LINGERING PAINS: Boko Haram, OPC, IPOB and the conflicting nature of Nigeria's fragile nationhood, by Agbeze Ireke Kalu Onuma

Nigeria, a country of immense diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups and a rich broad strokes of cultures, languages, and religions, is still hovering around nationhood. Since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1960, it has struggled to forge a cohesive national identity amidst its deep-seated ethnic, religious, and socio-political divisions.

This essay explores the enduring challenges to Nigeria’s fragile nationhood, focusing on three prominent groups: Boko Haram in the northeast, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) in the southwest, and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the southeast. These groups, each rooted in distinct grievances, highlight the conflicting nature of Nigeria’s unity and the urgent need for inclusive governance, dialogue, and reconciliation.

Nigeria’s colonial history laid the groundwork for its contemporary challenges. The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914 by the British created an artificial unity among disparate ethnic groups, each with its own historical, cultural, and political traditions.

Post-independence Nigeria was immediately confronted with the task of forging a united nation-state from this complex mosaic. The First Republic (1963-1966) was marked by intense political rivalries, which culminated in a series of military coups. The most devastating episode was the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), also known as the Biafran War, during which the southeastern Igbo region declared independence as the Republic of Biafra. The war resulted in significant loss of life and further entrenched ethnic divisions. Decades later, these divisions continue to fuel separatist movements and insurgencies, underscoring the fragility of Nigeria’s nationhood.

Boko Haram, which translates to “Western education is forbidden,” emerged in 2002 under the leadership of Mohammed Yusuf. The group’s ideology is rooted in a radical interpretation of Islam that vehemently opposes Western education and secular governance. Boko Haram’s insurgency escalated in 2009 following Yusuf’s death in police custody, leading to increased violence characterized by bombings, assassinations, and mass abductions, notably the kidnapping of the Chibok girls in 2014.

The impact of Boko Haram on Nigeria’s northeastern region has been catastrophic. The insurgency has resulted in over 30,000 deaths, displaced millions, and devastated local economies. The group’s activities have strained Nigeria’s military resources and exposed weaknesses in the country’s governance structure, contributing to a pervasive sense of insecurity and hopelessness among the affected populations. Boko Haram’s insurgency highlights the intersection of religious extremism, economic marginalization, and weak governance, all of which undermine Nigeria’s national unity.

The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) was formed in 1994 in response to the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, presumed to have been won by Chief Moshood Abiola, a Yoruba businessman and philanthropist. OPC’s formation was a response to the perceived marginalization and disenfranchisement of the Yoruba ethnic group.

While initially championing ethnic pride and protection against political injustices, the OPC has often been associated with violent clashes and vigilantism. The OPC’s activities have included public demonstrations, ethnic violence against non-Yoruba residents, and challenges to state security forces. The group highlights the broader issues of ethnic militancy and the challenges faced by the Nigerian state in managing its diverse and often divided populace. The OPC’s confrontational approach underscores the tensions between ethnic identity and national unity, as well as the failure of the Nigerian state to address the grievances of its constituent groups.

The resurgence of Biafran nationalism spearheaded by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rekindled memories of the traumatic civil war era. Formed in 2012 under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB advocates for the secession of the southeastern region to form an independent state of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances of marginalization, economic neglect, and political exclusion. IPOB’s activities, including mass protests, sit-at-home orders, and clashes with security forces, have heightened tensions in the southeast.

The Nigerian government’s response has often been heavy-handed, leading to allegations of human rights abuses. The issue of Biafran secession remains a sensitive and polarizing topic, reflecting the unresolved ethnic and political disparities that continue to plague Nigeria’s nationhood. IPOB’s resurgence underscores the enduring legacy of the civil war and the failure of successive governments to address the grievances of the Igbo people.

The conflicts engendered by Boko Haram, OPC, and IPOB are symptomatic of deeper issues within Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. Ethnic and religious identities often intersect with political and economic grievances, creating a complex web of conflict. Nigeria’s federal structure, intended to balance representation among diverse groups, has frequently been a source of contention, with accusations of nepotism, resource control disputes, and uneven development.

Religious conflicts, most notably between the predominantly Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south, further exacerbate national tensions. The Middle Belt region, characterized by its religious and ethnic diversity, has been a flashpoint for violent clashes, underscoring the fragile coexistence among Nigeria’s communities. The interplay of these factors highlights the challenges of forging a unified national identity in a country as diverse as Nigeria.

Nigeria’s successive governments have implemented various measures aimed at fostering national unity and mitigating conflicts. Initiatives such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, designed to promote national integration through youth mobilization, and the establishment of federal character principles to ensure equitable representation in public institutions, reflect these efforts. However, the effectiveness of these measures has been limited by systemic corruption, weak governance, and persistent inequalities.

Addressing Nigeria’s fragile nationhood requires a multifaceted approach. Key areas of focus should include inclusive governance, ensuring fair and equitable representation of all ethnic and religious groups in government and public institutions; economic development, implementing policies that promote economic opportunities and reduce poverty, particularly in marginalized regions; security reforms, strengthening the capacity and integrity of security agencies to effectively address insurgency and protect lives and property; dialogue and reconciliation, promoting dialogue among Nigeria’s diverse communities to address historical grievances and build mutual trust; and education and awareness, investing in education and public awareness campaigns to foster a sense of national identity and reduce divisive sentiments.

The actions of Boko Haram, OPC, and IPOB have pulled at the seams of Nigeria’s nationhood, exposing the ugly nature of inhibited hatred and ethnic animosity. Boko Haram’s insurgency has not only devastated the northeast but has also deepened the divide between the predominantly Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south. The group’s attacks on churches, schools, and government institutions have fueled religious tensions, while its abduction of the Chibok girls brought international attention to the fragility of Nigeria’s security apparatus. The government’s response to Boko Haram has often been weak and inconsistent, characterized by a lack of coordination among security agencies and allegations of human rights abuses. The failure to effectively combat Boko Haram has emboldened other extremist groups, such as the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), further destabilizing the region.

The OPC’s activities have highlighted the deep-seated ethnic tensions in the southwest. The group’s confrontational approach to advocating for Yoruba rights has often led to violent clashes with other ethnic groups and security forces. The OPC’s involvement in vigilante activities has further complicated the security landscape, as the group’s actions are often seen as a response to the perceived failure of the state to protect its citizens. The government’s response to the OPC has been equally inconsistent, with some officials condemning the group’s actions while others tacitly supporting its agenda. This lack of a unified response has only served to exacerbate ethnic tensions and undermine efforts to promote national unity.

The weak and often nonsensical response of the government to these groups has only served to exacerbate the situation. Instead of addressing the root causes of the grievances that fuel these groups, the government has often resorted to brute force and repression. This approach has not only failed to quell the violence but has also deepened the divisions within the country. The government’s inability to effectively address the issues of marginalization, economic inequality, and political exclusion has created a fertile ground for the growth of these groups, further undermining Nigeria’s fragile nationhood.

Addressing these issues requires a genuine commitment to inclusive governance, economic development, and national reconciliation. As Nigeria navigates its future, the quest for a truly united and prosperous nation remains an urgent and ongoing challenge. Only through a concerted effort to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable peace can Nigeria hope to overcome the lingering pains of its fragile nationhood.

The government’s failure to address the socio-economic grievances of marginalized groups, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services, has created a fertile ground for extremism and violence. The lack of a coherent and inclusive national strategy to address these issues has further undermined efforts to promote national unity and reconciliation. The government’s reliance on divisive rhetoric and ethnic politics has only served to deepen the divisions and fuel the flames of ethnic and religious animosity.

Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant achievements, but also by enduring conflicts that challenge its unity and stability. Boko Haram, OPC, and IPOB represent distinct yet interconnected aspects of Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape. Addressing these issues requires a genuine commitment to inclusive governance, economic development, and national reconciliation. As Nigeria navigates its future, the quest for a truly united and prosperous nation remains an urgent and ongoing challenge. Only through a concerted effort to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable peace can Nigeria hope to overcome the lingering pains of its fragile nationhood.