For some time now, the problem of insecurity which used to be at the lowest ebb of social problems facing Nigeria seems to have assumed an alarming dimension since the end of the Nigerian civil war in 1970. Without mincing words, Nigeria’s return to democratic rule is being threatened by awkward security challenges. Arguably, considerable progress has been achieved in some areas which overtly or covertly metaphorsed into some considerable development attainment that cannot be denied. Some decades after the Nigerian civil war which took the country to the verge of precipice has left some indelible marks on the lives of Nigerians which should serve as a constant reminder and propel us to greatness and tailor our thinking against any form of violent conflict. The nation had to contend with a series of resource-based conflicts (Niger Delta), ethno-religious crisis (Jos), and communal conflicts for long giving the nation a bad reputation in the eyeball of the international community.
The climax of these security threats is the emergence of a group of insurgents called Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria. Thus, a considerable effort to end the violence and build sustainable peace for national and economic growth remained an armchair illusion. The most embraced concept on the evolution of the state as a social contract by Thomas Hobbes in the “Leviathan” (1651), sees the state as a product of the society where each individual submits a portion of his rights to a consented authority in interchange for assured protection of life and property. The consented authority presides over the equitable distribution of resources, justice, security, fairness, and the rule of law. Hobbes’ social contract theory has unmasked the factors provoking internal security challenges in Nigeria. Nigeria is indeed currently facing serious internal security challenges and the most serious ones are those in the category of discontent or separatist agenda, specifically the violent extremism of Boko Haram and the militant Niger Delta. While the former uses religion to elicit sympathy, the latter is resource-based, and uses the control of oil found in its domain as its platform, knowing that about 90 percent of Nigeria’s revenue comes from that natural resource.
There are indeed security challenges posed by violent crimes and ethno-religious conflict but the non-stop kidnapping and the one between the local farmers and herdsmen is getting out of hand as the government has woefully failed to stem the tide of violence and prevailing bloodshed across the country.
The ongoing internal Nigerian security challenges have undoubtedly posed some threats to the social, economic, and political stability of Nigeria. The insecurity in the country currently perpetrated by the Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram in the northern part of the country, the militancy in the Niger Delta region, and the Ethnic rivalry and power struggle at its peak are fast placing the nation on a state of serious jeopardy. There is no doubt that poor governance and lack of effective leadership at all levels of governance are central in attempting to explain the Nigerian problem. Nigeria seems to be quite unfortunate after decades of independence. Nigeria’s Democracy has turned to Kakistocracy as it fails to adhere to the prescription of its founding fathers. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has failed the masses as the elections across the country are now rigged with brazen impunity and the Judiciary decides who wins.
The solution to Nigeria’s internal security challenges is hidden in the federal government’s readiness to respect the principle of the rule of law and abide by Hobbes’ social contract principle of ensuring the protection of lives and property of the masses especially our local farmers who have been often killed by the herdsmen while trying to stop them from destroying their farm produce.
The judiciary should also, without fear or favor, leave up to its duties as the dispenser of Justice, Protector of the rights of the people and the Guardian protector of the Constitution of the State.
Leadership is not the desire to contest a political position because of the availability of funds and selfish interests; it is a passionate craving to serve humanity selflessly out of the irresistible love to change people’s lives. The government should equally in line with the social contract principle ensure the protection of lives and property of the masses, equitable distribution of resources and political offices, justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Until we have leaders who assume positions not merely to protect the ‘wish’ and the interest of their kiths and kin; until we have leaders who are willing to make sacrifices and consider their follower’s welfare; until we have leaders that are trustworthy and capable then, we may have no hope for better future punctuated by peace, national cohesion, and development.
PIONEER NEWS 