AUTHORITATIVE ALLOCATION OF VALUES AND ETHNO-RELIGIOUS SQUABBLES IN NIGERIA

MILITOCRACY IN DEMOCRACY

Abstract

One of the essence of government or state is allocation of value to various sectors and groups within her jurisdiction. In multi-ethnic states like Nigeria fairness towards this, is usually questioned therefore the prevailing squabbles and conflicts. However, in democratic setting, ethos of democracy which include participation, rule of law and fairness, equity etc are expected to prevail. Thus failure of this, prompted interrogation of the reality of democracy in Nigeria or otherwise militocracy in democracy which have necessitated all sorts of ethnic rivalries: IPOB, Avengers, MASSOB, Boko Haram and etc. Pluralist theory was employed in this study, whereas qualitative method was engaged in analyzing data generated through secondary sources. It was found out that government attitude towards value allocation necessitated ethnic movements formation in Nigeria. Secondly the formation is to draw government attention to the needs of its own people. It is recommended that government should adopt democratic norms in governing Nigeria and in distribution of values among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. Also to avoid using coercion as instrument of obtaining compliance from groups that are demanding for its attention bearing in mind that Nigeria is now a democratic state therefore consultations, negotiation, compromise and consensus should be engaged.