THE ECONOMIC INEQUALITY; ITS IMPLICATIONS ON INSECURITY IN THE SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Economic inequality is the unequal distribution of income and opportunity among different classes in the society. Economic inequality favors the rich and the powerful while leaving the poor worst off. In the south eastern Nigeria, since after the civil war, there were deliberate attempt to sideline many people from eastern part of Nigeria from participating in the sharing of Nigeria commonwealth. The civil war ended on the note :No victor , No vanquish .This agreement was never respected by the supposedly victorious Nigeria Generals against the people of eastern Nigeria and thereafter economic policies to promote divide and rule were deliberately initiated to suppress the most enterprising ,productive and innovative spirit of the people from eastern region of Nigeria. Dr. Michael Okpara industrial revolution that made eastern Nigeria the fastest growing economy before the civil war was deliberately frustrated. Merit was sacrificed in the altar of nepotism and tribalism and these actions laid the foundation for economic inequality in the eastern part of Nigeria. Only those within eastern region who were ready to trade off their integrity and expertise were economically empowered through political appointments and juicy contracts as well as oil licenses. For several years, insecurity has robbed the Region billions of dollars, scaring foreign and local investors from anchoring their economic interests within the Region. As a result of ugly security situation, even few companies that have managed to open shops have eventually closed down thereby leaving the youths stranded and unemployed. The objective of this work is therefore to explore economic strategy to permanently solve the problem of insecurity within the south east space.