EFFECT OF CONFLICT ON SOCIO-POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA: (A STUDY OF IMO STATE CIVIL SERVICES OWERRI, IMO STATE)

ABSTRACT The Nigeria civil services are made up of people from different ethnic groups. The diverse tongues, culture and tradition of civil servants in the ministries have degenerated into constant conflicts. These conflicts are usually internally socio-political in nature which always hinders performance and better services in the sector. There are always politics in selection and recruitment. This politics stems from the facts that those in authority would like to select their people first or treat them fairly to some important positions and appointment to exacted positions which always politicized the nation thereby bring favoritism, nepotism and sectionalism in the civil services system. However, these differences in tongues, class and creed constituted to the conflict observing in civil services in Nigeria. These also affect the productivity and performance in socio-economic and political sub-systems of the country. Therefore, in achieving this research work, the researcher used four research questions and objectives of the study each. The population of 5020 persons as the population of federal civil servants in Port Harcourt road Owerri Federal Civil Service office. The sample size of 371 was used which was calculated with Taro Yamane formula with 5% coefficient error estimated. Simple Random Sampling Technique was also used as the sampling technique for the study. The data presentation, analysis and interpretation was made with the used of simple percentage and statistical tables. The findings were also made. In the findings, heterogeneous environmental nature of Nigeria, different religious background and languages constitute the problems in the civil services of Nigeria state. The recommendations for the work advised for the spirit of patriotism and nationalism while in the service to ensure selfless service and efficiency.