JSPES, Vol. 40, Nos. 1-2 (Spring-Summer 2015)
pp. 27–68

Metaphorical Concepts, Ethno-reinforcing Knowledge, and Contemporary Analysis of Nigerian Politics and Violence

Chuz’maria BekeeEberendu

Mediation
Northern Ireland

Taking the history of post-Independence conflict in Nigeria as his model, the author shows how different conceptual metaphors are used to create a sense of national unity by those who seek to prevent a breakup of the Nigerian state on the one hand, and a desire for ethnic independence by those who seek to achieve self-governance under separate, independent, ethno-religious and linguistic cultural republics on the other.