Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has described ethnic loyalty as a significant barrier to Nigeria’s progress, urging citizens and leaders to adopt a collective vision of unity.
Speaking at a forum in Effurun, Delta State, the former Nigerian leader called for a shift from ethnic and regional biases toward a stronger national identity. Jonathan lamented that, over a century after Nigeria’s amalgamation, loyalty to ethnic and regional identities continues to overshadow allegiance to the nation.
“We are more loyal to our ethnic groups than to the nation. Nigeria, as it stands, is a collection of small ethnic nationalities, each prioritizing its interests. Over time, the divisions between these groups have only deepened,” he said.
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He stressed that this division has hindered the country’s ability to function as a unified entity, citing it as a core reason for Nigeria’s struggles with sustainable development and peace.
“Other countries with diverse nationalities have managed to overcome these barriers, evolving into unified nations. Until we achieve this transformation and break down these ethnic boundaries, progress will remain elusive,” Jonathan warned.
Jonathan’s comments resonate with ongoing debates about Nigeria’s political structure, particularly the effectiveness of its current federal system. His emphasis on unity aligns with calls from political leaders, activists, and academics who argue that the centralization of power in Abuja has exacerbated ethnic tensions and slowed regional development.
Many proponents of restructuring believe that returning to a regional government system, akin to the pre-1966 arrangement, could restore balance, promote competition among regions, and foster inclusive governance.
Jonathan’s remarks underscore the need to address these structural issues to prevent the country from further drifting apart.
The former president also challenged federal legislators to view themselves as representatives of the entire nation, not just 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.
Jonathan emphasized that leadership at all levels must take deliberate steps to bridge the divides between Nigeria’s diverse groups. While acknowledging the constitutional provision for equitable representation—such as appointing ministers from all 36 states—he highlighted the complexities and accusations of favoritism that arise when filling other key positions.
“Under the constitution, it’s straightforward to appoint one minister per state, given there are 36 states. However, it becomes more complex when appointing heads of agencies and parastatals, as this often attracts accusations of favoritism or nepotism,” he said.
He urged leaders to focus on policies and projects that unite the country rather than pandering to sectional interests for short-term political gain.
Jonathan’s speech comes at a critical time when Nigeria faces escalating ethnic tensions, political polarization, and economic instability. His call for unity underlines the enormity of the situation, which was in full display during the 2023 general elections.
However, many believe that Jonathan has brought renewed attention to the need for structural and attitudinal changes by urging Nigerians to move beyond ethnic loyalties and calling on leaders to prioritize national interests.
His message not only underscores the urgency of reform but also reinforces the growing sentiment that Nigeria’s ethnic differences should be factored into its leadership structure if the country is to make progress.