GOOD GOVERNANCE AS A PANACEA FOR PEACE AMONGST THE ETHNIC GROUPS OF NIGERIA

Pages 35-58
Keywords: Conflict conflict analysis insecurity good governance peace and conflict resolution

Abstract

Nigeria has been embroiled in series of conflicts dating back to the colonial period, which have resulted in instability of the polity and insecurity of lives and property of its citizens. In the post-independence era, crisis in the polity plunged the country into a Civil War from1967-1970 and in recent times increased agitations from various sections of the country threaten the corporate existence of the country. As a result of these unending conflicts, there have been calls by stakeholders for peaceful solutions. The aim of this paper is to suggest solutions to the problem of conflict, instability and insecurity in Nigeria. Drawing data from theoretical and empirical evidence, this paper found that bad governance is at the root of various conflicts in the country and therefore recommends good governance as a peace and conflict resolution measure.

How to Cite

Harvard Style

Sule, F.A.H. & -Adebanjoko, A.A. (2023), "GOOD GOVERNANCE AS A PANACEA FOR PEACE AMONGST THE ETHNIC GROUPS OF NIGERIA", in Niger Delta Research Digest Vol. 13, No. 1, pp35-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17318471.

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The Niger Delta, like many other parts of Nigeria, has become a region of almost unending conflicts in recent times. These conflicts which are mainly caused by bad government policies and the exploitative activities of the various multi-national oil companies operating in the area, have introduced bad blood (hatred) and disunity between communities and peoples in the region. This paper examines the consequences of these conflicts and disunity on the civic education of the youths in the area. The paper contends that the conflicts and the hatred and disunity caused by them have made many of the youths in the area misfits as they are the ones that do the physical fighting. The paper also recommends some measures – the proper orientation of the youths through lectures, symposia and seminars; creation of employment opportunities to keep them occupied; and the teaching of history at levels of education to show them the connections between them and others – that could end the conflicts and disunity in the region. When the conflict and disunity cease, the youths can then be properly educated to become good citizens.

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