3.0 Democracy and Political Governance 3.0.1 Democracy and Political Governance theme has nine (9) specific objectives; namely: i. Prevention and Reduction of Intra and Inter-State Conflicts; ii. Promotion of Constitutional Democracy and the Rule of Law; iii. Promotion and Protection of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and Civil and Political Rights; iv. Upholding the Separation of Powers, particularly the Independence of the Judiciary and of effectiveness of the Legislatures; v. Ensuring Accountability, Efficiency and Effectiveness of Civil Servants and Other Public Office Holders; vi. Fighting Corruption in the Political Sphere; vii. Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women; viii. Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Children and Young Persons; ix. Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable Groups, including the disabled, displaced persons and refugees. 3.1 Objective 1: Prevention and Reduction of Intra and Inter-State Conflicts. 3.1.1 Nigeria is a country of great diversity, with multi-ethnic and multi-religious characteristics. The country has witnessed a series of internal conflicts arising from agitation for resource control, political struggles, ethnic interests, land disputes, and religious intolerance etc. The most recent of these incidents are the Niger Delta crisis; the Boko Haram episode in the North Eastern area of Nigeria; post election violence at the conclusion of the April, 2011 General 16