Journal of Social Science for Policy Implications

Institutionally Generated Crises and the Challenges of Economic Integration in South-South Nigeria
Ebebe A. Ukpong, Moses U. Ikoh

Abstract
In this paper we examined the challenges posed by institutionally generated crises on the economic integration plans initiated by the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria. The overarching objective was to identify and provide a systematic analysis of the embedded crises, outline their consequential challenges and provide the public and policy-makers a guiding framework to redirect paradigms towards ending the crises. Using the theoretical lenses of the Cognitive Institutional Perspective (CIP) – a combination of Neo-institutional theory and Cognitive theory – we explore the several features and complexes that influence the actions and reactions of the South-South Governors to the NBC new boundary regime and the pronouncements of the Supreme Court on the several cases of redress and interpretation that were before it. In order to end the face-off generated by the crises, we asked and answered three related questions drawing largely from documentary and media publication evidences. After discussing the challenges, we offer recommendations towards ending the crises. These include mediation by the South-South leaders, mediation by the South-South traditional Rulers, and intensification of effort toward the realization of the South-South economic integration to spur growth in the South-South States, among others.

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