society

TRIBALISM, Nigeria’s Greatest Nightmare: How Do We Solve This Problem?

Published

1 year ago

April 8, 2025

Sahara Weekly

TRIBALISM, Nigeria’s Greatest Nightmare: How Do We Solve This Problem?

By George Omagbemi
Sylvester

Nigeria as a nation with over 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique language, culture, and heritage. But what should be our strength has tragically become our greatest nightmare—TRIBALISM. This menace has held us back for decades, poisoning our politics, education, economy, and social harmony. If we are to survive as a nation, TRIBALISM must be confronted head-on, uprooted from our systems, and buried with no RESURRECTION.

As AY the comedian once said, “In Nigeria, we don’t just fill forms with name and age. We add tribe as if it’s a requirement for kidney transplant.” That’s how deep the problem is—we’ve institutionalized tribal identity even in spaces that should be neutral.

The Historical Roots of TRIBALISM

The origin of TRIBALISM in Nigeria can be traced to the colonial era, particularly British indirect rule. Colonial administrators divided Nigerians along ethnic lines to maintain control. Lord Lugard’s amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914 was a POLITICAL MARRIAGE without LOVE. The British prioritized ethnic identity over national unity, setting the stage for post-independence rivalry.

After independence in 1960, political power became a game of ethnic arithmetic. The Hausa-Fulani dominated the North, the Yoruba the West, and the Igbo the East. The first coup in 1966 and the bloody Biafran War (1967–1970) were clear signs that ETHNIC NATIONALISM had overtaken Nigerian unity.

Let’s fast forward to 2025, and TRIBALISM has become an even more dangerous cancer, now deeply embedded in government appointments, school admissions, employment opportunities, and public policy. Instead of competing based on competence, Nigerians are reduced to their tribal labels.

The Cost of TRIBALISM

TRIBALISM is not just an emotional or ideological issue—it has very real consequences.

Political Stagnation: Nigerian elections are often not about ideologies but ethnic affiliations. Candidates exploit tribal sentiments to win votes. Buhari’s presidency (2015–2023), for instance, was widely criticized for being skewed towards the North, with key appointments dominated by Hausa-Fulani Muslims. This breeds resentment and further divides the nation.

Economic Sabotage:
When people are hired based on tribal identity instead of competence, mediocrity becomes the order of the day. According to Transparency International (2024 report), Nigeria ranks 145 out of 180 in corruption perception. This is not surprising when “my brother” is given a contract he can’t execute, while the qualified applicant is sidelined because of his *“strange”* name.

Security Breakdown:
The distrust among ethnic groups has paralyzed our security apparatus. When herders and farmers clash, or when terrorists attack villages, the response is filtered through ethnic lenses. Instead of confronting criminals, we end up defending “our people.”

Education and Employment Inequality:
The Federal Character principle, intended to promote fairness, has turned into an ethnic quota system that lowers standards and deepens division. A student from Zamfara state needs a ridiculously low score to enter Unity Schools, while one from Delta state needs nearly 100%. This is injustice disguised as inclusion.

Gordons once joked, “Na tribe dey determine who go chop the national cake. But we dey watch like say na movie. Nollywood no do reach this one!” Sadly, it’s true—TRIBALISM has turned governance into a tribal buffet.

How TRIBALISM Manifests Today
In everyday life, TRIBALISM appears in subtle and overt forms:

Job interviews where the panel whispers, “Where is he from?”

Marriages that collapse because “our daughter cannot marry an Igbo/Hausa or Yoruba man.”

Social media wars between Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa youths fighting imaginary battles.

Businesses losing clients because “we no dey patronize dem people.”

I Go Dye nailed it when he said, “In Nigeria, even poverty get tribe. Poor man go say, ‘Na because I be Tiv, dem no give me loan.’” That’s how bad it is—we tribalize suffering.

Solutions: Ending the Nightmare
Solving TRIBALISM requires deliberate, multi-pronged action. It won’t vanish overnight, but sustained effort can dismantle its grip on our nation.

1. Massive Civic Education
We must teach Nigerians from a young age that they are Nigerians first before being Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Itsekiri or Ijaw. The National Orientation Agency should be revived and empowered to promote national identity, not just on Independence Day, but every day. Curriculum in schools must include national history that emphasizes unity, diversity, and patriotism.

2. Merit-Based Governance
Appointments, scholarships, and promotions must be based on competence, not ethnicity. Nigeria needs leaders with the political will to abandon ethnic favoritism. President Bola Tinubu’s administration must lead by example. If a Tiv man is the best candidate for Chief of Army Staff, appoint him. Let results speak louder than names.

3. Inter-tribal Marriage Incentives
The government should consider giving tax reliefs or housing benefits to couples in inter-ethnic marriages. It sounds radical, but it could work. Blended families reduce ethnic hate and promote national integration. One day, your child may ask, “What’s tribe?” and that would be victory.

4. Ethnicity-Blind Technology Systems
Let’s remove ethnicity from our forms—admission, employment, census, and contracts. With technology, we can create blind recruitment systems that focus on skills, not surnames. Nigeria must build a system where origin doesn’t matter, only ability.

5. Media and Entertainment Responsibility
Celebrities and influencers must stop reinforcing tribal stereotypes. Nollywood and comedians should use their platforms to mock TRIBALISM, not promote it. Humor is a powerful tool—comedians like AY, Gordons, and I Go Dye should keep using satire to expose the absurdity of ethnic bias.

6. True Federalism
Nigeria must restructure into a true federation where regions have autonomy. This reduces the scramble for central power and allows ethnic groups to develop at their own pace without stepping on each other. Restructuring is not a threat to unity; it’s a path to sustainable peace.

7. Punish Hate Speech and Tribal Incitement
The government must prosecute those who spread hate and tribal division. Social media influencers, religious leaders, and politicians who incite ethnic hatred must face consequences. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to incite violence.

A Time to Heal.
Nigeria cannot afford another decade of tribal politics, tribal appointments, and tribal hate. If we continue on this path, the nation will implode—not because of external enemies, but because of our internal divisions.

Let us choose UNITY over DIVISION, merit over MEDIOCRITY, and PATRIOTISM over PARTISANSHIP. Let us raise a new generation of Nigerians who don’t ask, “Where are you from?” but instead, “What can you do for your country?”

As I Go Dye would say, “No be tribe go save us—na common sense, hard work, and love for country.”

Until we bury TRIBALISM, Nigeria will remain in chains.

society

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

Published

3 days ago

June 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

5 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

6 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.