SECURITY UNREST IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

IMPLICATIONS FOR 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS AND NATIONAL UNITY

Abstract

This paper analyses recurring security threats in the South Eastern states and the implications for 2023 general elections and Nigeria unity. It relies extensively on doctrinal research method with the aid of already documented evidence in drawing out its major inferences. Against this backdrop, the study finds out thatthe state of affairs in Nigeria and particularly South Eastern extractions are serious under security threats not only against smooth conduct of elections but  in other social fabrics that stimulate the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria as a body politic. The situationhas invariably elevated the pangs of crisis, poverty and severe hardship among the citizens of the affected regions largely due to government inability to address the perceived grievances. Hence, the paper opines that the paradox of Nigeria peaceful co-existence and the smooth conduct of 2023 general elections can only be redressed through decisive actions towards alleviating the suffering of the masses and dissociation from state security apparatuses to suppressing lawful agitations. These new citizens-based development paradigms must be anchored strictly on national interest devoid of sectional cleavages otherwise Nigeria peaceful existence and smooth conduct of 2023 general elections would remain a mirage among barrage of other national ordeals competing for genuine government attention.