Mass Mobilization and Legitimation Crisis in Nigeria

In: Political communication and persuasion: an international journal, Band 8, Heft 1, S. 43-62

Abstract

An exploration of various campaigns in Nigeria since the mid-1970s that purportedly sought to mobilize the people against economic & social injustices, which were exacerbated by the economic crisis. The overt goals of these campaigns were based on a neutral ideology of prudence, honesty, & the Protestant work ethic. It is argued here, however, that this ideological neutrality was a smoke screen, & that the people were misinformed in order to mobilize them against their own best interests. The Jaji Declaration of 12 Sept 1977, the Ethical Revolution of 1981-1983, & the War against Indiscipline of 1984/85 are among the campaigns cited as examples of this pseudopopular mobilization. These efforts have actually aggravated both the economic & the legitimation crisis of the Nigerian State. J. W. Stanton