1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background Of The Study
A critical analysis of the Igala and its people shows that they were not born with the culture of violence in them. They were known for their productive farming activities and hunting. However, the drawn of modern political development and the current nature of selfish political terrain that took control which has set politicians and electorate on the collusion course in the realm of rat race syndrome for the survival of the strongest has negatively affected the land and the culture of the people in any sphere of human endeavour particularly in the political realm.
The people of Idah and Igalamela-Odolu local government in Kogi State are not exampled from the negative impact of this phenomenon in Igala land as the issue of political thuggery has adversely affected these two neighbouring local government areas.
Igala and Igalamela/Odolu local government areas over the years has become a fertile ground where politician bread thugs to use them to achieve their selfish electorate interest. The people of the two local government areas are known for peace and unity.
Consequent upon the lifting of the political activities in 1999 by the head of state, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Nigeria especially politicians girded their lion in readiness for a political showdown. The people of Idah and Igalamela/Odolu local government areas are not exempted from this showdown. This showdown instead of concentrating on the positive aspects, the negative aspect becomes prevalent. This make the people character it has become a national phenomenon that has eaten deep into the life fibres of the state and the country at large.
1.2 Statement Of The Problems
Political thuggery is al evil that must be avoided. The society is not convenient with the attitude and act of thuggery. Thugs are gaining so much ground and recognition in Idah and Igalamela/Odolu local government on a daily basis. The number of thugs continues to increase.
These are some of the problems.
- Thuggery cause conflict in the society during election and campaign and it brings shame to a nation.
- Though, thuggery many people have lost their life and properties. Thuggery brings shame to a nation
- Thuggery affects the socio-economic and political development of Igala land and particularly Idah and Igalamela/Odolu local government areas
It is in view of the above that this research study was undertaken.
This study is designed to examine the effect of political thuggery and to seek for a means of covering this problem that has brought discomfort to the people of Idah and Igalamela Odolu local government area.
1.3 Research Questions
For the purpose of this research study, the following research questions are raised.
- How does political thuggery affect the peace and unity of the local government areas under study?
- Does political thuggery affect the socio-economic and political development of local government area under study?
- What are the causes and effect of political thuggery in Idah and Igalamela/Odolu local government area?
- Have the government does enough in the area of combating political thuggery in the local government areas under study?
- Why do youths involved themselves in the act of thuggery?
1.4 Objectives Of The Study
In this study of research work, it is pertinent to know that political thuggery brings reproach and shame to a nation. It was for this reason that the following objectives are stated below:
- To examine the cause of political thuggery in Idah and Igalamela/Odolu local government area
- To identify the dangers of political thuggery
- To examine the reactions of the government on the issue of political thuggery
- To examine the socio-economic and the political implication of thuggery in Idah and Igalamela/Odolu local government areas
- To proffer recommendations based on the findings.
1.5 Significance Of The Study
The significance of this study cannot be over emphasized or under estimated since it is aimed at looking into the effect of political thuggery.
It is also intended to help eradicate totally or reduce to the barest minimum, the necessary rate of crime by providing means to free the youths from this pressing problems, since it is the youths that are the masters minder of thuggery.
1.6 Scope And Limitations Of The Study
The scope of this study as a matter of fact refers to areas of coverage of this research study.
This study is centred on the effect of political thuggery on good governance in Nigeria with Igalamela/Odolu and Idah local government areas in Kogi State. This study discourage youths involved in political thuggery between 2007-2011.
A lot of difficulties were encountered in the course of carrying out this research work. These difficulties include finance, low level of education of respondents constraints, difficulties in getting materials which may be highly confidential etc.
1.7 Definition Of Terms
In order to ease the comprehension of the study, it is pertinent to define some basic terminologies that are connected with political thuggery. These terminologies that will ease the understanding of the topic of discussion are;
Politics:
Politics is the noun form of ‘’political’’ political is an adjective of politics. The word politics is not narrowed won to only one definition. Many scholars share different view on the definition of politics. Some definitions of politics are;
- Politics according to Harhold Laswell can be defined as who get what, when and how.
- Abraham Kaplan defines politics as the sharing and shaking of power
- David Eastern on his own viewed politics as the authoritative allocation of values in the society.
- Karl Max defines it as the inter class struggle for the redistribution of social and economic goods, values and services
Broadly, therefore, politics can be defined as the struggle to acquire power necessary for policy making authoritative allocation and redistribution of resources and values of the society.
THUGGERY
Thuggery refers to violent, usually criminal behavior and is carried out in a federation, state or local government by some group of people known as thugs. Kogi State digest July 2011.
1.8 Organization Of Study
This research project is divided into five chapters.
Chapter one is the introduction of the work that is followed by the area covered; background to the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, significance of the study, research questions, scope/limitations of the study, definition of key concepts.
Chapter two is the literature review, and includes; literature review, overview of political thuggery, causes of political thuggery, bad leadership, unemployment, illiteracy, lack of parental control, lack of political sensitization, effect of political athuggery, destruction of human lives, retardation of socio-economic development, political thuggery causes inter party wrangling, political party serves as threat to her society, the reaction of government towards thuggery activities.
Chapter three is the research methodology and includes research design, area of study, population of the study, sample of the study, description of instrument, administration and retrieval of instruments, administration of research questionnaires and method of data analysis.
Chapter four is the data presentation and analysis and includes data presentation, analysis of data, testing of hypothesis, discussion of findings.
Chapter five is summary, conclusions and recommendations.
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