Abdulkareem Ayikoye Aruwa
Department of History and International Studies,
Federal University Lokoja – Nigeria.
and
Abdulrahman Ochi Suberu, PhD
Department of History and International Studies,
Federal University Lokoja – Nigeria.
abdulrahman.suberu@fulokoja.edu.ng
Abstract
This work presents the interplay and the inter-relationships between conflict, conflict resolution and Kogi State Judiciary. Conflict is a mismanaged disagreement between persons, groups or states, bordering on perceived differences and incompatible interests or goals. Conflict resolution refers to the mechanisms or processes employed and deployed by neutral and impartial third-parties in settling conflicts. The work juxtaposes Kogi State Judiciary between conflict and conflict resolution in showing that, through its legal frameworks and structures, it had boosted and impacted socio-political and socio-economic development in Kogi State by its service deliveries in settling and resolving conflicts between the constituents and entities in the State. The study navigates through the nature and features of conflict in human existence and relationships, along with those of conflict intervention and resolution, in establishing, by requisite references, how Kogi State Judiciary had contributed to democracy, good governance, peace and security within Kogi State. The study identifies that, but for the arduous roles of the Kogi State Judiciary, the relative peace, harmony and security in the State would have been elusive. It highlights its challenges in undertaking its indispensable responsibilities, which are mainly lack of adequate funding, and that of infrastructure, and calls on appropriate authorities to address those challenges. Data used for this study were obtained from primary and secondary sources of data collection and collation, and they were properly and scrupulously synthesised and analysed. From the data obtained, it was found that the Kogi State Judiciary is performing optimally, even as it is underfunded, particularly in the area of capital expenditure. It was further discovered by this study that the inadequate funding is hampering its infrastructural development, in terms of Court and residential buildings. The paper concludes by stating that, because of its very important role in conflict resolution through Court processes, and also its impact and impetus to socio-political and socio-economic development in Kogi State, the Judiciary of Kogi State should be accorded its rightful position as an independent arm of Government through full financial autonomy in order for it to manage its affairs unhindered.
Introduction Human history is replete with episodes of violent conflicts and oppression, contemporaneous with the rise and fall of civilization and empires. The rate of conflict was minimal, and violence scale was manageable prior to man’s development and acquisition of weapons of massive human extermination. Early men were only primitively concerned with how to live together and survive happily and safely. Their lives were characterised by hunting