Separatist Movements And Nigeria'S Struggle For Political Stability
Christian Osikhueme Ogunobo
Department of Political Science and International Relations Istanbul Aydin University
Keywords: Nigeria, Federalism, Separatism, Political Stability
Abstract
This study addresses the reasons of separatist agitations in Nigeria since its inception as a British colony and protectorate, as well as potential remedies for halting the country's fragmentation. The stability of the Federation of Nigeria, which was formed by colonialists from a jumble of ethnocultural groupings, has frequently been threatened by separatist agitations by Nigeria's different ethnic groups. The continuance of separatist is attributed to the ethnocultural diversity of Nigerian peoples and their mutual dread of dominance, which is exacerbated by divisive colonial policies. Furthermore, following decades of military rule, over-centralization of the federal system has ensured Hausa/Fulani hegemony in the federation and subjugated the states to the centre, undermining the underlying principles of Nigeria's federal arrangement that no ethnic group shall be dominated by others and that states shall be encouraged to develop at their own paces according to their respective fiscal capacities and comparative advantage. Re-inventing Nigeria's federalism in line with its basic principles through devolution of authority from the centre to the component states, which will strengthen the states and lessen the center's dominance, is the solution to the ongoing threats of separatist.