Are Tribal Sentiments Stronger Than The Will To Escape Poverty?
Ask any Nigerian what they think about Pat Utomi's run for President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and you will get the reply. That guy is suited for the job, but he stands no chance of winning the election. Why is it that Mr Utomi can not win the forthcoming election.? Rigging, or lack of information or is it the presence of a more qualified candidate. I do not think so. I believe it is because Nigerians will not vote en masse for Mr Utomi. How much rigging can probably occur if the masses turn out to vote for the underdog. The present crop of politicians who are poised to rig the elections will be left with no option, if 80% of the citizenry vote for a candidate like Mr Utomi. Will this ever happen in dear country? I do not think so, and the only reason as far as I am concerned is tribalism.
If Mr Utomi was a Hausa man the northerners would turn out en masse to vote for him, If he was a yoruba man, we all know the west would rally behind him whichever party's flag he chooses to bear. If he was Ibo, we know election day would bring forth as much fanfare as the new yam festival. Non of this would have guaranteed winning the race though, since no matter where you are from, you are still stuck with two hundred plus ethnic groups that label you as an outsider. To make matters worse Mr Utomi isn't from one of the big baller ethnic groups, just like yours truly.
I am assuming that Nigerians realize Mr Utomi's presidency will bring forth fresh opportunities. I know he is no messiah, but wouldn't it be refreshing to have a president that knows the consequences of fiscal irresponsibility. This assumption may be wrong, and if that is the case then a huge hole would be blown smack in the middle of my proposition. My hunch is that this is not the case so I would go ahead with my conclusion.
Tribalistic sentiments run deeper than the will of the average Nigerian to escape poverty. We would rather endure the harsh realities of our economic life than make a change which will violate our long held ethnocentric beliefs. I do respect the strategist of the powers that be, they seem to have perfected (probably by accident) the art of divide and rule. It has been beaten into us so much, we naturally default to this choice without giving it a second thought.
We can choose to vote for change, NO to the increasing income divide, or we can stick with the status quo and feed the monster of tribalistic sentiments. Come election day we will find out which of these forces has a greater pull on the common man. The forces of ethnic sentiments or the willingness to say NO to continued poverty.
The present crop of politicians have no incentive to allow individuals like Utomi rule our country, they actually have disincentives. If any level headed individual become Nigeria's president it would bring forth so much disruption in the status quo that this will ultimately render the unqualified set of politicians irrelevant. The resulting redistribution of income and capital will be such, that no 'rich man' is eager to experience. It is common knowledge that the filthy rich Nigerians are products of extreme market imperfections that allow certain individuals to earn exorbitant premiums based on who they are and/or who they know.
Nigeria will not experience change until we realize that the forces required to bring forth this change is not from the leadership, but from the man on the street that who will finally come to the realization that the system is set up for him to fail.
I leave you with words from Soyinka; "It is up to the youths in this nation not only to ensure that votes remain sacred, but to work to take back their nation. The nation has been in the possession of profligate people, of murderers, of rapists of human dignity. The youths should take back their nation. It is not just youths, in terms of age, but youths in terms of mentality. I’m talking of youthful thinking,"
Of course there is the additional layer of too much money being in the wrong hands, they would do all they can to influence the outcome of the elections. This is story for another day jare.
If Mr Utomi was a Hausa man the northerners would turn out en masse to vote for him, If he was a yoruba man, we all know the west would rally behind him whichever party's flag he chooses to bear. If he was Ibo, we know election day would bring forth as much fanfare as the new yam festival. Non of this would have guaranteed winning the race though, since no matter where you are from, you are still stuck with two hundred plus ethnic groups that label you as an outsider. To make matters worse Mr Utomi isn't from one of the big baller ethnic groups, just like yours truly.
I am assuming that Nigerians realize Mr Utomi's presidency will bring forth fresh opportunities. I know he is no messiah, but wouldn't it be refreshing to have a president that knows the consequences of fiscal irresponsibility. This assumption may be wrong, and if that is the case then a huge hole would be blown smack in the middle of my proposition. My hunch is that this is not the case so I would go ahead with my conclusion.
Tribalistic sentiments run deeper than the will of the average Nigerian to escape poverty. We would rather endure the harsh realities of our economic life than make a change which will violate our long held ethnocentric beliefs. I do respect the strategist of the powers that be, they seem to have perfected (probably by accident) the art of divide and rule. It has been beaten into us so much, we naturally default to this choice without giving it a second thought.
We can choose to vote for change, NO to the increasing income divide, or we can stick with the status quo and feed the monster of tribalistic sentiments. Come election day we will find out which of these forces has a greater pull on the common man. The forces of ethnic sentiments or the willingness to say NO to continued poverty.
The present crop of politicians have no incentive to allow individuals like Utomi rule our country, they actually have disincentives. If any level headed individual become Nigeria's president it would bring forth so much disruption in the status quo that this will ultimately render the unqualified set of politicians irrelevant. The resulting redistribution of income and capital will be such, that no 'rich man' is eager to experience. It is common knowledge that the filthy rich Nigerians are products of extreme market imperfections that allow certain individuals to earn exorbitant premiums based on who they are and/or who they know.
Nigeria will not experience change until we realize that the forces required to bring forth this change is not from the leadership, but from the man on the street that who will finally come to the realization that the system is set up for him to fail.
I leave you with words from Soyinka; "It is up to the youths in this nation not only to ensure that votes remain sacred, but to work to take back their nation. The nation has been in the possession of profligate people, of murderers, of rapists of human dignity. The youths should take back their nation. It is not just youths, in terms of age, but youths in terms of mentality. I’m talking of youthful thinking,"
Of course there is the additional layer of too much money being in the wrong hands, they would do all they can to influence the outcome of the elections. This is story for another day jare.
13Comment(s):
Number one: 80% of people won't vote for Utomi for the simple reason that the majority of people who registered to vote in the first place are the 'uneducated' masses who have no idea about the candidates, and their grasp (or lack of) of the issues facing the country. The 'educated' elite are too apathetic. These masses who registered are those that would be easily swayed by a N100 bribe come election day.
Number two: Utomi is Igbo. But the fact that he is 'Anioma Igbo' (from Delta State) means that Ohaneze won't endorse him. Great example of what I've been screaming from the rooftops about Igbo disunity.
Number three: in my experience living in different parts of Nigeria, I can almost guarantee that the average Nigerian doesn't give a hoot where you come from provided he can gain something from you.
Number four: we have once upon a time voted someone irrespective of ethnic affiliation: June 12, 1993...
Some valid points you have going on there but I think, ...Number two: Utomi is Igbo. But the fact that he is 'Anioma Igbo' (from Delta State) means that Ohaneze won't endorse him. Great example of what I've been screaming from the rooftops about Igbo disunity...further butresses my point. Even within the Igbo's too.
Also, why should Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa be united. Thats exactly my point, that kinda unity is backward.
The other points i agree with. heheh
I think ignorance is stronger than tribal sentiments.
And actually that same ignorance leads one to think that supporting their tribe would mean things would be better of for their tribe (which ofcourse we know would not necessarily be the case).
But then at the same time, I think most people are trying to survive for the moment and not thinking of the future.
Igbos, Hausas and Yorubas have to be united because of what happened in the 1959 Western Region elections.
That is the unfortunate point in our history when tribalism entered our politics in a big way, and since we can't turn back the hands of the clock, we have to deal with it.
What I would say is that to end the whole tribalism shege, we have to revoke the 'State of origin' clause from our constitution, then be patient for another 30 years...
@Omodudu I don't think because Utomi is from Delta that is the reason he may not win the forthcoming election.The reason is that the past Nigerians leaders will not allow someone who will come sanitise the whole "mess" they had created and the money they've looted away.However I still believe Nigerian youths have a greats roles in ensuring we have a good leader in May 2007 by voting their conscience and not looking at those N100 note from already corrupted leaders. Besides, Nigerian youths needs to be empowered in order to be carried away by these elements who have make our systems bad
@Nilla, It is true that poverty limits ones ability to make decision with long term gains in mind. There very good studies that have shown this.
@Chixta, Hausa Unity, Igbo Unity or Yoruba Unity is just a funky way of exhibiting tribalistic sentiments, any factors that cloud ones judgement about merit is sub-optimal, abi I lie. Can we has humans get past this? ..thats another story for another day.
@Mutiu, thanks for the comment, I apprecaite new folks around here. But come o, are Nigerians really this weak. I still beleive in the power of the masses.
i have to say it's an equal amount of both tribalistic sentiments and ignorance....and a dash of popularity...itz a damn shame tho...seems lyk itz going to take God coming down himself to right all d wrongs in 9ja...great post.
donald duke managed to visit more than 20 states during his campaign.
I can swear nobody knows who pat utomi is in my village in afin,jigawa state, they dont even know what he looks like.
This guy visited kaduna to speak to less than 100 students in a small room with plastic chairs.
he probably visited ABU in zaria too, repeated the same thing with about 60 students, thats his idea of reaching the "whole" country he wants to lead.
he sits in his lagos HQ streaming youtube like he's trying to score a point with those abraod abegi
lol...I like your views...first time reading your stuff..so i'll be mute for now while I familiarize myself with the situation back home but be sure i'll have alot to say once I feel educated enough...great resource though..keep it up!
@Nijavixen, I am with you all the way on this one, its a melange of ignorance and tribalistic sentiments. They are bedfellows so its no surprise that this is the case. Thanks for coming by. @dami hmm if Mr Utomi feels like he can get the whole countries vote by playing on the side of the students and the educated Nigerians alone he must be kidding. The dynamics of our coutry is no respecter of oyibo mans techniques. But the dude does not have dough like Duke them whom have been in politics in recent years. Let's wait and see.
@anonymous you are very welcome thanks for coming by, could you leave initials next time hehe.
I agree many will not vote for Utomi but I disagree with the reasons. Methinks the main reasons are;
1. Many are cynical about the electoral process and did not register. Even if they did register, they will not vote because they already lack faith in the ballot.If they did not vote, they can not affect the result.
2. Election results are currently controlled by Godfathers and their thugs. It is a violent day and law abiding citizens generally see it as an holiday to stay at home.
3. Utomi lacks both the thugs and the power of incumbency.
So by not voting and by resigning to allow godfathers to rule, we vote to make Utomi the best qualified president we cannever have.
But I still support Utomi's campaign against the odds. It is better to fail at something that will later succeed than to succeed at something that will ultimately fail.
@Kibati, that is another wa to look at it. Well said.
Omodudu,
Utomi has more ideas than most politicians combined but I think the disadvantage might be his inexperience with the 'murdering and raping' that goes on in Nigerian politics.
I do not know where he is from and don't care, I'd vote for him without thinking 2ce.
But an Oba in the West called him a while back and said, 'Pat, you want to be President. Have you killed before? Can you kill?'
The Oba was being truthful. It's a horrible playing field and until we do something, the Utomis of Nigeria will always be incapacitated.