NORTHERN IDENTITY AND THE POLITICS OF CULTURE IN NIGERIA 1945-1966
NORTHERN IDENTITY AND THE POLITICS OF CULTURE IN NIGERIA 1945-1966
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2004
Authors
Smith, Mark Patrick
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The thesis begins with a review of the literature on Nigerian
nationalism, in which it is argued that we can also speak of
something called 'Northern nationalism', despite the rarity of
demands for separate statehood. The period of study is defined by
political events - the end of the Second World War and the military
coup of January 1966 - because Northern identity was
fundamentally a political phenomenon, conditioned by the important
events of the day. It was, however, expressed in cultural terms.
The events described by the thesis can, it is argued, be divided into
three loosely overlapping periods. In the first (c. 1945-1953),
Northern identity was in a fluid state, lacking definition. In the
second (c. 1953-1962), Northern nationalists asserted the primacy
of Nigeria's regional boundaries over any other demands for loyalty.
This was largely in reaction to an older One-Nigeria nationalism,
articulated by southern intellectuals. In the third period (c. 1962
1964), Northern nationalism became more assertive and confident,
dominating the Federation.
3
After a prologue discussing education, religion and journalism, this
study re-examines the genesis of political parties in Northern
Nigeria after the Second World War, before tracing the development
of Northern nationalism during the period of legal and administrative
reform prior to independence. It is argued that Northern identity
was a composite of existing identities, which were themselves
undergoing constant reinterpretation. Yet this amalgam was
centred on loyalty to the emirates and a very broad conception of
Hausa identity, generating contradictions for Northerners who did
not share these markers. Such contradictions are discussed with
reference to three specific areas: Bida town, Idoma Division and the
Northern Cameroons. The thesis then looks at the development of
a body of symbols that reinforced Northern identity and underlined
regional autonomy, before discussing attitudes in the press, towards
the end of the First Republic.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for
the degree of
Ph.D.
University of London
School of Oriental and African Studies
2004
Keywords
NORTHERN IDENTITY ,, POLITICS,, CULTURE ,, NIGERIA,, 1945-1966,