Ethnic Militias and Sub-Nationalism in Nigeria: A Comparative Study of Massob and Opc
Abstract:
This study examined ethnic militia and sub-nationalism in Nigeria using the Oodua Peoples Congress and Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra as case studies. The proliferation of violent oriented ethnic organizations operating outside the confines of the law as an expression of sub-nationalism has become a major trend in the country, thus constituting a threat to the survival of the state; especially the fragile democracy in Nigeria and so raises the question of factors responsible for this development. Thus the objective of this study is to examine OPC and MASSOB as by products of sub-nationalism in Nigeria. Also it is to examine the nature, character, the ‘modus operandi’ as well as the examination of socio-economic conditions that brought about the rise of both organizations. The study employed the descriptive statistical technique in analyzing the data sourced from the administration of questionnaire, key informant interviews and documentary sources. The data were presented in simple percentages, tables, charts and content analysis of the recorded responses and diary of events as they occur within the study period. The study showed that both OPC and MASSOB were ethnic militia organizations at various stages of development and that they emerged as an expression of sub-nationalism given the weaknesses and inability of the Nigerian state to resolve questions of citizenship, resource control, federalism and political representation. These lingering issues led to the intensification of ethnic sentiments and the politicization of ethnicity cleavages. It was also found that the exploits of OPC and MASSOB rest on several factors among which are the ideological disposition, the socio-economic conditions and the perception of members of both organizations. The study concluded that both OPC and MASSOB are products of the contradictions and failure of the Nigerian state leading to the militarization of segments averse to the general condition of the political economy. It was therefore recommended that a reformation of the Nigerian state through the democratization of the political and economic institutions is imperative. This entails a return to true federalism and devolution of powers to the different federating units. ORDER COMPLETE MATERIAL FROM CHAPTER 1-5
