The Wisdom of Elders and the Complexities of Nigeria’s Security Crisis
In many parts of Nigeria, there is a saying that translates to: “When an elder is in the market, a mother won’t back a newly born awkwardly.” This phrase highlights the deep respect for the wisdom of elders in African society. It reflects the belief that age is closely linked with knowledge and experience. Oral traditions reinforce this idea, often stating that “what an elder sees sitting down, the young cannot see even from the top of an Iroko tree.” While elders are seen as all-knowing, they also acknowledge that the wisdom of the youth plays a role in shaping the future.
This concept of intergenerational wisdom becomes particularly relevant when discussing the stance of the Nigeria Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on America’s President, Donald Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Last Sunday, the NSCIA spoke out through its General Secretary, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, condemning the claim of genocide and suggesting that Trump was using a pretext to destabilise Nigeria.
According to the organization, the security crisis in Nigeria is attributed to climate change, poverty, and mass unemployment. Professor Oloyede claimed that Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a CPC was part of a coordinated plot by the United States to destabilize the country. He pointed to ecological challenges such as desertification and drought as the main causes of the farmer-herder conflict in the Middle Belt.
Despite this, the NSCIA concluded by urging the Nigerian government to take action against terrorists and agents of violence. However, their response followed a pattern of defining the problem without addressing deeper issues. The group failed to fully explore the underlying causes of the security crisis, which include not just socio-economic factors but also religious extremism.
The NSCIA outlined two main drivers of the violence in Nigeria: ecological and criminal. They stated that the migration of herders due to climate change has led to conflicts over dwindling resources. In addition, they highlighted the role of banditry, driven by factors like poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of small arms. They also pointed out that illegal mining has become a source of funding for criminal activities, with Muslims being among the victims.
While the NSCIA called on the Nigerian government to protect citizens regardless of faith, they also suggested that there are domestic instigators and foreign lobbyists behind the claims of genocide. This perspective, however, overlooks the broader context of religious extremism, which plays a significant role in the security crisis.
The group’s focus on poverty, climate change, and unemployment as primary causes of violence is limited. These factors contribute to crime, but they do not fully explain the rise of terrorism and banditry. Extremism provides the ideological framework that fuels such violence. The NSCIA’s failure to address this aspect is a missed opportunity to offer a more comprehensive analysis.
Moreover, the talk of climate change appears somewhat superficial. Nigeria is not the only country affected by climate change, nor is it the only region with pastoralists. Other countries have managed to avoid similar conflicts, suggesting that the issue is not solely environmental. The NSCIA should have explored solutions such as modernizing grazing routes and providing education to pastoralists.
Religious extremism remains a critical factor in Nigeria’s security crisis. There have been numerous cases of violence against religious minorities, including the killing of a woman preacher in Abuja and the beheading of Gideon Akaluka in Kano. These incidents highlight the dangers of intolerance and the need for religious education to promote coexistence.
Nigeria must confront these challenges head-on. Religious freedom must be practiced, not just spoken about. The NSCIA and other religious groups should advocate for policies that ensure equality and tolerance across all communities.
Ultimately, the wisdom of the elders should extend beyond identifying problems to offering meaningful solutions. Nigeria needs a united front to address the root causes of insecurity, including religious extremism, poverty, and climate change. Only then can the country move towards lasting peace and stability.
