Britain Planted ‘Tribalism, Religious Bigotry’ In Nigeria – Bode George

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has stated that the British colonial administration planted the seeds of tribalism and religious bigotry in Nigeria, which has continued to divide the country many years after independence.

Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Thursday, Chief George described the twin issues as the root causes of most of Nigeria’s political and social crises.

He emphasised that the nation’s failure to transcend ethnic and religious sentiments has hindered its progress.

“Two evils were planted by the British in this country – tribalism and religious bigotry. Whatever it is we are doing, every time there’s one issue or the other, you can trace it back to either tribalism or religious bigotry,” the PDP leader said.

George argued that Nigeria’s diversity should be a strength rather than a source of division, noting that interfaith and interethnic relationships have long been part of the country’s social fabric, particularly in the western region.

“Look at the issue of this Christian-Muslim divide. In the Western area, you can hardly find a home that will not have Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists,” he said.

“In my family, my older sister was a Muslim till she passed on. She wanted to go to Hajj, I sent her there. She came back and wanted to attend Quranic school, I sponsored her. When they were going to build a mosque near her house, I participated. She was a full-fledged Muslim.”

Describing Nigeria’s persistent religious conflicts as “an existential imbecility,” George said they have no bearing on good governance or national development.

George urged Nigerians to reject divisive tendencies and focus on building a united, equitable, and progressive nation, saying, “All these things we are talking about — religion and tribe — have no bearing on the management of this country.”