Regional Agitations in Nigeria: Challenge to Democracy, National Cohesion and Nigeria's Sovereignty
Emmanuel Ugbedeojo Ameh, PhD; Oyibode Gabriel Chukwuma Etaoghenevwegba; Erunke Canice Esidene Ph.D (Corresponding author)

Abstract
Very few studies in the literature have examined the effect of regional agitations on democracy in Nigeria, national cohesion, and Nigeria’s sovereignty, especially in developing economies like that of Nigeria. Thus, amounting to a gap of knowledge in the literature. To close this knowledge dearth, this study examined the effect of regional agitations in Nigeria on the democracy in Nigeria, national cohesion, and Nigeria’s sovereignty. To this effect, two hypotheses were developed in null form for testing after a review of literature. Using questionnaires that were modified from those written by various writers, data were gathered from participants. Study participants of this study comprised members of five communities in Rivers State – Eleme, Okrika, Opobo and Oyigbo. Questionnaires were distributed using simple random sampling to the respondents of the study. A total of 184 copies of questionnaire were used for analysis using structural equation modelling on Smart PLS2. The study found out that regional agitations in Nigeria have negative influence on democracy in Nigeria, national cohesion, and Nigeria’s sovereignty. Consequently, increase in regional agitations in Nigeria will lead to decrease to democracy in Nigeria, national cohesion, and Nigeria’s sovereignty. Therefore, the study recommends that the federal and state governments in Nigeria work to ensure that all citizens feel that their voices are heard and valued. This can be done by devolving power to state and local governments, giving them more control over their own affairs, and engaging citizens in meaningful dialogue about the issues that affect them.

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