The quote by Paul Krugman, “Politics determine who has the power, not who has the truth,” is identified as a significant source of political instability in our country. Development economists have put forward two theories, the “Resource curse” and the “Dutch disease,” which shed light on why political instability and corruption persist despite Nigeria’s abundant natural resources.
Natural resources, rather than being a blessing, have become the root cause of our developmental challenges. This is evident in the case of Nigeria, a country rich in resources yet plagued by perpetual political instability.
Political instability refers to a state where a government or political system is shaky, uncertain, and vulnerable to changes, conflicts, or crises. This instability can result in power struggles, protests, violence, or even the downfall of a government. The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2015) defines political instability as a political scenario where sudden changes or collapses are likely to occur in a society.
In essence, political instability encompasses communal violence, rural or religious uprisings, urban unrest, coups, civil wars, and disagreements among the elites. All these types of political instability can lead to widespread violence. Similarly, political instability refers to an unconstitutional change of government, whether regular or irregular.
Moreover, it occurs when a country is in a state of political turmoil. Political instability arises when the government and society fail to address the grievances of the population or a specific segment adequately. These grievances can stem from internal, external, or political sources, depending on the circumstances.
Political instability has persistently been a significant factor in Nigeria. Despite the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians, it continues to deeply affect the country’s political landscape. The question remains: How and why did political instability become prominent in Nigerian politics? So true, discontent alone doesn’t always cause political instability; it’s the individuals and mechanisms that articulate grievances and mobilize people to demand change from the government that escalate tensions within society. The recurrence of violent conflicts indeed plunges a country into chaos and political unrest.
Conflicts often lead to political instability, and these conflicts can stem from three dimensions: the political dimension, the socio-cultural/religious dimension, and the economic and industrial dimensions. In Nigeria, conflict arises due to inequality in access to natural resources and political power. Meanwhile, the failure to hold accountable those who fuel conflicts perpetuates the cycle of violence and political instability. Elites and powerful figures in society often play a role in sponsoring violent conflicts.
The link between political instability and economic growth has long been a concern. Political instability remains a significant issue in modern times, impacting economic development and overall progress. It’s crucial to address these root causes and promote stability for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Absolutely, the modern political economy theory underscores the critical role of political stability in a country’s economic growth. An unstable political system can indeed impede economic progress significantly. According to this theory, a government is deemed inefficient if its policy objectives constantly change in a short period. Coalition governments, in particular, are viewed as a serious threat to political stability.
Furthermore, the modern political economy theory highlights that political instability can impact economic growth levels. The consistency of government policies and their effective implementation are closely linked to economic growth rates. Corruption, by reducing tax revenues, limits the government’s ability to provide essential public services for private sector development. It can divert resources away from vital areas like health and education, hindering a country’s growth potential.
Additionally, research by Emerson (2006) demonstrates that corruption has a detrimental effect on effective competition, a key factor influencing productivity and innovation. When competition is restricted to favor established firms or antitrust regulations are weakened, it can undermine effective competition, thereby affecting technological progress and economic growth.
It’s truly disheartening to witness how the lust for money in politics contributes to political instability in Nigeria. Bill Clinton’s observation about the misuse of money in politics resonates with the challenges faced in the country. When politicians view politics merely as a means to amass wealth, it diverts crucial resources away from national development, as seen in cases like the ongoing probes.
The impact of political instability is evident in Nigeria, especially with the persistent violent conflicts that have plagued the nation for decades. This instability hampers the effective utilization of the abundant natural and human resources available in the country, leading to widespread poverty and economic hardships. Despite Nigeria’s vast resources and potential, political instability continues to hinder its progress as a regional power. Addressing these root issues is vital to unlock Nigeria’s true potential and foster sustainable development.
It’s really devastating to see how political instability in Nigeria has led to the loss of many lives due to violent crises like the Nigerian Civil War and ongoing conflicts with groups like Boko Haram, Harm Banditry, and Unknown gunmen. These tragic events not only result in human casualties but also have profound effects on the nation’s workforce and economy.
More so, the continuous political instability in Nigeria poses a significant barrier to foreign investment. The lack of peace and stability deters foreign investors from engaging in the country’s economy. Nigeria must create a peaceful and secure environment to attract foreign investments that can drive economic growth and development. Additionally, the conflicts have forced many to become refugees, putting pressure on social services and resources in both host communities and neighboring countries.
Addressing these issues is essential to foster stability, attract investments, and protect the well-being of all individuals affected by these conflicts. Nigerians must view politics as a noble calling to serve the people and distribute resources fairly. Political leaders should lead by example, focusing on promoting unity and peaceful co-existence among citizens rather than inciting division. Establishing mechanisms for crisis management and resolution within government institutions is vital to addressing tensions effectively.
Emphasizing good governance is key to ensuring social justice, equality, and equitable resource distribution. By prioritizing these principles, Nigeria can foster a peaceful and stable environment, reducing the need for citizens to face unnecessary hardships. Leaders need to work together towards creating a harmonious and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
Conclusively, Chinua Achebe aptly summarized the issue in Nigeria in his book “The Trouble with Nigeria.” He highlighted that the core problem lies in the failure of leadership. It’s not about the Nigerian character, land, or environment; it’s about the leaders’ reluctance or incapacity to meet the demands of true leadership, particularly in setting a positive example for others to follow. True leadership requires a commitment to personal responsibility and integrity, qualities that are essential for fostering a stable and prosperous nation.