“Unraveling Nigeria’s Tribal Tensions: The Role of Leadership Failures – Insights from Mahdi Shehu”

Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has advocated for enhanced national cohesion in Nigeria, cautioning that tribalism and segmentation are primarily driven by leadership failures.

He expressed these thoughts on Sunday while serving as the keynote speaker at the Arewa Twitter Connect gathering held in Kano, themed “Beyond the Timelines.”

In his speech, Shehu mentioned that numerous challenges confronting the nation are associated with self-centered leadership and a deficiency in accountability, which he believes have influenced citizen behaviour over time.

He elaborated that individuals in society can typically be classified into various groups based on their attitudes and behaviours, pointing out that some concentrate solely on themselves while others consider the larger community.

“In accordance with Greek philosophical concepts on nation-building, every community comprises four types of people. The first are fools, who are preoccupied only with themselves, plan exclusively for their own benefit, and show no regard for others; if they have food, they remain indifferent to the plight of those who starve.

“The second group includes tribalists, who think exclusively about their tribe, protect solely their own group, and disregard others as long as their collective is not impacted.

“The third group comprises citizens, who consider beyond their personal interests, empathize with the suffering of others as if it were their own, and are prepared to forego comfort so that others can have an improved standard of living. Lastly, the fourth group consists of fools, who continually opt to remain victims; today a victim, tomorrow a victim, always a victim without learning or altering their circumstances,” he explained.

He asserted that leaders are pivotal in shaping these perspectives: “Who cultivates fools? It is leaders. Leaders significantly contribute to producing selfish individuals by exhibiting greed, arrogance, and a disregard for the populace.”

He warned that when leaders enrich themselves at the expense of the public, it fosters self-centered behaviour among citizens.
“If a leader enters office in poverty and suddenly becomes exceedingly wealthy, constructing mansions and living extravagantly while the populace endures hardship, others start to perceive selfishness as the norm,” he stated.

Shehu also correlated the increase in tribal feelings to poor leadership, noting that those in power often exacerbate divisions through their actions and choices.

He mentioned that tribalism flourishes when leaders fail to act justly and betray public trust.
“The same leaders who violate laws, break promises, and misappropriate resources are the ones fostering tribalists and divided citizens,” he commented.

The analyst also condemned the shielding of corrupt individuals within society, cautioning that it undermines national cohesion.
“As long as Nigeria continues to provide refuge to criminals, thieves, and corrupt individuals, the country will remain fragmented along ethnic and religious demarcations,” he added.

Shehu further urged religious and traditional leaders to assume a more significant role in fostering integrity and accountability rather than facilitating corruption.

He illustrated his arguments with instances of how traditional and religious leaders occasionally protect criminals from facing justice by defending them and labeling them as their “sons.”

He also provided examples of integrity and patriotism from other nations, noting how trust and discipline enhance the functioning of societies elsewhere.

He encouraged Nigerians to adopt a stronger sense of citizenship, where individuals care for one another irrespective of their backgrounds.
“Citizens are those who empathize with the suffering of others as though it is their own,” he remarked.

He emphasized the necessity for compassion and national accountability.

Shehu concluded his address with a plea for contemplation and unity, urging Nigerians to prioritize nation-building over discord and self-interest.