Unity generally enjoys the conducive atmosphere in a homogeneous society and it usually suffers in a heterogeneous society such as Nigeria. This is due to the inherent popularization of the heterogeneous community along ideological, religious and tribal lines. This, in turn, causes instability or unhealthy competition rather than co-operation, as one tribal group tries to gain ascendancy over the other through fair, legal or foul means. This, invariably, creates suspicion in the minds of the remaining groups. An example of this Biafra, this set of people feel they have been marginalized therefore, there is a need to react, fight and have a country of their own. Such ugly situation (tribalism) encourages external forces or greedy super-powers to play on factors that separate members of such country to destabilize and weaken them and thereafter siphon or divert the country’s resources.
Nigeria, as a country, obtained political independence in 1960 from the British imperialists. The over sixty (60) various tribal communities from different cultural backgrounds were amalgamated and brought together under the same federal Nigerian Government. The colonialists ensured that a Federal system of government had been established which must be accepted willy-nilly by Nigerians before independence was granted. This, they did, to make Nigeria and other independent countries remain perpetually under the powerful European countries commercially and economically rather than politically.
For the sake of clarity, “A federation is a group of states united with one central government which decides foreign affairs, defence and so on but in which each state can have its own government to decide its own affairs based on its own cultural values.” This shows that a federated country such as Nigeria should embrace the motto: “UNITY AMIDST DIVERSITY”
Unity amidst diversity cannot be effective without prerequisite ingredients such as justice, fair play, honesty, tolerance, and peace. No one can imagine peace and unity to where there are injustice and lack of trust. A community with many dishonest people can neither co-operate together
nor remain united to improve their lives as no one is ready to trust the other. We, therefore, need to have the resolve to pursue justice, honesty, tolerance and peace with a view to enthroning unity in the midst of diversity.
view to living together for some years then when the time elapses then the chain of integration would break.
Nigeria as a country had witnessed successive military and civilian regimes characterized by discontinuity of some laudable policies and projects. A retrospective review revealed that there have not been enough achievements. Nigeria government or democracy is known with this ugly situation called discontinuity which has made this blessed country to suffer a lot. When a new government comes into power, it disregards and jettisons the projects of
demise, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan did not even a dime light of commitment towards the implementation of the said 7-point Agenda. The discontinuity or change in administration has done more harm than good to Nigerians. It is good to have a change in government but it is pertinent to see that current project left by the predecessor should be continued since it would benefit the citizens but the case is not. The unwillingness of each succeeding regime to continue the programmes of the preceding administration shows our leaders
are not being carried along or are not co-operative with the man at the top.
Therefore, it is very important for our leaders to think that in order to avoid stagnation or extinction and to remain united, strong, formidable, self-reliant and progressive there must be a serious clarion call for peace, tolerance, and unity amidst diversity. The victory of an army lies not in a large number of its soldiers but on their unity and resolve to win. “A house that is divided against itself cannot stand,” says an adage.
To my dearest Nigerians, I will enjoin you to be patient and have the belief that Nigeria will soon be better. As a citizen, you have your part to play, shun bribery, malpractices, laziness and never sell yourself to any politician for a dime. The raining curse on the leaders is the not the way out, prayer and perseverance are the solutions to Nigeria’s problems. Though, many Nigerians feel since nothing is going right there is no cause for celebration. It is good to agitate because it is crystal clear that many are sufferings. My people, feel happy and have hope that Nigeria will flourish it is a matter of time. Sincerely speaking, if Nigeria must be great then we have to shun Tribalism, Corruption, Favouritism, Ethnicity and Religion Bigotry.
The potentials are available and the resources are available but what else Nigeria needs? God bless Nigeria.
Happy Independence Day Nigeria at 56 years.
