NATIONALISM AND SEPARATIST AGITATIONS IN NIGERIA

A STUDY OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA (IPOB)

Abstract

This paper examines the crises of nationalism and separatist agitations in Nigeria, with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a case study. The rise of ethnic based separatist formations whose modus operandi challenges the status quo and often seen by authorities as constituting threats to the stability and survival of the Nigerian federation raises the question of reasons behind it. Adopting group theory and instrumentalism as its framework of analysis, the research employed both descriptive and scissor-and-sort technique in analysing data sourced from the questionnaire and focus group discussion. From the analysis of data, the study revealed that perception of marginalization, the consciousness to a nation cum ethnicity and aggressive response of government are significantly responsible for separatist agitations in Nigeria. Against this backdrop, the study recommends that government should take necessary steps to curtail the perception of marginalization by ensuring that the principles of equity and justice are always considered in revenue allocation, appointments, infrastructures etc among the diverse nations that make up the federation of Nigeria. It also recommends the employment peaceful engagement or means in dealing with the agitations so as not to exacerbate the situation.