Democracy, Youth and Violent Conflicts in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Violent conflicts have been a characteristic feature of Nigeria’s polity since the recommencement of democratic rule in May 1999. The various dimension of conflict witnessed ranges from ethno-religious, inter-communal, post-election violence, and so on.  Over 187 ethno-religious conflicts were reported between May 1999 and April 2009; and since 2009 boko haram activities have been on the increase and over 115 attacks reported in the north.   Nigeria is thus seen as a conflict prone society as no geopolitical zone is immune. Scholarly account points to youth as the prosecutors of over 90% of these violent conflicts and the youth constitute about 70% of Nigeria’s population. But are the youth victims of these violent conflicts or the perpetrators? A critical analysis of the situation using secondary data revealed that over 60% of youth lack access to employment and development opportunities. 90% of the 1,430,000 youths that graduated from tertiary institutions between 2004 and 2014 roam the streets and become victims for manipulation by corrupt political elites and their associates to perpetrate and persecute violent conflicts on their behalf in order to strengthen or legitimize their political and economic positions. Critically, youth are more of the victims of Nigeria’s democratic process that deny them opportunities and being the perpetrators of violent conflicts is but a manifestation of this denial. Therefore, value reorientation for political elites and more job creation programs for youths in both private and public sector of Nigeria’s polity is strongly recommended.

Key words: Conflict, Democracy, Electoral Process, Victims, Violence, Youth,