Nationalism and Nationalist Agitation in Africa: The Nigerian Trajectory

Abstract

The need to reclaim African territory -economically, socially, and politically -from imperialism and colonialism united Africans, especially after the Second World War, in pressing for the independence of African nations from colonialism is imperative. This period marked the emergence of Nationalism or Nationalist Movements in Africa. Nationalism presupposes African unity against European domination and rule in Africa or the creation in Africa united 'nation-states' as well as their economic and political transformation. Using the Nigerian case as analytical compass, this paper interrogates the concepts of Nationalism and Nationalist Agitations in Africa, especially during the colonial and the postcolonial periods. The paper employs historical and descriptive approaches and relies solely on secondary sources of data. The paper notes that, while all the ethnic-nationalities in Nigeria united against colonial rule and fought for its independence, sooner after independence in October 1960, the country began to divide against itself along ethno-religious-cultural cleavages. This division culminated in the Civil War fought between 1967 and 1970 and the continuous agitations by various ethnic-nationalities that make up the country either for more relevance within the larger Nigerian State or for outright abrogation of the State and creation of 'our own state'. These agitations are captured by the concept of Self Determination. The paper therefore concludes that there has been serious transformation in the meaning of Nationalism from what it used to mean under colonialism and presently under postcolonial state. The paper notes that this transformation is due in part to the colonial origin of the state itself and the insincerity of the postcolonial African leaders to make the state Rev Black Polit Econ (2017) a 'nation-state'. To reawaken the Nigerianness nay Africanness nationalism, the paper recommends a political structure, which allows each ethnic-nationality some latitude of self-rule/governance in the likes of genuine federalism. Also there is need for spirited efforts at engendering good, transparent and fair governance, which will rapidly take many Africans out of the mouldy pond of poverty. This, we hope, will not only results in development of the states, but also transfer loyalties of the critical mass of the populace away from their micro ethnic-nationalities back to the state and strengthens the state against centrifugal forces.

Edward Azar’s Protracted Social Conflict Theory and Drivers of Self-Determination: the Case of Nigeria

“…Similar to the traditional conflict, where states are perpetually struggling to maximise power and attain respect, it is equally true in the new form of conflict, as self-respect of ethnic group and the protection of communal identity are the unassailable priority. In today's Nigeria, ethno-nationalism is increasingly overriding supra-nationalism, due to host of reasons (Badmus, 2009;Gilbert, 2013;Olasupo, Oladeji, Ijeoma, 2017;Uduma, 2013). The identity crisis explicates the first experience of Nigerian civil war in 1967.…”

“…The transition and evolution of the country from three regions to nineteen states and further division into thirty-six states has not dampened the agitation for self-determination -secessionist campaign, be it the Biafra or the Oduduwa and Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). Some critics situate these agitations as one of the ugly and curse of colonial bequeathed legacies (Ajaebili, 2015;Akiwowo, 1972;Adetiba, 2013;Badmus, 2009;Olasupo, Oladeji, Ijeoma, 2017;Oyeranmi, 2011). Osinubi and Osinubi (2018), rightly argue that "the colonialist while pretending to carry out a mission of uniting the warring ethnic groups, consciously and systematically separated the various Nigerian people thereby creating a suitable atmosphere for conflict."…”

Milestones in the making of the third world: A historical exposition

“…Thus, across the continent of Africa, nationalists began to call the people to realise that they had values before the imposition of colonial rule. The activities of the nationalists led to constitutional reforms and organisation of political parties to fight colonization (Olasupo, et al 2017). The collapse of colonization led to the emergence of nations after independence.…”

The Role of Women in Maji Maji War from 1905 to 1907 in Matumbiland, Ngindo and Ngoniland War Zones, Tanzania

“…Zeleza (2007) argues that the documentation of historical change in Africa has been biased against women and that even the regional histories display the same tendencies. Additionally, Olasupo, Isaac and Ijeoma (2017) postulate that during the colonial period, women in many African countries, including Nigeria, engaged in substantial anti-colonial nationalist activity. Such activity was generally supported by male nationalist leaders and there was substantial evidence, and certainly historical awareness of this activity on which African historians could draw.…”