AMEH, Emmanuel Ugbedeojo, PhD.
&
DANIEL, Hoshen Eugene, PhD
Abstract
Nigeria is a country with diverse cultural activities embedded in ethnic groups, religions, and
traditions. Without doubt, Nigeria is divided across six geopolitical zones: south-south, south-east,
south-west, north-east, north-west, and north-central. And each of the zones is seeking equal
representation in the realm of national affairs due to poor governance and exclusion experienced
across the regional zones, which has stimulated agitations and a quest for separatism. Thus, this
study examined the upsurge and dynamics of agitations and separatists as constraints to
peacebuilding and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. To address the issues raised, this study adopted
a secondary method of data collection by reviewing previous research works in published journals
and newspaper reports. The study discovered that the primary causes of agitations and separatists
in Nigeria are marginalization, proliferation of arms, unemployment, and religious intolerance. The
study reviewed two theories: the presidential theory, which explained how poor governance has
polarized Nigeria in all facets of development, and the frustration-aggression theory, which showed
how political office holders have left the majority of Nigerians frustrated due to poor governance
and has fueled all kinds of agitation and civil disobedience. Thus, to solve the problem of agitations
and maintain peaceful coexistence, the following recommendations are suggested for a quick
response that will save the country from lawlessness and upheaval. Restructuring and devolution
of power for proper representation. Ten years of imprisonment for anyone found guilty of illegal
imposition of arms. Peace education by traditional institutions on the need to respect human rights
and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic or religious differences. The government should
create job opportunities for the teeming youths, particularly in the agricultural sector. Security
forces should be given proper orientation on the need to be civil in devising means of checking
information disseminated on social media that is capable of disrupting peace.
Introduction
The merger of the Southern and Northern Protectorates in 1914 resulted in the formation of Nigeria
(Mbalisi & Okeke, 2021). Nigerian unification was a result of colonial prejudice and subjugation,
which were done as a matter of convenience for easy administration. For example, Paine’s
assessment of ethnic unrest or bloodshed in Africa, as well as the toxic patrimony of pre-colonial
states, provided insight into…