Ethnocentrism as threat to our unity

By Mu’azu Isah

When one of those who colonised us in the person of “lord Laggard” amalgamated the various regions into one political entity called Nigeria. Many Nigerians envisaged a country where people would co-exist harmoniously. But as time went by those who’s hoped for unity and peaceful Nigeria began to despair. Even though many people apportion the blame on the imperialists who sow the seed of hatred among Nigerians in the form of divide and rule.

What amazes me most is the extent to which young people on the social media exchange derogatory comments in defence of either north or south, the extent to which almost everything is given ethnic or religious coloration is un whole some for our unity.Tribalism and religious bigotry are on the increase the emergence of southern and northern divide each battle for supremacy is scandalous. Ethno centrism is so entrenched in Nigeria (that every sections that is south and northern) is trying to bring other to dispute. The ethnocentrists and tribal jingoists that are bent on creating divisions among Nigerians mad paddling and inflammatory statement capable of pitching north against south or visa-versa, their stock in trade. The intermittent ethno religious crisis that flares up in some parts of the country is the testimony of our fragile and disjointed co-habitation.

The attempt by some politicians who have unquenchable deceive for pecuniary gains, to create feud among the Christian and Muslims in order to advance their selfish political ambition is unwholesome for our unity. The length which some ethnic and religious chauvinist go in order to deserate and damage others way of life is disgusting.

The effort of the powers that be, to execute some policies that favour their section depends the ugly trend. The indifference displayed by one section on the catastrophe or epidemic be setting the other section does more harm than good, to the co-existence of Nigerians our benefit is embarrassing. In other countries the divergent of cultures and religions are not impediment to their unity and peace countries like America which have heterogeneous people should serve as our role model.

The statements attributed to southerners to the effect that southerners are parasites adds salt to the injury, while northerners that dub southerners as those born outside wedlock should think twice. The answer to the problem hinges on identifying our differences and learns to tolerate them.

The assumption of cultural superiority should not have a place in the minds of Nigerians. Those who propagate and disseminate information that is capable of igniting the pre of racial tension should be put in check our dying culture of mutual love should be revived and resuscitated. The media should shun sending out information that is capable of causing fracture to our delicate peace.

Mu’azu Isah is a final year student of mass communication Bayero University, Kano.