ID | 097702 |
Title Proper | Whose security? understanding the Niger delta crisis as a clash of two security conceptions |
Language | ENG |
Author | Uzodike, Ufo Okeke ; Isike, Christopher |
Publication | 2009. |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | This article takes an in-depth look at the Niger Delta crisis from two divergent but mutually reinforcing security conceptions, namely national versus people security. It contends that while the Nigerian government views security from the traditional statecentric viewpoint and accordingly acts to 'secure' the region, the people view security from a broader human-centric perspective, and thus responds negatively to state securitisation/militarisation. This clash of security perspectives sets the stage for and perpetuates armed conflict in the region as the net result of both sides' insistence on 'securing' their interests, resulting in a situation of mutual antagonism as they bring to bear their often considerable coercive capacities. Therefore, the broad question the paper grapples with is whose security is paramount, and against what threats is it aimed. It reaffirms the need for a paradigm shift in the focus on security by the Nigerian state from a state-centric perspective that views the people's agitation/resistance as 'terrorism', to a human-centric perspective that will justify its Lockean essence. This is essential, because the federal government's militarisation of the region fans the flames of ethnic-nationalism, exacerbating violence and perpetuating criminality with attendant destabilising consequences for Nigeria's economy and statehood. |
`In' analytical Note | African Security Review Vol. 18, No. 3; Sep 2009: p.103-116 |
Journal Source | African Security Review Vol. 18, No. 3; Sep 2009: p.103-116 |
Key Words | Traditional Security ; Human Security ; Niger Delta ; Militarisation ; Armed Conflict ; Environmental Despoliation |