Social Activity And Criminalization Of Politics In Cross River South Senatorial District, Nigeria

This study discussed societal activities and criminalization of politics in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State. More precisely, this study examined the extent at which the use of thugs during election relates with criminalization of politics. To guide the study, one research hypothesis and one research question was formulated. Cross-sectional survey study design, involving the use of qualitative and quantitative methods was adopted. Through the use unstructured interview and questionnaire, a sample of four hundred 400 respondents was selected from the study area using a multi-staged sampling technique. Furthermore, a simple percentage system of analyzing data was employed for the interpretation of the research question while Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient Analysis tool was utilized to test the research hypothesis. The study concluded that the use of thugs in political activities directly relates with the criminalization of politics as this menace has led to all forms of criminality during and after election period in study area in particular and Nigeria in general. The study revealed that there is a significant relationship between the use thugs in political activities and the criminalization of politics in Cross River South Senatorial District State. Given the results, the subsequent policy suggestions among others; were made which include: There is urgent need for government to strengthen public-private-partnership (PPP) as one of the best policy options and economic approaches. This will assist in the provision of employment to able youths across Nigeria thereby pooling people out of poverty and unemployment who may be willing tool in the hands of politicians.