Wukari International Studies Journal
Not a member yet
690 research outputs found
Sort by
BOKO HARAM OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA:THE NEXUS BETWEEN FREEDOM FIGHTERS AND TERRORISTS
Get PDFNigeria as a country has been plagued by extensive internal security challenges. There are spate of armed militia engagements against the federal republic of Nigeria and security agencies in the North-East Boko Haram terrorist) and armed militia and acclaimed (freedom fighters) in the South-West, South- East and South-South regions with terrible fatalities in human lives and properties. There emerged several non-state armed groups in Nigeria which began to engage in resources and identity based struggles against presumed injustice and marginality. The growing state of criminality and criminal violence from the supposed freedom fighters and terrorist made it difficult to differentiate between Boko Haram terrorist operations to the armed militia (freedom fighters). Works are abounds on terrorism and freedom fighters in Nigeria and Africa, however, a few lay emphasis on persons engaged in terrorism and freedom fighting in Nigeria and Africa are actually freedom fighters not terrorists and the nexus between Boko Haram operations and the freedom fighters in Nigeria.Indeed, this paper investigates the assertion that one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter. It also argues that because of linkages to the nature of freedom fighters, crises have been particularly useful in driving the terrorism discourse in Nigeria and Africa. But the nexus between the Boko Haram operations in Nigeria; freedom fighters and terrorisms have not been stronglyscholarly established. It is on this premise that this research paper intended to bridge the scholarly gap. That, it is important to understand the context in which they occur and the nexus between them. Linking freedom fighters or agitators toBoko Haram terrorist operations, is also an attempts to develop a conceptual discourse that explains the nexus between freedom fighters and terrorism showing how politics, resources, religion, marginalization andclimate change, perceptions are implicated in the escalating terrorism (Boko Haram in the North-East) and freedom fighting (IPOB, Niger-Delta Militants). The study traces the historiography of the nexus between terrorism and freedom fighters in Nigeria, their impacts and implications and the challenges of fighting terrorism and freedom fighters in Nigeria and Africa. Using the historical approach, primary and secondary data,and the study found that both the terrorist and freedom fighter suffer from one form of marginalization or the other prompting agitations. Social justice and equity are at the heart of thepanacea for mitigating conflicts relating toBoko Haram terrorist and freedom fightinginNigeria and Africa
LAMENT PSALMS, THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AND GOVERNANCE IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA
Get PDFManaging and coping with distress is one aspect of human life that remains a puzzle. Different cultures and traditions have developed means of handling issues of distress. Psalm scholars have discovered that in the lament psalms ancient Israel’s answer to the issues of life’s distress. By lament, the focus is on the category of psalms located within the worship setting that bemoan distressing situations of life and plead for divine intervention. Apart from mourning, several times the psalmists' lament comes inform of protest in the face of injustice, persecution, individual and communal disasters, among others. Governance in the Nigerian state has been plagued with a number of woes including insecurity and social injustice. Thus, the need to further explore justification for the Christian community in mobilizing lament to ease distresses ushered in by contemporary security challenges, create awareness for justice and foster national cohesion. This paper written from the functionalist perspective of religion, explored how the reading of lament psalms can initiate a healing process for the distressed Nigerian church and promote social cohesion. A multidisciplinary research approach was adopted premised on form criticism and conceptual review and sourced datawas critically analyzed. The paper discovered that communal reading of lament psalms in the face of national disaster provided sharing platforms where the distressed expressed pain by composing their distresses. Thus, the work maintains the efficacy of lament in initiating a healing process, strengthening communal bonds and eliciting the hope of restoration in the Nigerian situation
HOW INTERACTIVE DIGITAL COMMUNITIES IMPACT PUBLIC RELATIONS
Get PDFIn the ever-changing landscape of communication, this study investigates the impact of interactive digital communities on public relations. By exploring the dynamic relationship between interactive media and PR in the digital age, the paper examines the multifaceted influence of interactive media in transforming contemporary public relations practices within the modern digital realm. Specifically, the paper explores both the opportunities and challenges pose by interactive media outlets and their profound effects and impacts on the practice of public relations. Guided by the framework of Theory of Interactive Media Effects, the paper argues how advancement in interactive media platforms, using Public Relations as communicative tool, drives societal changes. It concludes by advocating for Public Relations professionals to adapt strategies that effectively harness the potential of interactive media, recognizing its dyadic nature viz-a-viz its numerous opportunities and challenges for effective communication. Emphasis is further laid on the crucial role of interactive media in shaping the daily activities and communicative functions of Public Relations practitioners, underscoring the importance of aligning Public Relations strategies with the dynamism of digital interactive platforms
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS IN QUASI-FEDERALISM: THE PLACE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA
Get PDFIntergovernmental relation is so essential for the smooth operation of a state. Thus, the constitution of Nigeria provides for three tiers of government which include: federal, state and local government with the nature of the relationships that exist within their interaction with one another. The essence is to effectively provide services for the masses especially, the grassroots. This paper identified the impact of intergovernmental relations on grassroots service delivery in Nigeria, using some selected local government areas in Anambra State as a study focus. The research adopted Systems Theory as framework of analysis and a survey study method as its methodology. It reveals the constitutional lacuna and quagmire in intergovernmental relations which has affected the quality of services delivered by the three arms of governments especially, the local government. The paper points out that provision of effective services especially by local government requires cordial relationships among the three tiers of government as well as good legal framework to guide this relationship. To achieve this, the constitutional status of local government in Nigeria must be clearly spelt out, and the issue of joint-state-local government account must be discarded. Again, election rather than appointment should be the means of choosing leaders at the local level, while the eradication of state ministry for local government is important
THE INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN CURBING RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS AND TERRORISM IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Get PDFThe persistent religious conflicts and terrorism in Northern Nigeria have given peculiar Nigerians a cause for deep concern in recent times. The imminent of religious conflict is not really recent; it has been in the society for a long time. At least in the eyes of the general public, the modern revival of religion appears to be closely linked to the resurgence of violent acts that are justified by religion. Thus, the reasoning goes, it is imperative to reduce, neutralize, or completely eradicate religion's influence on public life. But this may not be out-rightly true a position, as it cannot be admitted realistic with a religious man. People wonder why religion which used to be the cohesive factor and core of national unity, peaceful co-existence and national development, has become a tool for political manipulation, violence, destruction of lives and properties in Nigeria in contemporary times. There is a loss of values and effective Christian Education could really curb religious conflict and terrorism in the northern Nigeria and Christian Religious Education curriculum which contains Character formation would be an instrument to educate and give an orientation that enhances curbing conflicts and terrorism
BRITISH COLONIAL PUNISHMENTS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF NATIVE AUTHORITY PRISON AND CRIME CONTROL IN IDAH DISTRICT, 1929-1945
Get PDFThis paper examines British colonial punishments in northern Nigeria, with a specific focus on the Native Authority Prison in Idah district. Prior to the advent of British administration, Idah was renowned for its indigenous methods of punishments that were rooted in its customs and traditions. These indigenous punishments never alienated offenders from their community, and the idea of incarceration without timely prosecution and integration of offenders was unheard of in the area. However, pre-colonial punishment in Idah was not only predicated on peace-building, but it also had the potential to transform offenders after the process of justice administration and dispensation. While, this was peculiar to those who committed minor offenses, perpetrators of serious crimes such as murder, homicide, and arson were immediately made to face the consequences of their actions, which were mostly total banishment from both the immediate community and adjoining settlements. The study argues that, beyond the fact that the Native Authority Prison was built to sustain colonial labour, which was a common phenomenon at that time, the Native Authority Prison created a new form of asymmetrical power relations in Idah district, a society which had previously been paternalistic in nature. The paper employs the qualitative research methods alongside the exploration of historical primary sources such as oral interviews and archival data as well as secondary sources which include both published and unpublished literature such as books, journal articles and processed internet materials
TRANS-BORDER TRAJECTORIES AND HUMAN SECURITY IN NIGERIA: NORTHEAST AND NORTHWEST IN PERSPECTIVE
Get PDFThe balkanization of Africa into various constituent states by the colonialists is not without obnoxious consequential effects on the continent, namely: improper border demarcation and arbitrary separation of social or ethnic groups. Similarly, the so-called delineated international borders are porous and countries exposed to various forms of human insecurity. However, successive governments have in collaboration with leaders of neighbouring countries and independently adopted different measures to checkmate irregular trans-border movements and related security disquiets but to no avail. Therefore, this article evaluates trans-border trajectories and human security in Nigeria. It particularly looks at the nexus between historical borderland nuances and food insecurity in northeast and northwest Nigeria since 2014. The paper adopted documentary method of data collection which relies on secondary sources such as journal articles, textbooks, conference and seminar papers, newspapers, etc. Analysis was done within the periscope of Lee’s migration model using content analysis method. The paper opined that poor consideration of aged-long historical ties among border communities, coupled with borderland nuances between Nigeria and neighbouring countries implicated in the rise of insecurity that has displaced and claimed the lives of thousands of people and valuable property. It further argued that trans-border related insecurity such as banditry, Boko Haram onslaughts impacted negatively on food production, availability, accessibility and stability in the study area. It thus recommends for an all-round development along with formidable modern security in every part of the country, borderland communities’ peculiarities and socio-cultural historical ties be given more meaningful consideration in every respect
EFFECT OF ANCHOR BORROWER PROGRAMME ON FARM PRODUCE OF BENEFICIARIES IN LAPAI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA 2016-2021
Get PDFThe effect of the Anchor Borrower Programme on the agricultural output of its beneficiaries is of utmost importance. The program has significantly improved the productivity of beneficiaries in Nigeria through the provision of credit facilities and extension services. This research specifically examined the effect of the Anchor Borrower Programme on the farm produce of beneficiaries in agrarian communities in the Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State from 2016 to 2021. The research employed a descriptive survey research design with a population of 5,800. The sample size of 377 was randomly selected using Slovin’s formula, and Information was gathered using a formalized questionnaire. The study used descriptive statistics, including simple percentage, frequency count, mean, and standard deviation, to address the research questions. Regression analysis was employed to test null hypothesis 1 with an alpha level of 0.05 significance using SPSS20, while chi-square was utilized for null hypothesis 2. The outcomes of the research hypotheses revealed a significant impact of the Anchor Borrower Programme on the farm produce of farmers in the study area. Consequently, based on these findings, the research concludes that the Anchor Borrower Programme has a notable effect on the farm produce of farmers in agrarian communities in the Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State. The program has played a crucial role in substantially increasing the agricultural output of its beneficiaries in the specified area. As a recommendation, it is suggested that the Anchor Borrower Programme should be expanded to encompass more farmers, aiming to further enhance farming output in agrarian communities within the Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State
INTERROGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARMED BANDITRY ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA’S NORTH-CENTRAL REGION (2015-2022)
No full textArmed banditry has being a major security challenge confronting northern Nigeria in recent years. Attacks orchestrated by these armed bandits have continued to escalate, especially since 2015 when the Buhari administration came into power with attendant consequences of loss of human lives, destruction of property, displacement of persons, loss of livelihoods and disruption of socio-economic activities. Therefore, against this backdrop, this paper interrogates the effects of armed banditry on the socio-economic development of north-central Nigeria with specific focus on Niger state between 2015 and 2022. Theoretically the paper deploys Routine Activity Theory as its framework of analysis while methodologically it employs a cross sectional research design in which copies of well-structured questionnaire were administered on the target respondents to elicit relevant data. Data generated from the field survey were presented in tables and descriptively analysed. Findings revealed that armed banditry mostly manifests in the form of kidnapping of people for ransom in the north-central region of the country. Further finding revealed that armed banditry in the region is mostly caused by high rate of youth unemployment and excruciating poverty. The study equally found that armed banditry adversely affects the socio-economic development of the region. Based on these findings, the paper recommends among others that, government at all levels should make employment creation and poverty eradication a top policy matter rather than primitively accumulating public wealth for self-aggrandizement
IMPERATIVES OF NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU
Get PDFThis paper explores the critical elements of Nigeria’s foreign policy under the current leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It delves into the strategic decisions, policy changes, and diplomatic initiatives so far undertaken during the last six months of his administration. Using documentary sources, the paper further examines the impact of these policies on Nigeria’s international relations, economic growth, and regional stability. It also provides an analysis of the challenges encountered and the strategies employed to overcome them. The study concludes with an assessment of the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s foreign policy and its implications for Nigeria’s future diplomatic engagements. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy dynamics and offer insights for policy formulation and implementation