THE NEED FOR PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISMS FORSUSTAINABLE UNITY IN NIGERIA

BYDR. SADIQ ISAH RADDA

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY,BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO

e-mail: iraddasadiq@yahoo.comTEL: +234-8053204515 (MOBILE)

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Being the text of a Paper Delivered at a 5-Day ConferenceOrganized by College of Administration and management Studiesheld at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina, 4th-8th June2012, at Multi Purpose Hall, HUK Polytechnic.--------------------------------------------------------------

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With Unity, Cobwebs can tie a

Wild Lion

-A Popular Ethiopian

Prober

United We Stand Divided We Fall

-A Common Saying

United We Bargain, Divided We

beg

-A Popular Labour

Slogan

Workers and Peasants Unite! You Have Nothing to Lose

but Your Chins

-Karl Marx

INTRODUCTION

Nigeria is currently faced with a spectre of insecurity and

absence of peace. The insecurity, occasioned by numerous1

multi-dimensional conflicts, has engulfed every part of the

country. Consequently, people live in fear and despair. The

fragile peace and instability being witnessed have their roots

in many ethno-religious and regional conflicts. The

instability and recurring conflicts constantly threaten the

unity of the country. Today, the aspect of Nigeria’s National

Anthem that says ‘One Nation Bound in Freedom, Peace and

Unity’ remains a mirage, a farce and within the realm of

aspiration. It is fair to say that the current situation of

the country does not depict Nigerians as one free united

people at peace with themselves. It is because of the lack of

peace and unity in Nigeria, which have emanated from numerous

conflicts that it is desirable to engage in discourses that

would promote peace via amicable conflict resolution

mechanisms which will eventually lead to sustainable unity in

Nigeria.

This Chapter is divided into five sections. The first section

gives the causes and an inventory of conflicts that have led

to lack of peace and unity in Nigeria. The second section

examines the consequences of conflicts and the third looks at

2

mechanisms for conflict resolution. Finally, the fourth

section gives pathways for sustainable unity in Nigeria, while

the fifth concludes the paper.

CAUSES AND AN INVENTORY OF CONFLICTS IN NIGERIA

This section of the paper address the common causes of

conflicts in Nigeria. Also, an inventory of conflicts that

were witnessed in the country (though not very accurate for

lack of reliable official records) is given.

Causes of Conflicts in Nigeria

It is on record that from Nigeria’s independence to the

present moment, the nation has witnessed numerous conflicts

during which many lives and valuable assets were lost.

Nigeria, like other nations of the world, has experienced and

continues to experience conflicts with negative consequences

on the peace and unity of the nation. According to Radda

(2007) conflict among people, and in all societies, is normal

and there may never be a conflict-free society. However,

social scientists, more specifically sociologists, are

concerned when and where conflicts become widespread,

recurrent and violent resulting in the loss of lives and

3

property. Radda (2007) argues that any conflict that affects

the stability, peace, harmony, and continued existence of

society must be averted as victims of conflict may lose their

lives, health, property, prestige, etc.

According to Abdullahi, et.al (2004), violent conflicts in

Nigeria can be traced to the aftermath of the civil war which

led to the proliferation of illegal weapons; subsequently,

Nigeria's involvement in International Peace Keeping

Operations in Africa and other parts of the world saw the

proliferation of illegal fire arms brought back to the country

by some of the participants.

Furthermore, the serious economic hardship that surfaced in

the early 1980s has resulted in mass unemployment and poverty

which have ushered-in many undesirable traits: general

insecurity; weakening of the family system; erosion of

religious, moral and social values; pervasive corruption; and

a corrupt criminal justice system.

4

Additional causes of conflicts in Nigeria include mutual

suspicion and prejudice leading to unfounded hatred and

aggression; general insecurity and the ill-preparedness of the

security agencies to offer effective security; misguided

notions of "settler"/ "indigene" affiliation and entities;

unfair handling of past incidences of conflicts; political

manipulation by the elite; loss of confidence in the nation’s

security apparatus; ineffective national cohesion programmes

capable of promoting patriotism and harmony; and biased,

inflammatory and sensational media coverage of crisis (Radda,

2007). However, many writers acknowledge that this trend is

common with nations in transition (Harrington (1999; Pane,

1996; and Riveles, 1994).

From what has been said so far, it is evident that violent

conflicts are worsened with the use of illegal arms which have

proliferated in Nigeria. Quite a number of the arms are in the

hands of criminals. Others are in the hands of people with

ethnic hatred, religious prejudices and political ill-motives.

The economic factors used in explaining violent and ethno-

religious conflicts can be used in explaining the desire to

5

possess fire arms with dangerous consequences. Other specific

factors responsible for acquiring such weapons are: lack of

proper vetting of legal fire arms dealers and prospective

users; and poor intelligence gathering by law enforcement

agents to assist in tracking illegal fire arms. That is why

the problem of the proliferation of fire arms, smuggling

activities and sharp practices are not effectively tackled.

Also, general insecurity in the country leads to

indiscriminate acquisition of fire arms by individuals and

groups which is orchestrated by mutual suspicion between

ethnic and religious groups. Again, increased desire and

agitation to perpetrate criminal activity for material gain

propel the urge to acquire firearms that end up being used in

killings during conflicts.

Furthermore, when conflicts erupt, it is the duty of law

enforcement agents to respond to the situation. However, the

agencies face many problems that hamper their performance:

corruption; under-funding; inadequate training; inadequate

personnel; recruitment of people of questionable character;

poor logistics; and poor inter-agency co-ordination. Hence, it

6

can be asserted that violent conflicts in Nigeria that further

disunite the people are caused by a conglomeration of many

factors.

An Inventory of Conflicts in Nigeria

In the recent past, Nigeria has had its more than fair share

of conflicts; and the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999

made the problem more alarming. In the last two decades, many

conflicts were recorded.

At the Northern Peace Conference held in Kaduna in 2004, Isawa

Elaigwu, President of the Jos-based Institute of Social

Research, put the number of crises between 1980 and 2004 at

50. Hence, despite the absence of accurate and reliable data

regarding the incidences and costs of conflicts in Nigeria,

one may consider the following as an excellent attempt to

capture them.

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Selected Cases of Ethno-religious Conflicts in NigeriaS/N

DATE LOCATION PRINCIPAL ACTORS/VICTIMS

1. May 01, 1980 Zaria (KadunaState)

Disturbances in Zaria during whichproperty belonging to mainlyChristians were destroyed.

2. December, 18-29 1980

Yan-awaki Wardin Kano (KanoState)

Riots Maitatsine Sect. 4,177 peopledied. Extensive damage to property.

3. October, 29-30, 1982

Bullunkutu,Maiduguri,(Borno State)

Violence by Kala-kato and MaitatsineSects. 118 people died. Extensivedamage to property was recorded.

4. October, 29-30, 1982

Kano (KanoState)

Muslim demonstrators burnt downchurches as a reaction to violencefrom the South.

5. February 27-March 5, 1984.

Dobeli Ward Violence by Maitatsine Sect where 568people died. Wanton destruction ofproperty was recorded

6. April 26-28,1985

Pantami Ward,Gombe (BauchiState)

Violence by Maitatsine Sect and 105died. Extensive destruction ofproperty was recorded.

7. March, 1986 Ilorin (KwaraState)

Muslims and Christians clashedduring a Christian procession atEaster.

8. March, 1987 Kafanchan(Kaduna State)

Clash between Muslims andChristians at the College ofEducation, Kafanchan. Loss of somelives and the burning of somemosques by Christians and nativeKajes.

9. March, 1987,2000 and 2011

Katsina,Funtua, Zaria,Gusau andKaduna

Wave of reprisal religious riots inwhich Muslims burnt down numerouschurch buildings and damagedproperties belonging to Christiansand native Kajes.

10.

February, 1988 Kaduna, KadunaPolytechnic(Kaduna State)

Religious riots, ostensibly amongstudents, destroyed the foundationwalls of the Christian chapel.

11.

April, 1991 Katsina(Katsina State)

Religious violence spear-headed byMalam Yahaya Yakubu, leader of thefundamentalist Shiite Sect inKatsina. It was protest over a

8

blasphemous publication by Fun Times.Several lives were lost andproperty destroyed.

12.

April,1991,1995,2001, 2011,2012

Tafawa Balewa(Bauchi State)

The violence started as a quarrelbetween a Fulani man and a Sayawameat-seller in Tafawa Balewa. Itescalated into full blown violenceand later took the coloring of areligious war in Bauchi. Severallives were lost and property valuedover hundreds of millions Nairawere destroyed. Since then the areahas been characterized by tenserelations.

13.

October, 1991 Kano (KanoState)

A peaceful procession initiated bythe Izala Sect to halt Rev. ReinhardBonnke from having a crusade inKano later degenerated into a veryviolent and bloody religiousconfrontation. Thousands of liveswere lost and properties valued inmillions of Naira were destroyed.

14.

May, 1992,1999, 2011

Zangon Kataf,(Kaduna State)

A communal feud between the Katafsand the Hausas later took thedimension of inter-religious warbetween Muslims and Christians inother major cities of Kaduna State.Several lives were lost andproperties were destroyed.

15.

January, 1993 Funtua,(Katsina State)

The Kala-kato religious sectassaulted a village-head and burntdown a police vehicle. Lives andproperty were also lost.

16.

December, 1994 Kano, (KanoState)

Communal violence triggered by thebeheading of a Christian who hadallegedly desecrated the HolyQur’an

17.

May, 1995 Kano, (KanoState)

Communal violence triggered by aquarrel between the Hausa and Ibowhich led to the burning of houses,churches and shops and killing ofinnocent people

9

18.

July 22, 1999 Kano Hausa/Fulani youth took vengeanceon the killing of their kith andkin in Sagamu. Their target was theYoruba community even thougheveryone suffered loses.

19.

1987,February, 28,2000, 2002,2011

Kaduna (KadunaState)

Kaduna city exploded in violence asMuslim and Christian extremists andother hoodlums clashed over theproposal to introduce Shari’a lawin the North only.

20.

April 14, 2000 Agyragu(NassarawaState)

Communal clash that started with aprotest against the location of aLocal Government Headquarters. Themilitant youth group started theriot and later took to the streetskilling people and destroyingproperty.

21.

July, 2000 Tsagari (KwaraState)

Clash between Tsagari and Sharecommunities of Kwara State whichclaimed several lives.

22.

September 8,2000

Kaltungo (GombeState)

A religious violence that wassparked off by the presence of theStates Shari’a ImplementationCommittee.

23.

October 17,2000

Ilorin (Kwara) A face-off between the militantmembers of OPC and Hausa/Fulanicommunity over the supremacy of theEmirate system in the State.

24.

October 21,2000

Minna (NigerState)

Violent ethnic crisis erupted afterthe OPC assaults in Kwara and LagosStates.

25.

December 2,2000

Hadejia(Jigawa)

A sectarian disturbance that wascaused by a debate between a Muslimand a Christian in Hadejia (JigawaState). There was wantondestruction of places of worship.

26.

June 28, 2001 Azara(Nassarawa)

An ethnic conflict between the Tivand the Azara indigenes. It startedwith gruesome killing of an Azaratraditional leader, and laterspread to the Tiv village, with theTiv community on the defense.

10

27.

September 7,2001-Date andveryintermittent

Jos (PlateauState)

A violent ethnic/religious crisisbetween the Muslim/Hausa Fulani andChristian/Indigenes. The subject ofdiscord between the JasawaDevelopment Association and PlateauYouth Council was over politicalappointment in Jos North a aChristian woman crossing a Fridayprayer Congregation.

28.

1976, 1977,1980, 1981,1990, 1991,1995, 2000,2001 and 2004

Kano (KanoState)

A peaceful anti-American protestover the bombing of Afghanistanwhich turned violent, taking ethnicand religious dimension. The seriesof conflicts have alwaysdegenerated into uncontrollableviolence which claimed lives anddamaged properties and places ofworship. Many a times the violencein Kano were reprisal attacks.

29.

Mid 1980s,October, 29,2001 andintermittent

Benue State An ethnic clash between Tivs andJukun/Fulani which was an extensionof the May 2001 clash and could belinked to the protracted dispute onland and supremacy between bothsides. Reports indicated that 16soldiers were killed which laterled to the gruesome revenge on theTivs by the Nigerian Army.

30.

November 2,2001

Gwantu A clash that started on a politicalground (over the relocation of LGHeadquarters) later took on ethno-religious dimension in which placesof worship were destroyed.

31.

December 30,2001

Vwag (PlateauState)

A violent communal conflict inVwang district between theindigenes and non-indigenes whichexploded in the backdrop of theSeptember 7 Jos crisis. It startedwhen an illegal group of 40 menattacked the District Head ofVwang. It also had religiouscolouration.

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32.

2001 andJanuary, 18,2002

Awe (NassarawaState)

A renewed communal clash betweentwo indigenous communities in AweLocal Government Area of NassarawaState. The cause was not certainbut two people were killed andseveral others injured.

33.

May 2, 2000 Jos (PlateauState)

Another mayhem that followed PDPcongress but later took an ethno-religious colouration.

34.

May 27, 2002 Fulani-IrigweCrisis (PlateauState)

An ethnic clash between theHausa/Fulani and the Irigweindigenes in Bassa, Plateau whichwas said to be a reprisal attack.

35.

June 1, 2002 Yelwa-Shendam(Plateau State)

A religious-cum ethnic fracasbetween the native people(predominantly Christians) andHausa settlers (predominantlyMuslims). This violence extended toabout four Local GovernmentCouncils in Southern Plateau.

36.

July 1, 2002 Wase (PlateauState)

The Yelwa-Shendam riots spilledover to Wase with loss of lives andproperty.

37.

July 1, 2003 Edo/Kogi State Communal clashes between bordercommunities in Edo and Kogi States,Ekepedo and Ogori, over landownership.

38.

January 1,2004

Ganye, (AdamawaState)

Clash between Fulani herdsmen andfarmers over grazing lands.

39.

January 1,2004

Yobe State Militant Islamic group operatingunder the name of Muhajirun launcheda Taliban-like attack on Police.Men of the Nigerian Army killedfive people and arrested severalothers.

40.

February 1,2004

Wase/Kanam(Plateau State)

Violent clash between Mavo andTaroh communities, which claimed 11lives. Suspected Taroh youth werealleged to have raided Mavovillages.

41.

February 2,2004

Wase/Kanam,(Plateau State)

Communal clash over land ownershipbetween Minda and Kparev groups.

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Several lives were lost.42.

April 3, 2004 Makarfi, KadunaState

Religious protest in Makarfi townover the desecration of the Qur’anby a Christian teenager.

43.

April 11, 2004 Lantang South,(Plateau State)

Continued clashes that led to thesacking of Taroh villages inLantang South LGA by suspectedHausa-Fulani settlers.

44.

April 26, 2004 Bakin Chiyawa,(Plateau State)

Renewed hostilities launched bysuspected displaced Fulaniherdsmen. The conflict was believedto be a spill-over of the ethno-religious crisis that has beenbedeviling southern Plateau LocalGovernment Area of Lantang Southand North, Wase, Kanam and Shendam.

45.

May 1, 2004 Yelwa -Shendam,(Plateau State)

A fresh ethno-religious mayhem thatclaimed over 650 lives and over 250women abducted by suspected Tarohmilitia.

46.

May 12, 2004 Kano (KanoState)

Kano mayhem following the Yelwa-Shendam ethno-religious crisis inPlateau. Non-Muslims were attackedin response to the Plateau crisis.Over 200 lives were lost and thetraditional ruler of the areadeposed.

47.

June 8, 2004 Konshisha/Gwer(Benue State)

Boundary disputes betweenneighbouring Konshisha and Gwercommunities. Thirteen lives werelost.

48.

June 8, 2004 Numan, (AdamawaState)

Ethno-religious crisis in Numanover the construction of a mosqueminaret over the Humma Bachama’spalace. Over 50 people were fearedkilled and the traditional ruler ofthe area deposed.

49.

August 3, 2004 Quanpam,(Plateau State)

Fresh outbreak of violence inLankaka village. Suspected armedmilitia from a neighbouring stateallegedly stormed the communitykilling two and razing twenty

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houses.50.

September 27,2004

Limankara,(Borno State)

A self-styled Taliban group hidingon the Goza hills and Madaramountains on the north-easternboarder with Cameroon raided apolice station killing officers andstealing ammunition.

51.

Intermittent Ijaws andItsekiris(Niger DeltaRegion)

Communal clashes over land andother resources

52.

Intermittent Ijaws andIlaris(Niger DeltaRegion)

Communal clashes over land andother resources

53.

Intermittent Umeleri andUguleri(Niger DeltaRegion)

Communal clashes over land andother resources

54.

2000 Ilorin (KwaraState)

Attack on Hausa and Fulani peoplefor political and ethnic reasons,by the OPC.

55.

2000 Lagos State Attack on Igbos, Hausa and Fulanipeople for political and ethnicreasons, by the OPC.

56.

From the 1990s Ife-Modakeke (Ondo State)

Communal clashes over land andother resources

57.

2000 Lagos andShagamu

Attack on Igbos, Hausa and Fulanipeople for political and ethnicreasons.

58.

Intermittent North East andNorth West

Fight between farmers and herdsmenover grazing reserves anddestruction of farm produce

59.

2011-Date Maiduguri andMajor Cities inNorth East andNorth WestRegion

Violent attacks on the police,other security operatives andmembers of the establishment byJama’atu Ahlus sunna lidda’awati wal Jihad(Boko Haram) for the extra-judicialkilling of their leaders andillegal detention of many of themin which many lives and propertywere lost.

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THE CONSEQUENCES OF CONFLICTS IN NIGERIA

There is no precise record regarding the extent of loss and

damage emanating from conflicts in the country. The conflicts

have inflicted incalculable loss and damage to social

relations, economic activities and the polity, as well as

peaceful co-existence to the over 300 ethnic nationalities

that make up Nigeria. Rising rates of violent crimes, ethno-

religious conflicts, proliferation of illegal fire arms and

the problems being faced by the law enforcement agencies have

resulted in many consequences: creating constant fear;

increasing the desire for the possession of illegal arms;

over-stretching of the law enforcement agencies; scaring away

local and foreign investors; loss of lives and properties of

the victims; traumatizing the victims, etc.

In the recent mayhem between Christians and Muslims around the

country, over 2,000 people died, even though the police tried

to downplay the causality figures. The Police lost many of its

men. Many houses, shops, schools, vehicles, mosques and

churches were burnt. The police nabbed many suspects armed

15

with very dangerous weapons. Guesstimates by Human Rights

Watch put the death toll at over 5,000 (Abimboye, 2009:11).

According to Abimboye (2009) reporting the views of Faye Pama,

the Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno

State, incessant crises have dented the good image of the

state. Faye Pama said:

…business people have virtually lostconfidence in the north, hence they arenow relocating to other places theyperceive to be safe. Both Christians andMuslims are scared of investing in thestate. The people that were comingjoyfully to set up businesses in the stateare now running away. It has affected theeconomy of the state. You don’t expect abusinessman to invest millions of Nairaand in a twinkle of an eye, somebodyappears and sets it ablaze. This hasaffected the welfare of the people becausepoverty has now increased (Abimboye,2009:11).

Furthermore, the violent conflicts that lead to rampant

destruction of lives and property result in general economic

set back; dislocation of social and family life resulting from

displacement, separation and migration; persistent and

widespread fear; untold suffering to the aged, children and

women; hatred and mistrust among groups; threat to national

stability; and resources that would have been used in the

16

provision of social and economic amenities have to be utilized

for displaced persons' rehabilitation and compensation. The

conflicts also increase rates of violent crimes; prevalence in

the use of dangerous weapons for ethno-religious and political

crises; increased capacity for mass massacre by the people,

etc.

In addition, demand for fire arms for self-defence and

reprisal attacks or other forms of criminality has promoted

illegal manufacturing, smuggling and sharp practices in

Nigeria; it has promoted the capacity of criminals to put some

sections of the society under siege; it has increased fear

amongst individuals and groups, e.g. in Jos, Maiduguri,

Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Niger-Delta Region, Yelwan Shandam, etc.

It has engendered loss of confidence in the ability of the

security agencies to perform their duties effectively leading

to individual arrangements; and it has encouraged inter-agency

accusations due to the failure of security outfits to protect

citizens.

17

Besides the well-known loss of lives and property in

conflicts, the other negative consequences emanating from them

include post-conflict trauma disorder, refugee humanitarian

crises, human rights and other violations, etc. Furthermore,

conflict leads to the diversion of scarce resources for post-

conflict reconstruction and reconciliation; and conflict tasks

the capabilities of Civil Society Groups in their efforts to

offer succor to affected persons.

MECHANISMS FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION

It is critical that we properly identify the type of conflict

the society is experiencing if we hope to manage the conflict

through resolution. Based on the problems associated with

conflict in Nigeria, the following strategies are recommended:

Creation of job opportunities and skills acquisition

schemes for the Nigerian youth;

Providing broader educational opportunities for the

youth;

Re-invigoration of the national economy to make it useful

to Nigerians.

Stimulation of small scale industries;

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Enhancing rural economies to facilitate even development

with a view to curbing rural-urban migration;

Pursuing specific youth economic empowerment schemes and

strategies with greater commitment;

Encouraging complementary policing activities;

Faithful and dispassionate implementation of the

recommendations contained in all reports of Commissions

of Inquiry;

Effective use of agencies established to bridge

communication gap between different religious and ethnic

groups;

Sensitization campaigns to promote ethnic and religious

tolerance and harmonious relations;

Strict adherence to the constitutional provision on

citizenship rights with respect to settler-indigene

issues;

Proscription of ethnic militia and mercenaries and

keeping constant surveillance to prevent their regrouping

or their emergence;

Balanced and responsible journalism that will enhance

peaceful co-existence;

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Political leaders at various levels should be overt and

prompt in condemning ethno-religious violence. For

instance, the position taken by the Kano State Government

during the May 2004 crisis and the visit to Internally

Displaced Persons by the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji

AbdulMumin Kabir Usman are commendable;

Responsible, God-fearing and exemplary leadership at all

levels that would guarantee good governance and social

justice;

Urgent review of the fire arms Act to reflect the current

realities;

Proper vetting of arms dealers and prospective users to

ensure their credibility;

Increased vigilance at all points of entry and internally

through stop and search operations;

Strict compliance to the control in the movement of fire

arms and ammunition by the armed forces and other law

enforcement agents;

Seizing the fire arms of Nigerian contingents returning

from peace missions abroad;

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Offering monetary and other incentives to Nigerians that

return the illegal fire arms in their possession.

Meting out appropriate punishment to defaulters at the

end of the set deadline;

Improved logistic support for all security agencies and

organizations to enable them perform their duties

efficiently;

Recruitment of people of proven integrity to meet the

manpower shortfalls in the security system;

Training and re-training of personnel in all the law

enforcement organizations to improve their professional

skills in terms of intelligence gathering and general

duties;

Instilling discipline and patriotism in order to tackle

the problem of corruption and partisanship;

Ensuring effective functioning of Police Community

Relations Committees at all levels;

Inter-agency co-operation and co-ordination regarding

intelligence gathering and sharing to facilitate prompt

preventive and collaborative action;

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There is a positive close association between corruption and

rate of poverty which as well exacerbates conflicts.

Therefore, corruption-induced conflicts are likely to remain

in Nigeria especially because it is fair to conclude and

assert that the magnitude of corruption in Nigeria is

increasing with very undesirable consequences and the fight

against corruption cannot be left to government regulatory

agencies and the police alone. Also, the current legal

framework and its operators are not helping the fight

against corruption; and the prevalence of grand corruption,

political corruption and judicial corruption are making a

majority of Nigerians miserable thereby inducing conflicts.

According to Odekunle (2012) corruption can be fought with

the following formula:

CG+CS+VA-LI=PC {for investigation}.

Where: CG = Consumed Goods

CS = Consumed Services

VA = Verified Assets

LI = Legitimate Income

PC = Presumed Corruption [for

investigation)

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The corrupt elements in Nigeria live ostentatiously, have

stupendous ill-gotten wealth and are shielded by the powers

that be which ushers-in anger and hatred. The police and other

regulatory agencies fighting against corruption are

overwhelmed, helpless and castrated. The so-called

international community is regularly conspiring with corrupt

Nigerians with reckless abandon by offering looters safe

haven; the punishment given to treasury looters in Nigeria is

not commensurate with the gravity of their crimes. All these

deprive the people the required resources for a decent living.

The unwanted attributes associated with corruption are

veritable [remote and immediate] harbingers of conflicts and

mass massacres in Nigeria which must be squarely addressed by

governmental and non-governmental concrete actions.

A proper understanding and usage of the terms below will be

useful in the Nigeria’s efforts at conflict management and

resolution which would promote unity.

Avoidance

This is where an individual or group acts as though a conflict

does not exist; e.g., when you are offended, you remain silent

rather than show your annoyance.

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Confrontation

This is a direct response to conflict (violent or nonviolent).

For instance, telling a friend that you are bitter because

he/she has misplaced your book can be considered a nonviolent

confrontation. However, shouting at someone or physical attack

in response to the loss of a book is a violent confrontation.

The outcome of confrontation could be bitter thereby teaching

those involved a bitter lesson that will force to forge

collaborations for united actions.

Diffusion

This refers to delay in dealing with a conflict. For example,

being angry with a neighbour or a group that had offended you,

but waiting until tempers subside before expressing the anger.

This prevents reprisal attacks that are common in Nigeria

thereby disuniting the people.

Conscious Act of Peace

This is a situation in which one knowingly chooses a

nonviolent response when it is difficult to do so, e.g.,

coming to the aid of someone (not violently) being haunted,

attacked and killed like it happens to many Nigerians where

they are a minority.

24

25

Mediation

This can be like a win-win negotiation that is normally

facilitated by a neutral third party to assist those involved

in the conflict to arrive at a solution. Nigerian governments

have been using this method even though not much has been

achieved.

Mediator

This refers to someone who helps in resolving conflicts by

listening to both sides so that a reasonable agreement is

reached. Usually, a mediator has to a credible, respectable,

unbiased, fair and objective person of honour and integrity.

Negotiation (win-win)

This is a dialogue between two or more people in order to

arrive at an agreement that meets the needs of those involved

without sacrificing anyone’s priorities. This has been

frequently used in Nigeria even though the parties to the

conflict often quickly renege on their promises.

Peacebuider

This is someone who ‘does good things’ on a small everyday

level to make the world more peaceful; e.g., the child who

returns lost items to its owners or someone that helps others

26

in distress. This practice is popular with Non-governmental

Organizations and prominent Nigeria’s citizens like Gen.

Yakubu Gowon.

Peacekeeper

This is someone who protects the rights of others by

peacefully enforcing the laws and rules of society, e.g., the

teacher who help pupils to cross roads, the police officer who

helps lost persons, etc irrespective of their religious

affiliations, ethnicity, tribe or region which has the

capacity of promoting unity.

Social Activist

This refers to someone who takes a stand against social

injustice in an organized way to bring about a more just and

peaceful world. These kinds of people make sacrifices in order

to promote peaceful co-existence and unity. In Nigeria

Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa and the late Gani Fawahenmi are known

for their sacrifices.

Visionary Person

This refers to one who inspires others with his/her vision for

a more peaceful future; e.g., certain writers, artists,

musicians and religious leaders. It is the long-term interest

27

and desire of all societies to permanently resolve conflicts

and unite the people.

In addition to the above concepts that promote conflict

management, certain concepts that help towards long-term

conflict resolution should be understood. They are as follows:

Active listening

This requires officials trying to resolve conflicts and unite

the people to use of techniques of clarifying, reflecting, and

summarizing for better understanding of a person/group and to

ensure that the information obtained is correct and accurate

so that there will be no misrepresentation of facts.

Adjudication

This is a dispute resolution method where those involved

present evidence and arguments to a neutral person who is

given the power to arrive at an acceptable and respectable

decision. Arbitration and litigation are two types of

adjudications. These have been rampant in Nigeria even though

lack of political will and other parochial considerations have

hindered the implementation of many decisions.

Advocate

28

This is someone, usually an attorney or other representative,

whose position is to support one party in a case. This is a

common practice in Nigeria where lawyers appear on behalf of

aggrieved parties at tribunals, commissions of inquiry and

courts.

29

PATHWAYS FOR SUSTAINABLE UNITY IN NIGERIA

Nigeria’s disunity has a historical root, undertone and dates

back to the First Republic. For example, the then Premier of

Northern Region, Ahmadu Bello once said:

The party’s involvement and stand inrecent developments have been deliberatelymade to persuade Nigerians to avoid actingcovertly or overtly as groups opposed toone another. Opposing groups do not makefor unity and since our independence allNigerian leaders have preached unity.(Source: Leadership Sunday, April, 1,2012:90).

If unity is to be promoted in Nigeria, the curricula in

primary and secondary schools have to be injected with topics

on unity, patriotism, Nigeria’s history, etc. Furthermore,

youth in Nigeria need to know the diversity of the country and

the strength of each component part. Again, the National Youth

Service Corps needs to be reinvigorated in line with its

earlier goal of uniting the nation. There is the need to

encourage excursions among school children which will expose

them to the different parts and regions of Nigeria.

In order to tackle disunity in Nigeria, tribalism has to be

tamed. The then Premier of Northern Region, Ahmadu Bello in an

address as the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) President-

General said:

30

Tribalism is a destructive force and itsworst and most evil form is the appeal to agroup of regions to come together againstanother region. This surely should not happenin one country, a country which dailyproclaims its desire for unity. It is bothdangerous and short-sighted. It is unwise tofound any solution to a problem on the basisof hatred and inordinate ambition. (Source:Leadership Sunday, April, 1, 2012:90).

It is argued here that change of attitude by all Nigerians can

promote unity among them. From independence to date, Nigerians

have shown their capacities to unduly harm one another. This

is evidenced in killings, maiming, mutual destruction and

looting of property. In a word, Nigerians have, over the

years, been very unkind to one another. The challenge is now

for Nigerians to reverse the ugly trend by exhibiting

kindness, tolerance, understanding, assistance, reduction in

skepticism and hatred. Again, fellow Nigerians have to learn

to coming to the rescue of one another in times of crises.

Furthermore, there should be ample respect for each others’

values, religion and feelings. These attractive traits, if

embraced by all Nigerians, will definitely promote unity among

them.

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Furthermore, disunity in Nigeria can be reduced if citizens

are given a fair opportunity in Nigeria. The then Premier of

Northern Region, Ahmadu Bello in an address to the Northern

Peoples Congress (NPC) said:As far as the N.P.C. is concerned the onlysolution to our problem which has a fairchance to enduring is one which gives allNigerians, irrespective of tribe or region, areasonable opportunity to serve thefederation and derive from it just and fairrewards…it is exclusionists who want to keepeverything to themselves and they must takethe blame for disunity…true Nigerians havebeen sharing and making concessions in thebest interest of unity…and the spirit ofgive and take. (Source: Leadership Sunday,April, 1, 2012:90).

Fair opportunity can come the way of Nigerians when there is

fair treatment of citizens in all spheres of human endeavour:

education; employment; citing of government projects;

provision of social and economic infrastructure, etc. Also,

there has to be fair adjudication of cases before courts,

tribunals, commissions of inquiry, panels, etc which will

assure all Nigerians that they are equal stakeholders

irrespective of region, tribe, religion, ethnicity or other

nepotistic and parochial factors.

In Nigeria today, people are regressing back to their tribal

cocoons with which to lobby and seek political concessions32

with the tendency to disunite Nigerians. This practice has

been with Nigeria since independence. In the First Republic,

for example, the then Premier of Northern Region, Ahmadu Bello

in an address to the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) said:

We should all work through [our parties]rather than through tribal organizationswhich inevitably provoke suspicion. If wemust have lobby let us have lobbies whichwill unite Nigerians through their commoninterests, rather than tribal groupings whichdisunite them….Whatever we plan, let us planit for the good of Nigeria as a whole.Nigerians should not plan evil on otherNigerians. We are one people with one commondestiny. (Source: Leadership Sunday, April,1, 2012:90).

The effort to promote unity in Nigeria can better be achieved

if parental role on the matter is properly played. It is not

uncommon for some parents to tell their children terrible

stories [many a times untrue] about other tribes, religions,

regions, ethnic groups, etc. For most of the times the stories

being told are inflammatory, divisive and full of cynicism

thereby fanning the embers of hatred, mistrust, loss of

confidence and cooperation.

In promoting unity in Nigeria, religious leaders have a lot of

assistance to render. Nearly all Nigerians belong to one

religious faith or another. It is the duty of these leaders to

preach the gospels of peace and co-existence to their

33

followers. Again, they should be able to say in public what

they say in secret and they should swiftly condemn the

attitude of their erring members.

Nigeria had been under successive military juntas. From 1999

to date, the country has been under civilian rule with a lot

of political freedom. This freedom has been abused by many

Nigerians thereby wrecking havoc on other Nigerians. Many

times, innocent Nigerians have fallen prey to the machinations

of politicians that are largely divisive. Hence, politicians

have to assist the nation by being responsible, principled,

patriotic and conciliatory in their politicking.

As a fall out of the serious disunity in Nigeria, the media

[both print and electronic] tow the tribal, regional, ethnic,

religious and other parochial lines. For many of the media

outfits, the truth in a matter is determined by its parochial

undertones. Also, their swift, extensive and sustained

coverage of an issue hinges on the personalities involved and

not the truth. In short, the Nigerian media is sensational,

bias, inflammatory, divisive and not very factual. Without

34

being oblivious to the editorial policy of the media outfits,

they must learn to be professional thereby being socially

responsible which will further unite Nigerians.

Nigeria, being a part of the International Community, has to

be put in the radar of International Institutions like the

United Nations, European Union, African Union, International

Criminal Court, International Court of Justice, ECOWAS Court,

etc. This is because the atrocities that Nigerians mete out on

one another offend International laws. Hence, these

institutions have to develop interest in Nigeria so that all

culprits can be arrested, charged and punished which will

deter other would-be-wrong doers.

The crisis and counter crisis being faced by Nigeria reflected

in insecurity, poverty, instability, disunity extra-judicial

killings, rape, arson, maiming, illegal arrests and

detentions, corruption, etc are a result of poor leadership

crisis facing the nation. Politicians at all levels have shown

their incapacity to achieve human progress for all citizens.

In order the mask their failures, politicians resort to

divisive, inflammatory and hateful pronouncements that

disunite the people. Therefore, a credible, legal, legitimate

and purposeful leadership that can unite the people and

35

provide the socio-economic infrastructure required by the

people is needed in Nigeria.

Reports from Maiduguri show rampant human rights abuse on

defenceless people. There were reports of extra-judicial

killings, rape, arson, maiming, illegal arrests and detentions

by the Joint Task Force (JTF). There are also reports of

aerial bombardment of many parts of Maiduguri. Without the

lifting of the curfew and withdrawal of the JTF, peace may

continue to elude Maiduguri due to the loss of confidence in

the JTF to protect lives and property. Reports show that on

the average, 60 youths a killed every month while many more

are detained in underground cells at Giwa Barracks in

Maiduguri. Being frustrated and offended, some people have

decided to institute legal actions on human rights violations

by the JTF in Nigerian courts and abroad.

36

CONCLUSION

This paper argues that disunity and violent conflicts have

been the hallmark and bane of Nigeria with dire consequences

on the nation’s stability, peaceful coexistence, human

progress and prosperity. Accordingly, the paper examines the

need for unity in a sharply disunited Nigeria. This is because

there is strength in unity and the losses owing to disunity

could be many and monumental. With unity the nation and its

citizens can prosper. The paper gives the causes and

consequences of conflicts in Nigeria. And evidence show

diverse causes and consequences associated with violent

conflicts. Although there are no accurate statistics regarding

the number of conflicts in Nigeria, the paper has given an

inventory of some recorded conflicts in the country.

Furthermore, the paper discussed the issue of conflict

resolution in the light of numerous conflicts that have beset

Nigeria and the mechanisms for conflict resolution were

discussed. Additionally, some pathways for sustainable unity

in Nigeria which have the capability of averting conflicts

thereby ushering-in development have been offered.

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37

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