• Embed Doc
  • Copy Link
  • Readcast
  • Collections
  • 1
    CommentGo Back
Download
 
REINVIGORATING PEACE AND SECURITY FOR VISIONARYNIGERIA: THE FALLACY OF PEACE-ENFORCEMENT
By
Aliyu Mukhtar Katsina
08036168944, amkatsina@gmail.com, http://Aliyu.wordpress.com
PG Candidate, Department of Political Science and Defence Studies,Nigerian Defence Academy [NDA], KadunaBEING TEXT OF A PAPER PRESENTED AT THE FOURTH ANNUALNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF ISAH KAITA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION,DUTSINMA HELD AT THE COLLEGE AUDITORIUM28
TH
– 30
TH
JULY, 2009
 
 
Abstract
This paper examines the impact of peace and security on the general development of the Nigeriansociety. The paper challenges the existing and popular notion that peace and security arecommodities that can be purchased and imposed on a large scale at any-time through the applicationof instruments of force and coercion (armed forces, police) as exemplified by excessivemilitarization in the area of internal security. The paper hinges its arguments from the theoretical perspective of alternative security strategy which states that peace and security are conditions thatcan only be attained through the judicious and equitable use of state resources for the developmentof all segments of the society. The paper concludes with the position that lasting peace andsustainable security can only be achieved in Nigeria, if socio-economic equality, political stabilityand democratic ethics, culture, dialogue and negotiation prevail.
2
 
Introduction:
Armed conflicts, violence and civil unrests and measures to address these bygovernment (national and local) in Nigeria have overtime given rise to various securitydoctrines, strategies as well as policy frameworks that emphasise the utility of peace-keeping and peace-enforcement measures through the application of physical securitystrategies and instruments of coercion (militarism). One probable explanation for this stateof affair is the relatively narrow and militaristic conception of peace and security in Nigeria. The implication of this towards ensuring sustainable peace and security in thecountry and the general development of the society is simply flawed. First, even assumingthat peace and security can be ensured through the use of force, it then goes without sayingthat the group with superior force capability and resources would always have its way. Two,this has not always been the case; there are historical instances where groups are known tohave engaged in fierce competition for force-supremacy. The example of Niger-Delta inthis context is quite instructive. Between the Nigerian state and the youth militants there isa fierce competition to out-do each other in the acquisition and application of superior forcefor the maintenance of each others dominance in the region.This paper offers a new perspective on understanding the question of peace and securityfrom the hitherto conventional-militaristic doctrine that underpins the Nigerian nationalsecurity and defence policy and doctrine since independence (NNDP, 2006). In this newapproach, it is shown how economic development, equality and justice among all segmentsof the society complemented with a purposeful and dynamic political leadership are thenecessary ingredients to a sustainable peace and security in Nigeria. The effect of this onreinvigorating the Nigerian society is quite monumental.3
of 00

Leave a Comment

You must be to leave a comment.
Submit
Characters: ...
You must be to leave a comment.
Submit
Characters: ...