Ex-President Jonathan: Ethnic Loyalties Hindering Nigeria’s Unity and Progress

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over the prevailing ethnic divisions in the country, stating that Nigerians tend to prioritize loyalty to their ethnic groups over national unity. He made this observation during a forum in Effurun, Delta State, where he called for a collective effort to overcome these divides and move Nigeria forward.

Jonathan highlighted the role of federal legislators, urging them to embrace a national perspective in their duties rather than focusing narrowly on their states or ethnic groups.

“You are a member of the Nigerian National Assembly, either the Senate or the House of Representatives. You are not a member of the assembly of your people at the state assembly. We must begin to take the whole country as our people if we are to get out of this quagmire,” he stated.

The former president emphasized that Nigeria is not unique in its multi-ethnic composition but has yet to cultivate the unity necessary for genuine development, despite over a century since amalgamation.

“After over 100 years of amalgamation, Nigerians should have recognized the benefits of unity, especially given our geography and ecological diversity,” he said.

He lamented that divisions along ethnic and regional lines have only deepened over time, with each group prioritizing its own interests, thereby hindering progress.

Jonathan pointed to examples of other nations with diverse ethnic groups that have managed to transcend such barriers and evolve into unified entities. He urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to promote initiatives that foster national unity over parochial or short-term interests.

“Currently, the forces pulling us apart are too strong. We must weaken the divisions along ethnic and regional lines and embrace the idea of a united nation,” Jonathan asserted.

He also addressed the challenges of balancing diversity in leadership appointments, noting that while appointing ministers per state is straightforward under the constitution, other appointments often provoke accusations of favoritism or nepotism.

Jonathan’s remarks underscore the pressing need for transformative leadership and policies aimed at fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose among Nigerians.