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.

United Kingdom of Atlantis Welcomes Visionary Leader: Prime Minister Lord Amb Paul Duncan Pledges Unity, Progress, and Sustainable Future.

December 22, 2025 — The United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) embarks on a transformative journey with the inauguration of H.E. Lord Amb. Paul Duncan Billings Moser as its Executive Prime Minister. The grand ceremony at the Supreme Administrative ICC Royal Court was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Emperor Dr. Christain Ugochukwu Ezemonu and Emperor Prof. Nobilisa Sriwan Kingjun, symbolizing solidarity and cooperation.

Prime Minister Moser’s vision is anchored in people-centric governance, prioritizing environmental sustainability, transparent leadership, and global collaboration. “We will invest in innovation, stand for freedom, and lead with compassion,” he declared, outlining a bold agenda for the UKA.

*Key Agenda Highlights:*

– *Protecting the Planet*: Driving eco-friendly initiatives and cutting pollution to safeguard Atlantea’s future.

– *Integrity in Action*: Fighting corruption and fostering accountable governance to build trust.

– *Global Partnerships*: Strengthening ties through technology and shared progress to drive innovation.

In his inaugural address, Prime Minister Moser expressed gratitude to God and acknowledged the divine will guiding him. He emphasized three core pillars:

– *Conquering Corruption*: Fostering integrity and accountability.

– *Global Cooperation*: Building bridges and embracing partnerships.

– *Empowering the Nation*: Investing in innovation for progress.

Concluding with conviction, he vowed, “Today, I vow to bring light where there is darkness, hope where there is hopelessness, freedom where there is bondage”.

The UKA is committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to become a smart, peaceful, and crime-free democratic monarchy.

*313 Network for Asiwaju 2027 Hails President Tinubu Over Rescue of Abducted Girls*

The 313 Network for Asiwaju 2027, a grassroots support group championing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has commended the President and Nigeria’s security forces for the successful rescue of all abducted students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State.

In a statement at the conclusion of its end-of-year congress held in Lafia, the group described the release of the final batch of 130 students on Sunday as a “monumental victory” that underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and security of Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable children.

The congress, which featured exhaustive deliberations among members from across the country, highlighted the President’s decisive actions following the November 21 abduction of 303 students and 12 teachers by armed gunmen.

The statement noted that initial efforts saw about 50 students escape on their own, followed by the rescue of 100 more on December 8 through sustained security operations.

The final release of the remaining 130 students, as confirmed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, has now accounted for all victims.

The group praised President Tinubu’s leadership in deploying security agencies and coordinating operations that led to the safe return of the children to Minna, where they were received by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and reunited with their families after medical examinations.

“The President’s prompt and strategic response to this crisis demonstrates his Renewed Hope vision in action—protecting lives, restoring hope, and ensuring that no Nigerian child is left behind,” the statement signed by Ambassador Toby Prince Udo, its national coordinator added.

“This achievement attests to the effectiveness of his administration’s security architecture and a clear signal that Nigeria is safer under his leadership.

“We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for his decisive leadership that brought every single child and teacher home safely. This is Renewed Hope in tangible form.”

The 313 Network for Asiwaju 2027 also expressed profound gratitude and admiration for its Grand Patron and Financier, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District and widely celebrated as 313.

“As the visionary founder, Grand Patron, and Financier of this movement, Senator 313 has tirelessly mobilized millions in support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement declared.

“His strategic leadership, patriotic zeal, and selfless dedication have transformed the Network into a powerful force for positive change.

“As his devoted followers and disciples, we salute Senator 313 for his exemplary service, loyalty, and remarkable ability to bridge divides while amplifying the voice of the people,” the group said.

The Network particularly thanked Senator Musa for his immense support to Mr. President, especially in the area of economic development, where his contributions have helped drive key reforms and initiatives yielding tangible benefits for Nigerians.

The 313 Network for Asiwaju 2027 reiterated its full endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in 2027, citing his successes in security, economic reforms, and infrastructure development as reasons to rally nationwide support.

“With leaders like President Tinubu and Senator 313 at the helm, Nigeria’s future is brighter than ever,” the statement concluded.