Ethnic Pluralism and Cohesion in Nigeria: The Trajectory of Local Government Legislation

Abstract

There has been a common view that there are more than 350 ethnic groups in Nigeria and the level of ethnic pluralism in some states such as Plateau, Kogi, Cross River, Kaduna, Rivers, Niger and Nasarawa is mindboggling. In these states, each local government has more than 20 different ethnic and socio-cultural groups with specific languages which in most cases made legislation and governance difficult. This ethnic pluralism and multiculturalism in each local government often result in conflict, economic doldrums, and under-development. However, little or no concerted effort has been made by relevant authorities, especially at the local government level, to convert these diversities into national strength and communal cohesion. In fact, on a contrary, the perceived lopsidedness in government appointments and body language of some high-ranking government officials on elements of criminality perpetuated by some groups of people threatens national unity the more. Religious fanaticism, political exclusiveness, tribal allegiance and ethnoreligious chauvinistic behaviours as we see today have reached a tipping point, and if not nipped in the bud, it is capable of balkanizing the entire country along these divisive traits. Therefore, the main thrust of this paper is to take a cursory look at how local government legislation can promote cohesion and unity among the multiethnic groups in Nigeria. This study explores the nexus between legislation and social cohesion in a heterogeneous local government system in Nigeria. It argues that promoting national unity and sustainable development in Nigeria is best achieved from the grassroots through conscientious local government legislation that deemphasises (but not ignore) ethno-religious sentiments and cultural divisions on one hand, and promotes inclusive political participation and social empowerment on the other hand.