States Responses To Secessionist Groups And Separatist Agitations In South-east Nigeria
Theophilus Arebamen Okojie, Anthony Uchenna Onuoha
Keywords: Separatist agitations, South-East Nigeria, marginalization, government policies
Abstract
This paper assessed the upsurge in separatist agitations in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, particularly the pro-Biafra movements seeking the actualization of a sovereign state of Biafra. The study explores state’s responses to the challenges posed by the separatist agitations emphasizing their implications for the nation’s security and sustainable development in the region. The research utilizes secondary data from documentary sources. The theory of relative deprivation was used as a lens to intellectually navigate this research which posits that feelings of discontent and agitation arise not only from objective material deprivations but also from the perception of being disadvantaged or deprived in comparison to others to shed light on the underlying causes and dynamics behind the renewed agitations. The paper established that the deteriorating material conditions of the people in South-East Nigeria, coupled with actions, inactions, and policies of the Nigerian government have fuelled feelings of marginalization, and deprivation and sustained the separatist demands. The study concludes that there is need for the framing of a social structure that ensures a more comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of separatist agitations and promotes reconciliation and social inclusion in order to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
Author Biography
Theophilus Arebamen OKOJIE, Anthony Uchenna ONUOHA Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State-Nigeria
theophilus.okojie@uniben.edu, ignitefadafada@gmail.com