Ethnic Cleavages in Nigeria: The Bane of Good Governance

Abstract

The ethnic configuration in Nigeria has constituted a problem to the unity of the country, right from the eve of independence when it became clear that Nigeria will be granted independence. This study ‘Ethnic Cleavages in Nigeria: The Bane of Good Governance” examines the struggle between the ethnic groups for dominance, the interface between the ethnic agenda and governance, and to ascertain the persistence of misgovernance in the country. It employ qualitative content analysis to elicit data for the study. What are the root causes of misgovernance in Nigeria? Why have the ethnic groups persistently pitched themselves against each other when there are measures put in place to address ethnicity in the country? The political elite in governance explicitly and implicitly preached the ethnic agenda which has kept us divided along ethnic line since independence, inhibiting good governance. A restructuring of governance is required to give greater fiscal autonomy and responsibility to the federating units, and a new constitution that will be a product of the people, define the way we co-exist must be put in place, as well as a viable, persistent and engaging civil society to address the menace of ethnicity in Nigeria.