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Mike Omilusi

Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, Political Science, Faculty Member

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Mike Omilusi holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and teaches at Ekiti State University, Nigeria. He has wider exposure as a researcher, scholar, humanitarian volunteer, essayist, election observer and consultant with government, civil society groups and international organisations. His research interests are in the field of electoral democracy, political sociology, Migration and conflict studies in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Papers by Mike Omilusi

Ritual of Electoral Democracy, Growing Political Awareness and the Paradox of Contagious Scepticism

Advances in politics and economics, Aug 23, 2022

As one of the pillars of democracy, election has an inescapably ritual dimension that periodicall... more As one of the pillars of democracy, election has an inescapably ritual dimension that periodically attracts political actors and thus, it has become a barometer to measure political behavior across regions of the world. Nigeria has, after two decades of uninterrupted civilian dispensation, keyed into this global phenomenon. Although democracy has been the world's predominant form of government in the last five decades and there has been broad global progress on many aspects of this type of government, conducting credible and transparent elections still remains a herculean task in many African countries. For instance, Nigeria's troubled elections continually reflect the country's lingering "do or die" politics, poor electoral management and institutionalised impunity, defying attempts at entrenching democratic norms. Consequently, there is a seeming shift from voter apathy to outright voter boycott in the country-the 2019 election recording the lowest turnout (35 per cent) since 1999. This decline has been difficult to explain in the context of an electorate's seemingly better pre-election activism and political engagements. Hence, why large numbers of citizens continually refuse to participate in this most basic civic exercise should naturally provoke agitation. Employing secondary sources of data collection, this paper establishes the relationship between voter turnout and disenchantment and other underpinning variables associated with the Nigeria's electoral democracy. It foregrounds how low voter turnout remains a stubborn challenge to Nigerian democracy and the imperativeness for post-election audit.

M�grat�on and Human Traff�ck�ng: The A Case Study of the Dece�ved Sub-Saharan Afr�can Women �n Turkey

Turkish Journal of Diaspora Studies, 2023

This article is an in-depth desk review of migration-related issues in Africa, including new migr... more This article is an in-depth desk review of migration-related issues in Africa, including new migration trends, triggers of internal displacement and refugee flows, the African Union's migration policy frameworks, emerging threats to geopolitical security, and responsibility-sharing among African sub-regions. It explores the various variables that lead to migration within the African region, the extent to which they interact with one another, and the application of existing migration policy frameworks within the context of responsibility sharing. The article equally examines the African Union's (AU) current and planned migration governance institutions and member states' political will in view of the reality that managing migration is challenging due to its inevitable nature, magnitude, and heterogeneity. It emphasizes the need to develop strategic partnerships among national, regional and global actors in order to address Africa's migration and displacement challenges in a manner consistent with international standards.

Nigeria's post-election review: 1 A case for electoral reforms and grassroots advocacy strategies

Democracy has been the world's predominant form of government in the last five decades, and there... more Democracy has been the world's predominant form of government in the last five decades, and there has been significant global progress on some of its key elements. However, conducting credible and transparent elections remains an immense challenge in many African countries. For instance, Nigeria's troubled elections are a constant reminder of the country's enduring "do or die" politics, poor electoral management, and endemic impunity. Such hurdles equally thwart attempts to establish democratic standards. This article stresses the necessity for effective legal frameworks that integrate every component of electoral reforms in accordance with best practices. It recommends an empirical application of the hybrid of both participatory democracy and deliberative democracy, through informed, active, and engaged citizenry.

More Troubled Democracies, More Determined Freedom Fighters: A Concerted Global Effort Toward Exposing Autocratic Regimes

There is currently a great deal of relative inequality and a lack of liberties for individuals re... more There is currently a great deal of relative inequality and a lack of liberties for
individuals residing in troubled democracies and authoritarian regimes. The entire
democratic governance ecosystem is under pressure, including crucial components
like civil society, independent media, and the rule of law. Given this dire situation,
people in these countries often face oppressive and sometimes life-threatening
circumstances. The deliberate use of antidemocratic tactics by a wide range of
internal and external contexts and actors tends to be eroding democratic institutions
in many countries and thereby enhancing the triumphalism of authoritarian regimes.
However, there appears to be a correlative relationship between the increase in
troubled democracies or authoritarian regimes across the globe and the growing
number of determined freedom fighters, who strive to protect democracy and
ensure that citizens’ right to freedom is respected. The article reviews this global
trend within the context of the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF) which offers varied
thematic panel discussions, action-oriented workshops, art exhibitions, and theatre
lectures around issues of freedom, human rights, and democracy for its participants
worldwide.

Two Decades of Civil Society Activism and Advocacy: Navigating the Labyrinth of the Development and Security Agenda in Southwestern Nigeria

In the last two decades of democratic governance in Nigeria, the civil society organizations (CSO... more In the last two decades of democratic governance in Nigeria, the civil society organizations (CSOs), which form a large group of vocational, social, political, cultural, educational, and religious volunteer activists, are reputed for building local capacity and advocating with and for the poor, with a relatively visible impact on policy and practice. This paper builds on existing literature concerning how the empirical realm of civil society, to which advocacy is most directly related, has been utilized within the three different components of a comprehensive advocacy strategy– transformational (citizen empowerment), developmental (civil society strengthening) and instrumental (policy influence). Drawing from the perspectives of multi-sectoral, territorial, and local approaches, the paper also examines how development partners, practitioners and researchers can actively enhance civil society's resilience and sustainability to influence pro-poor policies and promote the developmental agenda in southwestern Nigeria. It specifically focuses on the mechanism for connecting the objectives and resources developed by Nigeria's six southwestern states through their Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) commission at the regional level as they relate to the problems and priorities that apply at the rural community level where the majority of the citizens reside.

Sectarian Revolution or Irregular Warfare? Interrogating the Proliferation of Violent New Religious Movements as Impetus to insurgency in West Africa

Sectarian Revolution or Irregular Warfare? Interrogating the Proliferation of Violent New Religio... more Sectarian Revolution or Irregular Warfare? Interrogating the Proliferation of Violent New Religious Movements as Impetus to insurgency in West Africa 622 actors in the proper context. In general terms, the article seeks to understand the nature and dynamics of insurgency and the upsurge of violent new religious movements in West Africa while contributing to the understanding of the ideological underpinnings and geographical locations of terrorism on the continent.

Voting with One's Feet or for One's Future? Electoral Migration, Voter Vulnerability and the 2019 General Elections in Nigeria

Electoral politics in Nigeria is traditionally characterized by tension-soaked atmosphere, outbre... more Electoral politics in Nigeria is traditionally characterized by tension-soaked atmosphere, outbreaks of violence both "incidental" and "strategic" coupled with zero-sum political systems which are high stakes and confrontational in nature. In view of the fact that elections are often heralded by palpable insecurity and held amidst open brigandage throughout the electoral cycle, institutions of democracy in the country become battle grounds and face enormous political pressure as a prelude to election day contest. The buildup to the 2019 general elections justifies this submission as many of the risk factors that affected past elections remain unchanged. Given such a picture as history has repeatedly painted with grim outlines, there is thus, a pattern of internal and cross border migratory movements during elections in Nigeria the elites relocating their families abroad and other Nigerians seeking refuge in their communities. The overriding questions are: How does this pattern of electoral migration impact on voter turnout and legitimacy of the process? How has this potential threat to the realisation of peaceful and credible election elicited synergy among government, political parties, media and the civil society on possible negative consequences of insecurity and fear of uncertainty? Using secondary sources of data collection, this article therefore, seeks to explore the interplay of voter migratory movement and election security in Nigeria. It avers that unhindered meaningful participation of citizens in public affairs, which is a distinguishing feature of democratic societies, is key to democratic sustenance in Nigeria. This is meant to entrench a credible electoral process as the foundation for building democratic institutions, two decades after the emergence of civil rule.

Enhancing the Impact of Public Policy as an Academic Entity in Malta

International Journal of Academic Research in Public Policy and Governance

This article highlights the continued relevance of public policy, as an academic entity, across n... more This article highlights the continued relevance of public policy, as an academic entity, across national and global settings. It suggests practical ways to enhance the impact of the discipline within the context of policy research and vertical-horizontal networking, identification of the nature and dimensions of existing social problems while ultimately addressing the everchanging and complex needs of the citizens. It concludes that researchers from the discipline should move beyond theoretical postulations and embrace advocacy and activism to make governments remain focused by enhancing the quality and impact of policies and services.

Irregular Migration as an Inevitable Way of Life? Participant-Observation from Europe

Turkish Journal of Diaspora Studies

In the last decades, unabated cross-Mediterranean refugee flows from Africa have geometrically ex... more In the last decades, unabated cross-Mediterranean refugee flows from Africa have geometrically expanded, despite the closure of borders and the introduction of new regulations. The number of Africans waiting in Libyan slave camps, with determination to cross the Mediterranean Sea, understandably demonstrates the depressing reality in their home countries. The state of affairs in homeland countries that compels people to expose themselves to precarious migration journeys deserves academic interrogation. This article briefly explores the contextual conditions that inspire this form of migration, mainly from Africa to Europe and draws on sociological literature about irregular migration. This article also includes accounts from formal and informal interactions with African migrants. It concludes that scrambling for greener pastures in Europe could be drastically reduced if anti-poverty policies are established in Africa.

Justice for the Rich, Judgement for the Poor: ‘Elite Immunity’, Rampant Impunity and the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria

Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos, 2019

Na Nigéria, hoje, alguns aspectos de nossa constituição dão cláusula de imunidade aos titulares d... more Na Nigéria, hoje, alguns aspectos de nossa constituição dão cláusula de imunidade aos titulares de cargos políticos, o que os impede de serem processados em um tribunal de justiça por supostas ofensas contra o estado cometido durante o mandato até depois de seu mandato. Esta cláusula de imunidade levou a uma taxa alarmante de ilegalidade executiva e corrupção oficial nos corredores do poder pela classe dominante política nigeriana, uma vez que eles abusam continuamente desses privilégios com alto senso de impunidade. Seus associados e amigos também desfrutam de imunidade não oficial, enquanto exibem de forma imprudente as leis existentes. Isso, muitas vezes, fica sem qualquer forma de punição para dissuadir outros criminosos em potencial. Muitas vezes precipita mais abuso na política. No entanto, enquanto os tribunais nigerianos tratam de maneira jocosa e aparentemente implacável com os pobres, os ricos são privilegiados e na maioria das vezes evitam a justiça. Embora a constituição...

Gender Based Terrorism and Armed Conflicts in Nigeria: The Chibok Girls’ Abduction and the Changing Narratives in Sambisa Forest

Brazilian Journal of International Relations, 2019

Nigeria has had a chequered history of conflict situations such as civil war, inter and intra eth... more Nigeria has had a chequered history of conflict situations such as civil war, inter and intra ethnic conflicts, religious conflicts among others. Northern Nigeria, in particular, has been greatly threatened by armed conflicts in recent years. Indeed, the remote northeast region is ground zero for many of the world’s most vexing problems, including an Islamic militant insurgency, crippling poverty, and declining development. In 2014, no fewer than 276 schoolgirls were abducted in Borno state by the Boko Haram sect that has ravaged the region since 2009. The audacious kidnapping brought the insurgency to world attention, triggering global outrage that galvanised support from many local and international actors. The girls have become a symbol of Nigeria’s brutal conflict. The failure of Nigeria's former government to act quickly to free the girls sparked a global Bring Back Our Girls movement. While the abduction sparked international outrage in a frantic bid to rescue the girls, s...

A Researcher’s Visit to Italy: Human trafficking and the Nigerian-Sicilian Mafias

African Sociological Review / Revue Africaine de Sociologie, Dec 13, 2019

This essay interrogates the complex nexus between organized crime and migrants within host countr... more This essay interrogates the complex nexus between organized crime and migrants within host countries. It specifically focuses on the surge of irregular migrants crossing the Central Mediterranean to Italy and the emergence of Nigerian criminal gangs who have cemented an ignoble but enduring cord with the Sicilian notorious mafia. This network, which took on a life of its own, has changed the traditional map of organised crime on the Island, defying both regional and global measures. The essay expresses concern on how Sicily intends to stop being "the refugee camp of Europe" through increased repatriations in the face of the financial, logistical and humanitarian implications of such an undertaking.

Between Local Acceptability and International Opprobrium: On Nigeria’s Anti-Same Sex Marriage Law; Is Western Voice a Human Rights Advocacy or Cultural Imperialism?

Cross-cultural Communication, 2021

Today, homosexual activity is legally prohibited in thirty-eight of Africa’s fifty-four countries... more Today, homosexual activity is legally prohibited in thirty-eight of Africa’s fifty-four countries and many of them have come to the fore in opposing the notion that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) rights should be protected legally. For Nigeria, its federal law criminalizes homosexuality and this creates a hostile situation for Nigeria’s beleaguered LGBT+ community. The interplay between same-sex marriage and human rights has generated considerable debate since the act, which stipulates 14 years imprisonment for offenders, was enacted in the country. It has drawn international condemnation from countries such as the United States and Britain. But the overwhelming majority of Nigerians who support the same sex marriage (prohibition) law are adamant. This study therefore, interrogates the anti-same sex marriage law within the socio-cultural context of the African society. Substantially relying on secondary sources of data gathering, it scrutinizes the responses of West...

Immigration Policy in Malaysia and My Eight Horrendous Days in Detention

I am a political scientist and in the course of my career as a lecturer and pro-democracy activis... more I am a political scientist and in the course of my career as a lecturer and pro-democracy activist, I have traversed over 50 countries across different continents. Hence, I had taken the routine details of international travel for granted-until my traumatic experience in Malaysia where I was detained under extremely dehumanizing conditions for eight days in November 2017. My offense was that I failed to get a transit visa to go from one airport in the country to another.

CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATION IN NIGERIA'S 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS Unfulfilled Party Pledges and Voter Engagement without a Social Contract

Broken campaign promises challenge the sanctity of the electoral process in Nigeria. Six decades ... more Broken campaign promises challenge the sanctity of the electoral process in Nigeria. Six decades after political independence and six electoral cycles in the last two decades of the Fourth Republic, there are inadequate legal frameworks and a lack of political will to change the narrative. Ambushing the voters with plans of action on the eve of every election remains a constant ritual to legitimise party campaigns in both digital media and at heavily mobilised rallies, often with limited substance. The general purpose of this study is twofold. First, to provide analysis of campaign communication and the extent to which it influences the participation of citizens in the electoral process. Second, to investigate the electorate's understanding of policy issues inherent in the 2019 election manifestos of the two dominant political parties, All Progressive Congress (APC) and People's Democratic Party (PDP), and how other elements shape perception and trust in elected representatives/ government. The research design relies on sample surveys and indepth interviews, and seeks to identify, within the context of an electoral cycle, why conversations between public office seekers and voters do not translate into a concrete social contract or generate timebound inclusive policies.

Da Hibernação Conveniente Ao Desespero Circunstancial: Discurso De Ódio, Comunicação Político Partidária e as Eleições Gerais De 2015 Da Nigéria

Until a few months to the 2015 general elections, many political parties that have conveniently h... more Until a few months to the 2015 general elections, many political parties that have conveniently hibernated for a better part of their existence, perhaps owing to lack of proper organizational structure or support base, uncoordinated programmes or were registered because of pecuniary gains or admittance of anticipated poor electoral outing, suddenly began to jostle for political space. The main opposition party and the ruling party were either perfecting a merger processes or engulfed in internal wrangling such that communication with the electorate on fundamental issues became inconsequential. In fact, the two dominant parties, the Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressive Congress only produced their presidential candidates less than five months to the election; and the electoral campaign assumed desperate contestation in a climate of prejudice and intolerance. Hate speeches and violence were the hallmarks of their electoral campaigns. The 2015 general elections therefore, offer...

Internal Uprising/Insurgency: A Theoretical Analysis of NATO Intervention and Regime Change in Africa

It appears that the study of insurgency and peacekeeping intervention in Africa suffers from gene... more It appears that the study of insurgency and peacekeeping intervention in Africa suffers from general disregard for an examination of some covert intended outcomes by the intervening organisations– the gap which this study attempts to fill with special focus on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO. Yet, it is observable that due to huge resource gaps, African Union peacekeepers depend upon external assistance, most notably from states within the EU and NATO in form of classroom education, field training exercises, the provision of equipment, and support to deploy African peacekeepers and equipment into the theater of operations. How has this form of assistance transformed from humanitarian intervention to interference? Using Libya as a case study, this paper sets to discuss this subtle metamorphosis particularly within the context of the US-led NATO operations on the Continent.

Is Religion all about Peace or Sometimes about War? Islamic Fanaticism, 'Blasphemy Killings' and God's Avengers in Northern Nigeria

Journal of Asia Pacific Studies , 2022

Religious extremism is a phenomenon that is rapidly on the rise in Northern Nigeria particularly ... more Religious extremism is a phenomenon that is rapidly on the rise in Northern Nigeria particularly among the Youth. Religious fanaticism and impunity seem to have become a permanent feature of the socio-political existence of the region while failure, on the part of the community/religious leaders and governments, to rein in bloodthirsty religious fanatics is pushing the country to the brink. Ordinarily, given its secular status, the provision of blasphemy via the penal aspects of Sharia law adopted by 12 northern states in defiance of the 1999 Constitution should be an anomaly. Since religion is interwoven inextricably into the northern political, social and ethnic fabric, violence inevitably unfolds along religious lines, even when the visible trigger is not religious. Thus, the increasing spate of these killings and the ease with which they are perpetrated become alluring for academic interrogation. This study seeks to provide some explanation to these questions: Why are Muslim zealots so quick to label people blasphemers in the region and proceed to go wild without fear of censure? Why should people audaciously disregard the law and the constitution of the country? What are those factors that precipitate and linger these dastardly acts? If Islam teaches peace, what then should always propel people into avoidable maiming and killings of fellow human beings? At every moment of conflagration, does the State response douse or ignite more criminal tendency? Relying extensively on secondary sources with the aid of historical and narrative tools, this study contends that the activities of the Islamic extremists in Northern Nigeria can be located within the purview of religious particularity, ignorance and state-aided impunity. It strongly recommends that government should make application of the rule of law-via sanction-its watchword with a view to bringing to justice those responsible for mob action in the name of God so as to serve as deterrent to other potential criminals. As a corollary, the need to respect and uphold the secular status of Nigerian Constitution and the provision for fundamental human rights and religious freedom is also emphasised.

Combating Violent Conflicts and Terrorism in Nigeria: Some Considered Measures

IJO- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ( ISSN 2811-2466 ), 2020

It a truism that the strategies of the defense and intelligence communities and the commitment of... more It a truism that the strategies of the defense and intelligence communities and the commitment of the present administration in Nigeria to rout out the Boko Haram elements in the Northeastern region, have not halted the violent activities of the sect which have now remained frequent, particularly the perennial bombings of soft targets. This paper basically addresses the task of combating violent conflicts and terrorism in Nigeria from four dimensions, namely; the security institution and international dimension, the socio-economic dimension, the governance and democratization dimension and the rule of law and human development dimension.

Between Messengers and Monsters: The Contending Narratives of Islamic Religion and Terrorism in a Precarious World

European Modern Studies Journal, 2021

Terrorism is one of the most complex phenomena of the contemporary world. It has been observed th... more Terrorism is one of the most complex phenomena of the contemporary world. It has been observed that throughout the world, there is a close relationship between religious fundamentalism and violence. Since 1989, the increasing willingness of religious extremists to strike targets outside immediate country or regional areas underscores the global nature of contemporary terrorism. The 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, and the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, are representative of this trend. Many Islamist terrorists, often called jihadist terrorists, view themselves as following Muhammad's example. The beliefs of the jihadi activists and their sympathizers follow the teachings of militant Salafi ideologues whose leaders put forth an ideology that prioritizes violent resistance in order to defend the community of believers from outside oppression. This theoreticallydriven article interrogates the nexus between religion and terrorism with a particular focus on Islamic suicide terrorism which has occurred in different countries, communities, cultures and under very diverse political circumstances.

Ritual of Electoral Democracy, Growing Political Awareness and the Paradox of Contagious Scepticism

Advances in politics and economics, Aug 23, 2022

As one of the pillars of democracy, election has an inescapably ritual dimension that periodicall... more As one of the pillars of democracy, election has an inescapably ritual dimension that periodically attracts political actors and thus, it has become a barometer to measure political behavior across regions of the world. Nigeria has, after two decades of uninterrupted civilian dispensation, keyed into this global phenomenon. Although democracy has been the world's predominant form of government in the last five decades and there has been broad global progress on many aspects of this type of government, conducting credible and transparent elections still remains a herculean task in many African countries. For instance, Nigeria's troubled elections continually reflect the country's lingering "do or die" politics, poor electoral management and institutionalised impunity, defying attempts at entrenching democratic norms. Consequently, there is a seeming shift from voter apathy to outright voter boycott in the country-the 2019 election recording the lowest turnout (35 per cent) since 1999. This decline has been difficult to explain in the context of an electorate's seemingly better pre-election activism and political engagements. Hence, why large numbers of citizens continually refuse to participate in this most basic civic exercise should naturally provoke agitation. Employing secondary sources of data collection, this paper establishes the relationship between voter turnout and disenchantment and other underpinning variables associated with the Nigeria's electoral democracy. It foregrounds how low voter turnout remains a stubborn challenge to Nigerian democracy and the imperativeness for post-election audit.

M�grat�on and Human Traff�ck�ng: The A Case Study of the Dece�ved Sub-Saharan Afr�can Women �n Turkey

Turkish Journal of Diaspora Studies, 2023

This article is an in-depth desk review of migration-related issues in Africa, including new migr... more This article is an in-depth desk review of migration-related issues in Africa, including new migration trends, triggers of internal displacement and refugee flows, the African Union's migration policy frameworks, emerging threats to geopolitical security, and responsibility-sharing among African sub-regions. It explores the various variables that lead to migration within the African region, the extent to which they interact with one another, and the application of existing migration policy frameworks within the context of responsibility sharing. The article equally examines the African Union's (AU) current and planned migration governance institutions and member states' political will in view of the reality that managing migration is challenging due to its inevitable nature, magnitude, and heterogeneity. It emphasizes the need to develop strategic partnerships among national, regional and global actors in order to address Africa's migration and displacement challenges in a manner consistent with international standards.

Nigeria's post-election review: 1 A case for electoral reforms and grassroots advocacy strategies

Democracy has been the world's predominant form of government in the last five decades, and there... more Democracy has been the world's predominant form of government in the last five decades, and there has been significant global progress on some of its key elements. However, conducting credible and transparent elections remains an immense challenge in many African countries. For instance, Nigeria's troubled elections are a constant reminder of the country's enduring "do or die" politics, poor electoral management, and endemic impunity. Such hurdles equally thwart attempts to establish democratic standards. This article stresses the necessity for effective legal frameworks that integrate every component of electoral reforms in accordance with best practices. It recommends an empirical application of the hybrid of both participatory democracy and deliberative democracy, through informed, active, and engaged citizenry.

More Troubled Democracies, More Determined Freedom Fighters: A Concerted Global Effort Toward Exposing Autocratic Regimes

There is currently a great deal of relative inequality and a lack of liberties for individuals re... more There is currently a great deal of relative inequality and a lack of liberties for
individuals residing in troubled democracies and authoritarian regimes. The entire
democratic governance ecosystem is under pressure, including crucial components
like civil society, independent media, and the rule of law. Given this dire situation,
people in these countries often face oppressive and sometimes life-threatening
circumstances. The deliberate use of antidemocratic tactics by a wide range of
internal and external contexts and actors tends to be eroding democratic institutions
in many countries and thereby enhancing the triumphalism of authoritarian regimes.
However, there appears to be a correlative relationship between the increase in
troubled democracies or authoritarian regimes across the globe and the growing
number of determined freedom fighters, who strive to protect democracy and
ensure that citizens’ right to freedom is respected. The article reviews this global
trend within the context of the 2023 Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF) which offers varied
thematic panel discussions, action-oriented workshops, art exhibitions, and theatre
lectures around issues of freedom, human rights, and democracy for its participants
worldwide.

Two Decades of Civil Society Activism and Advocacy: Navigating the Labyrinth of the Development and Security Agenda in Southwestern Nigeria

In the last two decades of democratic governance in Nigeria, the civil society organizations (CSO... more In the last two decades of democratic governance in Nigeria, the civil society organizations (CSOs), which form a large group of vocational, social, political, cultural, educational, and religious volunteer activists, are reputed for building local capacity and advocating with and for the poor, with a relatively visible impact on policy and practice. This paper builds on existing literature concerning how the empirical realm of civil society, to which advocacy is most directly related, has been utilized within the three different components of a comprehensive advocacy strategy– transformational (citizen empowerment), developmental (civil society strengthening) and instrumental (policy influence). Drawing from the perspectives of multi-sectoral, territorial, and local approaches, the paper also examines how development partners, practitioners and researchers can actively enhance civil society's resilience and sustainability to influence pro-poor policies and promote the developmental agenda in southwestern Nigeria. It specifically focuses on the mechanism for connecting the objectives and resources developed by Nigeria's six southwestern states through their Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) commission at the regional level as they relate to the problems and priorities that apply at the rural community level where the majority of the citizens reside.

Sectarian Revolution or Irregular Warfare? Interrogating the Proliferation of Violent New Religious Movements as Impetus to insurgency in West Africa

Sectarian Revolution or Irregular Warfare? Interrogating the Proliferation of Violent New Religio... more Sectarian Revolution or Irregular Warfare? Interrogating the Proliferation of Violent New Religious Movements as Impetus to insurgency in West Africa 622 actors in the proper context. In general terms, the article seeks to understand the nature and dynamics of insurgency and the upsurge of violent new religious movements in West Africa while contributing to the understanding of the ideological underpinnings and geographical locations of terrorism on the continent.

Voting with One's Feet or for One's Future? Electoral Migration, Voter Vulnerability and the 2019 General Elections in Nigeria

Electoral politics in Nigeria is traditionally characterized by tension-soaked atmosphere, outbre... more Electoral politics in Nigeria is traditionally characterized by tension-soaked atmosphere, outbreaks of violence both "incidental" and "strategic" coupled with zero-sum political systems which are high stakes and confrontational in nature. In view of the fact that elections are often heralded by palpable insecurity and held amidst open brigandage throughout the electoral cycle, institutions of democracy in the country become battle grounds and face enormous political pressure as a prelude to election day contest. The buildup to the 2019 general elections justifies this submission as many of the risk factors that affected past elections remain unchanged. Given such a picture as history has repeatedly painted with grim outlines, there is thus, a pattern of internal and cross border migratory movements during elections in Nigeria the elites relocating their families abroad and other Nigerians seeking refuge in their communities. The overriding questions are: How does this pattern of electoral migration impact on voter turnout and legitimacy of the process? How has this potential threat to the realisation of peaceful and credible election elicited synergy among government, political parties, media and the civil society on possible negative consequences of insecurity and fear of uncertainty? Using secondary sources of data collection, this article therefore, seeks to explore the interplay of voter migratory movement and election security in Nigeria. It avers that unhindered meaningful participation of citizens in public affairs, which is a distinguishing feature of democratic societies, is key to democratic sustenance in Nigeria. This is meant to entrench a credible electoral process as the foundation for building democratic institutions, two decades after the emergence of civil rule.

Enhancing the Impact of Public Policy as an Academic Entity in Malta

International Journal of Academic Research in Public Policy and Governance

This article highlights the continued relevance of public policy, as an academic entity, across n... more This article highlights the continued relevance of public policy, as an academic entity, across national and global settings. It suggests practical ways to enhance the impact of the discipline within the context of policy research and vertical-horizontal networking, identification of the nature and dimensions of existing social problems while ultimately addressing the everchanging and complex needs of the citizens. It concludes that researchers from the discipline should move beyond theoretical postulations and embrace advocacy and activism to make governments remain focused by enhancing the quality and impact of policies and services.

Irregular Migration as an Inevitable Way of Life? Participant-Observation from Europe

Turkish Journal of Diaspora Studies

In the last decades, unabated cross-Mediterranean refugee flows from Africa have geometrically ex... more In the last decades, unabated cross-Mediterranean refugee flows from Africa have geometrically expanded, despite the closure of borders and the introduction of new regulations. The number of Africans waiting in Libyan slave camps, with determination to cross the Mediterranean Sea, understandably demonstrates the depressing reality in their home countries. The state of affairs in homeland countries that compels people to expose themselves to precarious migration journeys deserves academic interrogation. This article briefly explores the contextual conditions that inspire this form of migration, mainly from Africa to Europe and draws on sociological literature about irregular migration. This article also includes accounts from formal and informal interactions with African migrants. It concludes that scrambling for greener pastures in Europe could be drastically reduced if anti-poverty policies are established in Africa.

Justice for the Rich, Judgement for the Poor: ‘Elite Immunity’, Rampant Impunity and the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria

Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos, 2019

Na Nigéria, hoje, alguns aspectos de nossa constituição dão cláusula de imunidade aos titulares d... more Na Nigéria, hoje, alguns aspectos de nossa constituição dão cláusula de imunidade aos titulares de cargos políticos, o que os impede de serem processados em um tribunal de justiça por supostas ofensas contra o estado cometido durante o mandato até depois de seu mandato. Esta cláusula de imunidade levou a uma taxa alarmante de ilegalidade executiva e corrupção oficial nos corredores do poder pela classe dominante política nigeriana, uma vez que eles abusam continuamente desses privilégios com alto senso de impunidade. Seus associados e amigos também desfrutam de imunidade não oficial, enquanto exibem de forma imprudente as leis existentes. Isso, muitas vezes, fica sem qualquer forma de punição para dissuadir outros criminosos em potencial. Muitas vezes precipita mais abuso na política. No entanto, enquanto os tribunais nigerianos tratam de maneira jocosa e aparentemente implacável com os pobres, os ricos são privilegiados e na maioria das vezes evitam a justiça. Embora a constituição...

Gender Based Terrorism and Armed Conflicts in Nigeria: The Chibok Girls’ Abduction and the Changing Narratives in Sambisa Forest

Brazilian Journal of International Relations, 2019

Nigeria has had a chequered history of conflict situations such as civil war, inter and intra eth... more Nigeria has had a chequered history of conflict situations such as civil war, inter and intra ethnic conflicts, religious conflicts among others. Northern Nigeria, in particular, has been greatly threatened by armed conflicts in recent years. Indeed, the remote northeast region is ground zero for many of the world’s most vexing problems, including an Islamic militant insurgency, crippling poverty, and declining development. In 2014, no fewer than 276 schoolgirls were abducted in Borno state by the Boko Haram sect that has ravaged the region since 2009. The audacious kidnapping brought the insurgency to world attention, triggering global outrage that galvanised support from many local and international actors. The girls have become a symbol of Nigeria’s brutal conflict. The failure of Nigeria's former government to act quickly to free the girls sparked a global Bring Back Our Girls movement. While the abduction sparked international outrage in a frantic bid to rescue the girls, s...

A Researcher’s Visit to Italy: Human trafficking and the Nigerian-Sicilian Mafias

African Sociological Review / Revue Africaine de Sociologie, Dec 13, 2019

This essay interrogates the complex nexus between organized crime and migrants within host countr... more This essay interrogates the complex nexus between organized crime and migrants within host countries. It specifically focuses on the surge of irregular migrants crossing the Central Mediterranean to Italy and the emergence of Nigerian criminal gangs who have cemented an ignoble but enduring cord with the Sicilian notorious mafia. This network, which took on a life of its own, has changed the traditional map of organised crime on the Island, defying both regional and global measures. The essay expresses concern on how Sicily intends to stop being "the refugee camp of Europe" through increased repatriations in the face of the financial, logistical and humanitarian implications of such an undertaking.

Between Local Acceptability and International Opprobrium: On Nigeria’s Anti-Same Sex Marriage Law; Is Western Voice a Human Rights Advocacy or Cultural Imperialism?

Cross-cultural Communication, 2021

Today, homosexual activity is legally prohibited in thirty-eight of Africa’s fifty-four countries... more Today, homosexual activity is legally prohibited in thirty-eight of Africa’s fifty-four countries and many of them have come to the fore in opposing the notion that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) rights should be protected legally. For Nigeria, its federal law criminalizes homosexuality and this creates a hostile situation for Nigeria’s beleaguered LGBT+ community. The interplay between same-sex marriage and human rights has generated considerable debate since the act, which stipulates 14 years imprisonment for offenders, was enacted in the country. It has drawn international condemnation from countries such as the United States and Britain. But the overwhelming majority of Nigerians who support the same sex marriage (prohibition) law are adamant. This study therefore, interrogates the anti-same sex marriage law within the socio-cultural context of the African society. Substantially relying on secondary sources of data gathering, it scrutinizes the responses of West...

Immigration Policy in Malaysia and My Eight Horrendous Days in Detention

I am a political scientist and in the course of my career as a lecturer and pro-democracy activis... more I am a political scientist and in the course of my career as a lecturer and pro-democracy activist, I have traversed over 50 countries across different continents. Hence, I had taken the routine details of international travel for granted-until my traumatic experience in Malaysia where I was detained under extremely dehumanizing conditions for eight days in November 2017. My offense was that I failed to get a transit visa to go from one airport in the country to another.

CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATION IN NIGERIA'S 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS Unfulfilled Party Pledges and Voter Engagement without a Social Contract

Broken campaign promises challenge the sanctity of the electoral process in Nigeria. Six decades ... more Broken campaign promises challenge the sanctity of the electoral process in Nigeria. Six decades after political independence and six electoral cycles in the last two decades of the Fourth Republic, there are inadequate legal frameworks and a lack of political will to change the narrative. Ambushing the voters with plans of action on the eve of every election remains a constant ritual to legitimise party campaigns in both digital media and at heavily mobilised rallies, often with limited substance. The general purpose of this study is twofold. First, to provide analysis of campaign communication and the extent to which it influences the participation of citizens in the electoral process. Second, to investigate the electorate's understanding of policy issues inherent in the 2019 election manifestos of the two dominant political parties, All Progressive Congress (APC) and People's Democratic Party (PDP), and how other elements shape perception and trust in elected representatives/ government. The research design relies on sample surveys and indepth interviews, and seeks to identify, within the context of an electoral cycle, why conversations between public office seekers and voters do not translate into a concrete social contract or generate timebound inclusive policies.

Da Hibernação Conveniente Ao Desespero Circunstancial: Discurso De Ódio, Comunicação Político Partidária e as Eleições Gerais De 2015 Da Nigéria

Until a few months to the 2015 general elections, many political parties that have conveniently h... more Until a few months to the 2015 general elections, many political parties that have conveniently hibernated for a better part of their existence, perhaps owing to lack of proper organizational structure or support base, uncoordinated programmes or were registered because of pecuniary gains or admittance of anticipated poor electoral outing, suddenly began to jostle for political space. The main opposition party and the ruling party were either perfecting a merger processes or engulfed in internal wrangling such that communication with the electorate on fundamental issues became inconsequential. In fact, the two dominant parties, the Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressive Congress only produced their presidential candidates less than five months to the election; and the electoral campaign assumed desperate contestation in a climate of prejudice and intolerance. Hate speeches and violence were the hallmarks of their electoral campaigns. The 2015 general elections therefore, offer...

Internal Uprising/Insurgency: A Theoretical Analysis of NATO Intervention and Regime Change in Africa

It appears that the study of insurgency and peacekeeping intervention in Africa suffers from gene... more It appears that the study of insurgency and peacekeeping intervention in Africa suffers from general disregard for an examination of some covert intended outcomes by the intervening organisations– the gap which this study attempts to fill with special focus on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO. Yet, it is observable that due to huge resource gaps, African Union peacekeepers depend upon external assistance, most notably from states within the EU and NATO in form of classroom education, field training exercises, the provision of equipment, and support to deploy African peacekeepers and equipment into the theater of operations. How has this form of assistance transformed from humanitarian intervention to interference? Using Libya as a case study, this paper sets to discuss this subtle metamorphosis particularly within the context of the US-led NATO operations on the Continent.

Is Religion all about Peace or Sometimes about War? Islamic Fanaticism, 'Blasphemy Killings' and God's Avengers in Northern Nigeria

Journal of Asia Pacific Studies , 2022

Religious extremism is a phenomenon that is rapidly on the rise in Northern Nigeria particularly ... more Religious extremism is a phenomenon that is rapidly on the rise in Northern Nigeria particularly among the Youth. Religious fanaticism and impunity seem to have become a permanent feature of the socio-political existence of the region while failure, on the part of the community/religious leaders and governments, to rein in bloodthirsty religious fanatics is pushing the country to the brink. Ordinarily, given its secular status, the provision of blasphemy via the penal aspects of Sharia law adopted by 12 northern states in defiance of the 1999 Constitution should be an anomaly. Since religion is interwoven inextricably into the northern political, social and ethnic fabric, violence inevitably unfolds along religious lines, even when the visible trigger is not religious. Thus, the increasing spate of these killings and the ease with which they are perpetrated become alluring for academic interrogation. This study seeks to provide some explanation to these questions: Why are Muslim zealots so quick to label people blasphemers in the region and proceed to go wild without fear of censure? Why should people audaciously disregard the law and the constitution of the country? What are those factors that precipitate and linger these dastardly acts? If Islam teaches peace, what then should always propel people into avoidable maiming and killings of fellow human beings? At every moment of conflagration, does the State response douse or ignite more criminal tendency? Relying extensively on secondary sources with the aid of historical and narrative tools, this study contends that the activities of the Islamic extremists in Northern Nigeria can be located within the purview of religious particularity, ignorance and state-aided impunity. It strongly recommends that government should make application of the rule of law-via sanction-its watchword with a view to bringing to justice those responsible for mob action in the name of God so as to serve as deterrent to other potential criminals. As a corollary, the need to respect and uphold the secular status of Nigerian Constitution and the provision for fundamental human rights and religious freedom is also emphasised.

Combating Violent Conflicts and Terrorism in Nigeria: Some Considered Measures

IJO- International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ( ISSN 2811-2466 ), 2020

It a truism that the strategies of the defense and intelligence communities and the commitment of... more It a truism that the strategies of the defense and intelligence communities and the commitment of the present administration in Nigeria to rout out the Boko Haram elements in the Northeastern region, have not halted the violent activities of the sect which have now remained frequent, particularly the perennial bombings of soft targets. This paper basically addresses the task of combating violent conflicts and terrorism in Nigeria from four dimensions, namely; the security institution and international dimension, the socio-economic dimension, the governance and democratization dimension and the rule of law and human development dimension.

Between Messengers and Monsters: The Contending Narratives of Islamic Religion and Terrorism in a Precarious World

European Modern Studies Journal, 2021

Terrorism is one of the most complex phenomena of the contemporary world. It has been observed th... more Terrorism is one of the most complex phenomena of the contemporary world. It has been observed that throughout the world, there is a close relationship between religious fundamentalism and violence. Since 1989, the increasing willingness of religious extremists to strike targets outside immediate country or regional areas underscores the global nature of contemporary terrorism. The 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, and the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, are representative of this trend. Many Islamist terrorists, often called jihadist terrorists, view themselves as following Muhammad's example. The beliefs of the jihadi activists and their sympathizers follow the teachings of militant Salafi ideologues whose leaders put forth an ideology that prioritizes violent resistance in order to defend the community of believers from outside oppression. This theoreticallydriven article interrogates the nexus between religion and terrorism with a particular focus on Islamic suicide terrorism which has occurred in different countries, communities, cultures and under very diverse political circumstances.