Managing Multi-Ethnic Societies and Legitimate Grievances of the Igbo Nation in Nigeria (1999 – 2018)

Abstract

Conflict remains an important aspect of ethnicity. This becomes inevitable under conditions of inter-ethnic competition for scarce valuable resources. Competition follows the fear of being confined to the bottom of the inter-ethnic ladder of inequality. Aggressive behaviour may then be used by the deprived group to seek out better sources for fulfilling their socio-economic needs. The Igbo group in Nigeria have been expressing grievances over marginalisation and continuously been agitating to put an end to this. The paper observes that the group has suffered neglect with deliberate policy of their non-inclusion in the power structure. It also notes that no government had properly addressed the issues rather every policy of these governments seemed to be anti-Igbo. Negotiations under proper bargaining process hold the key towards the resolution of these problems. But unfortunately, the governments and special interest groups have weakened the process which reflects on the negative development of the Nigerian society. This paper sets out to critique and evaluate the effective control and management mechanisms put in place by various governments in dealing with these issues. The paper provides possible answers to improving these social questions.