TERRORISM AND USE OF MILITARISM IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION: A CRITICAL STUDY OF NIGERIA’S EXPERIENCE

Matthew Ike Obijekwu, Johnpaul Chinedu Enemuo, Evelyn Amaka Chidebe

Abstract


This  paper  critically  considers  the  use  of  militarism  as  an  option  in  conflict resolution  in  Nigeria.  Over  time  now,  Nigerian  government  and  her  security agencies have been using militarism in tackling the challenges of terrorism in Nigeria  which  was  orchestrated  by  Boko  Haram  and  herders.  This  approach has  been  causing  Nigerian  government  a  lot  (both  fund,  destruction  of  lives and  properties).  Instead  of  curbing  the  terrorism,  it  has  led  to  its  escalation. Suffice  to  say  that  this  method  is  counterproductive,  and  has  deepened  the problems  of  insecurity,  national  instability  and  underdevelopment.  Hence,  it has  made  the  quest  for  a  better  option  obvious.  Analytically,  therefore,  the paper  advocates  for  dialogue  and  at  the  same  time  rejects  militarism  as  a model for a sustainable conflict resolution in Nigeria. This paper suggests that Nigerian  government  and  her  security  agents  should  first  and  foremost identify  the  bases  of  conflict  in  Nigeria  and  address  them.  While  addressing them,  they  should  forthwith  engage  the  disputed  members  of  the  society  in dialogue.  This  paper  therefore  concludes  that  only  dialogue  anchors  on  the principles  of  humanness  and  common  good,  rather  than  extremely  economic or  political  interests,  can  ensure  stability  and  mutual  co-existence  in  multi-cultural society like Nigeria.

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