Security agencies and civil elections in nigeria: a study of the river state
Keywords:
civil election, democracy, Nigeria, river state, security agenciesAbstract
This study examines the duty of the security agencies, particularly the personnel of the police force, soldiers, state security department (DSS) and members of the Nigerian civil Defence corps (NSCDC) civil elections in Nigeria. The study, thus, argued that the continued involvements of the security agencies in the conduct of civil election in the country posed two major challenges which include intimidation of voters and aiding of electoral malpractices, despite their pertinence in safeguarding the lives of the common electorate as well as ensuring smooth electoral exercises. The study questions whether there is necessity for the involvement of the security agencies, or should they be involved in civil elections, or why should they be involved, and what are the possible benefits accruing from their involvement in civil election in Nigeria with a focus on River State. To achieve this, the study adopted historical research design which is qualitative as well as explorative in nature. This implies that the study relied extensively on secondary source of data via literature survey of books, reports from dailies and periodicals, government official publications, conference papers, journal publications and internet sources. The study finds out that the involvement of the security agencies in the conduct of civil elections is not in tandem with accepted practices in advanced democracies. Also of pertinence is their conducts in 2019 general elections in Rivers State.
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