IDENTITY ISSUES, AFRICAN STATEHOOD AND SECURITY IMPLICATIONS: A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA, 1960-2000

Abstract

This study examines the challenges of identity crises in Africa and its attendant implications on Africa’s security that have also impeded economic growth and development, using Nigeria as a case study. This has become necessary as a result of the desire to find out the most appropriate solutions to it once and for all as it is being used by the incumbency in leadership against its political opponents. The study adopts a qualitative method of analysis, using mainly secondary data sources. The study finds that issues pertaining leadership and identity-crisis has become a source of serious concern in Nigeria and Africa respectively, because it causes unnecessary bloodshed, destruction, derailment and resource wastage. This has become a recurrent unresolved issue in Nigeria due squarely to leadership failure on the part of the Nigerian leaders, with its attendant security implications. The paper argues that for durable and sustainable peace to reign in the whole of Nigeria, there is the need for inclusive political participation by all members of the Nigerian state in their place of residents. The paper concludes that Nigeria’s quest to become true leader of the African continent will only manifest when genuine respect is given to the ethnic groups, irrespective of the boundary-identity imposed by the British colonists.