Socialscientia: Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

Effect of Ethnic Cleavages on Citizen-police Interface in Mitigating Law and Order Decline in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria: An Empirical Survey

Blessing ONYIMA — 2024-10-17

This study was an empirical survey to ascertain impact of ethnic cleavages on the citizen-police
interface in addressing Law and Order Decline in Jos Metropolis. It explored the dynamics of ethnic
tensions, trust deficits, and geopolitical influences within the context of policing in a multi-ethnic
society. Group conflict theory is adopted as underpinning framework for the study inview of it's
relevance to the variables being investigated. The research drew on quantitative and qualitative
(mixed) approaches to gather data. The study population consisted of law enforcement officials,
community traditional leaders, Women and Youth Associations and Academics in Jos Metropolis.
Structured and Semi-structured questionnaire tagged, Effect of Ethnic Cleavages on Citizen-police
Interface Questionnaire (EECCPIQ) was employed in gathering data. Purposive and Simple
Random Sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents. SPSS version 11 was used in
analyzing quantitative data, while the qualitative narrations were analyzed in verbatim, for
enhanced perspective and insight on the subject matter. Findings revealed complex interactions
between ethnic nationalities and law enforcement agents. Ethnic cleavage indicated significant
impact on citizen-police relationships, leading to misperceptions, bias, mistrust and poor policing.
Ethnic stratifications and historical grievances had also contributed to the erosion of trust between
law enforcement agents and police. Geopolitical conflicts and divisive state policies were also
identified as Inducers of ethnic concerns and declined policing in Jos. Key recommendations from
the study included the implementation of community-oriented policing, enhancement of
transparency and accountability in law enforcement, and the promotion of detribalised and inclusive
policing. The study further recommended importance of professional etiquette among the rank and
file of the policing agencies. The political leadership in the area should demonstrate inclusivity in
community security concerns, as a key policy for driving accountable and transparent law
enforcement. This shall improve citizen-police synergy and enhanced law enforcement in Jos
metropolis.

The Impact of Indigenous Knowledge on River Basin Management in Calabar South LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria

Uquetan I. UQUETAN — 2024-10-17

This study explores the impact of integrating indigenous knowledge into river basin management
policies, focusing on its potential to enhance water resource sustainability and community
resilience. Traditional knowledge, accumulated over generations, offers valuable insights into
sustainable water practices that are often overlooked in modern management frameworks. This
research aims to assess the extent of traditional knowledge within the community, identify the
traditional practices employed for water conservation, and analyze the challenges hindering its
integration into contemporary policies. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines
quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a sample of 384 respondents
within the Calabar South Local Government Area. The quantitative analysis involves correlation
tests to examine the relationship between indigenous knowledge and water management outcomes.
The results reveal that 33.07% of respondents have extensive traditional knowledge about water
resource management, while 25.00% report moderate knowledge, 25.00% have limited knowledge,
and 16.93% possess no traditional knowledge. Additionally, traditional practices for water
conservation include rainwater harvesting (25.52%), aquifer recharge (23.96%), watershed
management (26.56%), and traditional irrigation techniques (23.96%). The correlation analysis
shows significant positive relationships between the integration of indigenous knowledge and both
water resource sustainability (r = 0.68) and community resilience (r = 0.62). This indicates that
incorporating traditional practices can effectively improve water management and strengthen
community resilience. However, challenges such as lack of recognition by government authorities
(25.52%), insufficient collaboration between stakeholders (23.96%), cultural biases (24.74%), and
limited funding (25.78%) hinder the effective integration of indigenous knowledge. The study
concludes that integrating indigenous knowledge into river basin management can lead to more
sustainable and resilient water management practices. It recommends increasing recognition and
funding for traditional practices, fostering collaboration between stakeholders, and addressing
cultural biases. By embracing indigenous knowledge, policymakers can enhance the effectiveness of
water management strategies and support community well-being.

Porous Borders, Small Arms Proliferation and Socio-Economic Development in Etung LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria

Emmanuel SUNDAY — 2024-10-17

The study examines the recurring decimal of crimes associated with porous border, small arms and
its impacts on socio-economic development in Etung local government area of Cross River State,
Nigeria. The study adopted the social conflict theory. The paper utilized both primary and secondary
methods of data collection. Data for analytical purposes are extracted through interviews, direct
observation, and questionnaires for the primary method, and textbooks, journal papers, internet
materials, and Nigeria's armed crimes bulletin are obtained for the secondary method. The data are
analyzed through the application of chi-square. The findings reveal that porous borders with
Cameroon and other central African countries is the root cause of small arms proliferation which
made it easier for the neighbouring communities to use it and commit various violent land dispute
crisis and other related crime in the Etung local government area of Cross River State. The study
recommends that border remains a very critical factor in finding solutions to security challenges in
Etung LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria. Just like the skin protects the body, the border protects
the state and the country from dangerous and unforeseeable criminal elements. It is quite obvious
that Etung’s borders in Cross River State have become very porous due to years of socio-economic
neglect by government of the day. Such neglect has led to the serious security challenges today like
cultism, armed robbery, communal land conflict, drugs trafficking, youth unemployment which
have degenerated into the worrisome large-scale destruction of lives, properties and economy of t
not only of Etung LGA but the entire Cross River State, Nigeria. Lastly, there is a need to increase
the security network in the crime spot area and strengthen the community boundaries to reduce the
recurring clashes among the neighboring communities in the Etung local government area.

Reducing Construction Carbon Footprint Through Increasing Local Reuse of Building Material in Calabar, Cross River State

Uquetan I. UQUETAN — 2024-10-17

This paper explores the potential for reducing the construction carbon footprint by increasing the
local reuse of building materials from construction sites in Cross River State. The construction
sector consumes vast resources and generates substantial waste throughout the design, processing,
transportation, construction, and demolition phases. These activities are energy-intensive and pose
health and safety risks. Building construction significantly contributes to energy use and carbon
dioxide emissions, accounting for about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. In West African states,
including Nigeria, where construction material costs have soared, the high expense of building
materials has become unaffordable for many low-income earners in urban areas. This scenario
necessitates a shift towards green building practices, including the reuse of surplus construction
products. Such a shift could involve training for energy-efficient practices and creating employment
opportunities for workers displaced by these changes, as well as establishing a market for used
construction materials. The paper proposes the establishment of a network of construction reuse
centers in Cross River State. It discusses current drivers and barriers to adopting this model and
its potential benefits, including a reduction in carbon footprints and a move towards a more
sustainable construction industry. In the United States, the Natural Building Materials Reuse
Association connects over 500 enterprises, showcasing the potential for similar initiatives in
Nigeria. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 200,000 tons of metal and 320,000 tons of
conjugated sheets have been recycled and reused in Nigeria. Reusing construction materials can
reduce the need for raw materials, processing, and manufacturing, significantly cutting
transportation impacts and overall environmental effects. For instance, reclaimed steel and timber
have demonstrated environmental impact reductions of 96% and 99%, respectively.

Water Spirits and Sacred Rituals: The Role of African Traditional Juju in Protecting Blue Ecosystems in Cross River State

Prince-Charles O. ITU — 2024-10-17

This study explores the profound role of African traditional "juju" practices in safeguarding blue ecosystems
in Cross River State, Nigeria. Traditional beliefs and rituals, deeply rooted in the reverence for water spirits,
have long played a vital role in the conservation of marine and freshwater environments in the region. These
practices, embedded in the cultural fabric of local communities, include sacred rituals, taboos, and reverence
for deities associated with water bodies. These elements of traditional juju have effectively limited human
exploitation of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, ensuring the preservation of vital blue ecosystems. The study
aims to identify the various water spirits and associated rituals that contribute to the protection of aquatic
ecosystems and assess their socio-cultural significance. Through ethnographic research, interviews with
traditional custodians, and field observations, this study uncovers the intricate relationship between spiritual
practices and environmental conservation in Cross River State. The findings reveal that the belief in water
spirits, such as the revered "Mammy Water," along with other sacred entities, compels local communities to
protect water bodies from pollution and overuse, maintaining ecological balance. Moreover, the research
highlights how sacred forests and groves, often found near these bodies of water, serve as sanctuaries for
biodiversity and are protected from human encroachment due to strong spiritual prohibitions. Some of the
identified water spirits included; Anansa, Afia-anwan Idem Iboku among others. These areas remain untouched
because of the fear of invoking the wrath of water spirits or violating ancient taboos. The study also examines
the challenges and opportunities of integrating these traditional conservation methods with modern
environmental policies, recognizing the potential of blending indigenous knowledge systems with scientific
approaches. In conclusion, the role of African traditional juju in protecting blue ecosystems is both significant
and underappreciated. This study advocates for a greater understanding and incorporation of these cultural
practices into contemporary conservation strategies, as they offer sustainable and community-driven solutions
to environmental challenges. The preservation of blue ecosystems in Cross River State, through the power of
spiritual reverence, represents a model of conservation that harmonizes culture and nature.

Nigerian State and the Dialectics of Self-Determination Agitation: A Study of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, 2012 -2024

Juliet Amarachi OFODEME — 2024-10-17

This interrogates the clamour by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for self-determination which
started with the emergence of the organisation in 2012 as founded by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The
IPOB group believes that the Igbo has suffered great injustice and marginalisation which none of
the past and present government administrations ever made any deliberate attempt to address. As
a result, the group agitates for the independence of the Igbo ethnic nationality and demands that
referendum be administered to that effect. The Nigerian government has refused to discuss the self-
determination demand of the IPOB group. The only government response to the self-determination
agitation of the IPOB group has been force or repression. This article investigated how the inherited
colonial legacies characterise the state behaviour in post-colonial Nigeria, and how the repressive
state behaviour to separatist agitation has continued to shape and reshape the self-determination
agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group in Nigeria. The study made use of both
primary and secondary sources of data collection. The instruments of primary data collection were
Key Informant Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD), while secondary data sources
include text books, newspapers, official publications, journal publications and internet sources. The
data collected were textually analyzed. The article found out that the Igbo people has suffered
marginalisation, political exclusion and injustice. The IPOB group has lost total trust in Nigerian
government and wants the Igbo to have a separate state from Nigeria. The article recommends that
the political class should shun selfish interests and eliminate the vices that keep the country
underdeveloped; the government should address the complaint of marginalisation against the South-
East and organise the administration of referendum just as British Government did for the Scottish
people.

Spatio-Temporal Variability and Equity in Urban Water Distribution: Insights from Uyo Capital City, Nigeria

Prince-Charles O ITU — 2024-10-17

The provision of pipe-borne water is critical to ensuring access to clean and safe water, particularly
in urban centres. This study investigates the spatio-temporal distribution of pipe-borne water
supply in Uyo Capital City, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The research aims to assess the extent,
pattern, and variability of water distribution over time and across different locations within the city.
A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining spatial analysis using Geographic Information
System (GIS) tools and household surveys to collect data on water access, reliability, and
distribution infrastructure. The study also involved interviews with water utility authorities and
local stakeholders to understand the challenges facing water supply systems in the city. The findings
indicate that the distribution of pipe-borne water in Uyo is uneven, with certain areas receiving
more consistent water supply than others. Peripheral regions of the city are particularly
disadvantaged, experiencing irregular water access, while central districts tend to have better
coverage and reliability. Temporal analysis reveals that water supply fluctuates significantly over
different periods of the day, with early mornings and late evenings showing the highest water
availability. This inconsistency in water supply is attributed to outdated infrastructure, population
growth, and inefficient management practices within the water utility system. Additionally, the
study highlights the socio-economic disparities in access to pipe-borne water, with wealthier
neighborhoods generally having better access compared to poorer areas. The research concludes that
the spatio-temporal distribution of water supply in Uyo Capital City poses significant challenges to
equitable access and sustainability. It recommends that the government and relevant authorities
invest in upgrading water infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas. The study also
suggests the implementation of more efficient water management practices, the use of smart
technologies for monitoring water distribution, and community engagement in water resource
management. These steps are essential for improving access to pipe-borne water in Uyo and
ensuring a more equitable and sustainable water supply system for its residents.

National Gender Policy in Nigeria: Uncovering the Core Issues.

Itojong Anthony AYAMBA — 2024-10-17

Despite legislative breakthroughs and constitutional provisions and commitments to regional and
international human rights conventions and treaties, gender inequality remains a worrisome trend
in Nigeria and Africa in general. This paper, thus, examines the National Gender Policy in Nigeria
and the various dimensions of gaps in it that inhibit women. The paper adopted the descriptive
method of research, drawing data mainly from secondary sources. The data were analyzed
qualitatively. Major findings show that there are still gray areas in the National Gender Policy that
bother on legal framework, implementation and enforcement, access to education, economic
empowerment, politics and decision making. The study recommends among others that government
should review and update existing laws to align with international standards on gender equality as
well as put in place mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the implementation of gender policies at
all levels of government.