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Religious Sectarian Violence And Governance In Nigeria: Implications For Peace And Political Stability
*ONYEKWELU,Chukwuemeka, A. Department of Geography University of Nigeria Nsukka
**ONYEDIBE, Maria.Chidi, C. C. Department of Psychology University of Nigeria Nsukka
Abstract
Sectarian violence under whatever guise appears to have slowly but steadily rooted itself in Nigeria the most populous and richest black nation in the world. The first sign of uprising in the country was in 1953 and now in 2014, we find ourselves in the middle of a full scale war. Salient isues of mis-rule, power snatching and self-rule by a certain ethnic group tend to dominate the entire facade of governance. This paper captures the trend of events that may have helped in no small way in exacerbating the situation, drawing from both sides of the coin-the government and the citizenry. There is need to bring to the fore, that good governance can tackle inequitable distribution of resources and build bridges across ethnic and religious lines. It concludes by proffering subtle ways of achieving a balanced compromise between parties while building peace and unity within borders. All states within Nigeria are components of an indissoluble nation
Keywords: Religious, Sectarian, Violence, Governance, Political Stability, Peace..
Word Count: 6414, character (with spaces) 41403, character (with no spaces,) 34479.
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Background Religious Sectarianism refers to discrimination wihin members of a particular religion against other believers of the same religion or other religions, due to high priority placed on perceived differences in ideology. In Nigeria the Islamic Sect 'Boko-Haram' which literally means ' no western education' (based in Maiduguri,Borno State ) has since 2009 used violence as a way of expressing its disenchantment with the ruling non-muslim government. Religious Sectarian violence in Nigeria refers to the conflict between the sect and other non-believers of their quest. Nigeria has a population of over 150 million citizens and 374 ethnic groups (Sampson 2014). It is a West African Country populated with a mixture of religious denominations namely – Christianity, Islam and Indigenous religion (C.I.A. World Fact Sheet 2011). The major ethnic cleavages are three namely, Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Ibo; who occupy the North, South-West and South-East respectively. Nigeria was first established in 1861, with the colony of Lagos, then later on, the Oil Rivers Protectorate in the South and lastly Northern Nigeria (Wikipedia 2014). In 1914 when these three regions were amalgamated the British colonialists did not integrate or enforce the integration of administrative policies across regions but applied indirect rule. This did not augur well with the Muslim dominated North. A situation that brought about suspicion and perceived marginalization by the northern elites. The end result of this, is the institutionalization of individual laws of land tenure and policies in the three regions. In 1951, the nation’s political entity suffered a terrible blow along ethnic lines, when three major parties were formed based on the three major tribes and regions of the country. The political ideology that should drive the formation of political parties which consists of economic and developmental ideas were submerged in a state of ethnic quagmire. Between 1951 and 1954, two constitutional conferences were held in London and Lagos between Nigerian politicians and the British government. The outcome was the 1954 Federal Constitution which separated Lagos from the Western Region, the setting up of a Federal Government of Nigeria, comprising three regions, namely North, East & West Protectorate. In 1953, a 4 -day riot broke out in Kano,- (the first sign of general dissatisfaction with self-rule)- protesting the policy of self-rule. One of the arties, Action Group Party (AG) led by Akintola, 517
Volume II, Issue IX, January 2015 - ISSN 2321-7065 after a motion moved by Anthony Enahoro of (AG), made moves to obtain power but met stiff opposition. This spiraled into violent hostilities between the Hausas- (he Northerners), the Yorubas-( the Westerners) and the Ibos- ( the Easterners) in Kano city. The Northern Party (NPC) was led by Hausa-Fulani, the South Western party (AG) was led by the Yorubas and the South Eastern party (NCNC) led by the Ibos – Sir, A.T. Balewa, Chief O. Awolowo and Dr. N. Azikiwe respectively. This carved a niche for the struggle for power along ethnic lines in Nigeria. Nigeria is a Federal state and runs a democratically-elected presidential administration. The National Assembly consists of 2 chambers- a Senate and a House of Representatives. The citizens are governed by a three-tier government- Federal, State and Local government. There is a total of 36-states and FCT. Nigeria has experienced 3 civilian administrations, 5 and 7 military regimes since 1960. After Oct. 1 Independence election in 1959, an NPC and NCNC coalition led by Sir Abubakar T. Balewa ruled the country; serving as prime minister. In 1963, Nigeria was divided into 3 regions – Northern Region, Western Region and Eastern Region. In 1967, the number of regions increased to 12 namely North Western, North Central, Kano, North-Eastern, Benue-Plateau, Kwara, Western, Mid-Western, East-Central, South-Eastern, Rivers and Lagos. On the 15th of January, exactly six years later-(1966), Sir Abubakar and other northerners were killed in a military coup after a prolonged rule of seemed to be oppression and violence. This coup put in place the first military government of the country led by Aguiyi- Ironsi – John, T.U. General. Six months later in what seemed like a reprisal attack by the northerners, for fear of power slipping from their hands, the incumbent government was overthrown by a coup. Northern Soldiers, who felt that the corrective policy of centralization of power was not beneficial to them carried out the coup. Yakubu Gowom (Lt. General) was installed as the 2nd military head of state on 29th July 1966. Initially Gowon’s regime featured elements of violence and blood-letting in which about 30,000 Igbo residents were killed. In May 1967 Col. Odimegwu Ojukwu, governor of Eastern Region, raised issues about a secession, which led Gowon to issue a decree for the creation of 12 regions in 1967. By 30th May 1967, Ojukwu declared the Eastern Region, the sovereign Republic
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Volume II, Issue IX, January 2015 - ISSN 2321-7065 of Biafra. Post events of this action culminated in a 30-month Nigeria Biafra war, which took off in July 29, 1967. The war ended in 1970, between January 1970 – 1975, – Gowon had the mantle of leadership and embarked on reconstruction and integration. The July 29th 1975, Gen. Murtala Muhammed assumed the post of head of state through a bloodless coup, a midst widespread greed and corruption. He initiated the return to civilian rule (4 – year tenure). In February 1976, Muhammed were assassinated in a foiled coup and his deputy, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo took the mantle of leadership. That same year the regional status was dropped and 7 additional States were created, bringing the number to 19 States. Obasanjo observed the set rule to return to civilian rule. In 1978, the constitution for civilian rule was drafted and this heralded the lifting of the ban on political activity. The political climate was charged and 5 political parties were created in 1979. After due elections in the same year, the Shehu Shagari – led (National Party of Nigeria) won. This kick started the 2nd republic of Nigeria. On the 31st Dec. 1983, Shagari’s government was overthrown; by Gen. Muhammed Buhari, who ruled from 1984 – 1985. General Ibrahim Babangida seized power in 1985 through a coup and created an additional 3 states bringing the number to 21 states in 1987, in 1991 he also created 9 states bringing the number to 30 states. In 1993 after due presidential elections in June 12, he failed to hand over power to Chief M.K.O. Abiola through a nullification of election results. He stepped down on 26th Aug. 1993 and set up a transition government led by Chief Ernest Shonekan, not before admitting Nigeria into Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). On the 17th day of November 1993, Gen. Sanni Abacha assumed the throne as the Head of State of Nigeria. He instantly dissolved the poltical framework and the leaders of a major opposition group National Democratic Coalition NADEDCO were arrested. Four years later in 1997, He created 36 States, Abacha set up a transition to civil rule with an ambition of succeeding himself. The 5 political parties in existence were manipulated to adopt him as a consensus presidential candidate. Having failed in this move, despite the huge resources channeled to promote this, he died in 7th June, 1998. General A. Abubakar was next in line to succeed Abacha and drafted a plan to hand power over to civilians in May 1999. He released Abacha’s political prisoners, which included 519
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Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the presumed winner of the presidential election of June 12, 1993; However, Abiola died of heart attack in August before he gained his freedom. A dissolution of the 5 party structure was done, by Abubakar & a 15-party structure emerged. At last only 3- parties were certified, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Peoples Party (APP) and Alliance for Democracy party (AD) to contest for Federal, State and Local government Seats; and on 29th day of May 1999 Obasanjo was sworn in as the Civilian President of Nigeria, in the 4th Republic. NIGERIA'S POLITICAL TIMELINE AND NATURE OF POWER SHIFT 1861-existence of three regions, Lagos colony, Oil Rivers and Northern Nigeria 1914-Amalgamation of North and South Nigeria 1951- The formulation of three political parties along three major ethnic groups 1953- Rampage in Kano-northern Nigeria over self-rule interest 1954- Establishment of constitution to separate Lagos from North and West Protectorates. 1959- Elections to Office of the Prime Minister and Governor- General 1960- Sir Abubakar Tarawa Balewa (northerner) won as Prime Minister and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (easterner) as Governor-General. 1963- Nigeria became a Federal Republic with Northern, Western and Eastern Regions. 1966- January 15th-Power snatched from Balewa through a successful coup by Lt. General Aguiyi- Ironsi (easterner) 1966- July 6th- a successful counter-coup led by the northernerrsd ushered Gen. Y.Gowon 1967- 30th May Civil War broke out 1970- June signalled the end of hostilities and Gen. Gowon resumed office as Head of State 1975- A blood less coup on July 29th ushered in Gen, M.. Mohammed 1976- February a foiled bloody coup led to the assassination of Gen. M.Mohammed, and the assumption of Office by his deputy Gen. O. Obasasnjo. 1979- Alhaji S. Shagari was democratically elected into Office as President 1984- A successful blood less coup saw the entry of Gen. M.Buhari 1985- A successful blood less coup saw the entry of Gen. I.Babangida 1990- A coup was foiled in an attempt to oust Gen. I. Babangida 1993- Smooth handover to government of Gen. S.Abacha 520
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1999- Smooth handover to the transition government of Gen. A.Abubakar marking the end of 33- military rule 1999- May 29 the Chief O. Obasanjo assumed the office of the President 2007- Democratic elections saw the entry of Alhaji UmaruYar`Adua as President 2010-5th May- Dr.Goodluck E. Johnathan assumed office, from Deputy President to sudstasntive President, 2011- Dr. Good luck E.Jonathan was Democratic ally elected President of Nigeria
Sectarian Violence and Governance Religion can be described as a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally accepted by a number of persons or self or an organized assemblage of beliefs, cultural system and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence (Wikipedia, 2014).Religion in many nations serves as a cohesive catalyst for social harmony and peaceful co-existence. In some civilization’s it is a pawn for power-play in the hands of political juggernauts. In the bid to sieve power by politically-conscious Nigerians, the instrument of religion is usually merged with ethnic considerations to evolve a tool for mutinous activities against the government. Religious Sectarianism is ‘discrimination or hatred arising from attaching importance to perceived differences between sub-divisions within a religious group. The ideological underpinnings of attitudes make them believe that their own salvation requires aggressively seeking converts from other groups’ or purging such converts where they fail to win them. In Nigeria we had the Maitatsine in the 80’and more recently Boko Haram Sect. Islamic Sects arise due to the fact that Islam is a highly interpretive and indoctrinable religion where an Imam can adopt a unique interpretation of a verse/verses in the Quran and foist the ideology on members of mutual inclination in order to secure an identity or class. In Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan Cote, d’Ivoire where Christians and Muslims co-exist, the former are always on the receiving end. In Mali, Christianity faces being eradicated; in Egypt Christians are openly discriminated against in law courts. In Indonesia, Muslims threw bags of urine on Christians during worship. (Ibrahim 2012). In France, 4 African Youths charged into the church and hurled pebbles on 150 worshippers during mass. 521
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In Nigeria political leaders have tried in many ways to legitimize violence in order to push their political ambition. Studies have revealed that in almost 4 decades now, religion has been in the centre of most violent conflicts worldwide, thus gaining notoriety as one of the prime challenges confronting the world in the wake of the cold-war (Sampson, 2014). Rayrel-Querol (2002) studied societies and discovered that communities that were divided along religious lines are more prone to intense and prolonged conflict than those divided by political, territorial and ethic differences. In Nigeria religious sectarian violence has plagued the country and posed a very big security challenge more than any other hostility. Nigeria is the fourth most violent country in the world (ACLED, 2013) and 7th most fatal. The first sign of religious insurgency in Nigeria was in 1953.. (See Table 1). In June 29 1999, when Nigeria returned to democracy after military leadership, the human Rights Violation Investigation Committee (HRVIC) set up a panel of inquiry into genocide, political and ethnic issues of past militant regime. That same year the Zamfara state government started to fan the embers of Sharia at state level. By January 2000 – ten states instituted Sharia law. Sharia contains’ the rules by which a Muslim society is organized and governed. It provides the means to resolve conflicts among individual and the state. Does the Nigerian constitution abrogate power to individual states to determine what laws govern them? Section 38 (1) and (10) prohibits establishment of state religion. The states that have adopted Sharia are Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Borno, Kebbi, Yobe, Jigawa. (Ibrahim, 2002). Three other states with large Muslim population also adopted Sharia viz; Kaduna Niger State and Gombe. In 2001, the non-Muslim minority tried to stamp home their rights to freedom by a riot in Kano which claimed100 lives. In 2002 a negative image shrouded the case of Aminu Lawal, a single mother who was accused of adultery and sentenced to death by stoning, a judgment that was overturned in 2004 by a Sharia Court of Appeal. From Independence in 1960 to date, Nigerian military and civilian governments have practiced mixed economy i.e. the idea of a public or government sector under control by the state; and the private sector or free enterprise controlled by the business class. The government intervenes in the areas of education and health to ensure that the minimum benchmark is met. 522
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This style of economy was laid out by the British colonialists and inherited by the Tafawa B. Abubakar government. In 1962, a 6-year national development plan was rolled out, positioning Nigeria in a transitional state from agro-based to mixed economy, with an aim to expand agriculture with limited industrial growth. The plan was to achieve faster growth and higher levels of average material welfare. Prominent items on the plan include economic forecast, policies towards the private sector and a budget of expenditure. In this ambit, the Nigerian leaders abrogated to themselves the sole right to determine what the objectives are and even tailored the policies to suit themselves especially during the military rule. Priotization of objectives was also determined by the release of funds by the Federal government to executive national goals. The inability of the private sector investment to general sufficient funds for widespread development, the national consensus was to call for foreign investment, which was about 50% (Encyclopedia of the Nations) After the civil war, the Gowon-led administration established a 2nd National Development Plan from 1970-1975. The promotion of re-construction and the restoration of Nigeria’s productive capacity in order to be self-reliant was the bone of contention. In 1972 the first indigenization decrees that excluded foreigners from investing in specified businesses and increased the participation of indigenes in certain trades in the country was promulgated. In line with the indigenization process, the government bought 60% of the equity in major oil companies in Nigeria. The government of Nigeria instituted a 3rd National Development Plan in 1975-1980, after the overthrow of Gowon, by M. Muhammed. – The objectives were to expand agriculture, industry, transport, housing, education, health facilities, water supply, rural electrification and community development. Oil boom proceeds in 1974 did not last and this affected the realization of most objectives; although Udorji commission recommendation hyped inflation which served as a counterpoise to development generally. The 4th National Development Plan by Shagarri (1981 – 1985), did not help the already troubled situation. There were increased food imports, falling oil revenue, the inability of the local government to take responsibility of the local agro-based projects. The seizure of power by
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Buhari from Shagari in 1985, placed a set-back on the 5th National Development Plan. He abandoned the plan and fronted a 3-year rolling plan between 1990 – 1992; due to uncoordinated economic growth shrouded with uncertainty, the military regime of Buhari revised the plan at the end of each year and new targets, milestones and estimates were added. Babangida’s development plan tackled inflation by stream lining of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), liberalizing the Broadcast Industry and stabilizing the naira exchange value, among others. He admitted the country into Organization Of Islamic Conference. Obasanjo’s ruling plan stressed on consumer-power/ market-oriented economy, where the forces of demand and supply determine the price of products. He established the GSM industry in 2003, a move that liberalized the telephony industry. He also set up Green Revolution campaign. Umaru Yar A'`dua assumed power as the president (13th Head of state) on 29th May 2007 at the securing of 70% of the votes cast. He was the first Nigerian president to declare his assets; in order to forestall my issue of corrupt enrichment by his cabinet members. He died 5th May 2010 while in power, he tried to broker peace in the Niger delta and war against widespread corruption. GoodLuck Jonathern emerged from the post of vice-President between 2007-2010 as president of Nigeria 6th May 2010. he pursued the objectives of his predecessor, in the areas of agriculture, power and oil industry. He privatized the power sector among 15 investors. The youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN); was to galvanize youths and create 40,000 – 50,000 jobs. Religious sectarian violence brought about security challenges especially by the Boko Haram group. We also had ethnic military clashes by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). Due to excessive violence on 14th May 2013 Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe &Adamawa states. On 16th Jan. 2014 the president appointed a new chief of defense staff and months after a new IGP. Beliow are incidents of violent attacks by insurgents in Nigeria: (See Table 1).
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TABLE 1 SOME CASES OF SECTRIAN VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA No. Date Nature of vidence Venue Remark 1. Dec. 1929 Thousands of women riot in Calabar & Prisoners release protest against tax policy Owerri and attack on bank imposed by colonial Barclays bank & administration foreign owned stores/shops. 2 May 1953 4-day class between the Kano No Record northern Muslims and Southern Christian 3 1960 Muslim sect called Yan I Zala Kaduna Casualty not created unrest in Zaria and recorded Kaduna 4 Dec 1980 Maitatsine sect attack on Kano About 5,000 religions figures and police & people died army including Maitatsine himself 5 Oct 1982 Violence at Bulumkuttu, Borno & Over 1,000 maduguri & kaduna Kaduna persons died 6 Oct 1982 Torching of a mosque at Kano Struggle for rights Kafanchan College of of supremacy of Education worship by members Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS) and Muslim Student Society (MSS) 7 Mar. 1983 Reprisal attack by FCE Kano 12 people died torching of several mosques 8 Jan-mar Violent clashes and emptions in Yola 1,000 persons 1984 Yola & torching & destruction died. & about of lives and houses, 30,000 people left homeless 9 April 1985 Set of maitatsine clash with Gombe Several hundreds government troops die 10 1 July Violent clashes between Ogun The slaughter of a 1999 Yoruba traditional worshippers Hausa woman for and Hausa groups in sagamu, violating the Ondo state traditional rites of Oro masqueraders. 11 22nd July violent reprisal clashes in Kano The sagamu attack 525
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1999 Kano, by Hausas against against Hausa Yorubas that live in Kano groups in Ogun state. Casualty figures undisclosed. 12 20 Dec Islanic fanatics torched 14 Kwara No known cause. 1999 churches in Ilorin 13 21-22 Feb Violent riots by Muslim in Kaduna To support the 2000 Kaduna introduction use of Sharia Estimates of death are put at 2,500-3000 persons. 14 28 Feb Violent killings of Muslim in Abia Reprisal killings 2000 Aba and Umauhia for kaduna crisis 15 8th Sept Religions riots on Kaltungo Gombe The 2000 implementation of sharis 16 12 Oct Religious riot in kano Kano Protest ofU.S. 2001 attack of Osama bin Laden. Over 150 persons killed 17 7-7 Sept Violent clashes between Jos An attack on a 2001 mulslim and Christians in Jos. Christian woman Churches & properties or either who trespassed a destroyed barricade of muslim worshippeers on Friday, along a public highway. 300 people died. 18 16 Nov Violent attacks by Muslims on kaduna Miss World 2002 christian residents and churches pageant article in a newspapaper, that was regarded as unwholesome by the Muslims over 250 people died 19 1st Feb Religious Clash Between Borno Cartoon about 2006 Christians and Muslims in Prophet Mohamed Maiduguri in Jyllands-posten newspaper. 30
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churches were burnt & over 50 people killed. 200 shops, 50 houses and 100 vehicles destroyed. 20 21Nov Clashes Between Christian And Plateau Controversial 2008 Muslims In Jos city election results in a local ward level. Over 700 people killed & thousands displaced 21 26-30 July religious sectarian violence Bauchi, Over 700 people 2009 carried act by Boko Haram on Kano, Borno, killed, 3500 people Christians Yobe displaced, 1,264 children orphaned, over 392 women involved &properties destroyed 22 29th Dec Attack By A Muslim religions Bauchi Over 38 persons 2009 sect kala kato on Christians killed, about 20 sect members arrested and over 1000 people displaced. 23 17-20th Jan Jos religious crises between the Plateau 320-550 people 2009 Muslims & Christians. killed about 40,000 persons displaced 24 7th Jan Fulani Moslems attack Plateau Over 500 persons 2010 Christian dominated villages, killed mainly Dogo-Nahawa, shen and fan children and women. 25 19th Jan religions clash between the Plateau 150 Fulani 2010 Christians and Fulani Muslims Muslims were in Jos killed and dumped in wells. 26 11th Apr. Suspected Fulani herdsmen Plateau Reprisal attack for 2010 attacked a Christian village of Muslims who were Berom indigene. killed on the 19th Jan 2010 houses, 6
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vehicles forced. No life lost 27 22nd mar clash between the Fulani plateau Attackers were 2010 (Muslims) herds men and alleged to be instilments of Tusuns village in Berom Christian Barkin-Ladi LGA youths No 28 22nd may Killing of 3 Fulani herdsmen plateau Suspected 2010 of the village Tusung in infringement by Barkin-ladi, L.G.A the herdsmen on farmlands of indigenes 29 22nd may Violent attack on Christians on Plateau Reprisal attack by 2010 the way back from their place Muslims over the of worship along Bauchi road killing of 3 Jos herdsmen Fulani (Muslim) many people were injured at least one person died. 30 17th july Fulani Moslems attacked a Plateau 8 people 2010 Christian village Mazah, at reportedly killed, night. seven houses and a Church torched. 31 29 may Bans bless in town in North FCT, Bauchi After the swearing 2011 Zuba Mkt, Abuja, mami & Kaduna in of Jonathan as market, Bauchi & Zaria President 32 29 Aug Clashes at Rukuba Road and Plateau 50 persons were 2011 Farin clash between Muslims injured and 73 and Christians vehicles destroyed. It was carried out by the Boko Haram sect 33 16 june Suicide bomb attack at police FCT Six persons were 2011 Head Quarters killed and 73 vehicle destroyed. It was carried out by the Boko Haram sect 34 26 Aug Suicide bombing at the U.N. FCT 23 persons died 2011 House, Abuja (11 United Nations personnel & 12 non-U.N
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personnel) 35 5 Nov Coordinated attacks at police Jos, Borno Over so persons 2011 stations Yobe killed, many churches and police stations burnt. 36 25 Dec Bomb explosion (IEDS)planted Niger 45 persons were 2011 in the parking lot of a church killed; while over 80 persons injured. 37 5-6 Jun Suspected Boko Haram gun Gombe 6 persons reported 2012 men charged into a church and killed and many shot at worshippers injured. indiscrimnately 38 5-6 Jun Religious sect militia launched Adamawa 22 persons were 2012 an attack on Ibo Christians who killed and a dozen gathered for burial other injured. arrangements of their late brothers.
39 20th Jan Indiscriminate Shooting at Kano Over 180 persons 2012 offices and police station died 40 8th Feb Bombing by Boko Haram at Kaduna Scanty records 2012 Army Head quarters 41 16th Feb Prison Break Kaduna 119 prisoners 2012 released 42 3rd June Attack on Church Goers Kaduna 15 persons killed 2012 43 17th 3 churches were bombed by Kaduna Unspecified June2012 suicide bombers. number died 44 18Sep Attack on a family Borno 5 persons killed 2012 45 19th Sept Army raid militants Borno Kill Abu Qaqu 2012 46 3rd Oct Mubi night time raid Adamawa 20 persons killed 2012 47 18 Mar Kano Bus bombing. Kano 22 persons killed 2013 & 65 injured 48 19th May Gun battle between security Borno 200 persons killed 2013 forces and Boko Haram over 1000 injured suspects 49 7th may Attack on army barracks and Borno 55 killed and 105 2013 police post inmates freed
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50 6th July School shoot-out by Militants Yobe 42 students killed 2013 51 11th Aug Attack on Mosque in Konduga Borno 44 people killed 2013 52 29th Sept Attack on Gujba College of Borno 40 male students 2013 Agriculture killed 53 20th Oct One Attack Borno 4 motorists killed 2013 54 2 Dec. Attack on military base in Edo No record 2013 Benin 5 14 Jun Attack by suicide bomber Borno 31 persons killed 2014 56 26 Jan One Attack in Kawuri Kano 45 people killed 2014 57 Boko Haram attack Nigeria Chad Border 44 fishermen Fishermen on their way to L. killed and 44 22& 26 Chad and twin female suicide Maiduguri persons died in the Nov, 2014 Bombers attack Maiduguri In market attack main market
56 11th Konduga Borno 21 persons killed Feb.2014
57 10th Massacre at Izghe 106 persons killed Feb.2014
58 14 Mar Fed. Govt. coll. Attack at Buni 29 persons died 2014 Yadi
59 14th Mar Raid on military barracks Borno 600 detainees 2014 Maiduguri freed
60 14 Apr Abuja bombing, killed 60 pass FCT Over 200 injured 2014
61 1st May Car bomb explored in Abuja, FCT 19 persons killed, 2014 injured 60 others
62 13th May Boko Haram attacked 3 Gombe 60 villagers lost 2014 Villages, menari, Tsangayari their lives. Book and Garawa, killing 60 pas. Haram lost 200 Gombe but lost 200 in battle members.
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63 Ist May Suicide bombin Kano Kano Figures not known 2014
64 20th May Twin car bomb plasts 118 killed 2014
65 30th May Assassination of Muslim 2014 leader.
66 1st June Mubi bombing on field Adamawa 40 persons died 2014
67 2nd June Militarts dressed as solders shot Borno 200 killed 2014 at unsuspecting civilians
68 6th June- Six attacks, 5 lavilians died 58 Borno 50 Boko 19th June borno Boko Haram killed, 60 Harmaites killed, 2014 abducted 60 abducted 69 June 20-26 4 attacks Borno 93 civilians killed, 2014 60 abducted
70 June 27- 2 attacks Borno 112 killed Jul. 3
71 July 4th- 10 attacks, 1 kidnap Borno 130 killed July 21th B/Haram lost 53 2014 72 August 1 attacks Borno 28 persons died 1 11th 2014 kidnapped
73 October Armed forces clash with Boko Adamawa Scanty records 29th – Haram take over Mubi and Nov. 2014 Chibok Borno
Implications and Recommendation The balance of interests between religious and ethnic cleavages in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country should be the paramount inspiration in the minds of our political leaders. This balance is a key driver of national integration, peace, unity and progress. Paradoxically significant and sustained strides have not been taken in this direction and challenges are 531
Volume II, Issue IX, January 2015 - ISSN 2321-7065 witnessed in the areas of mutual understanding, sense of belonging, trust and confidence amongst the citizenry. The political and economic situation in Nigeria is well founded in three structuralist discourses viz: the Neo-Marxist Dependency Model, Environmental Scarcity Theory and Greed- Versus-Grievance Theory. The revenue facade of Nigeria, paints a solo image of crude oil profit returns. Other minor returns are from import and excise duties, mining rents and royalties. Capital gains tax 10%, personal income tax 10% 30% assessable profit-tax, license taxes of various cadre as well as businessmen/ entrepreneurial taxes, termed as tax clearance certificates The depletable resource oil-which has depreciated in its price in the world market has thrown the nation into a structural adjustment programme. Evidence of factional struggle for resources, ethnic fragmentation, religious polarization, mobilization of state power by privileged parties to advance the struggle and defend the cause of self government, inter-tribal conflict, religious sectarian crises, bigotry, nepotism, god-father syndrome, systemic corruption and generic bribery define the ‘lacuna’ that has shaped the nations destiny. The ethnic-coloured ideology of politics manifested by the pioneer politicians coupled with the colonialist co-operation in that direction, shaped the formulation of 1954 constitution after a meeting in London. The three regions of the country (North, South, West, South East) each produced one ethnic based political party, that represented the three major ethnic groups of Nigeria (Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Ibo) respectively. Agitations that ensured before the 1954 constitution were based on the struggle of self-government among the three ethnic parties. In 1953, there was a violent clash by the Hausas, Ibos and Yorubas in Kano city. This set a warped precedence in political power tussle in Nigeria and this syndrome has persisted till this day. The performance of Nigeria, economically and politically falls below par, when compared with other countries of similar size and comparable resources. A number of key factors have been identified by the World Council of churches May 2012 joint delegation of Christian and Muslim report (Markoe 2014). The factors of Religion, Politics/governance, ethnic, Legal and Economic are prime determinant of the nation’s political stability, others are: - Religious Factor: Revenge killings, organized reprisal killings, breakdown of cooperation within NIREC Nigerian inter-religious Council. 532
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- Political/Governance Factor: This includes corruption, dispute about the seat of power (self-governance) come 2015, o Inability to transform all cases of incidents of violence o dearth of documented evidence of crises and mitigation efforts o porous boundary structure especially in Northern Nigeria. - Ethnic/(Social) Factor: Illiteracy, poverty (almajiri syndrome) - Legal: This includes extra-judicial killings, improperly defined rights of indigenes and settlers, injustice and failure of prosecution of offenders - Economic: This includes oil derivation fund and sharing formular and under- development of oil-producing areas. National Emergency Management Agency NEMA (2012) revealed that 65% of the northern farmers that produce beans, maize, rice, onions, pepper etc have been forced to relocate southwards, a move that may cause serious food shortage or famine in the nearest future. In Nigeria it is difficult to divulge religion from politics and ethnicity; and even more difficult to solve one without regards to other underpinning elements within the frame work. We advocate conflict transformation strategy in the wake of frequent hostilities in the current dispensation. Conflict transformation is a generic comprehensive term referring to actions and processes seeking to alter the various characteristics and manifestations of violent conflict by addressing the root causes of a particular conflict over the long term. (Wikipedia, 2014). Conflicts can only be resolved by emotional location of people involved through adressing their human psyche. The basic perception of violence should change in the psyche of the average individual by nationwide advertorials and propaganda in this respect. Humans are emotional beings and must be trained to separate neurophysiology or emotions from ideas if we must get along or else we will find ourselves trapped in them. Violence though unwelcomed can be seen as a positive move to change, and not an adverse move. This step can breed negotiations and re-balancing of religious and cultural interests in these ways:
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Development of religious and cultural practice tolerance through transformation of ideologies about religion and culture by working on the emotional intelligence of indvidual stakeholders. Re-direct the storyline of Nigerias political history through transformative ways of handling neagtive emotions like fear, pain, dis-trust, anger, deprivation etc to forgiveness and re concialiation. Development and maintenance of techniques to boost balance of interests and equainimity while avoiding frustration and self doubt which conflicts do not settle.
Harmonizing ethnic militia interests with national goals through transformation of underlying beliefs in the failure of the Nigerian State Addressing of indigene-settler status holistically by statutory regulations enforced from grass root level Full indoctrination of youths about the supremacy of unity (as GOD/ALLAH is a loving master, not a radical one) Fostering hope in the Nigerian State and unity in the schools of the young, by provision of basic education facilities and equipment to give them a sense of belonging Engagement of idle youths in formal education, skills acquisition or farming with the aid of a transparent local government system. Introduction of exclusive state legislative list to empower the states to develop faster and amendment of the con-current list of responsibility for both Federal, State and Judiciary arms of government. Down play the introduction of independent state religion and finally edge it out as enshrined in the constitution. To address the above topical issues and other matters, the government should involve a round- table conference of high-integrity middle class local-based actors (not elite or past-political leaders) in the academia, religion and humanitarian duties. The aim is to broker peace in conflict zones and issues. These leaders are supposedly vast in matters of the warring communities and
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Volume II, Issue IX, January 2015 - ISSN 2321-7065 should look at thir participation in the peace and unity process as a national sacrifice not a fat- pay-packet assignment. The result of this dialogue will re-align attitudinal behaviour and mend relationship between the Christians, Moslems, ethnic groups from diverse zones. The sense of helplessness, deprivation, neglect, distrust, fear, mutual suspicions and marginalization will all be things of the past. This peace agenda is a long-term project that is sustainable over time through successive regimes and should be backed by a legal framework. Conclusion In Nigeria, religious sectarian violence can be approached by adopting a seven-point agenda 1. Religious sectarian conflict is misconstrued as a negative and devastating move but should be re-appraised as a bottled-up energy exerted in a positive direction to enforce change. Conflict in this context, potential synergy between the human psyche and and conflict transformation should be harnessed harmoniously. 2. Religious sectarian conflict- transformation demands a heart to heart talk and ability to strike (when the game changes) at the right time the right balance between a heart to head talk. In all this strategic effort is geared cvcat gathering grass-root information from the middleclass citizenry and locals about the root causes of the problem and developing an inventory of possible steps of containment. 3. The religious sectarian conflicts should not be singled out as theatrical events of the opposition that can be nipped in the bud instantly but as an integral part of the nations on going display of political antecedents for the development of the country. 4. Peace builders should not only seek to contain and manage the conflict in the long-run but transform the complex process through an all-embracing engagement and interactive session for a sustained period of time. The processes we have been adopting have proved incongruent with the values they espouse (Cloke 2014). Cloke recommends 'brief therapy'. 5. The religious conflict transformation process is special in the sense that most conflicts of this nature appear intractable and can fuel protracted violence if mishandled. The process 535
Volume II, Issue IX, January 2015 - ISSN 2321-7065
is achieved by re-directing the major contentions of the warring parties, in ways that allow each concrete grievance to be tabled for dialogue. 6. Religious conflict transformation creates new ways of thinking about a mutual problem and comprehending the issues from a ‘nouveau’ limelight with honesty, good conduct according to the law, preserving core values and principles being our guiding position. 7. It is impossible to teach anyone how to resolve conflict as anything chaotic and evolving is highly unpredictable and unmanageable instead help them to build confidence by improving their awareness and development of non-violent skills.
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Volume II, Issue IX, January 2015 - ISSN 2321-7065
References ACLED (2013). Armed Conflict-Location and Event Data Base www.strausscenter.org/acled.html. Alozieuwa, S.H.O: (2013). Contending theorieson Nigeria’s Security Challenge in the Era ofBoko Haram Insurgency. Peace & conflict Review ISSN: 1659 – 3995. University of Peace. CIA World Fact Sheet (2011). Wikipedia www.wikipedia.org Cloke K. (2014) Building Bridges between Psychology and Conflict Resolution: Implications for Mediator Learning www.mediate.com/articles/cloke7.cfm... Encyclopedia of the Nations (2014). Nigeria: Politics, Government andTaxationwww.nationsencyclopedia.com. Ibrahim, R. (2012). Muslim Persecution of Christians. Gatestone Institute Middle East Forum. Kukah H.M. / (1998). (Reprint Edition). Religion, Politics and Power in Northern Nigeria. Ibadan: Spectrum Books, Limited, 1993. Markoe L. (2014). Nigeria: five things to know about Religious Violencewww.huffingpost. Okereke, N.C. (2011). “Implementingthe Nigerian Defence Policy: Reflections on the BokoHaram Crisis; in Mbachu, O. and Sokoto, A.A. (eds) Nigerian Defence and Security: policies and Strategies Kaduna: Medusa Academic Publishers Ltd. Olamilekan A.A. (2014). A Critical Examination of Boko Haram Insurgence attacks in Nigeria and Possible Solutions. Lekanspeaks.bravesites.com Rayrel-Querol M. (2012). Ethnicity, political Systems and Civil Wars journal of Conflict Resolution. SAGE Publications. Sampson I.T. (2014). Religious Violence in Nigeria: Causal Diagnoses and Strategic Recommendations to the State and religious Communities Pp. 103-133.
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