Governance is a cornerstone of societal development and stability which encompasses the processes and institutions through which decisions are made and authority is exercised. Ideally, governance should strive for inclusivity, fairness, and justice, reflecting the diverse nature of modern societies. However, when governance is dominated by ethno-religious bigots, it can lead to severe consequences, including systemic hate and entrenched poverty.
To begin with, ethno-religious bigotry refers to the prejudice, discrimination, or hostility directed against individuals or groups based on their ethnicity or religion. When individuals with such biases attain positions of power, their discriminatory attitudes and policies can shape the structures of governance in ways that marginalize and oppress minority communities. This form of bigotry often stems from deeply ingrained historical conflicts, cultural prejudices, and socio-political agendas.
Since 2015, political appointments in Nigeria have increasingly been influenced by ethno-religious sentiments rather than merit. This trend has significantly undermined the principles of federal character, which were designed to ensure equitable distribution of positions and resources across the diverse groups in the country. The failure to adhere to these principles has not only exacerbated societal divisions but has also contributed to the escalating poverty and widespread discontent among Nigerians.
In recent years, the pattern of appointments in Nigeria has frequently favored individuals based on their ethnic or religious affiliations rather than their qualifications or capabilities. This approach has often led to the marginalization of competent individuals from other groups, reinforcing a cycle of favoritism and exclusion. Such practices without a doubt undermine the integrity of governance institutions, resulting in inefficient administration and diminished public trust.
The concept of federal character, enshrined in our constitution, aims to ensure that every ethnic group is adequately represented in government positions. However, the continuous disregard for this principle has intensified feelings of alienation among various communities. This lack of inclusive representation has fostered an environment where policies are perceived as being biased towards certain groups, further deepening ethnic and religious rifts.
The neglect of meritocratic principles and federal character in political appointments has had dire consequences for Nigeria. One major impact is the escalating poverty levels. When positions of power are filled based on ethno-religious favoritism rather than competence, the efficiency and effectiveness of public services are compromised. This inefficiency will hamper economic development and exacerbate poverty because resources are not optimally utilized.
Moreover, the absence of fair representation in governance has fueled a sense of disenfranchisement among citizens. When people feel that their voices are not heard or that their groups are systematically excluded from decision-making processes, it will erode trust in government institutions. This disenchantment has manifested in widespread protests, as citizens take to the streets to demand accountability and better governance.
The ongoing nationwide protests in Nigeria are a direct response to the frustrations stemming from poor governance and ethno-religious bias in political appointments. Citizens are increasingly vocal about their discontent with a system that they perceive as corrupt and unjust. The demands for an end to bad governance are intertwined with calls for more equitable and inclusive political practices. These protests reflect a growing movement towards achieving a more transparent and fair system that genuinely represents the diverse population of Nigeria.
However, this piece will not be complete without highlighting some manifestations of Bigotry in Governance. We can take a look below:
1. Discriminatory Policies and Legislation: Ethno-religious bigots in power often enact laws and policies that favor their own group while discriminating against others. This can include biased allocation of resources, exclusionary practices in education and employment, and inequitable access to social services. For instance, in some regions, governments have implemented laws that undermine the rights of minority religious groups or ethnic communities, leading to significant disparities in living standards and opportunities.
2. Social Division and Segregation: Bigotry in governance can exacerbate social divisions by promoting segregation along ethnic or religious lines. This can manifest in segregated education systems, housing, and public services. When different groups are isolated from one another, mutual understanding and cooperation diminish, leading to heightened tensions and conflicts.
3. Corruption and Nepotism: Governance tainted by ethno-religious bigotry is often characterized by corruption and nepotism, where positions of power and influence are awarded based on ethnic or religious affiliation rather than merit. This erodes public trust in institutions and undermines the effectiveness of governance, as decisions are driven by loyalty to particular groups rather than the common good.
4. Violence and Human Rights Violations: In extreme cases, ethno-religious bigotry can lead to violence and systematic human rights abuses. History has shown that regimes led by bigots may engage in ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and other forms of violence against marginalized communities. These actions not only result in immediate suffering but also have long-term consequences for social cohesion and stability.
Additionally, we can also look at some Impacts of ethno-religious bigotry on Society below:
1. Hate and Conflict: Bigotry in governance may often breed hatred and conflict between different communities. When governance promotes or condones discriminatory practices, it sends a message that such attitudes are acceptable. This can escalate into violent clashes, sectarian strife, and a general breakdown of social harmony. The polarization of society along ethnic and religious lines will create an environment where dialogue and reconciliation are difficult, if not impossible.
2. Economic Disparities: Ethno-religious bigotry can also perpetuate economic inequality. That is, when governance prioritizes one group over others, it can lead to uneven economic development and as such, marginalized communities may face barriers to employment, education, and entrepreneurship, which can trap them in cycles of poverty. The lack of economic opportunities may further exacerbate social divisions and reinforces the power imbalances established by discriminatory governance.
3. Erosion of Democratic Values: In democracies, the principle of equality and non-discrimination is fundamental. However, ethno-religious bigotry undermines these principles, eroding democratic values and institutions. When governance is characterized by bias and exclusion, it will diminish the legitimacy of democratic processes and weakens the overall health of the political system.
This article will be better understood by looking at some examples of ethno-religious bigotry in some countries as highlighted below:
1. Rwanda: The 1994 Rwandan Genocide is a stark example of the consequences of ethno-religious bigotry in governance. The genocide was precipitated by years of ethnic tension and discrimination fostered by the ruling regime. The ensuing violence resulted in the deaths of an estimated 800,000 people and had devastating effects on the country’s social and economic fabric.
2. Myanmar: The persecution of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar highlights the impact of ethno-religious bigotry on governance. The Myanmar government has been accused of systemic discrimination and human rights violations against the Rohingya which led to mass displacement and severe humanitarian crises.
3. Former Yugoslavia: The Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s illustrate how ethno-religious bigotry can lead to widespread conflict and suffering. The fragmentation of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines resulted in brutal wars, ethnic cleansing, and significant economic and social disruption.
This issue can however be addressed and in doing so, all hands must be on deck as shown in the following below:
1. Promoting Inclusive Governance: To counteract the effects of ethno-religious bigotry, it is essential to promote inclusive governance that respects and represents the diversity of the population. This includes implementing policies that ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, as well as fostering dialogue and cooperation among different communities.
2. Strengthening Institutions: Building strong, independent institutions that uphold the rule of law and protect human rights is very crucial. Institutions should be insulated from political and sectarian pressures, and ensuring that they operate fairly and transparently.
3. Educational and Social Initiatives: No doubt, education plays a vital role in combating bigotry by promoting understanding and tolerance. Programs that emphasize intercultural and interfaith dialogue can help bridge divides and reduce prejudice. Social initiatives aimed at integrating diverse communities can also contribute to social cohesion and harmony and this should be encouraged at all government levels.
4. International Support and Monitoring: Truth be told, the international community has a role to play in supporting countries affected by ethno-religious bigotry. This can include the use of diplomatic pressure, humanitarian aid, and support for civil society organizations working to promote tolerance and inclusivity. International monitoring and advocacy can also help hold governments accountable for discriminatory practices and human rights abuses.
Furthermore, when governance is run by ethno-religious bigots, it will undermine the principles of equality, justice, and human dignity. The resulting environment of hate and poverty not only harms marginalized communities but also threatens the stability and progress of society as a whole.
However, addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to promote inclusive governance, strengthen institutions, and foster social cohesion. By confronting ethno-religious bigotry and working towards a more equitable and just society, we can pave the way for a future where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.
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Credit || Davidson Opiepie
