EXAMINATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENTS AND NON-VIOLENTCHANGEIN NIGERIA FROM 1999 TO DATE

Abstract

This study examined civil rights movements and nonviolent change in Nigeria from1999todate. Civil rights movements in Nigeria have been indispensable actors in the democratization process especially since the return to civil rule in I999. They have helped in the sustenance and deepening of democratic governance in Nigeria. The study adopted qualitative method of data collection and analysis using interdisciplinary approach to historical research due to the nature of the study. Furthermore, the structural-functionalism theory was adopted as the theoretical framework of this study. The study reviewed extant literature on the emergence of civil right movements, major civil rights groups, including the role of religious organizations in civil right matters in Nigeria. The study finds out that in spite of the success civil rights movement have made in Nigeria since 1999, there are tons of problems that are confronting the organizations. The major problems of the human rights groups are that of factionalism, absence of internal democracy in some human rights organizations and struggle for financial spoils particularly when foreign funding is involved. Some of the factionalism is, however, due to objective reasons, such as differences in perception, and difficulties in communication. The study further finds out
that corruption and bribery is a great canker worm that has eaten deep into the social fabrics of Nigeria. The cancerous nature of corruption makes it difficult for any part of the polity to be immune from it. Although, there are fewer cases of corruption in the third sector in Nigeria, there are reports of mismanagement of funds meant for development by students and labor unions in contemporary Nigeria.