Quest for Autonomy: Examining Self-Determination and the Resurgence of Separatist Movements in Nigeria

Abstract

Separatist agitations have been a reoccurring issue in Nigeria to push various agendas. These agitations are fuelled by unresolved national questions such as perceived marginalisation and recently, insecurity. The study assesses the resurgence of separatist movements in Nigeria, focusing on the agitations of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Ilana Omo O’odua (IOO) and the application of the principle of self-determination. Relative Deprivation theory was employed as a framework for analysis. It also used a qualitative-descriptive approach. The study discovered that seceding groups often employ the principle of self-determination as an instrument to justify their agitations. The argument provided that the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference of state are undermined by remedial secession and the principle of responsibility to protect (R2P) because of the growing shift from state-centred to human-centred security. The paper suggests that rather than using force that has only succeeded in escalating the situation, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) should be prepared to employ dialogue and referendum to address these agitations.