1.0 Introduction
When we talk of terrorism we have to bear in mind that there is a very big difference between terrorism and freedom fighting (terrorists and freedom fighters).
Both of them can be said to be fighting for their fundamental human rights. But while terrorists are faceless elements that come together and starts terrorizing the society. Freedom fighters are a group of people who are known and have gathered to press for their freedom.
Terrorists does have definite location rather mix up with the society and start unleashing their terror to women, children, the elderly as well as able bodied people.
The emergence of terrorism is traced to bad governance. When people's rights are violated and trampled upon. When a section of the country feels marginalized there is the chance of some people coming together to make the country insecure or ungovernable.
Therefore, for the purpose of study the researcher's focus is on pure democratic leadership style which allows the citizenry the freedom of expression so that there will not be friction between the leaders and followed by reducing such friction, there is bound to be peace.
1.1 Background of the Study
“Terrorists and terrorism” has become the world's monomaniac over the years. The single biggest threat to United States security both short-term, medium term and long term problem. Bringing America to the picture is because of the fact that she holds the world economy. Whenever America's economy is threatened it affects the whole world, especially the developing countries like Nigeria.
Terrorism has become Washington's major problem since the 9/11 terrorist attack which prompted American to embark on foreign / military policy that saw the development of about 94,000 U.S. troops, 40,000 N.A.T.O. troops and about 100,00 mostly highly paid contractors into Afghanistan. These numbers of troops were assigned to crush the AI-QAEDA terrorist numbering not more than 100 and 15,000 partly and full-time irregulars associated with the Afghan Taliban terrorists.
The reason for the emergence of these terrorist groups is as a result of the Bush Administration's foreign policy in the Middle East. Over time now America has been directing their resources in fishing out terrorist's hideout instead of aiding developing country like Nigeria now that Nigeria is facing security challenge. America is no more concerned on our welfare as a people but on how to label Nigeria a terrorist enclave. This security problem has brought untold negative impact on our economic development and progress.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Sine the concept of participation evolve from the field of human relation, it has been misunderstood by many. Participation is therefore the act of one taking part in something that affects him directly or otherwise. This is done in a special way of delegation thereby allowing people to air their view in matters that concern them.
By not allowing active participation by the population by the population brings us to the styles of leadership. And in leadership the major function of leaders is decision making. When decisions are made which affect some sections of the country negatively, and impacts on some positively, here is over 50% of the marginalized to rise up in fight for their rights.
People can adopt various ways of trying to express their grievances but the worst of all of them is thorough terrorism. By resorting to terrorism the country is plunged into regression instead of progression. It affects development because prospective investors are scared away both local and foreign investors.
1.3 Objective of the Study
This study attempts to achieve the following:
- To determine the impact of terrorism in developing country like Nigeria.
- To determine the role of government in preventing terrorism.
- To find lasting solution to terrorism.
- To discover the best leadership style that will be able to accommodate all in the society thereby preventing terrorism.
- To educate the masses on the need shun terrorism as there are many other ways by which people can be heard.
- To educate future leaders in the type of decision making which is appropriate for carrying everyone along.
1.4 Research Questions
This research seeks to identify the different views of some stakeholders on the issue of terrorism. In order to achieve this, the following questions is posted to quid the study
- How does good governance prevent the emergence of terrorism?
- How does bad governance affect the society and stimulate them in terrorist actions?
- What is the best method of decision method that ensures good governance?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following hypothesis was formulated for this study:
- Ho: Bad governance affects the society and stimulate them in terrorist actions.
- Hi: Bad governance does not affect the society and stimulate them in terrorist actions.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will guide the leaders of this great country like Nigeria and many other countries of the world on how to formulate policies that will be for the general welfare of the citizens of the country, and not for a particular section of the people.
By applying the recommendations of this research work it will go a long way in creating in our leaders the zeal to apply pure democratic style of leadership that will accommodate everyone and make our country a better place for all.
Moreover this research work will be of a great help for future researchers. It will be a useful tool for further research works.
1.7 Scope of the Study
In as much as this research work does not lay claim to 100 percent of its usefulness, notwithstanding it is of the view that majority of those stakeholders in the world politics will benefit from it. Though this study which is the impact and significance of terrorism on developing countries it is not aimed at benefiting Nigerians alone but the whole world at large politically.
As earlier stated, assessment of the impact of terrorism on developing countries, the causes and recommendations for its prevention is in effect to analyze the constrains of effective leadership which in effect causes the emergency of terrorism. This study centered on Nigerian political scheme and the various terrorists groups that have been in existence over the years.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
Due to the nature of the focus of study which is terrorism, it was very cumbersome for people or respondents to express their views withoue fear.
Also due to the nature of their professions like the secret security services (SSS). It was hard to extract the truth about terrorism from them.
This research work is strictly restricted to Nigeria political environment in relation to lack of development and progress experience in Nigeria.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Al-Qaeda:
This is a terrorism group founded by an Arabian fugitive Osama Bin Laden. The origin of this group dates back to early fifties when the Soviet Union (USSR) was occupying Afghanistan. Osama was trained by the American and sent to Afghanistan to help in flushing the Soviets from the country.
After succeeding in this task he decided to form a terrorist group whose objective is to Islamize the world's politics. He viewed all western countries (Europe and America) as infidels. Thus, turning against America and her allies. Top on his terrorist effort is the attack on Pentagon and the twin towers of the famous world trade centre on 11th of September 1999.
Taliban:
This is another terrorist group that believes and is fighting for what they perceive as a just cause. Actually, they are not widely believed to be a terrorist group only that the way they are coming out their campaign is not the way a freedom fighting group goes about their cause. This group is based in Afghanistan but is operating in Pakistan also. They are against all western culture. They believe in egalitarian society.
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