Leveraging equity and fairness in the distribution of political positions to promote unity and security in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria has witnessed diverse forms of insecurity and conflicts in the past ten years. This ranges from farmers-herders conflicts, Boko Haram insurgency, ethnic violence, religious extremism, kidnapping, and political crisis. The insecurity challenge also has a new face in the activities of organisations such as the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and “Ilana Omo Odua” clamoring for secession and independence from Nigeria. The activities of the IPOB and “Ilana Omo Odua” have sometimes partially paralysed economic activities in the South Eastern and Western parts of the country and aggravated the security problem in the regions. The current insecurity issues are not without human and economic costs. Reports show that insecurities have caused over 70,000 deaths in Nigeria between 2012 and 2020, with Boko Haram insurgency alone causing about 37,500 deaths, 2.5 million displacement, and 244,000 refugees .