Nigeria Grapples with Twin Evils: Tribalism and Religious Bigotry — Bode George.

Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized Nigeria’s ongoing political and governance crises, attributing them to tribalism, religious bigotry, and a flawed democratic system.

In a recent interview, he emphasized that without genuine restructuring, Nigeria’s democracy will continue to struggle. He expressed concern over how greed and self-interest have thwarted the country’s potential, stating, “God gave us a vast land rich in resources, yet we allow greed to undermine us.”

George accused political elites of neglecting effective governance, which has led to rampant corruption. He contrasted Nigeria’s situation with Ghana, where the sitting president conceded elections gracefully, highlighting the dysfunction in Nigeria’s electoral process.

He identified tribalism and religious bigotry as significant barriers to national unity, questioning the relevance of religious labels in governance. Drawing from personal experience, he recounted how his sister married a Muslim and remained his sister, challenging the importance of religious divisions.

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George criticized the political structure, declaring it fundamentally flawed. He argued that the current constitution perpetuates dependency on Abuja for revenue distribution, which he sees as a unitary system masquerading as federalism. He advocated for a return to the six-zone structure proposed by former Vice President Alex Ekwueme to ensure fair power distribution.

He insisted that meaningful restructuring is essential for Nigeria’s progress, warning that neglecting this need would worsen the country’s problems. He highlighted the economic struggles facing citizens, urging the president to collaborate with the financial sector to stabilize fuel prices.

As Nigeria deals with economic hardship, insecurity, and rising youth unemployment, George called for urgent reforms. He lamented the decline of vocational training centers, which has contributed to youth disillusionment and crime.

George cautioned political leaders about the temporary nature of power, urging them to serve the public rather than exploit it. He stressed that a nation rich in resources should not have starving citizens and warned that failure to change course would have dire consequences for the future. His remarks serve as both a diagnosis of Nigeria’s issues and a call to action for its leaders.

Nigeria Grapples with Twin Evils: Tribalism and Religious Bigotry — Bode George.