The Nigerian State: Matters Arising | Chris Ngwodo | TEDxCalabar

The tensions in Nigeria - economic stress, divisive rhetoric, primordial hatred, factious politics, sectarian violence, militant pastoralists, and multiple localized violent conflicts - are pulling the federal state in different directions.

Terrorist forces in the North, secessionist rebels in the East, militancy in the South-South, endemic corruption, tribalism, marginalization, escalating poverty and gross inequality. Can Nigeria survive?

The elite consensus that has preserved the Nigerian union since the end of the civil war is collapsing. Add that to a declining revenues and a rising population.

Then enter Nigeria’s triple jeopardy of youth - a young nation and a young democracy grappling with the demands of a growing population of mostly young citizens.

Considering the 3 epochal struggles in Nigerian history: The struggle against colonialism; the struggle against military rule; and the struggle to deepen democracy.

What would prevent Nigeria from becoming a failed state?

In this riveting, emotional and no-holds-barred talk, Chris Ngwodo thinks-out uncommon answers.

Chris Ngwodo is a Writer, Lawyer, Speaker, and Public Intellectual.

As a consultant on Governance and Policy Communication issues, his work straddles the realms of governmental actors and civil society.

He is a blogger and a regular op-ed contributor to various online and print media.