Leadership Failure and Separatist Agitations in Nigeria 1999-2017: Application of Relative Deprivation Theory on Secessionist Struggle

Abstract

Separatist Agitation constitutes a threat to the unity and security of Nigeria. Existing literature blames economic hardship as one of the factors that propel Separatist Agitation. Yet several government policies and programmes from 1999 to 2017 had aimed at tackling economic hardship and curbed poverty. Against this background, this paper examines leadership failure as a factor in Separatist Agitation in Nigeria, using Relative Deprivation Theory as a guide. The paper relies on qualitative data and review literature on government programmes that targeted poverty alleviation as well s empowerment by successive Nigerian government. The paper found that despite the elaborate policies and programme on poverty alleviation, Nigerians still grapple with economic hardship, because of failure of leadership to implement them. The Separatist groups have severally expressed lose of confidence in the Federal Government of Nigeria; and would thus want to secede. The paper therefore recommends that checkmating these agitations will involve initiating and satisfactory implementating development programmes that would culminate in meeting the material needs of Nigerians and restore the confidence of the separatist groups in the government.