The State and Internal Security in Nigeria: A Study of Anambra State, 1999 – 2013.

SOURCE:

Faculty: Social Sciences
Department: Political Science

CONTRIBUTORS:

Alumona, I. M.
Okoye, I. C.

ABSTRACT:

The essence of the state as acknowledged by many authorities is the provision of security and welfare for the citizens. It is, therefore, a fundamental responsibility of every state to ensure the safety of its citizens and others living within its territorial jurisdiction. In this regard, the incidence and character of insecurity in Anambra State, like in other states of Nigeria, has continued to raise serious doubts about the commitment and capability of the Nigerian state to provide adequate security for her citizens. This dissertation examined the role of the Nigerian state on the incidence and character of insecurity in Anambra state, in the period 1999 – 2013.The study relied mainly on a combination of primary and secondary sources of data. In doing this, the Marxist theory of the post – colonial state was adopted as the theoretical framework. The study found that the structural – functional weaknesses of the Nigerian state which has manifested in the constellation of some external and internal factors is responsible for the character of insecurity in Anambra state. Some of these factors include: the dysfunctionality of the Nigerian state, the structure of Nigeria’s federal governance, the parasitic character of the governing class in Anambra state and the excessive premium placed on power by the political class. It also found that the governance of security in Anambra state has not adequately responded to insecurity in the state because of the politicization of security structures and the processes of governance. The implications of these include the loss of confidence in the state by the citizens which has also affected their attitude to the state and their socio –economic responsibilities. On the basis of these findings, veritable recommendations were advanced. They include reforming the governance structure in the security sector, equity and re - orientation in policing, effective intelligence gathering and substantial improvement in the living standard of the people through qualitative education and economic empowerment. These recommendations if successfully implemented will help to check the incidence of insecurity in Anambra state and other parts of Nigeria.
KEYWORDS: Governance, Internal Security, Democracy, State, and Citizens