Socio-Economic and Political Dimensions of Conflict
CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
As a social creature, man (economic, social and political status notwithstanding) craves for and enjoys freedom of association, freedom of movement, right to embark on any lawful economic activity, having the right to vote and be voted for, and to live in a conducive environment devoid of wars or tyrannical government. When all, or at least most, of these conditions are attained, the outcome is usually the creation of avenues for peaceful co-existence of individuals and groups. Conversely, non-attainment of these conditions is the precursor of disputes, disagreements and violent agitations, the end product of which is social conflict. In the light of the foregoing, Ibenwa C. N. posits that conflict is ontologically rooted in human insatiable and often incompatible needs. The denial of these needs, the author further stated, makes resolvable conflicts to degenerate into violent agitations or armed conflict. Essentially, conflict is inevitable in human interactions. Wherever and whenever people interact, there is bound to be disagreements, misunderstanding and disputes. Furthermore, conflicts can take different forms or assume different dimensions, some of which include: political, social and economic dimensions. Dimensions here refer to an aspect or feature of a situation (Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, 1998). This work shall examine and explain the socio-economic and political dimensions of conflicts. However, due to the all encompassing and universal nature of conflicts, focus will be laid on conflicts in Nigeria alone. This is due to the fact that, as the most populous and heterogeneous nation in Africa, Nigeria has had its fair share of conflicts dating back to the colonial era. Again, all the conflicts that have been witnessed in the country can be said to have socio-economic and political undertones. But differently, conflict is a regular feature in Nigeria, due largely to the multi-ethnic and plural
1. INTRODUCTION
As a social creature, man (economic, social and political status notwithstanding) craves for and enjoys freedom of association, freedom of movement, right to embark on any lawful economic activity, having the right to vote and be voted for, and to live in a conducive environment devoid of wars or tyrannical government. When all, or at least most, of these conditions are attained, the outcome is usually the creation of avenues for peaceful co-existence of individuals and groups. Conversely, non-attainment of these conditions is the precursor of disputes, disagreements and violent agitations, the end product of which is social conflict. In the light of the foregoing, Ibenwa C. N. posits that conflict is ontologically rooted in human insatiable and often incompatible needs. The denial of these needs, the author further stated, makes resolvable conflicts to degenerate into violent agitations or armed conflict. Essentially, conflict is inevitable in human interactions. Wherever and whenever people interact, there is bound to be disagreements, misunderstanding and disputes. Furthermore, conflicts can take different forms or assume different dimensions, some of which include: political, social and economic dimensions. Dimensions here refer to an aspect or feature of a situation (Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, 1998). This work shall examine and explain the socio-economic and political dimensions of conflicts. However, due to the all encompassing and universal nature of conflicts, focus will be laid on conflicts in Nigeria alone. This is due to the fact that, as the most populous and heterogeneous nation in Africa, Nigeria has had its fair share of conflicts dating back to the colonial era. Again, all the conflicts that have been witnessed in the country can be said to have socio-economic and political undertones. But differently, conflict is a regular feature in Nigeria, due largely to the multi-ethnic and plural
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