Kashere Journal of Politics and International Relations

The Rise of Banditry in Northwest Nigeria: Examining the Security Implications and Pathways to Stability

Anthony Israel Rufus, Ekoja Bernard Ogbe — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The rise of banditry in Northwest Nigeria has emerged as a significant threat to regional security, posing severe challenges to governance, public safety, and socio-economic stability. This paper examines the root causes of banditry in the region, including widespread poverty, unemployment, and competition over scarce resources, particularly in rural areas. The weakening of state authority and poor law enforcement have further exacerbated the problem, allowing armed groups to operate with impunity. The security implications are profound, ranging from violent attacks on villages and kidnappings for ransom to the displacement of thousands of people, creating a humanitarian crisis. This paper also explores the intersection of banditry with other forms of criminality, such as cattle rustling, arms smuggling, and links to terrorist groups, complicating efforts to restore order. As banditry spreads across the region, it undermines public trust in government institutions, hampers economic development, and fosters political instability. In response to the challenges, this paper evaluates various pathways to stability, including strengthening local governance, improving law enforcement capabilities, and addressing the underlying socio-economic drivers of crime. Cross-border cooperation between Nigeria and neigbouring states is also considered essential, given the transnational nature of bandit operations. The paper advocates for holistic approach, combining security measures with long-term investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to address the root causes of violence. Ultimately, the study argues that a comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy is key to mitigating the threat of banditry and restoring peace and security in Northwest Nigeria.

Effect of Supply Chain Management Practices on Contract Dispute Resolution in Nigeria’s Public Sector

Sadeeq Ahmad Abubakar, Theresa Omang Okoli — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the effect of supply chain management practices on contract dispute resolution within Nigeria’s public sector. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from surveys from procurement professionals and public sector managers. The study aims to assess how various procurement practices, such as supplier relationship management, procurement planning, and contract administration, influence the frequency and resolution of contract disputes. Findings indicate that effective supply chain management practices significantly contribute to reducing contract disputes by improving transparency, communication, and compliance in procurement processes. Quantitative analysis revealed a strong correlation between robust procurement practices and a reduction in dispute occurrences, supported by a chi-square test demonstrating a significant relationship (χ² = 12.1, p < 0.05). Conversely, the impact of court judgments on dispute resolution was found to be less significant, with enforcement challenges and procedural delays mitigating their effectiveness. The study underscores the importance of proactive procurement strategies in minimizing disputes and suggests that while judicial interventions are necessary, their effectiveness can be significantly enhanced through improved enforcement mechanisms. The research contributes to the understanding of how procurement management can be optimized to address and resolve disputes more effectively in the Nigerian public sector, offering recommendations for policy improvements and future research directions.

Electoral Violence and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria

James Arome Ameh-Ogigo — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Electoral violence remains a significant challenge to democratic consolidation in Nigeria. The country’s transition to democratic governance has been marred by frequent violent conflicts during election periods, undermining the legitimacy of electoral outcomes and eroding public trust in democratic institutions. This paper examines the root causes of electoral violence in Nigeria, including ethnic tensions, economic inequality, and weak state institutions. It further explores the impact of such violence on democratic consolidation, focusing on how it disrupts political stability, hinders voter participation, and encourages authoritarian tendencies. The study was anchored on the basic proposition of frustration-aggression theory originally proposed by Dollard, Doob, Miller, Mowrer, and Sears (1939), believes that the primary source of human capacity for crisis or violence is the aggression mechanisms. The anger induced by frustration is a motivating force that disposes people to aggression irrespective of its instrumentalities. In conclusion, the paper argues that addressing electoral violence through reforms in the electoral processes, strengthening rule of law, and promoting inclusive political participation are essential steps toward sustainable democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

Hezbollah Involvement in Israel-Hamas War: Causes and Implications 2023-2024

Edgar Agubamah , Odigbo Stephanie Theresa — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Hezbollah is a well-known non state actor in the world, especially in the Middle East. In fact, it is the most militarily equipped and organised non state actor in the world. It also has a well networked social service arm and political administration amongst its members. Hezbollah is situated in Lebanon, precisely in the southern part. These exceptional sterling qualities made people to designate the robust militia organization as a state within a state. Hezbollah’s objectives are to rid Lebanon of foreign occupiers, freedom of the Arab world, and to establish Islamic shite state in the area. From their aims one can easily see why Hezbollah is hell bent in attacking Israel or supporting her enemies. In this work our focus is to examine the causes or factors that pushed Hezbollah to engage in the Israel-Hamas war and by extension look at its implications. To effectively, do this we sought for data using documentary evidence from textbooks, journals, Newspapers, Magazines and internet materials. In addition, we use the non-state actor’s theory as an analytical tool. The study discovered that factors like historical, ideology, political, and regional dynamics pushed Hezbollah into engaging in the Israel-Hamas conflict while issues like escalation of violence, humanitarian casualties, dragging of global state actors into the crisis, regional instability, strategic diversion and complication of diplomatic effort to settle the crisis are seen as the implications. Be that as it may, the study recommends that both Israel and Hezbollah should refrain from belligerency and rather embrace dialogue and other diplomatic lee ways.