Post-Colonial Political Campaigns and Violation of Human Rights in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper interrogates the linkage between the militarization of political campaigns and Human Rights violations in Rivers State. Also, the briefing underscores on how the use of Hate Speech during campaigns result in the harassment of persons by the Law Enforcement Agents? The paper utilized the Social Conflict Theory as a framework of analysis, while also adopting the documentary method and the qualitative-descriptive for data collection and data analysis respectively. The study found that the militarization of political campaigns and the use of Hate Speeches during campaigns variously undermined Human Rights by exacerbating abuses in Rivers State, Nigeria. It recommends appropriate punishment of officers of the law and politicians who sponsor election-related violence, and as well as speedy prosecution of Hate Speeches.