INDIGENESHIP, CITIZENSHIPAND THE NIGERIAN STATE: A PHILOSOPHICALAPPRAISAL

Abstract

Colonialism is a scar on the face of many African nations, while underdevelopment is their common feature. The effects of colonialism still hunt many African nations and led to underdevelopment in many African nations especially Nigeria. Most Nigerians believe that colonialism is the sole cause of the disharmony experienced in Africa today. Argument centers on the fact that the colonial masters through their selfish gains amalgamated different ethnic groups into one entity. Another group argues that amalgamation of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria was done without consent from the various groups; due to the absence of consent, there is no national unity rather, what we have callsfor disintegration and ethnic clashes. This lack of integration has contributed hugely to the underdevelopment experienced in Nigeria. The Nigerian predicament arises; where does the loyalty of the people lie? Is it within their ethnic groups as indigenes or with the State as citizens? Why is the loyalty of citizens divided between their ethnic group and the State at large? This research advocate for the pursuit of national development through national integration and this can be achieved only if there is a level of 'Group Mind' that is held to be objective and superior over the subjectivity of the ethnic group. This research elaborates on the importance of a change from what used to be to what should be. The analytical undertone of this research underscores the Nigerian Predicament with a review concerning the paradigm from indigene-ship to citizenship.