From accommodation to discrimination and exclusion: The changing pattern of inter-group relations in Nigeria

Abstract

Interactions amongst the various ethnic groups making up the Nigerian polity, pre and immediate postindependence, were seldom adversarial. They dwelt on respect, mutual understanding and
accommodation of differences. Religious festivals were celebrated communally; inter-creed and interethnic marriages were not so frowned against; residing outside ones ethnic locality was not packed
with apprehensions. Also, such factors as religious and ethnic affiliations were not given utmost
primacy in such issues as the choice of friendships, neighborliness, selection of who to employ or who
to work with. There were fewer frictions in the interactions. However, from the late 70s, there have been
gradual changes in this pattern. The spirit of accommodation and understanding that underlined the
initial interaction is gradually changing to discrimination and exclusion. Discriminations and exclusions
on the basis of religious affiliation, denomination and or ethnic background are now rife and social
interactions often dictated by religious and ethnic sentiments. The thrust of this paper is to interrogate
the contributing factors for this changing pattern and the possible solution. Specifically, it identifies
such variables as religious revivalism, which breeds religious chauvinism, intemperate religious
preaching, often anchored on re or misinterpretation of history and religious creeds, elite manipulation,
state failure, poverty, frustration and globalization as responsible for such transformation. As a way
out, the study suggests recourse to African values of brotherliness, elite responsibilities, state action
and proper interpretation and observance of religious injunctions.