Volume 9 Number 1, 2024 Faculty of Social Sciences, Enugu State University of Science And Technology EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Prof. Oby Omeje MANAGING EDITOR Prof. Barnabas Nwankwo PUBLISHED BY ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES & HUMANITIES 151 Governance, Insecurity, Poverty and Pauperization in Nigeria Aguene, Ignatius Nnamdi Department of Sociology/Psychology Godfrey Okoye University, 1 Thinkers Corner, Emene, Enugu State E-mail: agueneignatiusnnamdi@gmail.com, aguenennamdi@gouni.edu.ng Phone No: 07036596997 Abstract The core attributes of good governance include the accountability of government and its institutions and officials for their decisions and actions, the existence of institutions and mechanisms to enforce government accountability, and the ability to redress transgressions. Using a descriptive and analytical approach, the study revealed that corruption is the outcome of weak governance and flourishes under weak social institutions. Poverty is not only dehumanizing; it is also debasing because it is a condition that deprives individuals of the right to exercise their potential. The result is that many Nigerians now live without hope, which has resulted in depression and high blood pressure. Based on the findings, the study recommended, among others, that restructuring Nigeria will reduce the agitation for self- determination because of marginalization, create a specialized anti-corruption court to hasten the trial of corruption cases, and strictly observe the principles of the rule of law. Keywords: Governance, pauperization, poverty, rule of law and security Introduction According to the Nigerian constitution, the welfare and security of the people must be the core objectives of the state. The term "governance" encompasses the entire dynamic of institutionalized citizen participation in the administration of public affairs for the purpose of development and progress. The fundamental institutional manifestations of democratic government in modern times have been the freedoms to vote and to be elected, regular elections, press freedom, association freedom, the rule of law, and judicial independence. The core elements of democratic administration in Nigeria have recently been negatively affected in light of the numerous socioeconomic and political problems that Nigerians are currently facing. Research indicates that previous policies and initiatives implemented by different governments to combat poverty have not had much of an influence for a number of reasons. Gown’s Accelerated Food Production Programme (AFPP), Obasanjo’s Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), Shagari’s River Basin Development Authority (RBDA), and Green Revolution (GR) Babangida’s Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Recovery (MAMSER), National Directorate for Employment (NDE), Directorate for Food, Road and Rural Infrastructural (DFRRI) Better Life for Rural Women Programme (BLP) National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), People’s Bank of Nigeria (PBN) Nigerian Agricultural and Cooperative Bank (NACB), Abacha’s Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP), Obasanjo’s Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP), etc. Most frequently, those in positions of authority who are unscrupulous, self-centered, and greedy hijack these initiatives. The final outcome is invariably a poorly implemented or performed programme. The Family Economic Advancement Programme is an excellent illustration (FEAP). The initiative received a lot of support, a lot of funding, and a lot of human resources, but its impact on reducing poverty is disappointing since it was never felt as opined by Aibieyi and Dirisu, (2010).\ 152 All of Nigeria's well-intentioned citizens are now deeply concerned about the issue of insecurity, and the majority of them still don't understand how the nation got into such a pernicious situation where nobody is safe. Unfortunately, the issue is getting worse rather than better; it is now completely out of control. The idea of insecurity suggests a broad breakdown in law and order or a predicament in which a nation's population are exposed to an unmanageable risk and everyone lives in constant anxiety of what could happen next. Therefore, insecurity predicts an environment in which anarchy is let loose on the general people and human life turns "nasty, brutish." Herders have recently emerged in Nigeria as a new cause of instability. Herders, many of whom now have sophisticated weaponry in their hands, are killing many innocent farmers on the farmland where they have inhabited all their lives. Between the Fulani and the majority of their host communities, the pattern has caused such a rift. Additionally, it is the reason why the majority of Southern rural villages have turned down the government's various settlement proposals for the herders. Another significant obstacle to peace in Nigeria's new environment of instability is religious fanaticism/extremism. Boko Haram, a group of Islamic fanatics, has been wreaking havoc in the North Eastern, North Western, and indeed much of the North for more than 10 years. Numerous individuals have been slain, thousands have been displaced, and many are currently living in IDP camps dispersed throughout the northern regions. According to a World Bank projection from 2021, there would be 95.1 million impoverished people in Nigeria by 2022. In 2020, there were 89.0 million impoverished people, and by 2022, there will be 95.1 million. The capacity to rectify violations of the law is one of the fundamental characteristics of effective governance, along with the accountability of the government, its institutions, and officials for their choices and acts. Aiyede et al. (2016) enumerated a few characteristics of excellent governance that are readily recognizable: (i) Adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights (ii) Accountability and transparency in government processes (iii) Press freedom and unrestricted information flow, (iv) Transparency in government dealings, (v) Predictability in government conduct, (vi) The expectation of rational judgments, (vii) Adherence to equality and social fairness; (viii) Decentralization of authority and decision-making; (ix) Diversity of policy alternatives and choices; (x) Legitimacy and responsiveness to public opinion; (xi) Management and organizational competence. Nigeria has seen several ethnic wars over the course of its history. The nation was governed by military authorities from 1966 until 1999. The nation was eventually restored to civilian authority in 1999, but since then, militant ethnic and religious groups have emerged and escalated their violence noticeably. Even if poverty and economic struggle are the causes of violence, these issues are only made worse by violence. Due to a lack of supervision and control, corruption has developed. Resources that may be used to fund investments or provide public services are being misused. Programs to reduce poverty no longer receive financing as a result of corruption, and the needy have not received the necessary help. As a result, poverty and corruption in Nigeria are linked and feed off of one another. 153 HajaHadza Mohammed wrote an essay that was published on April 4, 2021, and it indicates that "the government of the day has not demonstrated any dedication towards tackling the problem of insecurity devouring the country, feeding government speculation in the entire subject." Unfortunately, it is said that the government and its agencies' official haughtiness is making the country's appalling situation of insecurity worse. One recent example of this is the End SARS protest, which resulted in several fatalities. Instability in Nigeria's politics, society, and economy has led to pauperization. Problems arose with the rehabilitation and resettlement of internally displaced people (IDPs) and the provision of sufficient security. Camp staff sexually assaulted the ladies, posing a threat despite assertions that the IDPs were well-cared for. Statement of problem The Amalgation of 1914 had a limited objective: not the unification of Nigerian peoples but an amalgamation of the different administrations of the British colonial authority in Nigeria. The British colonial authority introduced ethnicity into Nigeria as a divide and rule strategy, which has remained one of the major problems of nationhood in Nigeria. Instead of tapping on the different advantages of a plural society, it became a devastating factor, rendering nationhood an impossible factor in Nigeria. Nigeria has only given lip service to the issues caused by and insecurity. The friction between the Federal Government and most southern leaders has reached a peak as most southern governors have started passing anti-open grazing laws that would disallow the herders from moving freely across people’s farms. But as the war rages on, many lives are being lost, and the relevance of the government is being called into question.Estimated poverty rates in Nigeria's northeast, which borders the lake to the southwest, are above 70%, about double the national average. High levels of poverty, a lack of human capital, and limited access to essential services define the region. Both economic activity and family income have fallen during the past three decades.. Nigeria continues to battle with issues such as food inflation and the rising cost of living, among other economic challenges, and these issues are likely some of the reasons why more people are falling into poverty than being lifted out of it. (Politics Today, 2022). The poor often constitute the majority in less developed countries like Nigeria, for example, where poverty levels are relatively high. However, because this poor majority lacks political and financial resources, it is primarily organized by other social groups based on the ideas and policy agendas of others. However, good democratic governance has resulted in a better life for citizens in some countries around the world as a result of people-oriented policies and programs implemented. Democratic governance in Nigeria is characterized by some limiting factors such as an overinflated and unsustainable cost of governance, the existence of systemic corruption, weak institutions, and political will, massive embezzlement of public funds, and political patronage and favoritism. This places the poor and vulnerable majority in a situation of having no option other than to dance to the tune of the few powerful political leaders for survival. These manifest in their indulging in various electoral offenses such as stuffing of ballot boxes, multiple voting, vote buying, and other related offenses. Besides creating general political apathy, such activities often hinder democratic participation among the poor masses. Consequently, the challenges, especially the general increase in the poverty rate in Nigeria as a nation, have not 154 been adequately addressed by the successive democratic leadership that has emerged over time. This leaves much to be desired, especially when one considers the fact that many of these leaders actually emerged through what can best be described as a fraudulent democratic process. The Nigerian democratic experience has not resulted in the much-expected good governance that is the foundation for economic growth and development and, by extension, poverty reduction. This is because democratic government in Nigeria is practiced at variance with the basic tenets and principles of good democratic government. Relevant studies revealed, amongst others, that democratic government in Nigeria is pervaded by various issues such as electoral violence, manipulation of election results, political apathy, and the "do or die" posture of the major political leaders. The government has tried to fight corruption, which is deeply rooted in Nigerian society and has penetrated all its facets. The anti-corruption war is not successful because the anti- corruption outfits often become part of the problem of corruption themselves. The absence of peace in Nigerian society because of a lack of justice has manifested in massive poverty and insecurity in the country. The massive marginalization in the country led to agitation for self- determination, while the alleged preference given to the Fulani has sustained Fulani-farmer clashes resulting in the killing of local farmers, the destruction of farm crops and farms, and the raping and killing of women, giving credence to the saying that without justice there can be no peace in any society. The socio-political climate has become more tensed due to the growing discontentment, discomfort, and distress within society as a whole, as well as the ongoing pervasive corruption, high unemployment rate, economic crisis, pauperization of the masses, deteriorating infrastructure, and a fruitless national integration project. As a result, violent crimes such as abduction, political assassinations, armed conflicts, terrorism, and ethnic and religious genocides have come to dominate social interactions in Nigeria.The World Bank (2021) noted that about 4 out of every 10 Nigerians are living in poverty, with millions more susceptible to falling below the poverty line. The failure of governance in Nigeria is manifest in the declining capacity of political leaders to recognize systematic risks such as election fraud, foremost attacks, herder-farmer conflict, armed banditry, police intimidation and violence, the rule of law, political freedom, and respect for human rights. Nigeria is perceived in the 2020 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index as a highly corrupt country with a share of 25/100, while its corruption ranking increased from 146 in 2019 to 149 in 2020. Out of 180 countries surveyed. President Muhammadu Buhari won the 2015 election on his promise to fight insecurity and corruption, but his promise went unfulfilled. (Okoi and Iwara, 2021). Political elites in Nigeria exploit poverty and illiteracy to mobilize voters with fraudulent items such as rice, seasoning, and money. The rice is usually packaged strategically with the image of political candidates and the parts they represent. The assumption is that people are more likely to vote for a politician who influences them with food than those who bring a message of hope. (Okoi and Iwara, 2021). Objectives of the study 155 The general objective is to examine how challenges of governance gave rise to insecurity, poverty and pauperization in Nigeria. The specific objectives include: a. To examine whether it is possible to have peace without justice b. To examine whether poverty of citizens is different from the poverty of a nation c. To examine whether bad governance can increase the poverty level in Nigeria. Research questions: a. Can there be peace without justice? b. Is the poverty of a nation different from the poverty of her citizens? c. Can bad governance lead to poverty? Methododlogy Study Design The study design is largely descriptive and analytical with anecdotal evidence gleaned from a qualitative and relevant literature on governance, insecurity, poverty in Nigeria. Data Data for the study was gathered from textbooks, journal and internet materials from Nigerian Bureau of statistics, transparent international,publicopinionin radio, television, newspapers, magazines. These were complemented by interviews, group discussions, key informants and stake holders. Findings and Discussions Findings / Result The study revealed that corruption is the outcome of weak governance and flourishes under weak social institutions. Poverty is not only dehumanizing; it is also debasing because it is a condition that deprives individuals of the right to exercise their potential. The Fulani herdsmen use AK-47s against local farmers on their land. Many families now stay without food or eat whenever they have food. It no longer eats three times per day.Many Nigerians are now homeless; many have committed suicide, and others are thinking about it. The result is that many Nigerians now live without hope, which has resulted in depression and high blood pressure. IDPs suffer from extreme poverty; they do not go out with anything when displaced; they do not often have access to medical facilities or are over strengthened because of more arrivals. Some IDP children do not attend school for up to a year or more, and others do not reach displacement camps. Women and girls face gender-based violence. There is a lack of water and sanitation, as well as overcrowding; at times, they are subjected to multiple displacements. Boko Haram was a militant Islamic group that sought to impose Sharia Law or its own radical interpretation of Islam on Northern Nigeria before moving southward. The organization is opposed to contemporary science, Western culture, and not only Western education. The number of herding disputes and associated crimes increased. Many terrorists and bandits see kidnapping as lucrative business for their evil ways of life; according to one intelligence report, terrorists who live in deserts rely on ransom payments from kidnapped people. President Buhari could not fix the economy as he promised in his campaign; rather, the economy is collapsing under him. His style of leadership has escalated the insecurity situation in Nigeria, which has also negatively affected the economy. Worse still, 156 Boko Haram has planted its flag in some communities around Lake Chad. They impose rules and taxes on farmers and fishermen. The international fish market in the Chad Basin is now completely under the control of the group. (Politics Today, 2022). Poverty and social exclusion are undesirable states. In Nigeria, the nature of the determinants of poverty can be traced to a low or declining level of economic growth, income inequalities, unemployment, corruption, bad government, the division of funds into non-developmental projects, fund embezzlements, inappropriate macroeconomic policies, and inadequate human endorsement.Many Nigerians are no longer ashamed to beg for help from others. Many petty businesses have collapsed. Many people cannot go to their farms to farm or to get food because of the clash between farmers and headers. The Fulani herdsmen use AK-47s against local farmers on their land. Many families now stay without food or eat whenever they have food. It no longer eats three times per day. Many Nigerians are now homeless, and many have committed suicide or are considering it. The result is that many Nigerians now live without hope, which has resulted in depression and high blood pressure. Farmers and herdsmen clashed, killing and displacing many Nigerians and destroying farm crops. They have forced many Nigerians into poverty. The Fulani, or herdsmen, are one of the major causes of the pauperization of Nigeria in recent times. They also engage in killing, rape, kidnapping, and other crimes. Following several appeals to the Presidency for solutions, the Southern Governors issued this statement. This led to the Asaba Declaration, where, among other things, they banned open grazing of cattle throughout southern Nigeria. Many have followed up the Asaba declaration with anti-open grazing laws, and insecurity has led to the pauperization of Nigerians. On August 9, 2021, IPOB introduced a sit-at-home order as a means of putting pressure on the Nigerian government to release its leader, MaziNnamdiKanu, who is on trial for alleged treasonable felonies and terrorism. People initially obeyed the order in solidarity with the cause, but the pain and deprivation that can result, as well as the sheer economic cost to businesses and the livelihoods of individuals and households over time, have rendered it intolerable because law enforcement officers are regularly killed and government property is burned. Gunmen have attacked traders and commuters who flaunt the order across the region. They have attacked traders, killed some people, and set goods being transported ablaze.Prof. Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said that an estimated 19.6 billion dollars are lost in Anambra any day there is sit-at-home. (Aice TV, 2022) Money politics by old men with ill-gotten wealth has always been the norm. Nigerians are clamoring for a new dispensation of youth for Nigeria's president. (Politics Today, 2022). Nigerian politics since 1999 has been dominated by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All-Alliance Congress (APC). Money politics by old men with ill-gotten wealth has always been the norm. Nigerians are calling for a new generation of youth to run for the presidency. Some are about 80 years old with symptoms of old age and failing health conditions, yet they have the personal ambition of being president of Nigeria, even for one day. Theoretical Framework The researcher reviewed three sociological theories: functional, conflict, and relative deprivation. 157 Functionalist Theory: The theory is based on the assumption that all aspects of societal institutions, roles, norms, etc. serve purposes and are indispensable for the survival of the social system. Society is compared to an animal organism. (Britannica Encyclopedia 2022) Though functionalism has been criticized for its failure to account for social change and individual agency, conflict theory: Conflict theory, developed by Karl Marx, is the theory that society is in a state of perpetual conflict because of competition for limited resources. It holds that social order is maintained by dominance and power rather than by consensus and conformity. It focuses more on the negative aspects of human interaction (Britannica Encyclopedia 2022). Relative Deprivation Theory: This theory is adopted as the theoretical framework of this study. Relative deprivation is a subjective disaffection that troubles many people. This is caused by comparing one's situation with others'. The concept of "relative deprivation" (RD) is the product of an upward comparison that indicates that one's disadvantaged situation is underserved, coupled with anger and resentment (Wikipedia 2022).Obah-Akpowoghala (2013), quoted in Autin-Egole et al. (2022), noted the prerequisite of relative deprivation as where individual A feels deprived of object X; individual A does not have object X; individual A wants to have object X; individual A knows of other persons who have object X; and individual A believes obtaining object X is realistic. In Nigeria, deprivation was the major factor that led to the Nigerian-Biafran war of 1967–1970, and the factors that led to the war are still manifesting today in the marginalization of the people of southern Nigeria. Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources, making it one of the richest countries in the world, but unfortunately, her citizens are among the poorest in the entire world because few are enjoying the wealth of the nation. This has been a result of government insensitivity to the plight of ordinary Nigerians, the non-observance of the principle of rule of law, the one-sided fight against corruption, and the alleged support given to the Fulani herdsmen who kill local farmers with AK-47 guns, causing many farmers to be killed and some others to escape to internally displaced homes. The end result is insecurity, poverty, and pauperism among Nigerians, confirming the weakness of Nigerian governance. Governance According to the National Security Strategy, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2019), national security is inextricably linked with and inseparable from economic security. The government recognizes that Nigeria’s greatest resource is her people, and that the truest measure of our progress lies in the degree to which access to opportunities for empowerment and self- actualization is provided. The goal is to achieve widespread prosperity that lifts all people out of poverty and provides social security investments that safeguard the weak, disadvantaged, and jobless to ensure a reasonable and equitable distribution of wealth. Consequently, Nigeria’s government will promote free enterprise, inclusive economic growth, and continue to aggressively pursue the diversification of the economy with an emphasis on developing our human capital. They will ensure that the exploitation of the natural resources is undertaken in a manner that serves the common good of every citizen while guarding against the emergence of disparities and inequalities. We will continue to deepen partnerships between the public and private sectors and actualize the socio-economic rights of Nigerians. Nigeria’s ethnic, linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity are sources of national strength. One of the fundamental necessities of Nigeria’s national security and a continuing national objective is to harness this power and strengthen the nation’s social cohesiveness. The government will support unifying organizations like the Federal Character Commission and 158 the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which boost Nigeria's integrative potential by promoting the equality of every citizen and battling prejudice and discrimination in all of its forms, in accordance with the values of inclusion, tolerance, and respect for universal human rights. They will also continue to encourage ties among people of different ethnicities, creeds, and cultures, will safeguard democracy and the socio-cultural pluralism that provides expression for the country’s heterogeneity while promoting a national consciousness and identity. The following cross-sectoral reactions will be part of Nigeria’s political security measures: • Encourage a polite and inclusive public discourse culture to advance unity and national cohesion; • shall ensure political stability rooted in a multi-party democracy, involvement by the general public in politics, political inclusivity, robust democratic and political institutions, and a free, credible, and electoral process free from all forms of violence; • Enhance good governance based on development, accountability, zero tolerance for corruption at all levels, sound regulatory mechanisms, due process, the rule of law, and human rights; • Encourage the elimination of prejudice against any Nigerian, regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity; • Ensure that healthy fiscal federalism is used as a conscious socioeconomic policy; • Promote the growth of a diverse economy that supports entrepreneurship, innovation, and wealth creation while upholding equitable resource distribution; • Ensure freedom of information, national orientation, de-radicalization, and political education of the populace as a political strategy to facilitate citizens’ commitment to our national security goals; • Reinvigorate law enforcement agencies and protect judicial independence to thwart political impunity and associated crimes and to enhance the establishment of democracy; • Identify and resolve the underlying causes of disputes with a political motivation; • Engage sectional and factional groups in constructive discourse to address agitations; Promote national interests in our foreign relations and interactions with international political structures, international agencies, and international organizations, as well as international non-governmental organizations. The Federal Government of Nigeria shall oversee the execution of our political security measures in accordance with the concept of duty allocation and division among the various levels of government. To fulfill the national political security goals, the government shall coordinate their attainment using all of our strategic national resources. The National Council of States will also continue to advise the President on national political security issues. Power- diversion mechanisms, an inclusive political system, crisis-free political succession, and leadership change will all be used to gauge Nigeria's political stability. (Federal Republic of Nigeria, National Security Strategy, 2019). Nigeria's democratic government in Sub-Saharan Africa is mainly disposed to the interests of the few ruling classes (Ojo, 2005). Igwe (2010) explained that Nigeria's democracy had not been able to deliver the much-anticipated development dividends. It will be difficult for the poor to adjust to the new realities in Nigeria‘s economic and political spheres, considering the substantial economic and market risks staring in the faces of poor rural and urban households 159 in Nigeria. If the "political godfathers" do not permit the poor to freely engage in the nation's election process, this cycle of poverty may persist. As a result, Ake (1996) clearly described such a scenario as follows: "...political power was everything; it was not only a means of access to riches, but also a means of security and the sole guarantor of general well-being.For anyone not within the hegemonic faction of the political elite, it was generally futile to harbor any illusions of becoming wealthy through entrepreneurial activity or to even take personal safety for granted. When Nigeria's leaders manage to take the seat of power, they want to rule forever. Consider Chief Olusegun Obasanjo's bid for a third term in 2007.Another case in point is Gunde of Guinea, who manipulated the country's constitution for a third term and then manipulated the electoral body to become President for a third time while cracking down on oppositions. He was less than one year into his third term when the military overthrew his government to restore sanity in the country. Development is seen in terms of the processes of socio-economic differentiation that characterize contemporary societies. The ultimate goal of development is to provide a means for members of society to live better lives. Simply put, development is the elimination or reduction of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. For Todaro (1984), development has three main objectives, which include: • To increase the availability and widen the distribution of basic life-sustaining goods and basic needs such as food, shelter, health, and protection. (b) to improve the standard of living, which will not only increase material well-being but also lead to higher levels of reverence for both the individual and the nation as a whole. This can be done by increasing income, creating more jobs, improving education, and paying more attention to cultural and humanistic values. (c) to increase people's economic opportunities and their independence from forces of ignorance or human suffering as well as from other people and the nation-state. Sadly in Nigeria today, about 90 million people endure terrible poverty. As a result of their apparent perception of a debilitating leadership vacuum at the highest levels, killers and other criminals appear to be becoming more self-assured and skilled at undermining the state and our security. Nigerians have lost enough blood and tears without receiving a suitable reaction from those who are supposed to be protecting them. Despite government statements to the contrary, the Northern Elders Forum reported that "the forum took notice of the growing security situation in the country." By using threats to our unity and peaceful coexistence as political leverage, politicians and other important individuals are escalating the nation's fault lines. Nigeria has every sign of being a failing state. The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which clearly specifies that the security and welfare of the people should be the core purpose of government, is an example of how security is a basic obligation of the state (Hobbes & Tuck, 1996). Ewetan and Ese (2014) contend, however, that the Nigerian government has regrettably failed in its constitutional duty by failing to provide a secure and safe environment for lives, assets, and the endeavors of commercial and economic operations. The corporate existence of Nigeria as a single geographical entity is in peril due to the unprecedentedly hazardous dimensions that this wave of escalating insecurity in the country has taken on. Austin-Egelo and coworkers, 2022). Insecurity 160 The National Security Strategy, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2019), states that throughout the past ten years, the danger of terrorism and violent extremism has persisted as a problem for our security forces. The complexity of the threat environment has increased as a result of BHT splitting into two groups. The groups' goal is to erode popular confidence in the administration. This is consistent with the growing logistical, financial, and operational capabilities of international terrorism, which has become a strategic danger. Although the Armed Forces of Nigeria, various security services, and the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have worked together to significantly reduce terrorist activity, there are still worries that these terrorist organizations pose a threat. Given the ongoing developments in this area and the possibility for an assault on the Critical National Information Infrastructure, the potential use of disruptive and emerging technologies remains a major worry (CNII). With the ultimate goal of establishing an Islamic caliphate in the North East, Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa (BHT and ISWAP) have continued to launch sporadic strikes on lone targets. Mass migration and displacement, the emergence of a sizable population of internally displaced people (IDPs), and the weakening of government, the rule of law, national cohesion, and economic activity are all consequences of this terror campaign. Infrastructure damage and human rights abuses are some more. The demise of ISIS in Syria might boost ties between terrorist organizations in the North East and foreign-based terror cells. This has raised more questions regarding the continuing espionage and counterinsurgency operations being carried out in Nigeria to drive out terrorists and militants. A comprehensive strategy in cooperation with our nearby neighbors and international partners will be necessary to address the danger posed by BHT and ISWAP. Boko Haram was a violent Islamic organization that initially intended to establish Sharia Law or its own extreme version of Islam in northern Nigeria before advancing south. The organization is opposed to contemporary science, Western culture, and not only Western education. Muslims are prohibited from participating in any political or social activity in the nation. This involves, among other dreadful expectations, participating in elections, dressing appropriately, or acquiring a western education (Onifade et al., 2013). Mohammed Yusuf, was the leader who formed the organisation in 2002 and was assassinated in 2009, The death of their commander didn't put a stop to them; it made things worse. They began murdering individuals and looting government buildings, mostly in the Northwest. Onifade et al (2013) highlighted the activities of Boko haram, stating that Due to the organization's connections to the notorious Al-Qaeda terrorist organization, Boko Haram has caused serious security issues in contemporary Nigeria. It is widely acknowledged that the Boko Haram terrorists' criminal and evil agenda, which includes the introduction of suicide bombings on Nigerian soil, has paralyzed economic and social activities in a number of cities, including Maiduguri, Abuja, Suleja, Damaturu, and Minna, and has made Nigeria unsafe for investment tourism in Homop and Urin 2012. Some individuals don't necessarily need to employ people or any other methods to dominate or enslave others. Nigeria's administration lacks guts. The issue lies with the government. Since they are bringing in weaponry, the government is cognizant of who is responsible for all of these uprisings and yet, no effective measure have been employed in their persecution. As a result, the Jos crisis has cost millions of naira, loss of countless lives, and brought Nigeria to the brink of destitution. However, the Jos conflict has led to a number of Muslim attacks against Christians. In fact, throughout the Jos conflicts from 2007 to 2010, nearly 10,000 Christians were killed. For instance, over 500 Christians perished in the 2010 crisis (Oladoyinbo, 2010). 161 Following 1999, contentious government policies favoring elite farmers made the farmers- herds conflict conceivable. The Kuya Ubana forest, as well as portions of the Maru and Zumi local government districts, were cleared of significant amounts of forest and grazing reserves by the Zamfara State administration. This caused chaos in the Fulani hamlets. As a result, there was conflict between the farmers and the herders. During an operation to thwart an attack on various towns in Bungudu Local Government Area in July 2021, gunmen in Zamfara murdered 13 police officers (LGA). The same month, they also shot down an Alpha aircraft of the Nigerian Air Force while it was returning to base after a mission over the Zamfara-Kaduna border. Both tourists and students are affected. At the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara-Katsina State, robbers kidnapped around 300 kids in December. They stormed the public scientific school in Kagara, in the Rafi local government area of Niger State, in February of this year. The abductions involved 15 staff members and about 27 kids from the institution. One of the abducted pupils died. The culprits also went to Jangebe's Government Girls Secondary School in Zamfara State, where they abducted over 200 girls for ransom. Kidnapping is a lucrative industry for many terrorists and criminals, who live dreadful lives. An intelligence assessment claims that terrorists in the desert rely on abducted victims paying ransom. Nigerian intelligence, according to Ayitaro (2021), claimed to have paid at least 18.34 million to 7 billion naira in ransom to kidnappers between 2011 and 2020. It was because of the worsening insecurity in Nigeria that the presidency allowed the South West and South East governors to have their security outfits. In 2020, they will be known as Amotekun in the South West and Ehube Agu in the South East. The attack on the Nigerian Defense Academy in Kaduna, which killed two soldiers and abducted one major, was a clear indication that they do not fear anybody and that Nigeria has no sacred places as far as they are concerned. There are many police and army checkpoints throughout Nigeria, yet violent crimes, killings, and kidnappings remain rampant on Nigeria's highways. Farmers and herdsmen clashed, killing and displacing many Nigerians and destroying farm crops. They have forced many Nigerians into poverty. The Fulani, or herdsmen, are one of the major causes of the pauperization of Nigeria in recent times. They also engage in killing, rape, kidnapping, and other crimes. Following several appeals to the Presidency for solutions, the Southern Governors issued this statement. This led to the Asaba Declaration, where, among other things, they banned open grazing of cattle throughout southern Nigeria. Many have followed up the Asaba declaration with anti-open grazing laws, and insecurity has led to the pauperization of Nigerians. Poverty Poverty is seen as an essential condition in which an individual lacks the skills and the techno-material where with all to produce to sustain a living above poverty (Guardian,1999).Poverty is multi-facet. It is associated with reduced purchasing power, a high risk of financial loss, inadequate access to social and economic services, and a lack of employment possibilities. (Guardian,1995). The National Security Strategy for the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2019) claims that unemployment and poverty make the afflicted people more likely to commit crimes, which has 162 consequences for national security. Young people who are unemployed face catastrophic psychological and financial effects. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that the unemployment rate for 2018 was 23.1%. The difficulty still exists despite attempts to solve unemployment made through empowerment initiatives like N-Power, the Youth Entrepreneurship Support Programme (YES-P), and the Anchor Borrowers Programme, among others. In order for our nation to achieve the first goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is the eradication of unemployment, severe poverty, and hunger, it is important to take into account a comprehensive effort to reduce poverty. African Economic Outlook survey(2010) revealed that in terms of national poverty line, about 52.8 percent and 34.1 per cent of Nigeria rural and urban population respectively are poor, and also the international poverty line showed that 62 percent leaves below $1.25 per day while 82.2 percent also leaves below $2 per day. Social marginalization and poverty are undesirable conditions. Both absolute and relative poverty exist. When based on sustenance, it is absolute; but, when compared to others in the community, it is relative.. Social exclusion means when multiple deprivation prevents a person from participation at all levels in societal important activities. Life in our rural societies involves giving and receiving that is the essence of communal life. The Nigerian National Bureau of statistics said in 2020, that 40% or 83 million Nigerians live in poverty. If the World Bank’s income poverty threshold of 3.20 per day is used, Nigeria poverty rate is 71%. With 93.9 percent of its population currently living below the poverty line, Nigeria has maintained its infamous title as one of the the world's poorest nations. As recorded in the 2018 analysis from the Brookings Institution, out of around 200 million people in Nigeria, it was forecasted that by the end of May 2018, Nigeria had about 87 million poor individuals." Nigeria's poverty rate is increasing by six individuals each minute. Health issues represents one of the major consequences of poverty, as seen by Nigeria's high infant mortality and short life expectancy. Due to a lack of access to basic healthcare resources and qualified medical professionals, the poor in Nigeria confront a variety of health problems. The causes of poverty in Nigeria include low or slower economic growth, income disparities, unemployment, corruption, and poor governance, the allocation of funding to non- developmental projects, fund embezzlements, ineffective macroeconomic policies, and a lack of adequate human support. Nigeria's poverty is mostly caused by corruption, which develops as a result of poor government. Under social structures that are weak, it thrives. The government thief is granted chieftaincy titles and is set free, whereas the poor thief is stoned or put in prison. A United Kingdom Newspaper the Daily Trust of 25 June 2005 alleged that the amount stolen by corrupt Nigerian rulers amounted to E220 billion as of that date (Ekeh, 2010). If that amount of money was used to establish industries in Nigeria definitely millions of people would have been employed thereby reducing the poverty level in Nigeria. And we would not have been the poverty capital of the world. Nigeria is referred to be the "poverty capital of the world" by the world poverty clock because 46.5 percent of its population lives in extreme poverty, based on the $1.90 per day poverty standard. In Nigeria, the level of abject poverty is rising by over 6% each minute. James Ibori, a former governor of Delta State, was found guilty of money laundering in the UK in 2012. He allegedly took $165 million from the oil-rich state, according to the prosecution. This money would have been channeled towards poverty alleviation. Igbuzor (2011) stated that the failure of the government to provide its people with public goods is what has led to Nigeria's current condition of insecurity. A growing army of disgruntled individuals who are prepared to take matters into their own hands and use violence at the first 163 sign of provocation or opportunity has been produced as a result of the lack of basic requirements experienced by the Nigerian people (poor) (insecurity). Austin-Egole and coworkers (2012). According to Hans-Peter (1994), poverty is defined as the inability of any person to meet their fundamental requirements owing to a lack of money, assets, or other means of change; as a result, any person who works but has nothing to show for it is considered to be poor. Being impoverished prevents people from having the opportunity to realize their full potential, which makes poverty both humiliating and demoralizing. A single measure cannot adequately reflect all the facets of poverty due to the multidimensionality of poverty. Various authors (Austin- Egole, 2022). Pauperization According to a 1998 assessment by the United Nations Development Programme, 48.5 percent of Nigeria's population lives below the poverty line, placing the nation among the 25 nations with the largest proportion of impoverished people worldwide. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2010), there were more impoverished people in Nigeria between 1980 and 2010, and the population of the nation also expanded during that time. A deeper examination of the study reveals that in 1980 (72.8%) compared to 1992 (57.3%) and 1996, the percentage of middle class persons in the nation was significantly greater (34.4 percent). Despite increasing to 43.3% in 2004, it decreased to 31% in 2010. (NBS 2010). According to the data that is currently available, the percentage of people who are extremely poor increased from 6.2 percent in 1980 to 29.3 percent in 1996, however that number later decreased to 22.0 percent in 2004. The moderately poor, however, were a little different, rising from 21.0 percent to 34.2 percent between 1980 and 1985 before falling from 36.3 percent to 32.4 percent between 1996 and 2004. (NBS 2010). Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are an issue in Nigeria, and the issues include ethnic tensions, religious and political strife, and human rights violations, most of which are caused by human activity but occasionally by natural catastrophes such as floods, earthquakes, and climate change. The federal government has tried for the IDPs but much needs to be done in terms of funding one school of thought believe that if more money is given, there will be a problem of accountability. There is also allegation of rape and sexual harassment in the IDPs. The National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria claimed in late 2011 that there were around 370,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the nation, including 74,000 in camps. Previous estimates by the government and other organizations did not account for the large number of persons who took refuge with family and friends and instead only counted those who had sought shelter in temporary IDP camps. How many IDPs may have recovered and found a long-lasting solution has been hard to ascertain because there are no systems in place to keep track of their current circumstances. According to Vanguard, Boko Haram's actions led to an increase in the number of refugees in Nigeria to 240,000 on November 29, 2016. The survey indicated that there were 138,321 refugees from Nigeria living in the Republic of Niger, the Republic of Cameroon, and the Republic of Chad. According to The Vanguard, 29,581 Nigerians who visited Niger and Cameroon willingly came back to their own country. In May 2013, 13,046 individuals crossed the border from the Niger Republic, while another 16,595 people crossed the border from Cameroon across the border at Mubiin, Adamawa State, between April and December 2015. The Federal Government of Nigeria, host governors, the United Nations High Commissioner 164 for Refugees (UNHCR), host towns, and Nigerians living in the nation have all provided humanitarian aid to the displaced Nigerians. According to the Vanguard article. Living below a certain minimum income threshold is considered to be poor. According to Galbraith, as cited by Ogunkoya (2009), the poor's situation was described as follows: “People are poverty stricken when their incomes, even if adequate for survival, fall radically behind that of their community…they are degraded for in the literal sense, they live outside, the grades or categories which community regards as acceptable.” Due to the fact that poverty denies people the opportunity to realize their full potential, it is not only stigmatizing but also demeaning (Ogunkoya, 2009). Conjunctural or temporary poverty are also possible. Persons who are in a conjunctural state include individuals who have fled their homes for other locations, those who are living in a camp for internally displaced people as a result of Boko Haram, etc. While individuals in temporary or persistent poverty are impacted by poverty as a result of the socioeconomic factors present in their environment. Africans are reduced to poverty by Western countries as a result of globalization. This is so because globalization has widened the wealth-poverty divide. Many Nigerians have been uprooted from their homes in large numbers. They struggle with both finding a place to reside and having enough money to buy food for their children because the government and volunteer workers have not been able to give them adequate financial help. According to Ocha (2015), the majority of internally displaced people live with families in poor host communities, sharing their limited resources and intensifying their own communities' poverty (which includes food, nutrition, and security). There are irregular and inadequate food distribution, crude shelter and poor health and sanitation services. Many of the camps are far away in the towns or villages away from home and this often make them inaccessible to humanitarian services. Many Nigerians are no longer ashamed to beg for help from others. Many petty businesses have collapsed. Many people cannot go to their farms to farm or to get food because of the clash between farmers and headers. The Fulani herdsmen use AK-47 against local farmers in their land. Many families now stay without food or eat whenever they have food. It is no longer eating three times daily. Many Nigerian are now homeless and many have committed suicide and some are contemplating committing suicide. The result is that many Nigerians now live without hope which has resulted in depression and blood pressure. According to Mba (2017) reintegration of IDPs to their initial communities is pertinent. They need security backup, and rebuilding of structures because without all these, they are at risk/vulnerable to be recruited by the insurgent as tools of mass destruction because they feel neglected by society and should be made to feel accepted. Show some love to IDPs because the situation they find themselves is not their making, Ruth Mba online December 13 2017. According to Debane (2018) IDPs suffer from extreme poverty, they do not go out with anything when displaced, and they do not often have access to a medical facility when needed. IDPs children do not go to school at times up to one year or more there are others that do not reach displacement camps women and girls face gender-based violence. There is a shortage of water, sanitation, and overcrowding at times they face multiple displacements. According to statistics, 181 percent of people reside in urban regions while just 52 percent do so in rural areas. The northwestern state of Sokoto has the most rates of poverty, with 87.7 percent of its population living below the poverty line, while Lagos, a major commercial center, had the lowest rate at 4.5 percent. It has come to a stage where many Nigerians now visit dustbins to struggle for food with dogs and other animals. Our leaders enjoying had governance 165 want us to believe that we are the richest economy in Africa and at the same time the poverty capital of the world. Some people are denied their rights as a result of pauperism, rendering them hopelessly undervalued members of society. According to Samir (2003), pauperization is a modernization of poverty with extremely negative impacts on all facets of social life. As a result, one may define a pauper as someone who experiences persistent poverty (Austin-Egelo et al., 2022). Governance, Insecurity, Poverty and Pauperization in Nigeria A measurement of accountability, transparency, and the effectiveness of governmental institutions is required in order to examine how democratic governance affects the eradication of poverty and determine whether or not the "new realities" in Nigeria's sociopolitical environment have been appropriately adjusted. The problems associated with a democratic government in Nigeria since gaining its independence in 1960 has not given in to the expectations of its people, whether via an elected or imposed administration. It has benefited more the greedy executives than the general populace (Fagbadebo, 2009). Democracy can flourish when there are regular, impartial, and trustworthy elections and all parties adhere to the rules. This enables the governed to challenge any administration with an unpopular policy and subsequently replace a government that will be sensitive to their needs and accountable for their actions. As a result, it is assured that initiatives that assist the broader population, particularly the impoverished, are developed and implemented. Conclusion and Recommendations Conclusion Inspite of the efforts made since 1960, Nigeria as a nation has not been able to attend to the socio-economic aspirations and improved welfare of its citizenry. Those who are in the camps of internally displaced persons are mostly farmers. Many Nigerians are unemployed and they cannot do anything and their sources of income have been destroyed. The marginalization and lopsided federation has given chance for agitations for self-determination which has affected the insecurity of Nigerians which has manifested in killing, destruction of property and slowing down the economy with sit-down at home. The presidency has not tried to solve the problem but rather escalated the problem. . The anti-corruption crusade has not delivered because of governments’ failure to leave the fight against corruption to independent institution and the character of those recruited for the fight. With the late President Umaru Yar adua, Nigeria formally began talks with armed groups in 2009 with the goal of lowering insecurity in the Niger Delta Region. The capacity to stop criminal violence and murders in their tracks has been severely hindered by weak intelligence collecting procedures. Bad governance is centered on the concepts of not just systemic corruption but also a lack of accountability and transparency, arbitrary policymaking, and deceiving the governed. Recommendations There is a need for restructuring in Nigeria because our founding fathers opted for federalism at the regions but the long years of military governments has centralized power making it lopsided federalism. Restructuring Nigeria will reduce the agitation for self-determination because of marginalization. The Boko Haram and its spirinter group are now ‘overpowering’ the federal government but with restructuring, Nigerians will come together to defeat them. 166 There should be lasting solution to the farmers/herdsmen conflicts so that farmers can go back to their farms and other will continue with their contribution to the economy. The government according to Oludayo (2021) “should create specialized anti-corruption court to hasten the trial of corruption cases. Judges to serve in the specialized court should be properly incentivized to mitigate judicial corruption. Ayiton, 2021 states that “the magnitude of punishment given to those that commit corruption must be equivalent to the offences committed,” Despite official denials, discussions with terrorists have taken place in several developed countries combatting terrorism, including the United States. To ensure efficient and stable administration that looks out for the underprivileged, the political system has to be reorganized. The implementation of good governance propelled by transformation and visionary leadership, is what ensures that national development plan are effectively and efficiently implemented. 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