INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Conflict is viewed as the process of interaction which results in the incompatibility, disagreement or dissonance between social entities. M. Afzalur Rahim (2010).It is also defined as those activities between individuals or groups which are mutually inconsistent regarding the quest for the fulfillment of their wants, needs or obligations. Michael Nicholson (1992). Conflict in groups is often caused by differences of opinion between members, or scarcity of resources which often leads to conflict escalation and then conflict resolution stage, after which the enhances group interaction again .Sophia Jowett (2007).The application of traditional conflict management process have been proven to be effective over time as it improves social relationships creating harmony, resolving and managing conflict. It is deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of Africa. The exclusion of traditional rulers in conflict resolution processes has also contributed to the escalating rate of conflict in the nation. Conflict management is a healing process which requires the participation of all stakeholders to the healing process so as to rebuild the social harmony that was destroyed. In contemporary society the existence of Traditional conflict resolution mechanisms still at work at the grass root level where the communities exchange gifts and slaughter animals. A typical illustration is Karamoja in Uganda and other pastoralist societies in Kenya which uses their traditional elders are used to resolve conflicts within the local communities. Choudree R.B.G, 1999, Dumbbell Kum’a(2001). It is essential that African traditional leaders be involved in conflict management especially within their domain since the basic objective of the traditional elders is to maintain peace in their clans. The culture of African traditional community respect maintains and strengthens the traditional ruling institution as the external mediator will not have an in depth understanding of a conflict compared to the traditional leader who lives within the domain of the community Birgit Brock-Utne, (2001). The study seeks to appraise local government system and conflict management in Nigeria
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The neglect of traditional institution and the Non participatory roles of traditional rulers in the present day administration as compared to their roles in managing and resolving conflict in pre-colonial Nigeria constitute one major reason for the increasing rate of social conflicts in many of our communities, towns and cities. This development renders traditional rulers and her institutions irrelevant and also constitute as threats to peace, security and stability in the nation. The government and other stakeholders in the course of strengthening international and regional organizations to deal with international conflict management have neglected internal solutions to conflict management. This has led to foreign interference especially in areas where there is heavy dependence on foreign aid, forgetting that as conflict is inherent in a society, so are the mechanisms in solving it. The neglect of the role of traditional authority in mediation has contributed to the development of protracted conflict in many communities, towns and cities. The problem confronting the study is to proffer an appraisal of local government system and conflict management in Nigeria.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The Main Objective of the study is to proffer an appraisal of local government system and conflict management in Nigeria; The specific objectives include
1 To determine the nature and effect of conflict.
2 To determine the role of local government system in conflict management in Nigeria.
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1 What is the nature and effect of conflict?
2 What are the roles of local government system in conflict management in Nigeria?
1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS
The statement of the hypothesis for the study is stated in Null as follows
Ho The level of conflict in local government area is high.
Ho The role local government system in conflict management in Nigeria is not effective.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study shall attract the attention of government and relevant agencies to revive the role of traditional rulers in conflict resolutions especially in domains where they exist as leaders. It shall also provide the needed information for policy makers and relevant stakeholders.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study focuses on the appraisal of the local government system and conflict management in Nigeria
1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
CONFLICT DEFINED
Conflict is viewed as the process of interaction which results in the incompatibility, disagreement or dissonance between entities’. Afzalur Rahim (2010).It is also defined as that activity between individuals or groups which are mutually inconsistent regarding the quest for the fulfillment of their wants, needs or obligations. Michael Nicholson (1992). Conflict in groups is often caused by differences of opinion between members, or scarcity of resources which often leads to conflict escalation and then conflict resolution stage, after which it enhances group interaction again.
CONFLICT RESOULTION DEFINED
A conflict resolution is the realignment of clashed interest. Differences of opinion, disagreements, between people or entities.
