Implications of the Boko Haram Insurgency on Democratic Consolidation and Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Democratic principles are universal principles and as an embodiment of the historical experience of humankind, their contribution to development wherever and whenever allowed to thrive has been significant. If democracy contributes largely to the development of such advanced countries as Britain, USA, France, Germany, Japan, etc. it can also guarantee speedy development in Nigeria, if it is allowed to thrive under a congenial atmosphere. The dynamics and sophistication of the Boko Haram operations have raised fundamental questions about national security, governance issues, and Nigerian corporate existence. Thus the trend of domestic terrorism as exemplified by the nefarious activities of the dreaded Islamic sect popularly known as Boko Haram has become a major concern not only to the Nigerian government but to the international community in general. The study identifies the current Boko Haram insurgency ravaging Nigeria, especially the North Eastern part of the country as a key challenge to democratic consolidation and national development in the country. The major thrust of this paper, therefore, is to investigate the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria - the origins, chronology of major incidents of Boko Haram insurgency, the Government's response to the insurgency, and analysis of its debilitating effects on democratic consolidation and national development in Nigeria. The work is rounded off with policy recommendations and a conclusion.