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Igbo Political Elites And Movement For The Actualization Of Sovereign State Of Biafra (MASSOB), 1999-2012
Abstract
The study is entitled Igbo Political Elites and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Bier (MASSOB). The purpose of this study is to critically interrogate the role political elites of Nigeria play in the resurgence of separatist agitations in the political system of Nigeria. In this regard, the study specially probed the role of the interests of Igbo political elites in the resurgence of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). The study adopted qualitative research technique. Using this reset, technique, the researcher applied content analysis. Content analysis analyzed the contents of written documents. As an analysis study, the researcher carried out an analysis of the documentary data, sourced from second-sources of data. An eclectic theoretical approach, using elite theory and theory of instrumentalism adopted. The two theories complement the apparent inadequacies of each in explaining MASSOB as a separatist agitation phenomenon. The researcher discussed and analyzed the critical components of the research objective through which we tested the research hypothesis and provided reliable findings, among the research find include: (1) The resurgence of separatist agitation by members of the Movement for the Actualization. Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) is significantly linked to the interests of the Igbo political elites Persistent lack of unity among Nigerian political elites based on the absence of strategic elites and dominance of segmental elites has made Nigeria a violent state that allows separatist agitations to thrive (3) Separatist agitation serves as a ready instrument in the hands of Nigerian elites who always turn to this ethnicity phenomenon when they are disadvantaged in the contestation of national power and resources (4) The apparent lack of consensus among Igbo elites leads to the discordant voices on national issues thereby creating fertile ground for the emergence of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB Igbos have no unified platform with credible agenda that would counter the demands and activities MASSOB. The researcher recommended among other things that (1) Igbo political elites should avoid using their selfish personal interests into wooing Igbos to embark on separatist agitation,(2) Nigerian govern and stakeholders in the electoral process should make the democratic space more open so that more credible strategic elites be elected into positions of governance (3) Nigerian governments at all levels should empower the Nigerian citizens by making education more qualitative, accessible and affordable (4) There is a need to consciously create and empower the middle class that can rise to counter the existing segmental elites : country (5) There is a need for the Igbo elites to rise up to the challenge of MASSOB by providing Igbo public with alternative agenda that would address squarely Igbo multifaceted problems in Nigeria.
