THE ROLE OF CLERICS IN MANAGEMENT AND RESOLUTIONS Of INSURGENCY IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study seeks the role of clerics in the management and resolution of Insurgency in Maiduguri Metropolis. Three objectives and three research question were answered in this study. Related literature was reviewed to support this study, Survey research design was adopted. The target population for this study comprised all clerics of Both Islam and Christian which is Approximately 357, There are 186 clerics was randomly selected Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sampling tale. The instrument for this study was a researcher designed questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated by experts in the Publica Administration, Yobe State University, Damaturu. The researcher obtained an introductory letter from the head of Department, through the research supervisor, soliciting for permission to carry out research addressed to Clerics of both Muslim and Christian within Maiduguri Metropolis. One hundred and eighty sis (186) questionnaires were administered and retrieved immediately. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Findings of this study revealed that religious clerics play a substantial role in conflict management and resolution within the Maiduguri Metropolis, particularly in addressing Boko Haram-related conflicts. The study shows that respondents acknowledge the positive impact of religious clerics in managing and resolving Insurgency. The result indicates that religious leaders have played a significant role in promoting peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion in the Maiduguri Metropolis. The researcher suggests the following recommendations; Stakeholders, including local authorities, community leaders, and civil society organizations, recognize and support the crucial role that religious clerics play in conflict management and resolution. Civil society organizations should actively engage and collaborate with religious clerics in peace-building, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and civil society groups, should take the following action to support and empower religious clerics in their peace-building roles: Safety and Security Measures, Interfaith Dialogue Initiatives, Conflict Resolution Training and Community Support Networks.