ABSTRACT
After about thirty years of military dictatorship, Nigeria found
herself again in mainstream of democratic governance. While this
development was seen by some people as an avenue to explore
dividends and goodies of democracy, others saw it as an
opportunity to express grievances, the outcome of which is the
occurrence and re-occurrence of conflict. Since the re-emergence
of democracy in May 1999, not less than one hundred politically,
ethnically and religiously motivated conflicts have occurred in
Nigeria. This work examines the persistent waves of conflict in
Plateau State and the threat it pose to the nascent democracy of
Nigeria. The work investigates the role of government and opinion
leaders in the management of these conflicts and concludes that if
well handled the government and opinion leaders would go a long
way in seeing that the conflicts are reduced to its bearest
occurrences.
A sample of 300 respondents was drawn from the
residents of Plateau State. The pilot survey was used in arriving at
this sample. During the study, the following hypothesis were
tested using the simple percentage and chi-square (x2 statistical)
methods. According to the findings, it is obvious that all residents
of Jos Plateau State are aware of the conflict that has befallen the
state since 2001-2008 residents are divided on the probable cause
of the conflict. Residents are in support of the intervention of the
government and opinion leaders. The masses can air their
grievance without being confrontational. (Dialogue). Lasting Peace
can be achieved through Reconciliation, advocacy and negotiation.
Based on the various findings, recommendations designed to
remedy the system and improve upon the present situation are
continued in chapter five of this study they include:
- Conflict management workshops should be organized for
opinion and traditional leaders in the state and also the
representatives of government in the state should be
involved.
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