Political Violence And Socio-Economic Development In Imo State

Abstract

This study investigated political violence and socio-economic development of Imo State. Specifically, it tried to ascertain if political violence discourages investments, impacts negatively on the economy of Imo State and leads to destruction of lives, social activities and property. Hafez Social Movement Theory was employed in this study as its theoretical framework of analysis. The theory (SMT) explains the conditions under which political violence occurs in societies; how group protects occurs in the society and what motivates their actions and inactions. It was deduced from the study that politics was the main cause of political violence in Imo State; that political violence discouraged investment flows into Imo State; that political violence impacted negatively on the economy Imo State. To curb political violence in Imo State, therefore, the researchers recommended that political leaders should always play a role in building effective government through their constitutional duties and mandates, there should be good governance practices to stem the tide of general insecurity of lives, property and investments in the country which scare away both local and foreign investors. Nigeria politicians should imbibe the value of good political culture and play violence free political system. Government of Imo State should initiate good pro-poor policies that would help reduce high level of poverty and unemployment among youths in the State and Nigeria at large.