By BUKAR Mohammed
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, continues to grapple with contradictions in governance, regional autonomy, and the undue influence of organizations that shape national discourse in divisive ways. Recent developments have shown how certain groups and entities wield power selectively, often ignoring pressing national concerns while fueling unnecessary tensions.
One glaring example is the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed separatist group that unilaterally imposes stay-at-home orders in the southeastern states, crippling economic and social activities. Despite its illegal status, IPOB enforces its decrees through fear and intimidation, making it appear as though a non-state actor wields more authority than the democratically elected government. This highlights a fundamental failure of state control and raises concerns about Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In contrast, northern state governments—acting within their constitutional powers—are often vilified for declaring public holidays to mark religious or cultural events. Unlike IPOB’s unlawful mandates, these holidays are legally recognized, yet critics selectively target them while ignoring more pressing governance issues. This double standard in national discourse exposes a troubling inconsistency in how power and authority are perceived across different regions.
However, perhaps the most troubling contradiction lies in the role of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which has evolved from a religious body into a politically charged and divisive entity. CAN has increasingly positioned itself as an opposition force to northern governors who act within their constitutional rights, while remaining conspicuously silent on more pressing national issues.
When cases of sexual violence emerged in the Nigerian Senate, CAN did not raise its voice. When the judiciary made excessive and controversial pronouncements, CAN had nothing to say. Yet, it finds the time and impetus to challenge northern governors who act within the law. The same CAN that cries out against policies it perceives as unfair was completely silent when Lagos State, with a significant Muslim population, prioritized denying children access to education rather than allowing them to wear the hijab. Where was the same energy then? Why did CAN remain mute when Muslim girls were being forced to choose between their education and their religious beliefs? This selective activism exposes CAN’s bias and calls into question its continued relevance in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
Nigeria cannot afford to be held hostage by organizations that thrive on division rather than unity. If CAN has lost its original purpose of religious advocacy and has instead become an agent of discord, then it should be scrapped. The country needs institutions that promote national cohesion, not ones that inflame religious and regional tensions.
Moving forward, Nigeria must reinforce the rule of law, ensure that no group operates outside the framework of the constitution, and foster a governance structure that prioritizes national unity over sectional interests. The contradictions in governance and advocacy must be addressed head-on if the country is to achieve stability and progress.
BUKAR writes from Kano
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