TERRORISM AND FOREIGN RELATION (A CASE STUDY OF BUHARI ADMINISTRATION)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Foreign relation is an essential tool with which states relate to states and non-states actors in the international system. The Foreign relations cam simply be said to be the collaboration with foreign countries in other to achieve country’s national interests. Foreign relations of the Nigerian state has continued to change under different governments and leaders. This is usually influenced by the type of government and to a great extent personality of the countries leader. From independence, where Nigeria pursue a non-aligned Foreign relations under Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Under Yakubu Gowon 1966-1975 the country was plagued with civil war, but his Foreign relations was also Afrocentric in nature, Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo 1975-1979 the government pursued a radical Foreign relations which was aimed at liberation of African states from clutches of apartheid and colonialism and reducing the influence of Western capitalist countries, Shehu Shagari 1979-1983 continued with the Afrocentric policy and also liberal policy, Muhammadu Buhari 1983-1985 chose to follow Foreign relations of Murtala/Obasanjo Foreign relations which was radical in nature. Ibrahim Babangida 1985-1993 Foreign relations was seen mainly as pro-western countries which led to the acceptance of Structural Adjustment Programs and also its economic diplomacy, Sani Abacha 1993-1998 choose to pursue an isolation Foreign relations which meant Nigeria had limited engagement with outside world. Olusegun Obasanjo 1999-2007 decided to re-open Nigeria to the world after isolation of Sani Abacha government, his Foreign relations was hinged on shuttle diplomacy which was aimed at economic development, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and Goodluck Jonathan 2007-2015 Foreign relations was opened and encourages relations with other countries around the world, and its policy was hinged on citizen diplomacy, Muhammadu Buhari 2015-Present Foreign relations is also hinged on improving relations with neighbors and to maintain ties with the United States and China among other countries in the world.As a Head of Government under a military government General Buhari pursued a radical Foreign relations which led confrontation with Nigeria neighbours, radical countering of colonial and apartheid governments on the continent. President Buhari assumed shuttle diplomacy between different countries immediately after assuming office in 2015 he was referred at as “Jet-Setting President”, this was attributed mainly to the fact he spent a quarter of first 100 days in office in different countries. The president upon inauguration assumed the responsibility of been countries chief diplomat and Foreign relations officer to re-launch Nigeria into the international community. This is mostly attributed to the international environment Buhari found himself, this situation was characterised by dwindling oil prices, terrorism and counter-terrorism, nuclear deals and neoliberalism among others.

STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL PROBLEM

The threat to lives and property posed by terrorism in Nigeria had escalated in recent times leading to the death of thousands of Nigerians, loss of property, while many are being held hostage. Consequently the Nigerian government through its military and security forces declared a total war. The problem confronting this research is to evaluate foreign relations under President Muhammadu Buhari and its impact of terrorism.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The major aim of the study is to evaluate terrorism and foreign relation in the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Other specific objectives of the study are;

1. To examine the history and evolution of terrorism in Nigeria with special attention on boko haram insurgency.
2. To examine the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government in tackling terrorism in Nigeria through foreign relations.
3. To evaluate if the efforts of the present efforts in terms of foreign relations has yielded the required results.
4. To recommend ways of stepping up the fight against terrorism thrugh far reaching foreign relations.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the history and evolution of terrorism in Nigeria with special attention on boko haram insurgency?
2. What are the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government in tackling terrorism in Nigeria through foreign relations?
3. Have the efforts of the present government of President Buhari  in terms of foreign relations has yielded the required results?
4. What are the ways of stepping up the fight against terrorism through far reaching foreign relations?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study would be of immense importance to government at ll levels and relevant stakeholders as it would evaluate the impact pf foreign relations on terrorism in Nigeria. The study would also be of benefit to students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on the subject matter by being a source of literature.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study is restricted to terrorism and foreign relations using the government of President Muhammadu Buhari of 2015 till date as a case study.