1.1 Introduction
The term "ethnicity" is a derivative of the ethnic group and "nationalism" are clearly combined to form "ethno-nationalism." In a state with several ethnic groups, ethno-nationalism is evident when a particular ethnic group is subjected to deliberate oppressive policies or experiences denial, exclusion, or marginalization (Joireman, 2003). Nationalism is primarily an ideology political movement based on the belief that every country in the globe should enjoy political autonomy, equality of status, and equal rights (Mansbach and Rafferty, 2008: 712).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The Greek word "ethnos," which means tribe or race, is the source of the English word "ethnic." Numerous ethnic groups in Nigeria's Niger Delta are a blessing, and this has helped to ensure the state's sustainability. Divergent opinions have been raised by the Niger Delta's definition. Bello and Olutola (2016) asserted that, the extent of the ethno-political and sometimes religious crises that have engulfed the Federal Republic of Nigeria recently, cannot be examined in a vacuum from the historical events, processes, and causes that have helped to concretize them. Serving the interests of the British government, the Southern, Northern, and Lagos protectorates were combined into a one entity in 1914. In order to obtain the approval of other ethnic nationalities, such a political transaction was carried out without any conversation. The simplest way to characterize it would be that the colonial powers intentionally tried to undermine the growth and survival of nationalism within the federation by using ethnic nationalism as a tool for power acquisition (Ebegbulem, 2012).
The Ijaws are the oldest ethnic group in the Niger Delta, having lived there for approximately 7,000 years; the other ethnic groups have been there for roughly 1,000 years (Ibaba, 2005). The ethnic communities have existed in the region for many millennia. The general consensus defines the Niger Delta region as the south-south geopolitical zone composed of the states of Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Rivers (with Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states classified as core Niger Delta states). This definition is broadly accepted and is consistent with the position of OMPADEC.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act's more expansive and frequently contested definition, which covers the states of Abia, Imo, and Ondo, is incorrect. The Niger Delta is not an oil-producing region, despite what the NDDC Act claims. Geographical factors define the region's boundaries, as OMPADEC and the Willink Commission Report have noted. The Itsekiri, Isoko, Urhobo, Ogoni, Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ika, Ibibio, Efiks, Ukwuani, Abua, and other ethnic groups are among those found in the Niger Delta. The primary sources of food for the populace are farming and fishing. The Niger Delta is the center of Nigeria's oil industry, accounting for approximately 90% of the country's output. Although nationalist movements and ethnic nationalism have lately occurred in the Niger Delta, it is imperative that this study clarifies what nationalism is (Ibaba, 2005).
Contrary to other main ethnic groups, the Niger-Delta people who inhabited the country's South-South geopolitical zone had experienced years of deprivation (Çancı & Odukoya, 2016). The minority Niger-Delta people were excluded from colonialism, which mainly benefited the three dominant ethnic groups as previously stated. The Niger-Delta conflicts are plagued by these injustices, which are compounded by a strong veil of silence around a variety of environmental degradation-related issues. Oil spills are a major environmental issue that have impacted almost every aspect of their lives, including their access to water, soil, and even their health. Military governments have suppressed their demands most of the time, which has led to a lot of agitations and unrelenting violence in the area (Oluwaniyi, 2012).
Ethnic nationalism is a form of nationalism wherein the “Nation” is defined in terms of ethnicity whatever specific ethnicity is involved while Nationalism refers to the feeling of solidarity and loyalty by social classes towards the rules and institutions of the social formation in which they live (Ifesinachi, 2011).
Subrat (2010) defined nationalism as the sense of belonging to a particular state. According to Oluwaniyi, the Niger-Delta conflicts occurred in a setting of underdevelopment, pervasive poverty, ethnic autonomy, equity and self-determination, and a lack of political engagement and democratic accountability. Feelings of mistrust and a lack of patriotism followed these goals, which led to the formation of ethnic militias in the area and violent clashes. Their sense of deprivation has led them to take control of their own fate, which has damaged the nation's nationalistic image (Oluwaniyi 2011:147). The conscious awareness that one is a different nation, especially while interacting with other groups or nations. Nationalities strive for any kind of self-determination, including individual or communal statehood (Igwe, 2007: 283).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Effects of Ethnic Nationalism on Internal Security in the Niger Delta Region (1999-2014).
1.3 Statement of Problems
An investigation showed that ethnic nationalism is a common phenomenon in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ethnic nationalism in Niger Delta has been agitating for so long for self-determination and to control their God giving resources, in their quest to achieve their aims, their actions sometimes has generated a lot of tension to Niger Delta region. Ethnicity is not in and of itself an African issue. It can be used to further the nation's socioeconomic progress and stability. As what the militants are doing is not in their best interests in the short or long term, the organization must utilize its strong influence to call all of the militants to order as soon as possible.
The Niger Delta Avengers' actions have drawn criticism from the Bakassi Strike Force. According to the terrorist organization Bakassi, Nigeria's economy is being negatively impacted by the ongoing bombings of oil pipelines in oil-rich areas. The group urged the government to engage in discussion, stating that war is insufficient to address the situation. The Bakassi Strike Force is not the only group urging communication. Similar appeals have also been made by former terrorist leaders in the Niger Delta.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the Effects of Ethnic Nationalism on Internal Security in the Niger Delta Region (1999-2014). In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the Nigerian government institutions curtailed violent Niger Delta ethnic nationalism 1999-2014;
- To examine the ethnic nationalism that affect the internal security of Niger Delta region 1999-2014; and
- To proffer solution that will eradicate the challenges affecting Internal Security in the Niger Delta Region.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Has ethnic nationalism affect the internal security of Niger Delta region 1999-2014?
- Has Nigerian government institutions curtailed violent Niger Delta ethnic nationalism 1999-2014?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Nigeria government institutions have not adequately curtailed violent Niger Delta ethnic nationalism in the region 1999-2014.
- H1: Nigeria government institutions have adequately curtailed violent Niger Delta ethnic nationalism in the region 1999-2014.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Ethnic nationalism has not affected the internal security of Niger Delta region, Nigeria 1999-2014.
- H1: Ethnic nationalism has affected the internal security of Niger Delta region, Nigeria 1999-2014.
1.7 Significance of Study
The findings of this research will contribute immensely to knowledge and could be used as a guide for further research. It will be extremely helpful to other researchers who wish to learn more about this study and can also be utilized by non-researchers to expand on their research effort.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Effects of Ethnic Nationalism on Internal Security in the Niger Delta Region (1999-2014).
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research Material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
In this project, the key words used are; Amnesty policy, Niger-Delta, Nigerian Government, Nigerian State, social movement, violent repression.
Niger-Delta: The Niger Delta is the delta of the Niger River sitting directly on the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean in Nigeria.
Nigerian Government: Nigerian government is the system or group of people governing an organized community, generally a state. in the case of its broad associative definition, government normally consists of legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Nigerian State: Nigeria is a federation of 36 states and 1 federal capital territory. Each of the 36 states is a semi-autonomous political unit that shares powers with the Federal Government as enumerated under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Social movement: A social movement is a loosely organized effort by a large group of people to achieve a particular goal, typically a social or political one. This may be to carry out, resist or undo a social change.
Violent Repression: Violent repression is the use of force to restrict and control a society or other group of people.
