A study of the ethnic conflicts threatening to damage Nigeria's efforts at democratic consolidation. Using selected case studies, the authors discuss the socioeconomic and political dynamics that breed the country's internal divisions. The authors also highlight the limitations in existing management practice and propose an innovative civil society approach to the management of conflicts. Index, app, maps, xii, 329pp, NIGERIA. SPECTRUM BOOKS LTD, 9780294848

Examines the principles and practices of the Afikpo (Eugbo) Nigeria indigenous justice system in contemporary times. The Afikpo indigenous justice system employs restorative, transformative and communitarian principles in conflict resolution. 256pp, UK. ROUTLEDGE.

Shows how a militant ethnic goal was pursued and attained by a constitutional and essentially non violent means. Argues that while appropriate structures and instrumental measures can be devised to accommodate ethnic political demands, the real challenge is to create and maintain the political will to ensure these demands are converted into acceptable 'ethnic attainments' under both civil political and military regimes. Index, bib, notes, xviii, 410pp, UK. WORLDVIEW, 1872142443

Set against the background of collective disenchantment with the Nigerian state, this study discusses the resurgence of ethnic identity politics and the over centralisation of power in Nigeria's federal practice since 1999. Refs, apps, notes, 53pp, SWEDEN. NORDIC AFRICA INSTITUTE, 9171065253

Explores the evolution of Nigerian federalism through its various constitutional experiments and administrative redesigns. Also outlines bold constitutional reforms that seek to promote institutional innovation in Nigerian federalism to keep pace with the country's growing demographic and ethnopolitical complexity. Maps, tables, notes, index, xxi, 247pp, USA. UNITED STATES INSTITUTE FOR PEACE PRESS.

2001 1929223285 Paperback

Twenty essays examine the historical, political, economic and comparative dimensions of attempts by the military to restructure the Nigerian federation. The authors present evidence that autocratic rule is antipathetic to the sustenance of general federal practice. Index, notes, tables, 363pp, NIGERIA. SPECTRUM BOOKS LTD, 9780290095

1998 DELAY Paperback

A Study of the Society for the Removal and Reinstatement of Tradition. The first volume in a series which takes up issues of religious and intellectual traditions, social significance and organization, and other aspects of the Islamic presence in Africa. BNS, 312pp, 3 illus, THE NETHERLANDS. EJ BRILL, 9004125884

The story of the Niger Delta struggle, the facts and the law, with emphasis on the Urhobo nation. 94pp, UK. NABROS PUBLICATION INTERNATIONAL, 0953748707

A study of links between interethnic conflict and processes of reconciliation in the ethnically charged setting of Kano, northern Nigeria. This book shows how Igbos returned and renegotiated a position for themselves in the new political and economic environment of Kano following the Nigerian Civil War of 1967-70. Index, notes, app, bib, 2 maps, b/w Photos, xi, 272pp, UK. JAMES CURREY PUBLISHERS, 0852559593

Comprehensive study of the origins, development, organisation, role and demise of the Native Authority/Local Government police forces in Nigeria. BNS, 302pp, NIGERIA. COLLEGE PRESS (NIGERIA), 9782194158

Argues that Nigerians embraced federalism as a way of managing the conflicts and suspicions among the various constituent nationalities that make up the Nigerian state. These fears and suspicions had led to the emergence of aggressive political and economic competitions along ethno-regional lines. Beginning from 1954, the unitary colonial state saw itself being gradually federalized as it had to contend with powerful ethno-regional pressures in the run-up to independence in 1960. Following the military coup of 1966, which ushered in a prolonged period of military rule, the various military regimes created a very centralized federal system while they ruled. By 1999 however, Nigerians had become disenchanted with the way the federal system was operated in the country, with echoes of the strident calls for a national conference to re-assess the system and the way it was operated reverberating throughout the entire length and breadth of the country. index, 322pp, UK. ADONIS & ABBEY.

A reflection on the military rule of Olusegun Obasanjo in Nigeria, and the easy prescriptions made for the country's democratic recovery by Western observers. The author also discusses the deeper causes of conflict and bad government in the country. B/w illus, maps, 92pp, UK. SOUTHERN SOLIDARITY PRESS, 095381193X