GOVERNANCE AND TERRORISM IN NIGERIA: AN APPRAISAL OF BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY IN NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was conducted to establish the relationship between governance and terrorism in Nigeria. The study was aimed at determining the factors that may be responsible for emergence of Jamatul Ahalis Sunna Lidawa’ati wal- jihad (Better known as Boko Haram) in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the relationship between governance failure and Boko Haram. Documentation research design was used for the study. The major research findings based on the research questions answered revealed that, there were significant relationship between bad governance and the emergence of insurgencies like Boko Haram in Nigeria due to the inability of the state to discharge its responsibility. Poverty, unemployment, youth restiveness, bad leadership, according to the findings are not only a manifestation of governance failure but had exacerbated general insecurity there by led to terrorist and terrorism. On the basis of these findings, the study concluded that good governance must be provided in terms of provision of employment, curtail poverty and youth restiveness. The study recommends among others that the state must create opportunities for employment, dialogue with aggrieved sect group and good governance.