This paper explores the evolution of the Nigerian state from the colonial era through the present democratic dispensation and maintains that the only legacy bequeathed to the country by Western imperialism that has assumed independence is conceivably religion and/or ethnicity. It is the position of the paper that religion and ethnicity have more than any phenomenon significantly militated against the evolution of the country into a nation state. This underscores continuous agitation for sub-regional autonomy and secessionist attempts by the Eastern region of the country as witnessed in the Biafra civil war of 1966.
The Nigerian state has grappled with threats to nationhood since independence as several irredentist movements have truncated the maturation of the country into a nation state. Similarly, gross failure of leadership aided by corruption of political actors has stifled the transformation of the country beyond the colonial partitioning of 1914.
The secularity of the Nigerian constitution has been interminably jettisoned in the pursuit of scarce social goods by political actors as amply demonstrated in the imposition of Sharia law in some northern states of the country. This has heightened religious and ethnic consciousness of citizens thereby constituting significant drag on the country’s march to nationhood. The paper advocates the recognition of the country’s plurality and diversity as building blocks of unity and national integration. Furthermore the de-politicization of religion and ethnicity are hereby conversed for the development of a robust and virile Nigerian nation.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Nigeria's Independence
- Political Consequences of Amalgamation
- The Challenge of Leadership in Nigeria
- Religion in Post-Independent Nigeria
- Ethnicity and the Struggle for Relevance in Nigeria
- Vista of Hope in the Horizon
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the evolution of the Nigerian state from its colonial beginnings to the present democratic era. It argues that the legacy of Western imperialism has profoundly shaped the country's struggle for nationhood, particularly through the enduring impact of religion and ethnicity. The paper delves into the challenges posed by these factors in fostering a unified national identity and explores avenues for national integration.
- The historical context of colonial amalgamation and its lasting consequences
- The role of religion and ethnicity in shaping national identity and hindering unity
- The challenges of leadership and governance in post-independence Nigeria
- The search for national unity and integration amidst diverse social and cultural forces
- Strategies for overcoming historical divisions and fostering a sense of shared nationhood
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: The paper introduces the formation of Nigeria as a British colonial creation and explores the diverse reactions of different ethnic groups to colonial rule. It highlights the contrasting social structures and administrative systems between the North and South, setting the stage for the enduring divisions that continue to shape Nigeria's political landscape.
- Nigeria's Independence: This chapter examines the path to independence, highlighting the internal resistance faced by the nationalist movement, particularly from the Northern region. It analyzes the hopes and aspirations for a unified and prosperous Nigeria following independence, and the challenges posed by ineffective leadership and the lingering legacy of colonial governance.
- Political Consequences of Amalgamation: This section examines the detrimental effects of the forced amalgamation of the North and South, highlighting the underlying tensions and resentments that fueled regional conflicts. It explores the impact of these divisions on the country's political, social, economic, and cultural life, revealing the foundational issues that have hampered Nigeria's journey toward nationhood.
Keywords
This paper explores key concepts related to the Nigerian state, including nationhood, colonial legacy, religion, ethnicity, leadership, governance, national unity, integration, and social and cultural diversity. The study examines the enduring impacts of these factors on the country's political and social development, emphasizing the challenges of building a unified national identity amidst historical and contemporary divisions.
- Quote paper
- Stanley Kavwam (Author), 2011, The Evolution of the Nigerian State from the Colonial Era through the Present Democratic Dispensation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/368980
