THE NIGERIAN STATE AND DEMOCRATIZATION OF VIOLENCE: ISSUES AND PROSPECTS

¹Nwanolue, B.O.G, and ²Victor Chidubem Iwuoha

¹Department of Political Science, Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus,

²Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

 princenwanoluebog@yahoo.com; tchydubevick@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The mischievous modification of the object of democracy to compulsorily conform to the perversive character of the state in Nigeria is one of the important undoing of democracy. Core indicators of democracy such as human rights, social welfare and human security are either forgotten or overlooked entirely. These failures constantly spawn cheap mobilization of less privileged youths for violence in the country. The study seeks to establish a linkage between the contaminated type of democracy in Nigeria, exemplified by the culture of impunity, and the rising culture of violence in the country. We adopt qualitative method of data collection and analyses. We conclude that the perversive character of the state in Nigeria, which infected the acquired democracy, thereafter, conspires to democratize violence within itself. Hence, there is need for deepening democracy and good governance, to deliver popular public goods, such as provision of employment opportunities and social facilities.