Subnational Crisis and Presidential Interventions in Rivers State; The Role of Administration

to Rivers State. The descriptive survey design enables the researcher to gather data directly from respondents through the use of structured questionnaires, thereby providing first- hand information on the subject matter. It is also suitable for studies that seek to understand opinions, perceptions, and experiences of individuals regarding a particular issue. The choice of this design is justified by its effectiveness in studying social and political phenomena, particularly E-ISSN 2504-883X P-ISSN 2695 2432 those involving human behaviour, institutional processes, and governance issues. It also ensures that data collected are reliable, measurable, and suitable for analysis. Research Question One What are the causes of sub-national political crises in Rivers State? To answer research question one, four structured questionnaire items numbering 1-4 on the causes of sub-national political crises in Rivers State were used to generate answers to the question. The respondents’ responses on the subject matter are presented in a table below using 5-point Likert scale. Table 1.1 Mean Analysis on the causes of sub-national political crises in Rivers State S/N ITEMS SA A U D SD MEAN (X) STD DEVIATION 1 Godfatherism 139 40 8 10 3 4.35 0.264 2 Party factionalism 110 70 4 10 6 4.10 0.278 3 Weak institutions 130 46 4 11 9 4.49 0.278 4 Personal ambition and ego 150 30 10 5 5 4.35 0.264 Source: Field Data 2026 Table 1.1 above illustrates the response rate on the causes of sub-national political crises in Rivers State measured on a 4-item instrument and scaled on a 5-point likert scale. From the data, the first question item shows a mean of 4.35 which is on the strongly agreed range of the scale. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th items with mean score of 4.10, 4.49 and 4.35 respectively indicate that the respondents are more inclined to the strongly agreed range of the scale used in the measurement. Research Question Two What are the administrative measures taken by the presidency in addressing political crises in Rivers State? In response to research question two, four structured questionnaire items numbering 1-4 on the administrative measures taken by the presidency in addressing political crises in Rivers State were used to generate answers to the question. The respondents’ responses on the subject matter are presented in a table below using 5-point Likert scale. E-ISSN 2504-883X P-ISSN 2695 2432 Table 1.2 Mean analysis on the administrative measures taken by the presidency in addressing political crises in Rivers State S/N ITEMS SA A U D SD MEAN (X) STD DEVIATION 1 Declaration of state of emergency 150 30 5 10 5 4.45 0.274 2 Reconciliation meetings 120 60 5 5 10 4.24 0.255 3 Brokered 8-point peace agreement 160 20 3 10 7 4.44 0.278 4 Transmission of state budget to the national assembly 120 50 10 12 8 4.24 0.255 Source: Field Data 2026 Table 1.2 above illustrates the response rate on the measures taken by the presidency in addressing political crises in Rivers State measured on a 4-item instrument and scaled on a 5-point likert scale. From the data, the first question item shows a mean of 4.45 which is on the strongly agreed range of the scale. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th items with mean score of 4.24, 4.44 and 4.24 respectively indicate that the respondents are more inclined to the strongly agreed range of the scale used in the measurement. Discussion of Findings Causes of Sub-National Political Crises in Rivers State Inflammatory Utterances of Politicians In recent years, residents of Rivers State have continuously been caught up in the unending tussle between leading members of the political class over political power. This situation has given rise to the polarization of the State across party lines which is the underlining factor for the series of heightened crises evidenced in the State. The leaders of the various political parties in the State exert enormous influence over their members such that statements emanating from them could whip up strong and often violent sentiments on the part of their members. This is corroborated by the Fund for Peace (2016) report which asserts that: Since the run-up to the March/April 2015 general elections, fierce rhetoric has often characterized exchanges between party supporters on radio, television and social media channels, including calls to take up arms against the military, to attack INEC officials on Election Day, to form a parallel government, as well as statements denigrating the judiciary and other important institutions. This inflammatory rhetoric may have contributed to incidents of violence breaking out between the candidate’s supporters, pushing the state into deeper levels of insecurity. The nature of such comments is quite capable of inciting violence within the State and also sends a wrong signal to foreigners and investors on the security situation in the State. This state of affairs eventually affects FDIs in Rivers State. Crime Reward System Recently, it is increasingly becoming popular for leaders of cult gangs and ex-militants to venture into politics themselves. Some have been elected into the State House of Assembly, and other notable offices within the State and beyond. The Fund for Peace (2015) notes that “the emergence of known ex-agitators and cult leaders in the current Rivers State House of Assembly suggests a further linkage between the struggle for political power and cult violence in the state”. E-ISSN 2504-883X P-ISSN 2695 2432 What this ultimately means is that acts of criminality are being rewarded and the youths who witness these rewards will only strive to perpetrate higher heights of illicit activities in other to be recognized, rewarded and celebrated as well. What is promoted therefore is a cycle of reward for crime. It is even more frightening that when some of these criminals are apprehended by the security forces, their political patrons ensure that they are swiftly released without trial in a bid to protect their image. This is because of the tendency that the longer the boys spend in police custody; the more likely they are to reveal their sponsors. Complacency of security operatives Lastly, security operatives are not left out in the ploy by politicians to seize power. Those who are entrusted with the responsibility of securing lives and properties have now been observed to be perpetrators of crimes against the people for financial gratifications. A report by Cleen Foundation (2019) who were official observers in the March 2019 elections in Rivers State corroborates this line of thought: ...Our observers reported the presence of different security agents including the Nigerian Armed Forces during the elections. ...In some places, their presence raised different security concerns. For example, in Gokana, Oyigbo, Degema, Ikwerre, Emouha, Ogu-Bolo, Okrika, Khana, ObioAkpor, Etche, Akuku Toru LGAs of Rivers State, Security Personnel in Military uniform were allegedly involved in sporadic shooting, voter intimidation, killing and carting away of electoral materials. In addition, observers reported that they were denied access into collation centres by armed men in Military uniform mostly in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. The above tactical illustrations collectively corroborate the conflict theory of Karl Marx that those who wield power will stop at nothing to ensure they maintain such power without considering the consequences. It has also clearly shown that majority of the crises currently witnessed in Rivers State are directly linked to power struggle by politicians who are desperate to get into power by any means possible, without recourse to the consequences of their actions. Conclusion Arising from the foregoing, it can be concluded that most incidences of violence and conflicts highlighted in this study always promote political instability which is having its toll seriously on the development of the state. Consequently, there must be concerted efforts by all and sundry in the state to put an end to all forms of political instability if most of the above recommendations are implemented so as to promote economic development in the country and to ensure transparency and accountability in government business Recommendations Those in government should focus on the growth of the state’s economy by boosting its revenue through the implementation of favorable economic policies in line with international best practices. Such policies will create a favorable business environment capable of luring foreign investors to the State. There is no gainsaying, that increasing the resources of the state will ultimately improve essential infrastructure and the welfare of the citizens thus, reducing crime rates. Government must strive to create jobs, reduce the vast unemployment statistics and empower her citizens with skills while creating the necessary infrastructure to support such skills and the enabling environment. Engagement of youths will drastically reduce the attraction to become political thugs or engage in illicit activities. Education should be subsidized for citizens so as to get as many persons as possible educated. When people are educated, they understand that there E-ISSN 2504-883X P-ISSN 2695 2432 are responsible and crime-free ways of making money. The financial benefits on public offices should be reduced to make it less attractive as this will curtail the get in by all means attitude of politicians. E-ISSN 2504-883X P-ISSN 2695 2432 References Ake, C. (1996). Democracy and development in Africa. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution. Akinwale, A. A. (2010). Political conflict and crisis management in Nigeria. Ibadan: University Press. Alemika, E. E. O. (2013). Security and justice in Nigeria. Lagos: CLEEN Foundation. Buzan, B. (1991). People, states and fear: An agenda for international security studies in the post- Cold War era. Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers. Ewetan, O. O., & Urhie, E. (2014). Insecurity and socio-economic development in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development Studies, 5(1), 40–63. Eze, C. (2018). Leadership and political crisis management in Nigeria. African Journal of Political Science, 12(2), 85–102. Ibeanu, O. (2008). Affluence and affliction: The Niger Delta as a critique of political science in Nigeria. University of Nigeria Press. Ikelegbe, A. (2001). Civil society, oil and conflict in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. African Studies Quarterly, 5(2), 1–19. Ikelegbe, A. (2017). Politics and governance in Nigeria. Benin City: Ambik Press. Imobighe, T. A. (2011). Conflict resolution and peace building in Africa. Ibadan: Spectrum Books. Merton, R. K. (1968). Social theory and social structure. New York: Free Press. Nwabueze, B. O. (2003). Constitutional democracy in Africa. Ibadan: Spectrum Books. Nwagboso, C. I. (2012). Security challenges and economy of the Nigerian state (2007–2011). American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 2(6), 244–258. Nwankwo, B. C. (2017). Political conflicts and democratic stability in Nigeria. Journal of Policy and Development Studies, 11(1), 55–70. Nwanegbo, C. J., & Odigbo, J. (2013). Security and national development in Nigeria: The threat of Boko Haram. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 3(4), 285–291. Obasi, I. N. (2015). Conflict management and resolution strategies in Nigeria. Enugu: John Jacobs Publishers. Okoli, A. C., & Orinya, S. (2013). Oil exploration and conflict in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria: A critical analysis. Global Journal of Human Social Science, 13(3), 1–10. Parsons, T. (1951). The social system. New York: Free Press. Wheare, K. C. (1963). Federal government. London: Oxford University Press. World Bank. (1992). Governance and development. Washington, DC: World Bank.