CHAPTER 28 : THE EMERGENCE OF PRESSURE GROUPS IN NIGERIA: A SECTARIANS UPHEAVAL OF ODUA PEOPLES' CONGRESS (OPC) AND MOVEMENT FOR THE SURVIVAL OF OGONI PEOPLE (MOSOP)

Abstract

The entity called Nigeria has constantly fallen into the quagmire of existence since its amalgamation in 1914. Against this backdrop, it has consequently basked in the euphoria of ethnic isolation, religious bigotry and sectarian interest to the detriment of its success as an entity and one indivisible nation. The bane of this backdrop calls for the nexus of this research paper which sets out to investigate the backdrops and origin of pressure groups in Nigeria, their adverse effects and possible solution employing the ethnographic and analytical methods with Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) and Odua People Congress (OPC) as a case study. The pressure groups' ideologies are interest groups or associations whose interest informs the basis of the group. Within its pure and undiluted forms, it stands to define the common goals of its general members. But this noble goal has over time been hijacked and bastardized by regional interest and separatist ideology which has today hydra-headed into banditry and terrorism. It is within this understanding that this research intends to look at the origin, history and attendant problems of two major pressure groups and how they affect the economical, political and social structure of Nigeria. \

Keywords: Pressure groups, OPC, MOSOP, Economic, Political and Social Structure of Nigeria