THE CHALLENGES OF ETHNIC BIGOTRY TO PEACEBUILDING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA AND THE WAY FORWARD

Abstract

The human person has an innate desire for peace and development. This inherent trait in every human being translates into society, as it is the human persons who make up society. Hence, all people of every nation desire and seek ways of building lasting peace and sustainable development for the welfare of their citizens. Nigeria as a nation is not left out of this drive for peace and nation-building. Considering the heterogeneity of Nigerian society and the peculiarities inherent in its multi-ethnic groups, there are excellent prospects for a progressive society. However, it burdens the mind that the Nigerian ethnic diversity, instead of enhancing peace and speedy national development, has constantly intensified tensions. Was it not a situation like this that prompted the Psalmist to exclaim in Ps. 55:9, “I see nothing but violence and strife in the city.” The continued violence emanating from extreme ethnic attachments has created divides that have continued to impinge on peace-building and national development. The focus of this study is to explore and provide a suggestive opinion that will help mitigate undue ethnic sentiments. Hence, the paper discusses the effects of undue ethnic sentiments on peace and nation-building. It contends that for Nigeria to achieve enduring peace and meaningful development, its citizens must optimally harness and conscientiously utilize their rich ethnic diversity. There is a need to eschew everything that constitutes ethnic divide and prioritize all the essentials for unity in diversity so that a strong and progressive nation can be built.