Tribalism, another form of racism

The 2023 general elections has shown the depths of tribalism and ethnic discrimination that holds strong and runs deep in our society. All over social media statements and comments of ethnic slur and discrimination is widespread and it's evident that our country hasn't yet grown pass petty tribal sentiments

No ethnic group is spared and every ethnic group is involved. This ethnic discrimination has spread beyond the social space and into offices and communities. Incidences of certain people being told to go back to their state of origin has been reported more this electoral period and it is no different than the white man telling the black man in the United States to go back to his country of origin.

In Rivers, Lagos and many other states of the federation there were numerous reported cases of people hindered from voting based on their ethnicity or perceived ethnic group. Cases of colleagues at work being hostile towards other people of different ethnicity even amongst friends has been reported. Cases of job applications being rejected or accepted based on ethnic group or tribe has even been going on long before now and hasn't been addressed.

This tribal sentiments is no different from the racism we see in the US, China and Europe or xenophobic attacks in South Africa, this is home grown racism and it needs to be addressed. We cannot be complaining of racism outside when we practice a similar kind back at home.

This increase in hostility is dangerous and threatens the stability and progress of the nation. If we can't work together in unity and see our diversity as a gift it will sooner or later turn out to be the downfall and disintegration of this nation.