Ethno-communal Conflict and the Local Government System in Nigeria: A Desideratum of Peace Building

Abstract

Ethno-communal conflict is a major bane of the Nigerian local government system. This paper examined the social and political conditions that predispose communities and groups to conflict, the impact of conflict on the citizenry and how it vitiates development. A descriptive research design was used. The study was conducted in Nigeria between February 2012 and March 2013. Being an ex-post facto research, relevant documents on ethno-communal conflict, peace building and the Nigerian local government were consulted. The critical study, analysis and evaluation of opinions, data and other information formed the basis for explaining and understanding ethno-communal conflict, its persistence and the failure of the local government to build peace. Relevant statistics were presented to substantiate the position. Using qualitative and quantitative content analysis, the findings showed that Nigeria local government system failed to mobilize for citizenship training, reduce poverty, social discrimination and build peace and security. Statistics showed that poverty increased among the rural dwellers in Nigeria. Out of a rural population of 65 million, 17.1 million live below the poverty line with 27.2% poverty incidence in 1980. In 2010, out of the 163 million rural dwellers, 112.47 million live below the poverty line and 69% poverty incidence. Other poverty indices used showed that food poor =48.3%, absolute poor=66.1%, relative poor = 73.2% and dollar poor=66.3% for rural population, while urban population had food poor=26.7%, absolute poor=52%, relative poor=61.8% and dollar poor=52.4%.Causes of conflict included differences in access to resources, culture/identity and democracy participation. It was inferred that local governments are ineffective in ethno-communal conflict management because it lacked the resources and powers to do so. Conclusively, it was recommended that peace education should be introduced in formal and informal settings. Conflict resolution and peace building mechanisms should be established in the local government councils.