By Nsan Ndoma-Neji Calabar
The senator representing Cross River North senatorial district at the National Assembly, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has described ethnicity, education and politics as a triple edged sword in the development of any nation, stressing that these can make or mar any great nation.
Jarigbe made the remarks while speaking in a public discuss organized by the University of Calabar, held at the institution’s International Conference Hall.
The lawmaker, who spoke at the 1st Registry Day Lecture, themed: ‘Ethnicity, Education and Politics: A Triple SWOT Analysis and the National Question,’ stated that ethnicity, education and politics should rather be seen as assets towards the development of the nation rather than albatrosses that could mar the nation.
In his thesis, he said that ethnicity, education and politics are triple-edged sword, that has positive and negative effects depending on how they are used in the process of building and developing the nation.
He said, “Ethnicity, education and politics are creations of man and have served useful purposes for various societies around the world.
“All men and women who transformed their societies through exceptional leadership were men of unusual intelligence and ability, who did not allow their ethnic origins to becloud their sense of judgment in services to their nation.
“On the other hand, ethnicity education and politics can destroy a nation if they are put to bad use, as we have seen many African countries, including Nigeria.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Registrar of the University of Calabar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, FCA, stressed that the first registry day is meant to reflect the institution’s relevance, competence, abilities, opportunities and the enormous challenges, which are hallmarks of good administration.
