IPOB AGITATIONS AND POLITICAL STABILITY IN NIGERIA: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE SUPPORT GAINED

Celestina Ekene Chukwudi¹, Daniel Eseme Gberebvie², Ugochukwu David Abasilim³*, David Imhonopi⁴

¹Doctoral Candidate, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, ekenefinian@yahoo.com
²Professor, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, daniel.gberevbie@covenantuniversity.edu.ng
³Doctoral Candidate, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, ugochukwu.abasilim@covenantuniversity.edu.ng
⁴Associate Professor, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, david.imhonopi@covenantuniversity.edu.ng
*Corresponding Author

Abstract

In this paper, an assessment is carried out on the agitations by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for self-determination and how these affect the political stability of Nigeria. This is done through survey research design that made use of instruments of data collection such as a questionnaire in addition to interviews administered to IPOB members, IPOB leaders, community leaders, government representatives, police, and IPOB Lawyer from selected areas. The collected data were analyzed using quantitative data analysis software – Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 32. The study revealed that the support gained by IPOB promotes continuous agitations for self-determination by IPOB and will lead to a decrease in political stability in Nigeria. The paper concludes that it is common for people to always identify with and support the group they belong to especially when they are fighting for a common cause that will be beneficial to all.  In alliance with the findings, the suggestions from the paper are that policies of inclusiveness, where different groups as IPOB will be part of an entity without seeking for a separate country, should be supported either internally or externally. This will also raise the confidence IPOB with their group and various groups that are engaged in different types of agitations in Nigeria and furthermore will promote political stability in Nigeria.

Keywords: IPOB Agitations; Self-determination; Pro-Biafran and Agitator Groups; Political stability; Indigenous People of Biafra; Nigeria