Pardon the pessimism, but Nigeria’s redemption is not anywhere on the horizon. With what has become of critical national institutions, systems and standards, it wouldn't be unexpected to hear the question, "What else is new?" The new heights of tribalism and ethnic profiling are! These have become the slithering malaise undermining our nationhood and nation-building. They breed mutual suspicion and animosity among compatriots, thereby threatening national development and cohesion. The country is being denied credible leadership because bigots won’t mind an airhead or loafer at the commanding heights, provided he is from their region or not one of the outcasts. The leader then reciprocates the prejudice through nepotistic appointments and project execution. This is while serious-minded nations are putting square pegs in square holes and making progress at supersonic speed.
The consolation had been that the malady is a momentary inconvenience which will recede with the current generation of politicians. Preferring to be ethnic champions rather than statesmen, these leaders channel national resources to their home region and appoint tribesmen at the disadvantage of other Nigerians. Some pundits attribute these sectional proclivities to the leaders having not lived in other parts of the country nor interacted with other Nigerians. If they had a cosmopolitan upbringing or lived in diverse cities, they would have made friends across Nigeria whom they would want to bring into their government. They would also have seen every part of Nigeria as home, deserving of equal attention. But, isn’t this what the NYSC or Unity Schools ideas were meant to engineer? Tell that to the Marines!
Be that as it may, if Boomers and Gen X afflicted Nigeria with nepotism and parochialism, a soothing balm was expected from the Millennials and Gen Z, most of whom were born, raised or are residing outside their natal region, including overseas. Unfortunately, their online behaviour and engagements suggest that the retiring parents and society have succeeded in sowing the seed of hate and ethnic jingoism in today's youth.
This came to the fore a few days ago when an agent provocateur vilified an entire ethnic group while giving unsolicited advice to Afrobeat icon David Adeleke, aka Davido. One wonders how many Igbo the young man had interacted with to tweet that: “Davido just dey carry Ibo full body, until when dem betray am before e rest, Yoruba boy dey frolick with Ibos in 2025?" Pray, how did he conclude that “IBOs are not people you surround yourself with as a Yoruba man”. Since when did betrayal become the exclusive vice of a particular ethnic group? Aren’t there instances of siblings shortchanging and undercutting each other?
Such infantile reasoning and rhetoric indicate that the tribal supremacy and ethnic chauvinism bug has badly bitten this generation, who many thought were immune to the nepotistic reflexes of their fathers. In fact, with the way they are going, these misguided youths will be worse when allowed to preside over Nigeria's commonwealth and decide on who gets what. Notice that the tweet was not from a nondescript user but has a verified handle. If a supposedly enlightened tweep could so recklessly tar an entire ethnic group with one brush, imagine the emotions and attitudes of ignorant folks.
This calls to mind the recent case of a local government chairman who came under fire in cyberspace for commending a non-indigene’s stellar performance in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The trolling was so intense that the man had to publicly explain that his administration “purchased Jamb forms for hundreds of students who are residents, regardless of their ethnic affiliation or tribe. The onus is on us to appreciate the ones who have excelled.”
This jingoism should make us better appreciate the behemoth that Davido has had to deal with, considering the provenance of his heartthrob, some friends and close associates. Although it was just an X user who called out the music superstar over the tribe he publicly fraternise with, several others must have felt the same way. The outburst came after Davido hosted Elder Bright Chimezie following a video call where he identified “Because of English” hit by the veteran musician, as the inspiration behind the latest song “With You”. Davido’s effusive display of courtesy and admiration while receiving Chimezie in his Lagos residence irked the Twitter user, leading to his controversial post partly cited above. Unfortunately, Davido was suckered in and “spoke his language”. Do you blame the music icon for his response, he must have repeatedly faced similar criticisms and warnings to the point of exasperation.
Davido did not just stop at replying that he is IGBO by blood. He went on to release the obituary of his late paternal grandmother, who bore the name Nnenna. This is one aspect of Davido’s identity which was outside public knowledge despite him being a globally celebrated celebrity. Although Davido’s “I’m Igbo Blood” response warmed hearts in certain quarters and was cheered by ace radio host, Daddy Freeze, he shouldn't have condescended to the level of his traducers, all of whom can be described as the biblical Goliath. When David had to confront that legendary giant, he refused King Saul’s armour and armament, opting to enter the matchup with a sling and a strategy different from his opponent’s.
The intrepid shepherdboy said this much in 1 Samuel 17:45, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (NKJV) Davido must have been pushed to the wall to have let out an aspect of his ancestry that was outside public knowledge. Davido should learn to play David when misguided tribesmen charge at him for frolicking with the foe. Per the case in point, a simple “One love, brother!” (Apologies to 2Baba) could have sufficed and served the enlightened self-interest of all concerned (including Nigeria) than the “Igbo by blood” retort.
Let the ethnic hate, rivalry and chauvinism stop for Nigeria’s sake!
Ugochukwu writes from Lagos and can be reached via @sylvesugwuanyi
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