The History Of Nationalism And Independence In Nigeria

Nationalism and Independence of Nigeria

The history of nationalism and independence in Nigeria and most post-colonial African countries have been more of adverse reports and objections concerning civil conflict ensuing from hardships in inter-ethnic relationships than of the development in the spirit of unity, characterized by the African nationalist struggles. With all the cultural groups in Nigeria uniting against the colonial rule and fought for their independence, sooner after liberation in October 1960, the nation began to split against itself due to religious and cultural cleavages (Tignor, 2015). To re-awaken the Nigerians, and African nationalism, a political structure is recommended to allow every ethnic-nationality some freedom of governance in the likes of open federalism.

According to a 2015 study conducted by Tignor, before the invasion of in Nigeria, several racial and cultural groups that make up the state occurred as autonomous political bodies. Such entities constitute their social, political systems, and religious values different from each other. The primary aim of colonialists to bring these entities was entirely for the exploitation of the nation. To enable this, they used the divide and rule methods to reserve and consolidate position with little interest in the political, economic, and social developments of the nation or its citizens (Tignor, 2015). Subsequently, did not establish policies to foster unity between the disparate communities that make up Nigeria, instead of their strategies were anticipated to exploit their differences, create distrusts, cleavages, and suspicions among the residents.

Based on the film, A History of Nigeria, Jide Olanrewaju prudently and precisely highlights the history and the pre-independence of Nigeria up-to-the current era, with consecutive unbiased and logical delivery of the key events in the country’s history. Besides, he evaluates the representation of nationalism, independence, and violence in various liberation struggles within Africa, precisely in Nigeria (Jide, 2013). Understanding that Nigeria is a country with a very unique and exceptional history, spiked with challenges and instability, this film is quite significant in acknowledging the contemporary political dynamics of not only Nigeria but also the whole black and world history. Jide presents the nationalism and independence of Nigeria in a manner that is pertinent and valuable for the citizens and foreigners who want to appreciate the distinctiveness, challenges, hitches, and prowess’s in the building of a novel nation (Jide, 2013). The film also promotes the pride of the country and both consciousness and recognition of the skills and responsibilities of people who played critical roles in Nigeria’s history.

The pressure between cultural and civic nationalism has significantly impacted Nigeria and resulted in the loss of nationhood. Grounded on this, nationalism rests beclouded as it is not practical to talk about loyalty to an idea of nationhood which is not anything greater than a figment of one’s perception. Nigerians, to be specific should be taught how to eliminate the weak and corrupt foundations or rather traditions and embrace continuity in a positive direction. The idea of loyalty as a branch of nationalism will only be applicable when the values are strongly engrained in the minds of the residents from scratch. Ultimately, the unsavory developments or lack of patriotism brings about the ex-communication and poor commitment of the citizens to the country. Nigeria’s multi-cultural status makes it quite hard for a precise conceptual representation of concepts such as nationalism and loyalty as it is based on the framework that enables a unified front on some socio-political apprehensions.

References

1. Jide Olanrewaju Naij (2013, April 13). A History of Nigeria (YouTube). Commentated by Ade Ade. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgrVHrTvxC8
2. Tignor, R. L. (2015). Capitalism and nationalism at the end of empire: state and business in decolonizing Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya, 1945-1963. Princeton University Press.