nigeria is a country made up of many ethnic groups and because of the military coups and sessions wars that has happened in the past, all the tribes don't trust each other.

To make the issue more complicated, there is religious differences and people are indoctrinated to think other people from other religions are thier enemies.
This leads to Nigerians killing each other and destroying lives and properties.

All these are happening because people are kept in the dark about how rich Nigerian is. But we can hear it in all the national dailies how monies are stolen from the country and embezzled. Monies meant for the country's development and stolen and people are kept poor.

Automatically, Nigerians start to think there is scarcity and the country is poor, eventhough Nigeria is a country with abundance.

Nigeria is a country with abundance of natural resources, but regular Nigerians don't have access to the country's wealth. Even regular citizens don't have access to good health scheme.
When poverty is eradicated religious violence and ethnic violence will gradually reduce and Nigerians will stop having scarcity mindset

Nigeria's divisions along ethnic and religious lines and the subsequent violence are deeply rooted in historical, political, and socio-economic factors. Despite the country's vast natural resources, particularly oil, and its large population, which offers significant potential for growth, these divisions persist due to several key reasons which I will take my time to list and explain our:

1. Colonial Legacy:

Divide and Rule: During the British colonial period, Nigeria was administered in a way that emphasized ethnic and religious divisions. The colonial rulers created artificial boundaries and administrative units that intensified differences among the major ethnic groups (Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo) and their religious affiliations (mainly Islam in the north and Christianity in the south). These divisions were often manipulated to weaken collective resistance and maintain control.

Regional Disparities: The colonial government focused development on certain regions, particularly the south, which led to imbalances in economic opportunities and infrastructure that still fuel resentment today.


2. Ethnic and Religious Politics:

Political Competition: Since independence, Nigerian politics has been largely driven by ethnic and religious identity. Political leaders often mobilize their constituencies based on these divisions to win elections. As a result, the government and public institutions tend to be seen through the lens of ethnic patronage, where resources are distributed according to loyalty to ethnic or religious groups rather than merit.

Power Struggles: Various ethnic groups vie for power at the federal, state, and local levels. This often results in exclusionary politics where one group dominates political offices, which breeds animosity in regions or groups that feel marginalized.


3. Scarcity Mindset in Resource Allocation:

Mismanagement of Abundance: Despite Nigeria's vast natural resources, especially oil, the benefits of these resources have not been evenly distributed. Corruption and poor governance have led to a situation where a small elite class controls much of the wealth, while the majority of Nigerians struggle with poverty. This creates a perception of scarcity, where access to resources and opportunities is limited, fostering competition among groups.

Economic Inequality: The economic system exacerbates inequality, leading different ethnic or religious groups to feel that their only chance for survival or improvement is through control of the state or regional power. This perception of scarce resources makes competition more intense and sometimes violent.


4. Historical Grievances and Distrust:

Civil War and Violence: The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) and numerous other ethnic and religious conflicts have left deep scars. The memory of these conflicts fuels distrust among ethnic groups, with each fearing domination or violence from others. For example, the Biafran War, in which the Igbo sought to secede, continued to shape Igbo relations with other groups.

Religious Conflicts: Clashes between Christians and Muslims, especially in northern Nigeria, are rooted in historical grievances, political manoeuvring, and differences in the implementation of Sharia law in some northern states. Religious identity is often intertwined with ethnic identity, compounding the divisions.


5. Weak Institutions:

Corruption and Poor Governance: Weak public institutions in Nigeria are unable to mediate conflicts or deliver services equitably. When people lose faith in government institutions to provide justice, security, and fair distribution of resources, they turn to their ethnic or religious groups for protection and support. This weakens national unity and increases the likelihood of violence.

Inefficient Law Enforcement: The inability of law enforcement agencies to maintain peace or provide justice for victims of ethnic or religious violence also contributes to the cycle of violence. People are often left to take matters into their own hands.


6. Manipulation by Elites:

Elite Manipulation: Political elites often exploit ethnic and religious identities to mobilize support, sometimes instigating violence for political gain. These leaders may present themselves as defenders of their ethnic or religious communities against perceived external threats, further deepening divisions.


7. Psychological Impact of Poverty:

Survival Mentality: Years of economic hardship have fostered a survival mindset, where people feel that they must compete fiercely for limited resources. This mindset, combined with ethnic and religious identities, turns competition into violent conflict, as different groups feel they are in a zero-sum game where one group's gain is another's loss.


8. Lack of National Identity:

Weak National Identity: Many Nigerians identify more strongly with their ethnic or religious group than with the nation as a whole. This is partly because of historical grievances and the failure of the state to create a sense of inclusive nationalism. Ethnic and religious identities often take precedence over national loyalty, which weakens the sense of collective responsibility for the nation’s well-being.


9. Media and Misinformation:

Media Amplification: The media, both traditional and social, sometimes play a role in amplifying ethnic and religious tensions. Sensationalist reporting, along with the spread of misinformation, can inflame violence and create further divisions among groups.


Conclusion:

Despite Nigeria’s abundance of resources, the combination of historical divisions, elite manipulation, economic inequality, and poor governance has created a society where ethnic and religious identities are frequently in conflict. The scarcity mindset is perpetuated by a system where resources are perceived to be unfairly distributed, leading to competition that often turns violent. To overcome these challenges, Nigeria would need stronger institutions, fairer governance, and a more inclusive sense of national identity that transcends ethnic and religious differences.

Many are using AI chat to answer.

Wahala dot com.

Good day, sir Eejo.

To answer the above question regarding our country's enormous wealth, and the irony of the citizens mindset, let's look at the geopolitical zones in the country.

The South-South region is an oil rich state that fuel's the nation.
When it comes to innovation, the Eastern region is blessed with that. We also have the Northern region with fertile land, that feeds our nation. The middle belt, we all know is rich in minerals and this region serves as a bridge to other regions.
All of these resources are enough to cater for our needs and even more. But, then greed took a greater part of our minds that the only language we understand now is "ME". We no longer care if others are okay or not. As long as we are okay, then every other person's business is none of ours. Forgetting that tomorrow exists.
We think only of ourselves. And that's where tribal line comes to play. Those who feel marginalized are calling for regional government, while the others don't want to hear about it. As if that wasn't enough, we have used religion to wrap up everything.

In summary, we the citizens of this country allowed religion and tribal line to come in between us, which shouldn't have been so. We neglected the importance of unity, which unfortunately has become the bane of this Nation.
If we truly want a change in this country going forward, the best approach is for us to come together as ONE and in Unity. Division won't help us.

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

It is pertinent to note that modern Nigeria emerged through the merging of two British colonial territories in 1914. The amalgamation was an act of colonial convenience. It occurred mainly because British colonizers desired a contiguous colonial territory stretching from the arid Sahel to the Atlantic Coast, and because Northern Nigeria, one of the merging units, was not paying its way while Southern Nigeria, the other British colony, generated revenue in excess of its administrative expenses.

It made practical administrative sense to have one coherent British colony rather than two. It also made sense to merge a revenue-challenged colonial territory with a prosperous colonial neighbor, so the latter can subsidize the former.

The amalgamation made little sense otherwise and has often been invoked by Nigerians as the foundation of the rancorous relationship between the two regions of Nigeria. Northern Nigeria, now broken into several states and three geopolitical blocs, is largely Muslim. It was the center of a precolonial Islamic empire called the Sokoto Caliphate, and its Muslim populations, especially those whose ancestors had been part of the caliphate, generally look to the Middle East and the wider Muslim world for solidarity and sociopolitical example. The South, an ethnically diverse region containing many states and three geopolitical units, is largely Christian. The major sociopolitical influences there are Western and traditional African.

These differences have been a source of political disagreements and suspicions between the two regions since colonial times.

To add to this cauldron, each of the two regions contains ethnic and religious minorities who harbor grievances against ethnic and religious majorities they see as hegemonic oppressors. These grievances are sometimes expressed through bitter political complaints, through sectarian crises stoked by political elites and incendiary media rhetoric, and through violent insurgencies.

Between 1947 and 1959 Nigerian nationalist leaders from different regional, ethnic, and religious communities came together in a series of conferences and parliaments to negotiate the transition to self-rule and to map out a common future. During these interactions and in the first few years after independence in 1960, the jarring effects of arbitrary colonial unification manifested as seemingly irreconcilable differences of aspirations, priorities, and visions. So deep were these religious and ethnic antagonisms that one Northern Nigerian Muslim nationalist leader declared Nigeria “the mistake of 1914” while a prominent Southern Nigerian Christian nationalist figure called Nigeria “a mere geographic expression.”

In Nigeria’s national politics, Christian anxieties about Muslim domination of the national political space and the accompanying fear that politically dominant Muslims would use their privileged perch to Islamize national institutions and impose Islamic Sharia law on non-Muslims date back to colonial times. Muslims, especially those from Northern Nigeria, for their part, have sought to fend off what they regard as unbridled Westernization and have sporadically sought refuge in parochial religious reforms.

Mismanagement of national resources and misrule by multi-ethnic and multi-religious coalitions of successive rulers since independence have impoverished and denied opportunities to the majority of Nigerians. As a result, religious rhetoric blaming members of other religious communities and proposals for religious reform as a solution to society’s ills have found purchase among the masses. This genuine, if misplaced, quest for a religious utopia has given some opportunistic political gladiators an excuse to curry legitimacy through politicized appeals to piety and religious fervor.

The desperate advancement of religious solutions to socioeconomic and political problems has deepened social fissures and spawned extremist and violent insurgencies such as the ongoing Boko Haram Islamist terrorist campaign, which has killed and maimed Christians and Muslims alike.

The adoption of the Sharia criminal legal system by a slew of Northern Nigerian Muslim-majority states between 2000 and 2002 was the highpoint of this new politicization of religion. Once Sharia was introduced, it only added to the fear of Christians that they would be persecuted and their freedoms, guaranteed in the Nigerian constitution, curtailed. Christian communities in the affected states protested, their protests stoked by the rhetoric of Christian politicians and leaders. Clashes between Christian and Muslim communities with a history of peaceful cohabitation followed, in which thousands of people were killed, property destroyed, and hundreds of thousands displaced.

Sharia had been a sticking point in Nigerian politics for decades. In 1978 when many Northern Nigerian Muslim delegates to a constitutional conference sought to extend Sharia beyond the realm of family law, Christian delegates protested, and the Sharia debate almost tore the conference apart. A compromise allowed states with majority or significant Muslim populations to set up Islamic courts but Sharia’s application was restricted to inheritance and family law.

Subsequently, religion became a major topic of national political debates, with each religious community pushing increasingly adversarial agendas. In Northern Nigeria, clashes between Muslim groups—mainly ethnic Hausa and Fulani—and Christian and traditionalist communities have become a monthly affair, with devastating consequences. In this charged environment where religion functions as the primary idiom of political identity, conflicts over resources, cattle, land, and political offices have often taken on a religious coloration, with Muslims pitted against Christians.

Christian ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria have been drawn into these religious conflicts, with their members in Northern Nigerian cities frequently targeted by Muslim mobs. Muslim Northern Nigerians have sometimes been targeted in revenge killings in Southern Nigeria.

Colonialism did not cause the primordial conditions and identities that have generated tensions and conflicts between Christians and Muslims, but it made them worse. The British colonial policy of Indirect Rule, a divide-and-rule system that required sharp ethno-religious differentiation among Nigerians, made religion and ethnicity the preeminent markers of identity and pushed exclusionary identity politics into the political arena. As a result, in Northern Nigeria, minority ethnic groups, mostly Christians, defined and still define themselves against the Muslim Hausa-Fulani majority, under the political rubric of Middle Belt, which is usually a stand-in for “non-Muslim.”

Since colonization established the basis for using identity politics as a means of accessing political and economic resources, religious differences have exacerbated political crises and have been implicated in major national conflicts such as the Nigerian civil war (1967-70), in which the Biafran separatist movement initiated by the predominantly Christian Igbo people was crushed by a Federal Nigeria which used pogroms, blockades, and starvation to exact victory. Religious animosities only grew from that tragic episode of Nigerian history.

Since independence, religious and ethnic rhetoric has leveraged claims to political representation and opportunities. This is bad enough and often degenerates into fierce zero-sum conflicts. Corruption and incompetent leadership have added another wrinkle, preventing the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities and making the politics of religious and ethnic exclusivity more appealing.

Official graft needs to be tackled headlong. A new constitution that defines rights and privileges of citizenship in terms of residency rather than nativism, ancestry, and religion needs to be crafted. This new constitution needs to devolve power over resource distribution and development from an all-powerful central government to local constituencies.

This will ensure economic justice and equity. It will make central political power less attractive and less corrupt and contests over national political offices less contentious. The use of religious and ethnic appeals as tools of political mobilization will become less attractive and find a diminished reception in a climate of justice, equitable resource distribution, and equal opportunities for all.

Division along tribal lines is due to: Lack of patriotism towards Nigeria itself, arising from selfishness or individualistic tendencies. Citizens think me-first rather than Country first.
H.E Oluremi Tinubu's introduction of national fabric and Dr. Dora Akunyuli's constant harping on the need for National Reorientation is/was a bid to get Nigerian think Nigeria-first or Country-first. Tribalism and bigotry would nipped or reduced this way.

At scarcity mindset: Years of deprivation and lack of trust in leadership to harness our common resources for the greater good has led to this.
Lack of resources on the part of the individual to bring his creative idea to fruition leaves him feeling defeated which can encourage him to slide into survival mode rather than bothering about raw abundance that he can't seem to convert .

@eejo

Those space bookers only want to steal other people's answers

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

Sir Eejo it's Because their is no unity

Nigerians are the one responsible for the economy hardship of this country because they fail to unite themselves as one and they fail to be honest with each other. Nigerians must unite and confront evil that's coming against us . so many people or countries detest us due to the blessings God gave us in this country because they think we don't know value of it ,WHICH IS TRUE.
If we unite and combine the mindset of Nigerians,Nigeria will become more structured,Nigerians will be well organized and well planned,their will be stability in the country and growth in the country


If our government and Nigerians are not United it will cause economic instability and
economic instability creates uncertainty, making people question whether resources will be available tomorrow. When prices rise due to inflation, people feel like they can't afford the things they need, while the country have plenty of resources. Unemployment and job insecurity add to these worries, making people wonder how they'll provide for themselves and their families thinking that there are scarcity of resources in the country and having a scarcity mindset while the country have abundance.


Many countries in the world have been able to achieve sustainable peace and unity whether the same or different religious group but nigerian's own are always different because of hate and we descriminate.

For example; America has more than 400 tribes but they all see themselves as one
China also have more than 50 ethnic groups but they all see themselves as one
THE ONLY WORD WOKING AT THOSE TWO COUNTRIES THAT I STATED IS UNITY. Because without unity , those countries that i mentioned would also be at the current position that Nigerians are right now

Our leaders should also know that unity is what we need,our government also needs to unite on making nigeria strong as ONE and to make nigeria move forward ,although the evil politicians and their cohorts have succeeded in dividing the populace along ethnic, cultural and religious beliefs but we all still need to UNITE AND BE HONEST

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

Simply because Nigeria as a country is made up of many nations joined together as one nation against their wishes, so every ethnic group that made up Nigeria have a tribalistic mindset, it's all about dominance of their own ethnic group over others and not about patriotism to move the nation forward,

So any politicians that play the ethnic cards easily divide Nigerians general opinion, religion on the other hand too play some roles, but tribalism play a bigger roles why we can't unite and work together for a common goal.

eejo:
Explain why Nigerians are easily divided along ethnic and religion line, kill each other, destroy things and see things from scarcity mind set while the country have abundance. Entry closes in one week and WINNER will be announced.

Nigeria's divisions along ethnic and religious lines, leading to conflict and scarcity mindset, stem from a mix of historical, cultural, socio-economic, and political factors. Here's a concise analysis



So i think TRIBALISM should be made a serious crime in Nigeria

Historical Factors

1. Colonial legacy: Nigeria's artificial borders, created by British colonizers, merged diverse ethnic groups with distinct identities.
2. Post-colonial politics: Ethnic and regional tensions fueled competition for power and resources.

Cultural Factors

1. Diversity: Over 250 ethnic groups and multiple religions create complex identity dynamics.
2. Traditional institutions: Weak or ineffective traditional institutions fail to promote unity.

Socio-Economic Factors

1. Poverty and inequality: Limited resources, unemployment, and wealth disparities fuel competition.
2. Lack of education and enlightenment: Limited access to quality education perpetuates misconceptions and stereotypes.

Political Factors

1. Politics of identity: Ethnic and religious affiliations often dictate political alliances.
2. Elite manipulation: Politicians exploit divisions for personal gain.

Scarcity Mindset

1. Resource competition: Perceived scarcity fuels rivalry and violence.
2. Zero-sum thinking: One group's gain is seen as another's loss.

Abundance Paradox

1. Nigeria's rich natural resources (oil, gas, agriculture) mask underlying structural issues.
2. Mismanagement and corruption hinder equitable distribution of wealth.

Breaking the Cycle

1. Education and enlightenment
2. Inclusive governance and institutions
3. Economic empowerment and resource management
4. Intercultural dialogue and understanding
5. Strong, accountable leadership

Wow, for real?