INTER-ETHNIC RELATIONS IN THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER ADAMAWA PROVINCE OF GONGOLA STATE, NIGERIA - 1926 - 1966.
INTER-ETHNIC RELATIONS IN THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER ADAMAWA PROVINCE OF GONGOLA STATE, NIGERIA - 1926 - 1966.
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Date
1986-01
Authors
JADA, Yahaya Hammanyaji
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Abstract
Ethnicity has, more often than not, been
associated with the development processes of Third
World generally, because of the ease by which the
t>rocesse
s can be interpreted in ethnic terms* For
instance Nigeria's political development has often
assumed the posture of inter-ethnic struggles over
the country's affairs, which at times led to
unfortunate consequences. For this reason, a lot
of work has been done on the phenomenon (of ethnicity
in Nigeris), of which this project forms a part.
The study fucusses on the political relations
between ethnic groups at a micro-level (i.e.
provincial level), and the effects of their relations
on the political development of the area of study
(i.e. former Adamawa Province). It however
emphasised those areas of the political relations
that led to conflicts, without implying the absence
of inter-ethnic harmony.
The study reveals that among the causes of
inter-ethnic frictions during the period under
review, were the desire of some groups to get rid of
Fulani aristooracy in some areas especially where
it was imposed by the colonial administration, the
desire of some ethnics to have greater opportunities
to participate especially in their local affairs,
ideological and power struggle between sthnic elites
over self-interests and to some extent religeous
differences. Majority of the cases can however be
reduced to struggles between the elites in which the
ethnic factor was used as a strategy to draw their ethnic
folks into disputes they might not have otherwise .joined.
There are clear cases of members from one ethnic group
joining others from a different group to go against
their group. Rather than seeking for the factors at
play in such cases, they were generally, and
erroneously referred to as cases of ethnicity. Such
cases were common in Adamawa.
Inter-ethnic political relations as well had
great effects on the political development of the
province, notably in the areas of administration,
political participation, judicial reforms etc.
For instance, it led to adjustments and re-adjustments
of administrative units, sometimes, along ethnic lines,
in response to the dictates of inter ethnic political
relations. Administrative development !ias also taken
the form of federation of political units where such
a step promises the relation of ethnic needs. In
the judicial field, relations between the ethnic
groups led to the establishment of "ethnic" or
customary courts, as various groups expressed their
desires for such courts in their areas.
- vii i -
It also led to the up-grading of other similar courts
that were already existing. These judicial reforms
were aimed at ensuring the dispensation of justice,
taking cognisance of the customary backgrounds of the
various groups as a step towards ensuring inter ethnic
harmony. One other area where inter ethnic political
relations had their impact felt was political
relations had their impact felth was political
participation. A significant percentage of those
hithertc considered politically-inactive became active
participants in their local affairs. This was evident
from the periodic increases in representative councils,
division of portifolios among ethnic groups, the
format.-on of ethnic associations and development of
ethnic associations and development of ethnic
movements etc.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Postgraduate School,
Ahmadu Bello University, in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department of Political Science
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Keywords
INTER-ETHNIC RELATIONS,, POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT,, FORMER ADAMAWA PROVINCE,, GONGOLA STATE, NIGERIA - 1926 - 1966