Ethnic militancy and national stability in Nigeria: a case study of the Oodua People's Congress

Nigeria is a deeply divided country, whether the yardstick for measuring the plurality is religious, ethnic or geographical. The aggressive pursuit of the principle of self-determination has resulted in the formation of ethnic militias, the existence of which raises several questions: Is the existence of ethnic militias compatible with democracy, or a negation of it? What threat do they pose to the unity and stability of Nigeria? Is the blanket ban on them justifiable or workable? This article examines these questions, using the Oodua People's Congress as a case study in the wider context of the challenges that the Obasanjo administration has faced since its inception. The article concludes by proposing the establishment of a 'People's Committee' to foster cordial relations between the ethnic congresses and the government at all levels.