I have heard this from many non Igbo people. They express fear. When you ask further, they have an Igbo story to tell. Usually personal and usually irrelevant to the political issue.
We all have stories about one another. We rarely tell stories that are good. We will share stories that make the other tribe look like bullies or deceitful. Or domineering. Our stories are built on promoting identity politics. Some have been handed down from our fathers. Most have not been personally experienced by us. But we will share with glee and some jara.
Why do we fear one another in positions of leadership both private and public? Even in religion. For instance it is unlikely that an Igbo will ever head the Redeemed Church. Or a Yoruba head TREM or asking a non Edo to head Christ Embassy.
Just as in the banking sector. The founders ethnicity will always reflect on those selected to head the bank and make decisions.
Why are we afraid of one another? I suggest there is history and interpretation. I put forward a theory of lack of institutions. We are actually not a democracy but a pseudo monarchy at all levels of governance. I might put culture into the mix. We are unable to celebrate diversity or acknowledge it as good.
One key reason is how prior political leaders have exercised power. Most have promoted ethnicity as a form of government in appointments and the sharing of our commonwealth. Most of us are happy not to partake if we see our kith at the table “eating” on our behalf.
Are things changing? Yes. It is slow change. We have many that will not. We have more that are. It will take time.
Ademola H. Adigun
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