Unity in Diversity and National Security: The Nigerian Situation

Abstract

This paper takes an exploratory look at the issues of ethnicity in Nigeria from a historical perspective. It shows the interplay between ethnic rivalry and the challenges of National Security which have in the current dispensation become very compelling with rampant cases of bombings, terrorist attacks, murder, mayhem and all sorts of vices in some parts of the country. The paper believes in the principle of “Unity in Diversity”, for in it lies our strength as a people, including the protection of our nascent democracy. In addition, it believes that such debilitating issues concerning culture and religious differences, including political affiliations should not hinder the relative peace and stability which we have hitherto enjoyed in Nigeria, regarded as the most populous black Nation in the world. The paper further tries to proffer solutions towards enhancing our unity in spite of our diversity including how issues of insecurity can be addressed in Nigeria.

KEY WORDS: Culture, Democracy, Ethnicity, Ethnic Rivalry, National Security, Politics, Religion, Unity in Diversity.