Conflicts among Farmers and Pastoralists in Northern Nigeria Induced by Freshwater Scarcity

In recent times, freshwater scarcity in northern Nigeria has increased the prevalence of conflicts in certain parts between farmers and pastoralists because they are among those whose source of livelihood are most threatened.  Competition for access to the diminishing freshwater resources often pitched both groups against each other. This paper describes situations that constitute freshwater scarcity and examines conditions under which such scarcity ignites conflicts among farmers and pastoralists in northern Nigeria. The research adopted a survey design of an ex post facto type.  The sample population consisted of 150 farmers, 100 pastoralists, and 50 from government officials, NGOs and members of the public.  These were selected from the three northern geo-political zones of Nigeria through purposive sampling technique. The instrument used was a structured questionnaire complemented by a semi-structured interview schedule. Reliability test of the questionnaire for internal consistency In statistics and research, internal consistency is a measure based on the correlations between different items on the same test (or the same subscale on a larger test). It measures whether several items that propose to measure the same general construct produce similar scores. recorded a Cronbach value of 0.87. Data from 232 respondents were retrieved with 77% response rate which included 102 farmers (44.7%), 52 pastoralists (22%), and 78 other members of the public (33%).  Analysis was done using Multiple Regression and Pearson Product Moment Correlation.  Findings showed a significant positive relationship between freshwater scarcity and conflicts among farmers and pastoralists (R2 =0.146); and struggle for access to sources of water, and not water scarcity per se, was found to be the most potent predictor of causes of conflict (?= -.278; t= -4.838).  This paper found no support for the commonly held belief that demographic variables, like age, religion, tribe, socio-economic status and level of education cause conflicts.  Results showed an insignificant relationship (R2 = 0.054) of those variables with conflict among farmers and pastoralists.  The study concludes that freshwater scarcity and conflicts instigate a loss of livelihoods to farmers and contributes to diffuse and persistent violence such as ethnic clashes and regional interstate conflicts. Key Words: Freshwater Scarcity, Farmers, Pastoralists, Conflict, Northern Nigeria

The War on Terror and the Afghan Stalemate

The present campaign of war on terror led by the United States of America in Afghanistan seems to be an intractable involvement. Justification for the invasion of the country has generated lots of debate over time.  Afghanistan has a history of being a theater of war for centuries. This paper joins the discussion by reviewing the background to the rise of the Taliban and the al-Qaeda network that the present campaign tries to dislodge.  The work also examines submissions made by observers on the real motive behind the onslaught of the two groups.  Findings show that interest in securing oil deals by the US and Taliban’s lack of cooperation might have resulted in the hostilities.  There seems to be a convergence of views that there is a stalemate and it would be difficult for the war in Afghanistan to be won by the US and her allies.  This paper concludes that America’s involvement in Afghanistan has led to the dispersion of the al-Qaeda network with many sympathizers in other parts of the world who adopt terrorism to assert their views and challenge American interests.. Key words: Afghanistan, United States of America, War on Terror, Taliban, al-Qaeda

“Who Is My Neighbour” in Relation to Governance in Nigeria

The paper explores the principle “who is my neighbor” in relation to governance in Nigeria from the Biblical and legal perspectives. Biblically, a neighbor is the person who shows mercy to another in need of help.  Central to the legal perspective of a neighbor is the duty of care. Both perspectives form one unity and indivisible form of law known as “who is my neighbor.” The study is anchored on the systems theory propounded by David Easton which explains the relationship between political processes with other aspects of social life. The study explains that while the legal perspective seeks to prevent the neighbor from harm, the Biblical seeks to redeem or cure. Therefore, the neighbors in relation to governance in Nigeria are the various organs of government and authorities and persons exercising legislative, judicial and executive functions. These organs owe Nigerians the duty to conform to, observe and apply the principles of justice and equity in order to achieve good governance and welfare of all citizens. Keywords: Governance, Neighbor, Duty of Care, Citizens, Welfare

Weapons Delimitation in Modern Iran and Ancient Israel

Iran’s development of its nuclear program has been regarded with suspicion over time by the international community.  Even though guaranteed by the nuclear non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) to develop nuclear technology for non-military use, it is feared that Iran may be developing a clandestine program that could lead to nuclear weapons production.  This work examines the provisions of the NPT and situates Iran’s right to nuclear development.  It discusses the basis on which the world powers place their suspicions of Iran’s true intentions.  The paper also does a biblical exegesis of a similar scenario in the book of I Samuel 13:19-23 when ancient Israel, under suspicion of weapons development, was not allowed to develop its metal and agricultural tools industry by the Philistines.  The paper concludes that in both cases, the quest for balance of power led to the efforts on weapons delimitation on Israel and Iran. Keywords: Iran, Israel, Nuclear Weapons, Delimitation, Nonproliferation

A Legal Reponses to Global Terrorism for the Attainment of World Peace

This paper is concerned with the response by the legal regime of International as well as Municipal Law to the malady of terrorism and in what ways the regime of law can contribute to improve world peace and security. It is quite clear that terrorism has acquired a global and pernicious reputation.  Significant among remedies proffered that may grant relief to humanity from the scourge of terrorism is the utility of the legal framework on Anti – terrorism as panacea to this global crisis. This work therefore undertakes a critical exegesis of the framework of laws related to terrorism. In several countries including the US, Australia, United Kingdom and others, in addition to the legal Anti-terrorism initiative by the United Nations Security Council and the African Union, there are specific laws against terrorism. This work looks at the imperative of strengthening the legal framework of Anti – terrorism globally. The methodology of analytical criticism is adopted for the purpose of this study. The work concludes with recommendations including the imperatives for strengthening of the institutional framework of law against terrorism as panacea for world peace. Keywords: Terrorism, Anti – Terrorism Legislation, Global Peace and Securit

Conflict over Water in Genesis 26:12-33: Implications for the Church in Sub-Sahara Africain Relation to Support for the Millennium Development Goals.

This paper sees a similarity between the promise to provide a better life to Abraham’s descendants and the promise of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to address the challenges facing the world.  Drawing from the patriarchal experiences in Biblical times with water scarcity situations and the attendant conflict potential, this paper surveys welfare issues connected with water scarcity in the Old Testament with parallels in Africa.  Although water is the most abundant resource on earth, its diminishing state in usable form poses a continuous challenge to large populations in the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, exposing those affected to certain vulnerabilities. The paper argues that a careful examination of the Millennium Development Goals shows the strategic importance of water in achieving them in varying capacities. Specifically, water is needed to reduce poverty, reduce hunger, achieve food security (Goal 1), and to achieve environmental sustainability (Goal 7). The paper submits that the Church in Africa must contribute to the achievement of the MDGs, failure of which will jeopardize the realization of the goals and by extension affect the ministry of the Church negatively. Keywords:  Water Scarcity, Conflict, Church, sub-Sahara Africa, Millennium Development Goals

An Evaluation of the Role of Religion in the Development of Nigeria

There has been an ongoing debate on the assertion that religion has any role to play in national development. The continent of Africa is facing great emergence of underdevelopment and Nigeria is not left out. This is evident in her educational, social and economic deterioration. This paper sought to discover the reason for the deterioration and sketch the role religion has played in the development of Nigeria to ameliorate her state. Qualitative and descriptive method of inquiry was used in this study and it was discovered that mono economy, corruption, religious intolerance and lack of good governance contribute largely to underdevelopment. It also found out that religious groups have played starring roles in national growth through the provision of schools, hospitals, micro loans in partnership with directorate of rural farmers, inculcating morals through teaching in religious and political assemblies for national growth. The article recommends among others an improved partnership of the government arm and the different religions. Keywords: Religion, National Development, Nigeria       

CREDIBILITY COMMITMENT AND PEACE BUILDING IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA

The occurrence of conflict is predicated on several factors. While some are caused by the neglect of early warning mechanisms, others are as a result of subversive reactions to disproportionate distribution of resources and power; and or failed interventions to the conflict. The conflict in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has been primarily driven by grievances related to resource exploitation, environmental degradation, and socio-economic marginalization. Despite various intervention efforts aimed at addressing these issues and fostering peace, the region continues to experience periodic resurgences of violence. This study examines the critical factor of credibility commitment in the context of peacebuilding initiatives of the federal government of Nigeria and its influence on the resurgence of the conflict in the Niger Delta region. The method of data gathering is drawn from literature and biographic narratives of the actors and victims of the conflict. The study notes that credibility, whether perceived or actual, plays a vital role in the success of peacebuilding efforts in conflict societies. When stakeholders, including government authorities, international organizations, and local communities, perceive intervention programs as lacking credibility or sincerity, trust is eroded, and the likelihood of conflict resurgence increases. Furthermore, a lack of commitment to addressing underlying grievances and root causes of conflict, and implementing sustainable solutions, undermines the effectiveness of peacebuilding initiatives