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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Ethnic Conflict and Democracy in Nigeria: The Marginalisation Question
Author:Anugwom, Edlyne E.ISNI
Year:2000
Periodical:Journal of Social Development in Africa (ISSN 1012-1080)
Volume:15
Issue:1
Pages:61-78
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:Nigeria
West Africa
Subjects:ethnic relations
democracy
Ethnic and Race Relations
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Politics and Government
politics
ethnic conflicts
Ethnic minorities
Marginality
Abstract:As Nigeria is currently engaged in establishing a sustainable form of democracy, there is an urgent need to address the question of ethnic rivalry and real or perceived marginalization of ethnic groups as an obstacle to democratization and development. This paper examines the nature of ethnicity and ethnic conflicts in Nigeria as well as their impact on democracy. It discusses the concept of ethnicity, the ethnic composition of Nigeria, the link between ethnic conflict and democracy in plural societies, experiments with democracy in Nigeria since independence, and the re-emergence of the ethnic question in the shape of marginalization since the 1990s. One way of tackling ethnic conflict is by adopting a political culture that makes adequate provision for all interests and groups. Nigeria should learn from the experiences of multi-ethnic developed nations. Federalism in Nigeria should be geared to the system practised in the USA. Another way of confronting the ethnic question is the elimination of the quota system in favour of meritocracy. In addition there is a need to redefine the revenue allocation system in such a way that the people from whose soil the oil flows are treated fairly. Finally, administrative formalities should focus on questions of residence rather than state of origin. Bibliogr., sum.
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