society
Nigeria’s Triple Plague: Tribalism, Nepotism & Favoritism; A Nation Held Hostage by Its Own Fault Lines
Nigeria’s Triple Plague: Tribalism, Nepotism & Favoritism; A Nation Held Hostage by Its Own Fault Lines.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“How Ethno-Centric Loyalties and Crony Networks Undermine Unity, Meritocracy, and National Development.”
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, boasts an extraordinary tapestry of cultures, languages and histories. Yet beneath the surface of this diversity lie deep-seated fissures that have repeatedly sabotaged aspirations for national unity, inclusive governance and sustainable development. TRIBALISM, NEPOTISM and FAVORITISM (intertwined and mutually reinforcing) have become the anti-thesis to meritocracy and national cohesion. These twin vices rob Nigeria of competent leadership, breed inequality and fracture the social compact between the state and its citizens.
At its core, tribalism is loyalty to one’s ethnic group, often at the expense of commitment to a wider nation. It manifests in politics, public appointments, economic opportunity and social relations. When coupled with nepotism (the granting of preferences and privileges to relatives and close associates) and favoritism based on personal or communal loyalties, the result is a governance culture that privileges identity over competence. The ultimate victims of this toxic mix are ordinary Nigerians whose talents, aspirations and futures are depersonalized by a system that values connections over contribution.
I. Tribalism: The “Us vs. Them” that Undermines One Nigeria. Contrary to celebratory narratives about Nigeria’s diversity, tribalism has been repeatedly identified as a profound obstacle to nation-building. Scholars and public commentators alike warn that ethnic loyalties often eclipse commitment to the Nigerian state, eroding trust and fostering resentment. Excessive tribalism weakens national unity by promoting “US versus THEM” mentalities that prioritize the interests of ethnic constituencies above the collective good.
A 2025 report on employment discrimination in Nigeria revealed that tribal identity continues to affect job opportunities, with hiring decisions frequently influenced by ethnic considerations rather than professional qualifications. Indigeneity policies and cultural biases create systemic barriers for non-indigenes, entrenching inequality within the labor market.
Renowned Nigerian scholar Professor K. I. Nnoli described ethnic politics as “a struggle among the various ethnic groups for a division of national resources,” a dynamic that has entrenched inequality and undermined democratic processes. Ethnic racism, in his analysis, has “exacerbated corruption in governance, undermined democracy, promoted inefficiency and created false hierarchies in the way we regard and treat each other.”
II. Nepotism & Favoritism: Crony Networks That Starve Meritocracy. Tribalism naturally morphs into nepotism and favoritism when ethnic loyalties dictate access to opportunity. Nepotism (the assignment of jobs, contracts, or privileges to family and cronies) corrodes confidence in public institutions and erodes merit as the measure of competence.
Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has publicly condemned nepotism in successive Nigerian administrations, noting that appointments based on ethnicity and personal networks deepen marginalization and erode public trust. According to Clark, such practices have “undermined national unity” by sidelining qualified Nigerians who do not belong to favored groups.
This malign influence is not limited to public administration. Academic analyses describe how clan-centered social structures in Nigeria normalise favoritism, creating fertile ground for corruption. In such environments, officials often gain tacit support from their ethnic networks regardless of the morality or efficacy of their actions, thus weakening accountability.
The consequences are palpable: positions of influence become monopolised by those with the right connections, while the competent but unconnected are systematically excluded. The culture of “YOU MUST KNOW SOMEONE” before securing a job or a contract has become so pervasive that even former President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged it as a recurring tradition in the Nigerian polity, where ministries are regarded as “big and juicy” spoils to be parceled out among insiders.
III. The Human and Economic Cost. The combined effects of tribalism, nepotism and favoritism extend far beyond politics and they actively cripple national development. Nigeria, despite vast human and natural resources, continues to lag behind global peers in numerous socioeconomic indices.
A troubling academic analysis shows how corruption (often reinforced by tribal and nepotistic networks) has sapped Nigeria’s resource base and retarded growth. Despite more than half a century of oil wealth, Nigeria remains unable to translate its resource endowments into broad-based prosperity. According to research on corruption’s economic impact, decades of graft could have cost the nation the equivalent of tens of billions of dollars that might otherwise have funded infrastructure, healthcare and education.
When access to opportunity, jobs and services is mediated by tribal affiliation or personal networks, Nigeria’s human capital is devalued. Talented professionals, young entrepreneurs, and innovators are often sidelined because they lack the “CORRECT” identity card or patronage, creating a drain on national potential and stoking frustration among youth.
IV. Social Fragmentation and Political Instability. Equally troubling is the social fragmentation that arises from these practices. Tribalism engenders discrimination, marginalization and envy among groups, laying fertile ground for conflict and distrust. Where people feel excluded from the prosperity of their own country because of their ethnic identity, social cohesion unravels.
Scholars have pointed out that tribalism does not merely divide opinion; it entrenches inequalities in education, employment, and access to public services, reinforcing a vicious cycle of exclusion and insecurity. These divisions have, at times, fueled political unrest and violent clashes, as competing groups vie for control of resources deemed essential for survival.
V. Voices of Reason: What Experts and Leaders Say
Professor K. I. Nnoli, a prominent Nigerian academic, warned that “ETHNIC RACISM” and ethnic competition distort access to national resources and social opportunities, creating false hierarchies and inequality within the polity.
Chief Edwin Clark has repeatedly decried the prioritisation of tribal loyalty over merit, arguing that it corroded trust in Nigeria’s institutions and limited the nation’s capacity for inclusive progress.
Traditional leader Wellington Bobo articulated a timeless admonition: “The moment you take an oath of office, you cease to be a tribal champion and become a servant of the entire people.” This statement highlights the moral imperative for leaders to transcend narrow loyalties and embrace national stewardship.
VI. The Path Forward: Reform, Accountability, and National Consciousness
Nigeria’s journey toward an inclusive, merit-based society begins with confronting these ugly realities head-on. Structural reforms must prioritise:
Merit-based Appointments: Institutional safeguards to ensure that jobs, contracts, and opportunities are awarded based on competence, not lineage.
Inclusive Policies: Policies that protect minorities and non-indigenes from discrimination based on tribal identity.
Civic Education: Renewed emphasis on national consciousness that uplifts common identity over sectional loyalties.
Institutional Integrity: Strengthening civil service codes, anti-corruption bodies, and judicial independence to withstand pressures of favoritism.
Above all, it demands moral courage from leaders and citizens alike to reject the politics of division and embrace governance anchored in fairness, justice, and shared prosperity.
Final Note: A Nation at the Crossroads. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The persistent specters of TRIBALISM, NEPOTISM and FAVORITISM threaten to tear apart the delicate fabric of a nation that should (by virtue of its diversity) be a beacon of unity. These vices have stunted Nigeria’s development, eroded confidence in public institutions, and perpetuated cycles of poverty and exclusion.
Yet, as leaders like Chief Edwin Clark and community voices like Wellington Bobo remind us, identity must never trump nationality. The true liberation of Nigeria lies in creating a society where MERIT is honoured, DIVERSITY is celebrated, and EVERY CITIZEN (regardless of origin) can CONTRIBUTE to and BENEFIT from the nation’s progress.
Only then can Nigeria finally silence the destructive chorus of tribalism and nepotism and fulfill its promise as a united, thriving republic.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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