December 06, (THEWILL) – Senator representing Cross River North in the National Assembly, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe says ethnicity, education and politics are a triple edged sword in national development.
Senator Jarigbe said this is because the way they are deployed can make or mar the development of any society.
He made this known at the University of Calabar during the inaugural Registry Day and Lecture of the institution.
Senator Jarigbe, a guest lecturer, spoke on the theme: Ethnicity, Education and Politics: A Triple SWOT Analysis and the National Question.
His thesis was that ethnicity, education and politics are a triple edged sword, with both positive and negative effects depending on how they are used in the process of nation building and development.
He stressed that while they are potent drivers for development and advancement, their wrong use promotes conflict and makes nation building an insurmountable task.
According to the senator, “Ethnicity, Education and Politics are creations of man and have served useful purposes for various societies around the world.
“All men and women who transformed their societies through exceptional leadership were men of unusual intelligence and ability who did not allow their ethnic origins to becloud their sense of judgment in services to their nation.
“On the other hand, ethnicity, education and politics can destroy a nation if they are put to bad use as we have seen in many African countries, including Nigeria”, he said.
He contended that it has become imperative for people to stop using politicised ethnicity to cause ethnic hatred, acrimony and suspicion to boost their political standing.
Earlier, the registrar of the institution Gabriel Egbe, said the day is meant to reflect on their relevance, competence, abilities, opportunities as well as challenges which are hallmarks of good administration.
The vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Florence Obi on her part said the system has been run down from top to bottom and can only be redeemed with the support of staff.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
