OPINION: IMPACTS OF  RELIGO-TRIBAL CONSIDERATION IN NIGERIA FOURTH REPUBLIC

Abstract

There has been argument as regard the adherence to the principle of equality in selecting leadership of various ministries, institutions and agencies among the various tribes and religion groups in Nigeria. While some belief that political appointment should be based on tribal and religion consideration other argued for merit and adherence to the provision of the constitution. This paper using primary and secondary source examines the role religion and tribal consideration in Nigeria Fourth Republic. It is discovered that using religion and tribal affinity as a means of appointing heads of MDAs may not unconnected with the favouratism, nepotism, corruption, loyalty and trust, internal/ external pressure. All these have created danger for a viable development, having promote hatred, and mutual suspicious among the Nigerians. This has also hindered sense of belonging. It has led to socio-economic insecurity, national disintegration and negates effective nation building. It is however recommended that, constitutional provision which created a level play ground should be adhered to and merit should be given consideration. This is believed will ensure rapid development in the country.

Introduction

According to United Nation there about 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, many considered this as underestimated. A federal government demographic survey in 1976 identified 394 language groups.  Another estimate put it as high as 400 with highest density of language in Taraba and Adamawa states¹. As a secular society, Nigeria has three major religion groups, namely traditional, Christianity, and Islam and each of these are in one way or the other dictate the tone of the political activities in the nation. Although the last two had more influence in the modern political arrangement in the country, the first has not also relent agitating for inclusiveness in the state decision making and policy implementation.

Going with the above diversity, the country had been faced with problem of formal mechanism needed in ensuring equal participation on elective position and the political appointment. This is due to the fact that those religions and tribal groups do not have the same need, objective, and aspiration. Tribal  and religion affinity  thereby   became strong determinants in the nation power sharing. Therefore, this paper examines the major impacts of religo-tribal consideration in Nigeria fourth republic.

Religion, Ethnicity and governance

Religion and ethnicity has always play role in the management of the society since the time immemorial. In the word of Chukwuma religion, an ontogical and metaphysical phenomenon belongs to the innermost consciousness of life². According to Nwanaju religion is part of human history and nature. Before the advent of Christianity and Islam, African can be said to be born into a society with its own religion. The traditional region was seen to be a religion of the community where it was practice and in fact play major role in the traditional political structure³. Every decision and appointment is often made subject to the consultation and advice of the priest. This was a situation in almost every ethnic society in what is now called Nigeria. However, the emergence of Islam in Nigeria in about 11^th century in northern region did not revoke the power of religion instead the new religion became a guiding principle to the overall activities of the area. This is evidence in the role of Islamic Malam in the region. The Christianity also had its own impact in the management of the state affairs with its incursion in the southern part of the country as earlier as 15^th Century.  What must however be noted is that, despite the colonial rule, religion still play major role in the traditional political system in Africa society and its influence in the modern democratic setting cannot be over emphasized.

In the same vein, tribalism is the behavior and attribute that are based on strong loyalty to a tribe.  A tribe is a social group consisting of people of the same race who have the same beliefs, customs, language etc. and usually live in particular area ruled by their leader. Tribalism in Nigeria political system manifested with the emergence of regional government in 1945 when the country was divided into regions; north, west, and the east⁴. Each region dominated by majority tribal group, making the minority unable to participate and contribute effectively to the development of the regional politics. The implication is that it laid the foundation for what would later call tribal politics. It also laid the foundation for the use of religion as major criteria in getting the ticket for public office especially in the northern part of the country. Number of people; Christians and pagans living in the northern part of the country had to embrace Islamic doctrine as part of their identity to get benefit from the government.

A plural society like Nigeria had been bewildered with the question of religion and tribal influence in management of state affair. It often belief that governance entails the process of governing, whether undertaken by a government, market or network, family, tribe, religion body, formal or informal organization or territory⁵. Also, whether through the laws, norms,  power or language, It relate to the process of interaction and decision making among actors involve in a collective problem that  lead to the creation, reinforcement or reproduction of social, norms and institutions. The process of governing in Nigeria has become a recurring issue in the Nigeria Fourth Republic. This is evidence with amalgam of the religion, politics and tribalism, hence, both are being manipulated by Nigerians in voicing for their political interest.

In the previous decades, this act first came to lime light in the politics of the First Republic where each tribal group; Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba group exploited their identity to establish their interest at the regional and national level. Hence, minority’s rights were not guaranteed. It needs to stress here that religion was not always a major means of political consideration in the election and appointment into the public office especially in the western region where both Muslims and Christians share equal percentage of the population. This was not the case in the Christians dominated southern region and northern Hausa dominated area, the later is due to the strong tie between the Islamic faith and governance.

Both religion and tribalism might not have ordinarily constituted a source of worry and gained much attention if effective relation exists between about 250 ethnic groups and three major religion groups that made up the whole country. Nigeria is an heterogeneous society with varieties of interest. This interest is promoted at the expense of the populace by the few oligarchy who hide under the cover of representing the masses. What is however clear is that they sought all efforts in managing the public resources either through election and appointment. Consideration on the basis of tribal and religion affinity has become a major tools used by politicians in recent years to get their kith and kin in the public office.

It needs to be stressed here that political appointment is an appointment made by the head of government to help realize party manifesto and mandate. It is often made to ensure that there is smooth running of the government activities. However, political consideration simply means given privilege to some to hold political office. These people are chosen to manage certain aspect of the state activities. They fall in two (2) categories; politicians and non-politicians. Those in first category are party members, people who supported party financially or humanly during campaign and are known to the public as politicians. Also in this category are opposition parties member who are given privilege to serve in their government given the case of Abdulrahaman Adamu chieftain of ANPP appointed by late president Umar Musa Yaradua into his cabinet as minister of interior in July 2009⁶. Those in the second category include people who are not politicians but have used their resources to contribute to the victory of identified political party and its candidate. They includes business tycoon, bank managers etc. Also in this category are those chosen due to their achievement in their respective carrier. They are chosen irrespective of religion and ethnic affiliation. It is against this background Tangri observed that,

Policians have manipulated appointments to public boards and corporation as well as influenced the dismissal of holders of public office. Once again, those in control of government have been best laced to favour their supporters…………………… The clients have reciprocated the benefit from their patrons with more intangible assets such as demonstration of allegiance and esteem information on the machinations of a patron’s enemies and partisan support, especially at times of election or inter party struggles⁷.

This was also acknowledged by Maxwell Nwosu when he said;

The relation between the leaders and followers tend to be personal, yet significantly unilateral. Political commitment, therefore, is primary instrumental. Leaders confer political office and status and for their active followers, public employment. Subordinate leaders and their leaders who are rewarded by the system make payment in the form of votes and other modes of support for the system⁸.

Although, political appointment in Nigeria has become a subject of debate within and outside the country, it has been given more priority than any other things. Some people are ready to die if their state or tribe is not given reference in the public office. This is happening in a society where the majority group always wants to dominate others. According to national population statistic in 1963, Muslim constituted about 48%, Christian 36% and others 16% of the total population⁹. Some people have built on this statistic believing they should get more representatives in the public appointment based on their religion and tribe. Although every tribe considered itself more important and believed should be treated with respect and equity, the reality is that there is no corresponding treatment between every tribes and religion group in the country. This might due to favouratism, nepotism and personality. Hence this has undermined preference for capability, intelligence, specialization and commitment especially when the autocratic leadership trait is exhibited by the authority concerns. The question is what is the position of the Nigeria constitution on the composition public office; federal MDA’s, presidency, appointment of the ministers, head of agencies/departments, commission, councils, and institution in Nigeria? According to the Section 14 subsection (3) 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN),

The composition of the government of the federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that their shall be a few ethnic or their spectral groups in that government or of any of its agencies¹⁰.

Although, some scholars argued that this provision only applicable to the civil service, one must not ignore the fact that if composition of the civil service is based on equal distribution and inclusiveness of every tribe or religion group regardless of the sex affinity, would that alone address fear of discrimination and domination among the varying groups especially the elites who saw appointment as means of increasing their wealth? These are the same people who mobilize youth to cause havoc given the emergence of Boko Haram syndrome, OPC phenomenon, and Egbesu and Niger/Delta Avenger syndrome. I do not belief political appointment should not be given this preferences, this could be a major means of promoting unity and ensuring national integration. This is emphasized section 15 subsections 2 of the same constitution thus,

Accordingly, national integration shall be actively encouraged, whilst discrimination on the ground of place of origin, sex, religion, status ethnics or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited¹¹.

These two provisions clearly guided the composition of both the political appointment and the composition of the federal ministries, department and agencies. This is meant to promote equity and maintain peace among the various groups.

Democracy, Zoning and Appointment Question

It is often said democracy is government in which power and civil responsibility are exercised by all citizens, directly or through freely elected representative¹². Accordingly, it is the people who hold sovereignty power over legislators and government. Others argued that it rested upon the principle of majority rule given the way it is practice in both developed and underdeveloped countries where discrimination on the basis of race, religion and culture are common. Zealous posit that it is based on the fundamental right of individual and group. Evidently, nuances apply to the world’s various democracies. Certain principles and practices distinguishes democracy government from others form of government. In fact contemporary democracy in the Western Europe has been criticized for several imperfections. These imperfection includes, decline in the trust of political elites and institution, decline in loyalty of the traditional political parties, increase in unconventional political participation¹³, and selection of the political post on the basis of ethnic and religion affinity. Hence, minorities who are more than 95% of total population often not benefited much from the state polity. What is however clear here is that the elites acted under the pretext of liberating the masses instead they work for their interest. It is upon this basis they advocated for the liberation of the minorities. They acted under the of Karl Marx philosophy that says “all previous historical movement is the movement of the minorities, or in the interest of the minorities”¹⁴, the reality in Nigeria is that it is the movement of the majority for the interest of the majority because most of the appointment are for the elites and their family, although the scope this study is beyond the analysis of the background of the beneficiary of the appointment.

Nevertheless, the numerous principles of democracy range from accountability, political tolerance, transparency, economic reform and equality; other is closed protection of the right of all citizens, rule of law and active participation of citizen in politics and civil life. Participation in the democracy system in Nigeria has been a major challenges to many especially the minority who are denied opportunity in the party politics by the dominate groups. This is not only an occurrence between the north, south and eastern part of the country but within the state given the example from Kogi state dominated by Igala tribe and who have been a major manager of the state since its creation in 1991. Also among the Hausa Fulani community, minority had less say on the elective and appointed political post at both state and the federal level given the case of Zuru in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara state; a minority group who had been victim of oppression since the First Republic especially with the use of religion as the basis for the consideration for post in the northern region¹⁵.  A case of southern region leaders should not also be ignore, the denial of Muslim elite the chance to have voice and be part of the decision making process hold more water. The ineffective and unequal participation in the public office cannot unconnected with enthusiasm and tribal bias.

Therefore the forgoing meant to reiterate some salient characters of Nigeria democratic system. The fact is that participation is unequal and formal equality is lacking. Lack of tribal consideration in the state polity would not only promote sense of belonging amongst distinct group, it will also encourage social development, mutual trust needed for a viable socio-economic and political stability.  There is need for substantive equality which is what matter in a developing country like Nigeria regardless of the region or religion affinity. This will also encourage increase in labour force which in turn contributes to viable productivity in the state.

It must be noted that there over 20 ministries at the national level and about 557 federal government agencies of government and parastatals created mainly to advance development and ensure smooth running of the country¹⁶. However, each of this MDA’s are headed, controlled and supersized by, ministers, directors, chairman, governors subject to the appointment or confirmation by the presidency.

However, the appointment of the heads of these ministries and parastatals has over the years generated a lot of controversies; the issue at stake is not the composition and categorizing the appointment but on the equal distribution of the federal appointment among all the states of the federation, between the minority and the major ethnic groups, and between Christians and Muslim fellows. It was part of the measure to avoid disparity in the management of the state affair that zoning phenomenon came into existence. This was part of the measure by the people Democratic Party (PDP) introduced in 1999 to create a sense of belonging amongst the ethno-religion elite groups in the face of the inadequacy of federal character principles¹⁷.  It on this basis the country was divided into six geo political zone in 1999 namely, North East with 6 states, North Central with 6 states, North West with 7 states, such East with 5 states, South West with 6 states and South South with 6 states. Although Aku Argued that zoning can rescue minorities from political obscurity, at the same time it generate majority interest, foster national stability and ensure the success of the democracy. It can generate discontent especially when is disparity in the state composition within the zone. It is against this background citizens within the one region cried out for being marginalized given little consideration for the number of state in one region. This is evidence in the ministerial appointment between 1999 and 2015 analyzed below.

Distribution of ministerial position 1999-2015 (%)

Source: Compiled from various sources

The ministerial appointments in July 1999 shows that out of the 40 ministers at this period, 7 were from the South South under which Bayelsa and River states had 2 each, while other states had one each.  There were 5 ministers from the South East: Anambra had two, Embonyi had none but other had one each. In the South West there were 8 ministers; Ogun and Osun had two each while  others had one each.  In the North East there were 5 ministers; each of the state had one minister except Yobe who had none. There were 8 ministers from the North West; Katsina had three, Kaduna had 2, and other had one each, although Kebbi and Zamfara had none. In the North Central where 7 ministers were appointed; Niger and plateau had two each, others had one each except Kogi who had nothing¹⁸.

By July 2003, when Obasanjo reshuffled his cabinet, about 32 ministers were appointed. Out of this total 9 were from the South West; River and Edo had 2 each, others had one each. In the South East, there were 5 ministers and each of the state had one minster.  In the South West there were 6 ministers; 2 were from Oyo. Ogun had nothing while others had one each.  In the North East; Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Gombe had one minister each while Taraba and Yobe had none. In the North West where about 4 ministers; Jiigawa, Kaduna, Kano, and Sokoto had one each, other had none.  In the North Central;  Kwara had two ministers, Benues and Kogi had one each while others had nothing¹⁹.

However, by December 2008 there are about 42 ministers working under the Yar’adua government. Out of this total 8 were from the South South; Edo, Delta and River had two each. Akwa-Ibom and Cross River had one each while Bayelsa had none. There were 6 ministers from the South East only Abia had two, others had one each.  In the South West; Lagos and Osun had 2 ministers each, others such as Ogun, and Oyo had one each while Ondo and Ekiti had none.  In the North East, there are about 7 ministers; Adamawa and Yobe had two each, others had one each except Borno who had none.  In the North West there were 10 ministers; Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto had two each while others had one each.  In the North Central while others had one minister each, Kogi had nothing²⁰.

In April 2010 following the swearing on President Good Luck Jonathan as acting president, he reshuffled the cabinet and about 29 ministers were appointed. Out of this total, 6 were from South South; while two were from River state, Akwam Ibom, Cross River. Delta and Edo had one each.  Bayelsa had none. In South East; all had one except Ebonyi who had none.  All the state in the South East had one minister each.  In the North East; all had one minister each except Taraba who had nothing.  In the North West, all had one minister each while Kaduna had none.  In the North Central while others had one minister each, Benue and Plateau had none²¹.

Therefore in July 2011, another cabinet was constituted by former president Jonathan, 33 ministers were appointed. Out of this total 4 were from the South South; Bayelsa and Delta had none, other had one each. In the South East there are about 6 ministers only Abia had two ministers, others had one each. In the South West, each of the state had one minister each. In the North East; while Taraba had one minister others had one each. In the North West only Kaduna had no ministers other had one each. In the North central only Benues had two, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa and Niger had one each, plateau had none²².

Following the transition from the on government in may 2015, a new cabinet was constituted by the president elect Muhammdu Buhari in September 2015. At this time each state had one minister making the total minister appointed 36²³. This can also be seen from table above.

More so, given the democratic nature of Nigeria, there is always need for proportional representative. Evidence from the above analysis shows that the composition of the Nigeria government on the basis of zoning not proportional in nature until 2015 when each region are given minister according to the number of state in the region (this is head count approach in ministerial appointments).

Political appointment and religo-ethnic consideration

It was noted earlier that the political appointment is not on mere speculation or vacuum, it is rested on certain fundamental procedures and criteria. Since the 1960, every head of government (president or the governors of the state) have been accused by their subject of imperfection, and misstep in the policy formulation and implementation. Very Nigeria leader since 1999 is accused for lack of careful steps in the appointment of MDAs leadership. This is not seems to be lack of basic knowledge or that they deliberately avoided certain section, it is due to pressure among elites.  The first most widely heard critic was the case of Yaradua, Jonathan now Buhari. Obasanjo was criticized for the lopsided appointment not only by the northern elites but from the south west (his homestead) who saw his administration as nothing to write about²². The point is, when a leader emerged from a region, the other tribal dominant group in other regions became critics on the basis of the appointment not on their performance.  The recent critics of the Buhari appointments are mainly from south west, the south south and south east. People who believed Buhari’s anti corruption crusade has blocked his eyes to see transparent people in other part of the country who are trust worthy, accountable and hardworking²⁵.

It is a known fact that there are number of observers both within and outside the country who monitor every action and step made by the president in discharge of his official mandate.  As was noted earlier, the presidency is vested with prerogative of power of appointment as noted in the section 146 and 154 of 1999 CFRN. However, no government prays for ineffectiveness, hence appointed public office holders are always based on certain important criteria as noted below;

One of these is Loyalty and trust and this has always been a priority in considering people for appointment. No leaders want to work with people they do not trust. This is mainly because it is dangerous for the stability and smooth running of administration.  Jonathan removed Chief Mikel Aondoaka as Attorney general of the federation and the minister of justice in February 2010 and replaced him with Adetokunbo Kayode from the (south west) when he was acting president²³. This is because Aondoaka was passive and reluctant to support the move to make him acting president when is boss Yaradua was battling with a serious health issue in Saudi Arabia. The issue was later laid to rest with adoption of “doctoring of necessity” by the national assembly’ because of silent of the constitution on the issue²⁶.

It must be noted that even during military era there are cases relating to lopsided appointment but because only strong people challenge the military policies, little or no consideration is often given to their agitation. It must be noted that Abacha appointment Al-Mustapha as his chief security officer for his loyalty, trust and ethnic affinity²⁷. Murtala refer Obasanjo as his next in command for his honesty and loyalty not because of zoning of regional equity. To government, loyalty on the basis of the security is important in forming cabinet and appointment of public office holders.  Although, there are always cronies within the system especially when they felt the policy is not on their side. They exploited grievances of the famous civilians and distort government through cohesive means.  This explains why in 1983 Buhari’s Chief of Army Staff; General Ibrahim Babagida staged a coup against his government. This is a conflict of interest and ideological disparity.

However, appointment on the basis of the religion and tribalism is also influenced by the internal and external pressure. This is a situation where people who are family or tribal relation of the political godfather or president strived to ensure that they are effectively involved in the government directed by their tribal man. They employed internal tactic such as arranging meeting with the traditional ruler of the area, the community and ethnic association, thereby pressured authority in charge to create chance for the inclusiveness of the people of the area. This is what the Yoruba people did during the Obasanjo era but they could not realize their mission. This worked out during both Jonathan tenure and is working during Buhari government²⁸. Since many of these people have cultural organization that stood vehemently and supported the ruling party, the organization often went around with their agenda given the Arewa Consultative forum and other cultural groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ijaw Youth Council, Afenifere, etc. This is also the situation in various states.  While the external pressure is mainly from people of other tribe or religion faith given Christian asking for a fair play in the government dominated or directed by the Muslim elites, this also applicable to the tribal struggle among the minority group. In 1999, following the new government, the northern elites under ACF pressurize Obasanjo government to give key appointment raging from the finance, economic planning, foreign affair, agriculture to the north which he later did considering the intensity of the pressure²⁹.

Similarly, one should not forget the fact that, Obasanjo hide to their demand because of his second term agenda (he need their vote and support) having sensed the implication and caliber of person that might be used against him (Muhammadu Buhari), hence, he appointed three ministers from Katsina towards the general election³⁰. Also, appointment of Good Luck Jonathan as Yaradua Running mate during 2007 was an attempt to persuade and assured the south south region the hope as far as the president position is concerned.  This was done due to their pressure and quest to secede. With the emergence Goodluck Jonathan as the president, he became hero in the region. The point is that no appointment is made without purpose.

While some people are appointed because of their honesty, others are appointed because of their transparency and accountability. This is an acknowledgment and assumption of responsibility for actions, decision and polices including administration, governance and implementation within the scope of their role encompassing the obligation to report, explain and answerable for resulting consequence. Only a few leader saw this as priority given the case of the late Yaradua and Buhari.  Their appointment according to them is not only base on level of trust but on transparency and accountability, this shows why their appointee followed step in the asset declaration phenomenon. Therefore Sanusi Lamido Sanusi appointment as CBN governor is not mainly because of his religion or tribal affinity but for his success as the MD of First bank. His emergence not only transformed the banking industry but made those responsible for declining financial institutions responsible and accountable for their action this show why many banks went into liquidation and fold up³¹.

Nigerians and Religo-tribal consideration syndrome

The question as to why nature of elective position and federal/state appointment office has became something everyone talks about has not been subjected to much public debates in the past decades compare to the recent reaction of Nigerians. There are number of reasons responsible for this. One important reason is the weakness of the opposition parties. Nigeria opposition parties have always been passive, non-confrontational in their approach toward action and inaction of the ruling party since the beginning of the Fourth Republic. They are been ineffective, often operate underground after election. The fact is that, after the election they look at various means of getting opportunity from the ruling party; the award of contract, appointment in public office (ambassador, minister as well as the head of institutions, etc.). They are more bewildered with need to ensure that their family members are also given post. Indeed they operated in disguise. This is evidenced in massive defection often experienced immediately after election.  With this they are mindful of what they say in order not to be denied some benefits. They are unstable and had no effective foundation. This could also be justified with the percentage of the vote cast during the 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011 gubernatorial election in which the dominant party PDP had highest vote cast of about 75 percent of the total vote cast. Hence, it could be deduced that this trends followed until 2015 when PDP found it difficult to return to Aso rock, having been defeated by the opposition party APC with 53.96 percent of the total vote cast APC. PDP had 44.99 percent there shares the remaining 1.08 percent³².

However, the emergence of PDP as opposition party set a new ground in voicing against the ruling party in Nigeria party politics. However, in its bid to reestablish its identity as the largest party in Africa, create good environment for 2019 election, and continued its legacy, having already ruled the country for 16 years, it has became a major focal voice against the action and in action of the Buhari Administration³³. Hence, hit hard on the nature of appointment into leadership of MDAs despite its internal division. This is a strategy that even if there is perfection they continue to hit on the imperfection of the ruling party. This is a major role of an opposition party. This has not been play effectively under the previous government. Although, the motive behind this action is personal, it has helped the ruling party to see its loopholes, realize its mistake and fashion out policy for improvement. It has also enable government to deliver its mandate. Its emergence has also created sectional loyalty and situational preferences especially in the southern part of the country. It on this basis every appointment made are in their eyes of their followers not reflected the principles of zoning and federal character.

Continuously, the increased level of awareness by the people in the society on the knowledge on how governments work could also be factored as to why people oppose the recent appointment.  Even though most people lack basic knowledge about distribution of public post according to state, they are much more aware of the appointment, made by the federal government.  The bus conductors, drivers, farmers, brick layers, etc. now listen to news from the radio, television and read daily news paper. This has given them more insight not only on how government work but on the composition of MDAs. The role of online media cannot also be ignore as many people now used android phone in recent years compared to the past decades and update themselves. This is aided with low rate of data subscription today compare to previous decades.

In the same vein, the increase in the level of education, interaction within an outside the country, and participation in the public discourse made people to voice against their right.  People are now well informed and are ready to write articles, petition against any government action or inaction. This is necessitated with the increase level of literacy and western education in Nigeria. This was not the case before, only the aggrieved politicians and human right activist are found voicing against the mistake or misstep of their colleagues. Today, a well informed man on the street now write articles both on national daily and online, analyzing the government error. This has in a greater way improved people knowledge about the activities of the government; hence expose ordinary Nigeria to every appointment made by the government.

One must not forget the fact that, the inter religion rivalry and ethnic crisis that has been part of the Nigeria since the division of Nigeria into three region has increase  the level at which people voice against their suspected rival or enemy. The issue of Muslim Muslim ticket for the APC presidential nomination during 2015 election was first raised by the Christian fellows and activist who saw it as improper³⁴. While some saw it as means to subjugate the Christian fellow the benefit of democratic dividends and denying them a vital position at federal level, other saw it as deviation from the existing covenant and a means of Islamizing Nigeria according to Boko Haram agenda. This was not often the case in the previous decades given the SDP Muslim Muslim ticket in 1993 presidential election. Although the argument in support of this action shows that both MKO Abiola and his vice Baba Gana Kinjibe were prominent persons during the time. Secondly, Nigerian at the period were very concern about the return civilian rule and are ready to support any one as long as the military rule will come to an end.

Therefore, lack of strong relationship between the Muslim and the Christians also accounted opposing nomination into the public office on the basis faith and tribe. The point is that there is strong hatred among this people. As one tribe is not ready to accept the other as a part of them, so a Muslim group is not ready to the Christian leader as part of them vise versa. This non-readiness of one tribe to accept the others, as fundamental crisis of leadership and governance in Nigeria, Felicia and Akuba observes,

“Even though, Jonathan who was the deputy of Yar’adua and Nigerian former president from the north is made a president, to the northerners Jonathan is not seen in the light of a Nigeria citizen but as an outsider of the northern enclave. This is a damage ethnicity has caused to Nigeria”³⁵.

More so, further ethnic consideration in Nigeria today is more important than who one is and what he can deliver. When Obasanjo was elected president in 1999 and went on to initiate reforms of the public sector, he faced stiff opposition from the north on the ground he was marginalizing the north and favouring Yoruba ethnic group. The vice president while responding to the assertion noted

“The reforms were necessary because, despite the federal character principle some northern state had six permanent secretaries in 1999, while others had none.”³⁶

Not accept this stand, the aggrieved group (Arewa Consultative Forum; a northern forum whose objective rested on the promotion of the northern agenda) in a Memo to Human Right Violations Investigation Commission (HRVIC) in 2001, suggested that the Yoruba and Igbo were the new colonialists.

“The Yoruba followed by the Igbo dominate in the federal civil service, central bank of Nigeria and presidency and they don’t seem to be contented. They appear to be supplant else while British imperialism with ethnic domination”³⁷.

However, as Igbo, cannot also hide their feeling on the composition of the public offices in accordance with tribal consideration, a meeting of Catholics bishops from the Igbo-speaking provinces of Onitsha and Owerri in December 2013 had this to say,

“We note with sadness the continued concern of Igbo people about their systematic exclusion, since the end of the Nigeria civil war, from certain substantive position in the nation’s administration set up such as the head of state of Nigeria, heads of Army, Navy, and Air force, Chief judge of the federation, Inspector General of the Police, heads of key Federal parastatals and Head of Service of the Federation. Whether planned or accidental, this exclusion does not reflect the equity that makes a true federation”.³⁸

Similarly, the former president Jonathan was subjected to numbers of critics by the northerners on the account of marginalizing the north.  ACF believed they have not been fairly treated and could have better off if president is from the north region. Former Jonathan ensured that northerners are given chance in his government, the sudden death of his master (late president Yaradua in May 2010) earlier before he assumed being sworn in as president might be the reason they saw no prospect in his government in the subsequent years. It must be noted that his chief security adviser Colonel Sambo Dasuki is a Muslim from Sokoto, northern Nigeria. One should try to understand that this is a sensitive post and every president would like to appoint his tribe to ensure safety of his government. His predecessor appointed his kit and kin Major General Serki Muktar from Kano, likewise his successor Muhammd Buhari appointed Major-General Babagana Monguno as NSA, a Muslim from Borno, northern Nigeria.

There is also the issue of poverty and wide spread insecurity in the country. In recent years Nigeria is faced with fundamental security crisis ranging from food, economy, political and social security problems.  This is coupled with poverty level. All these have changed peoples mind set and perception on the management of public affairs. The psychological implications of these two further explain why people attacked the recent appointment. They believed that nomination on the basis of the religion or tribal affinity could serve a mean of drawing all kinds of benefit to the people involved.

Also, there is problem of corruption and personality. Individual and group in Nigeria have circumvented the law of religion and invented new ones to suit their selfish interest; hence, constitution is not given any priority. It must be noted that since politics is no longer a means of gaining power to serve the people and the state, but a quick way of getting rich and since it has become a profession which appears to require little intellectual preparation, the number of professional politicians has been on the increase. It is on the basis of not being recognized by the ruling party as far as the governance is concerns that made some of them to voice against the appointment process and procedure acting under the constitutional provision that they had little regard for. There are also issue of inter party conflict and foreign intervention. All these play a major role in the voice against lopsided appointment in Nigeria today.

Impact of religo-ethnic consideration in Nigeria development

The consideration of political office on the basis of the religion and tribal identity has more implication than its value. Firstly it promotes hatred relation in the society. This was the situation the first republic when the leaders of the dominant ethnic groups; Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sardauna of Sokoto tried to justify the superiority of their respective tribe. For instance Azikwe noted that,

“It would appear that the God of Africa has created the Ibo nation to lead the children of Africa   from the bondage of the ages……The martial prowess of Ibo nation at all stages of human history has enable them not only to conquer but  also to adapt themselves to the role of preserver……….. The Ibo nation cannot shirk its responsibility from its manifest destiny”³⁹.

In the same vein chief Obafemi Awolowo did not hide his feeling about the need to about the preference of his kith and kin in ruling the nation and but to debunked the position of Azikwe when he said.

“It seems  clear to me that Azikwe policy was to corrode the self respect of the Yoruba people as group  to built up the Ibo as a master-race”⁴⁰.

Therefore when tribalism is exploited over issue in such a way to affect adversely the interest of the groups involved in political/ economic competition, deep passion aroused and violent conflict may arise.

However it was part of the unequal appointment into public office and discrimination that those who saw themselves as being marginalized as in various times call from the division of the country. This has been a call for decades and has continued to generate argument in the public discuss, a basis for the call for a restructuring today. The emergence of militia groups such as the Odua People’s Congress in August 1994, Movement for the Sovereignty of the Actualization of Biafra in September 1999, Egbesu Boys of Africa in December 1998 among others⁴¹. All rested on the marginalization of their tribe by the Hausa/Fulani domination of the government.

Another implication of the religo-ethnic consideration in the public office is that it gives room for fear of domination of one group over the other, this in turn make less privileges group to express their grievance either through sabotage with the intention of crippling the state economy and divide the country inline wit faith, given case of Boko Haram in the north eastern Nigeria. As this trend continues, national development and social security are compromised. This therefore posed question with regard to religion principles of peace and harmony and above all, people wonder if religion can ever promote peace in the society.

Also, it promotes disunity within the society, having created the feeling of hatred among the existing groups. This is evidence with suspicious and faction within and outside the state. While some in support of the appointment other opposed it. These stale relationships between different groups that have otherwise live in peace with one another. In the process there is possibility of the confrontation between followers or the elites, hence the consequence is instability. It is on this basis Masrui observe,

“In those African countries, where Islam is in serious competition with Christianity and both are politicized, the two creeds becomes divisive rather that unifying, destabilizing rather than legitimizing. Where religion reinforces ethnic differences on regional variation, government becomes less stable rather than more….. On the whole, the two Semitic religion in Nigeria Christianity and Islam reinforce regional and ethnic differences, and make stability more difficult”⁴².

Continuously, this type of relation could also hinder sense of belonging necessary for viable development.  Apart from the fact that the traditional religion groups had been alienated from the democratic dividend despite the constitution provision for their inclusiveness in the management of the state affair, they are not given any realistic public office despite the literacy of their members. They are isolated, hence making the Muslim and Christians a major contender and competitive actors of the public position. It must be noted that sense of belonging is one of the basic principles of democracy and good governance. This is because it allows citizens to participate in the state of affair. Evidence show that both the Christianity and Islamic faith as taken the center stage of the state politics, hence elective and appointed post are determined by the two religion together with tribal affinity.  The experience of Saudana merger of religion and tribalism to determine who get what in the northern regional government in first Republic and the problems it generated still refresh in the memory. Danjibo observed that appointment in the public office at regional or federal level were based on religion, hence this made many northern minority like Zuru  people in north western part of the region being denied the opportunity in the public office⁴³. Those given opportunity had to convert to Islamic and embrace the culture of the area.

However, those who employed religion and tribalism in the consideration to the political post in their region did not often see the light of the day. They are considered by the marginalized group as oppressor and that remain in their history book.

More so, consideration and competition between Christians and Muslims for political post create set back to nation building Process. Nation building which entails the process of recreating the good identity and promoting the socio-economic, and political development had not been achieved due to favouritism of one tribe or religion group over the other. Instead of building Nigeria as nation, each religion and tribal group build sub-nation within a Nigeria nation. This is done through influx of their kith and kin at local, state and national level. This is a legacy of colonial rule and Nigeria had been unable to realize the implication on the state. Many factors are indeed responsible; namely, greediness, corruption, non contentment, etc.

The religio-tribal consideration in party politics does not allow government to focus on its mandate.  Apart from the fact that it encourages bad policy formulation, it does not encourage effective implementation of government policy. However, those who directly or indirectly had relationship with the ruling party operated with impunity. The case of Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke, former minister of petroleum cannot be ignored.  The 205 pages parliamentary repot uncovered a long list alleged wrong doing involving oil revenue and NNPC under her right watch. A total 20 billion naira was mixing as reported by the former CBN governor, Laimido Sanunis Lamido.  She also failed to account for ten (10) billion oil revenue under her cover⁴⁴. Also there was also a corruption allegation scandal against her by the UK government in 2013. She has also involved in 10 billion jet scandal 2014.  In the same vein, the former minister of Aviation stellar Oduan paid apparently $1.6 million Dollars, aviation money to buy two armored BMW 760Li cars for her private use⁴⁵.  At the period of incident the aviation industry is under of declining, due to poor staff training, inadequate staff and poor facilities and insufficient money necessary for growing industry. Their inability to account for their action was due their tribal affinity with the presidency, they are appointed not because of what they can offer but on the tribal affinity.

However, it could serve as threat to the national security. This is a direct implication of mutual suspicious generated from reflection of religion and tribal group in party politics.   The Christians under the Muslim leader often panic, giving the Muslim concentration in the north and their relation Islamic states in Middle East. They believed Muslim leaders may declare the country as “Islamic state”. There was also the threat generated in the Muslim dominated state in the northern part of the country to Islamize their states despite ethnic and religion diversity of the area.  Although, this is beyond the scope of this work but it has served as a means of denying them say in the management of the state, reduced their population through conviction. Hence reduced the level at which they agitate for equality in the political appointment in the state.

Ethnic and religion consideration in party politics also promote election rigging. Every tribe and religion body wants its member to be victorious in the election. To ensure this they often embarked on hatred preaches and support elections rigging in respect of their candidate. This is done through persuasion of followers at the poling unit.  It needs to be stress here that this is done to sustain benefit derived from the incumbent government. Other also sought for the exit and emergence of a new government that would promote their religion goals. During the 2011 and 2015 federal and state election process, people are not only divided on the tribal but on religion line. The results of the election justify this assertion. Although, this is not to say that they are the only factors responsible for the result, other factors such as race, ideology and party influence, personality, manifestos cannot be ignored. The dominant Muslim north massively voted from the APC (Muslim candidate) against PDP (Christian candidate) during the 2015 general election. The reason may not unconnected with the need to ensure that power is on their side. As every leaders had cultivated the habit of carrying more federal benefit to their region. It must be noted that this is also applicable to political post even if the person is corrupt. This is what the Emeka Agbo the leader of Ibo Progressive Union (IPU) has to say regarding the Stella car scandal in aviation industry,

“This is a woman that has given the aviation sector a new face since she came into office. Today, our airport can compete with airports in foreign countries. Before she came to office, we were hearing about international airport but today it has become a reality in Igoland. We are ready to swim and sink with her.”⁴⁶

There is also the problem of encroachment of mediocre in the public office. People with low IQ,   quality, ability to deliver and people who lack good performance record are given political appointment. This often led to mismanagement, non-accountability, poor implantation technique of government policy and inability to see beyond the present moment in the policy making process and implementation. This is the in turn constitute numerous appointment that add no value to the development of the country. A is waste of government resources.  The case of former immigration officer Abba Moro who during his tenure as controller of immigration involved in a recruitment scandal, the case of Sambo Dasuki (National security Adviser) who diverted $2.1 billion dollars meant for the procurement of arm and ammunition to fight the insurgencies in the north east to private accounts of friends and families under the previous government⁴⁴.  This action has done much damage to Nigeria federalism, hence, make government uneasy and in effective.

Similarly, tribal and religion consideration in the party politics also encourage lobbying for the purpose elective and political appointment.  While some people are ready to pay any amount to ensure that they been given privilege to serve their father land, some went through their religion leaders and traditional ruler to recommend them for appointment by the elites who control who get what in the state and federal seat (namely, SSG, ministers, governors, directors of agencies and department. vice chancellor, pro chancellor of an institution, etc). They could pay any amount to ensure that such dream became reality. This is dangerous for democratic society like Nigeria and bad precedence for a growing secular state, present and next generation of Nigerians.

This has also created double/ tripartite loyalty. This includes loyalty to the country, tribe, region as well as the religion. This is not only created avenue for implementation of the sectional or tribal policy at the community level but at national and state level.  The idea of organization of Islamic state is good a example. Muslim in the north had continued to call for the declaration of Nigeria as Islamic state. The leverage of Nigeria to a full membership of Nigeria as a member of Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) in 1986 is manifestation of the influence of northern Muslim elites in the national politics. The former military president Ibrahim Babangida (A Muslim president) helped to promote the interest the group at the expense of the other religion and tribal group in the country⁴⁸. This led to termination of the appointment Commodore Ubitu Ukiwe (his chief of general staff) for his public reaction against the move⁴⁵. Hence, as a member of the organization, the country has been participating in some of its activities and conferences/summit since 1969⁴⁹. While the northern Muslim saw the step towards realization of Islamic identity agenda other were bewildered with confusion and suspicious act.  This is a slam to what Nigeria stood for; equality, fear dealing, hence, it has created faction within the state.

The act has also negated the art of collective responsibility. The idea of collective responsibility in Nigeria political system entails concerted effort of different groups distinct in religion, sex, and tribe towards development of different parts of the country without fair or favour. It is based on the principles of solidarity, respect, mutual trust, non discrimination, equal responsibility of action and inaction of the government and the notion that development for one is the development for all. They all see themselves as one and collectively responsible for shortfall and glory of the government. No individual or section is blame for action or inaction of other. This is aided with adherence to the constitutional provision that emphasis the national integration, and non-discrimination. However, given preference to any religion of tribe does not encourage it. This is because one religion group and tribal men and women often blame other for underdevelopment and misery being experience in the state. It is not a common occurrence in Nigeria to hear statement such as, “Hausa are the problem of this country, they rule Nigeria for many years with nothing to show for it”. This is dangerous for the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.

This has also created job insecurity among the Nigerians. This occurred due to lack of identifiable procedure in appointment of ministryies or heads of agencies. The silent f the constitution further worsens the case given the issue and discontent generated over the appointment of IG, head of Nigeria Army, Navy, and Airforce in recent months.  For instance, in 2016 about 38 serving Army Office; Nine Major Generals, 10 Brigadier General, 7 Colonels, 11 Lieutenant Colonels and one Major were compulsorily retired following the appointment Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (a northerner from Borno) as the Chief of Army Staff in 2015⁵⁰. This was considered as a tradition in Nigeria army because the affected general cannot serve under a junior officer to them and must mandatory to go home⁵¹. Also, the appointment of Ibrahim Idris, (a northerner from Niger state) as Inspector General of police despite the existence of numerous numbers of senior officers in the force led to compulsory retirement of 21 AIGs who were senior to him before his appointment⁵².

Lastly, criminal gangs have also manipulated the process to loot, destroy properties in respect of their elites. This has reduces the level of labour force and effective productivity in Nigeria.

Conclusion

This paper has examined the impact of religion and tribal consideration in Nigeria between 1999 and 2016. It is noted that corruption, lack of trust, accountability and transparency, internal and external pressure, dishonesty, loyalty, etc. are some of the reasons people choose their kith and kin in the for elective post and political appointment. It is also demonstrated that  consideration on the basis of the regional and tribalism distract  government attention needed to ensure smooth running of the state, it has also created set back in the policy formulation and implementation.  This might not unconnected with mutual suspicious, tribal/region faction, insecurity, hatred, lack of respect for the constituted authority, hence, making effective national integration and nation building unrealistic.

Written by Kareem Abdulrasaq, Assistant Research Officer,  Grassroots Development and Advocacy Centre Ilorin.

Kareem21r@gmail.com

Notes and references

1. Felicia H, A. & Akuva I. I. “The Origin and Development Of Ethnic Politics And Its Impacts On Post Colonial Government In Nigeria”.  Pp, 178-179. Available at eujournal.org/index.php/esj/1182. Accessed 12/9/2016.

2. Isidore U, Nwanaja. “Religion and Good Governance In Nigeria”. International Journal of African and Asia Studies. Vol5, 2015. 34.

3. Ibid

4. Olusanya G, O. “Constitutional Development in Nigeria”, in Ground Work of Nigeria History (Ed) Obaro Ikime. 1983. Pp 527-528.

5. Governance, available at  www.wikipedia.org/wiki/governence. Accessed 7/9/2016

6. Micheal A. O. & Oluranti, A. “1999 Constitution and National Integration: A Comparative Study of Constitution and Constitutionalism in Nigeria 1999-2009”. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, Vol. 2, No 7, 2013. Pp 79-80.

7. Tangri Roger. Politics in Subshara African. New York, Heinemann Educational Book Inc, 1985. P 40

8. Ibid

9. “Religion in Nigeria”. Available at www.wikipedia.org/wiki/religion_in_nigeria. Accessed 12/9/2016

10. 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN)

11. Ibid

12. Akwara A. F. & Ojomah B. O. “Religion, Politics and Democracy in Nigeria”. Canadian Journal of Social Science. Vol 9, No 2 2013. P. 43.

13. Lai Olurode & S. O. Akinboye. “Democracy, Good Governance and Corruption in Nigeria”. P 3

14. Karl Marx. “Communist manifesto”, available at maerxist.org/archive/marx/work/1848/ Accessed 13/9/2016

15. Nathaniel D. Danjibo. “Democracy and Paradox of Domination Politics” The Caliphate Versus The Zuru in Northwestern Nigeria”, in (Ed) Challenges of Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria (Ed) Emmanuel Ojo.Ibadan, John Archers Pubidhers Ltd.2008.p 334

16. Omoniyi Salaudeen. “Buhari Favoured South-East More Than North-Buba Galadima”. The sun Newspaper, 25, September 2016. Available at sunnewsonline.com/buhari-favoured-south–east-more-than-north-buba-galadma/. Accessed 25/9/2015.

17. Article 7 Sub-article 2 paragraph (C) of the Constitution of People Democratic Party (PDP).

18. Micheal & Oluranti. “1999 Constitution and National Integration: A Comparative Study of Constitution And Constitutionalism in Nigeria (1999-2009)”. Pp 79-80

19. Ibid

20. Nigeria Muse. “Full List of President Umar Musa Yar’adua”. Available at nigeriamuse.com/2008121803040zg,Nigeria-watch/full-list-minister-of-president-umar-musa-yaradua. Accessed 13/9/2016

21. “Cabinet of President Good luck Jonathan”. Available at www.en.m.wkipeda.org/wiki/cabinet-of-president-goodluck-jonathan. Accessed

22. Ibid

23. “Aso Rock Presidential Villa”. Available at www. Abuja-ng.com/Aso-rock.html. accssed 12/9/2016

24. “Open Letter: What Will Yorubas Remember Obasanjo For?” Available at akpraise.com/open-letter-what-will-yoruba-write-remember-obasanjo-for/. Accessed 10/2016

25. Oluwaseun Akimgoboye. “Southern Leaders Fault Buhari on Anti-Graft War, Appointment”. Available at m.guardian.ng/news/soutern-leaders-faulth-buhari-antigraft-war-appoitemnts/. Accessed 20/2016

26. Olusegun Adeniyi. Power Politics and Death: A Front Row Account of Nigeria Under The Late President Yar’adua. Lagos, Kachifo Ltd, 2011. P 167

27. Ibe Uwaleke & Bertram Nwannekanma.  “Nigeria-Major: Hamza Al-Mustapha, Anatomy of a Long Trial”. Available at www. Africaeagle.com/2012/02/major-hamza-al-mustapha.

28. com. “7 Most Influential Pressure Group In Nigeria”. Available at www.naij.com/964817-top-7-influnetial-pressure-groups-in-nigeria/. Accessed 12/9/2016

29. Idowu Samuel. “Quota System Collapses- As Mafia Takes Control”. Available at nigeriavillagesquere .com/forum/threads/quota-system-collapses-as-noerthern-mafia-takes-control/. Accessed 10/9/2016

30. They include, Alhaji Hassan Adamu, Alhaji Lawal Batarurawa and Alahji Sani Zongo Daura. See, Micheal & Oluranti. “1999 Constitution And Ntional Integreation: A Comparative Study Of Constitution And Constitutionalism In Nigeria 1999-2009”. Pp 79-80

31. Olusegun Adeniyi. Power Politics and Death: A Front Row Account of Nigeria Under the Late President Yar’adua. P 167

32. Center for Public Policy Alternative (CPPA). “2015 Presidential Election Outcome Analyses and Implication”. Available at ccparesearch.org/2015/presidential-electio. Accessed 19/9/2015

33. Olusesan Laoke. “Fayose Battles Buhari over Lopsided Appointments”. Available at hallmark news.com/fayose-battle-buhari-lopsided-appointment. Accessed 13/9/2016.

34. Femi Aribisala. “A Muslim/Muslim Presidential Disaster For The APC”. Available at femiaribisala.com/category/seculat-articels/. Accessed 14/9/2016

35. Felicia & Akuva.” The origin and Development of Ethnic Politics and Its Impacts on Post in Colonial Government in Nigeria”. P 4

36. Mustapha, A. R. “Ethnic structure, inequality and governance of public sector in Nigeria “.UNRSD, Paper No 4, 2006. P 44

37. Ibid

38. p 45

39. Remi Anifowose. Violence and Politics in Nigeria; the Tiv and Yoruba Experience. London: Nok Publishers International, 1982. P. 21

40. Ibid

41. Olusegun Adeyeni.” Ethnic Militias, National Building and National Development”, in Nigeria At Fifty: Issue and Challenges In Governance (Ed) Barkinde B, Folashade I & Philip A. Ibadan, Aboki Publisher, 2011. Pp 655-662.

42. Mansrui A. A. cited in Roseline M. O. & Borok A. M. “Religion and Politics in Nigeria”. International Journal of Politics and Good Governance, Vol 4, No 6, 2015. P 6

43. Nathaniel D. Danjibo. Democracy and Paradox of Domination Politics” The Caliphate Versus The Zuru in Northwestern Nigeria. P 318.

44. Edegbe Odewingie. “Alison Madueke: The Many Corruption Tales”. Leadership Newspaper. 9, October 2015. Available at leadership.ng/features/465935/diezani-alison-maduake-the many-corruption-tales/. Accessed 9/9/2016.

45. Taiwo Bello. “Stella Oduah: Tribalism, Ethnicity, Bane Of Nigeria’s Development”. Vanguard Newspaper, 28, October 2013. P 10. Available at vanguaredngr.com/2013/10/stella-oduah-tribalism-bane-nigerians-development/. Accessed 14/9/2016

46. Ibid

47. Ade Adesomoju. “$2 Billion Scam: Dasuki Asks Court To Discharge Him”. Punch Newspaper, 3 February 2016. Available at punchng.com/2-1bn-scam-daski-asks-curt-to-discharge-him/. Accessed 7/9/2014.

48. Davinci F. “How Nigeria Joined the organization of Islamic conference (OIC)”. Available at forumng.com/ng/forum/1262/how/nigeria-jined-organization-of-islamic-state/. Accessed 7/9/2016.

49. Timothy Enitan Matthews. “Jonathan is the First and only Nigeria to Attend OIC Meeting-Osinbanjo”. Daily post, February 2015. Available at dailypost.ng/2015/02/05/jonathan-first-nigerian-attend-oic-meeting-osinbanjo/. Accessed 21/9/2016.

50. See Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman. “Compulsory Retirement of Nigeria Army Officers”. Available at nta.mg/news/20160613-update-the-nigeria-army-officers/. Accessed 20/9/2016

51. Daniel, I. “Mass Retirement Looms in Army Following Appointment of the New Army Chief-Report”{. Available at information.ng.com/2015/07maass-retiremnets-loom-in-armyfolowing-appointemnet-of-new-service-chief/. Accessed 20/9/2016

52. Adelani Adepegba. “Police Retired 21 AIGs, Mbu, Ringin Affected”. Available at punchng.com/police-retire-21aigs-mbu-ringin-affected/ Accessed 12/9/2016

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