reasons for the adoption of federalism in nigeria pdf

The leaders also were from different major tribes and also wanted a level of power. These crises flow from issues such as fiscal federalism, corruption, credible elections, tribal politics, ethno-religious conflicts, and disdain for the rule of law. Another factor that prompted the adoption of federalism in Nigeria is the fear of insecurity and the desire for union. 1. Nigeria therefore falls into the latter because of the wide diversities. Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer. of diversities helps in a nations decision to adopt the aggregative or disaggregative type of federalism. 2013 PP.100-107, This paper explores the issue of unification federalism in Nigeria, which has been an obstacle to peace, development and threats to security .The findings from an extensive reading of related materials suggest that, the root of contemporary political conflict and underdevelopment in Nigeria political landscape shows clearly in the area of imbalance political structures that were established before and after independence. Over the years, it is quite obvious that Nigeria is one of the few countries that adopted federal system of Government in Africa, a system that envisages autonomy for every sect of its authorities (federal, state and local government respectively). /Height 235 Federalism was implemented in Nigeria as way back as 1946 during the British colonial era. /Length 3884 /Length 14727 As a result, issues relating to marginalization, economic imbalance, social alienation, ethnic suspicion and superior-subordination contestation are recurring malaises in the system. Excellent, thanks a lot f and Democracy in Nigeria, ISSUES IN NIGERIAN FISCAL FEDERALISM; THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PRINCIPLE OF DERIVATION AND RESOURCE CONTROL. What a nice and educating document!We are grateful for this post. Parliamentary and Unitary system of government were in operation in Nigeria between 1914 and 1946. Wheare who contends that it is a system where powers are shared between central and regional governments so that each is in a sphere cordinate and independent. Voter Turnout, Voting Behavior and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria By Professor Sakah Saidu Mahmud Kwara State University, Malete 1. British North American colonies unite 3 Up to 1867, the colonies 4 of British North America had no political or geographical links. That is often the reason why some adherents of Marx quarrel vehemently about such preordained classification such as: haves and have-nots; and the liberal minds grappling with, insisting not only that all hands are not equal, but that they must never, for whatsoever reason at all, be made equal - believing that that would tantamount to the highest injustice. And this is one of the factors responsible for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria. government and the governed by enhancing political cohesion in such country with regional, ethic, racial, linguistic and cultural diversity like Nigeria. Fiscal Federalism and Democratic Governance in Nigeria - I. O. Taiwo 2004 The calls for restructuring have been louder particularly from the southern part of Nigeria. 33 The Marriage Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990, sec 18 specifically stipulates: "If either party to an intended marriage, not being a Consent widower or widow, is under twenty-one years of age, the written consent of the father, or if he be dead or of unsound mind or absent from Nigeria, of the mother, or if both be dead or of unsound mind or absent from Nigeria, of the . The benefits of federalism are that it can encourage political participation, give states an incentive to engage in policy innovation, and accommodate diverse viewpoints across the country. In this article, i will comprehensively discuss the reasons for federalism in Nigeria. It has severally been emphasized by both the Northern and Western politicians that God did not create Nigeria but the British. Put differently, revenue sharing has become a recurrent crisis factor in Nigeria. << Why indirect rule succeeded in Northern Nigeria, SEE REASONS HERE. Mere desire to unite is not enough but there must be the desire to remain separate in respect to other matters. Academia.edu uses cookies to personalize content, tailor ads and improve the user experience. Nigeria did not choose federal system of government because it is the best or most practiced system of government in the world. This understanding is also in tune with that of Jinadu (1979:15), who insists that Federalism is usually viewed as a form of governmental and institutional structure, deliberately designed by political architects, to cope with the twin but difficult task of maintaining unity while also preserving diversity. It is no news, therefore, that the peoples of Nigeria are diverse in different respects culturally, historically, socially, religiously, educationally, industriously, and even philosophically. So for effective governance of a country of this big size, federalism has to be adopted. >> Nigeria thus consists of various ethnic groups and sub-national states, all of which are at the mercy of the Central government. We hope to seeing you again on other posts of interest. Samuel is bent on changing the legal profession by building Web and Mobile Apps that will make legal research a lot easier. To make mortgage industry standards more flexible and modernized, the proposed rule would remove the requirement that lenders and mortgagees register with HUD each branch office . It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide A Policy Brief examining the actors, factors and dynamics of the agitations, questioning if the current agitation is another flash in the pan and if current responses are adequate to address the agitations for secession of Biafra from Nigeria. There must be a formal decision of government powers by the constitution between the federal and state government. Levoluzione del federalismo nigeriano tra conflitti etnici e transizioni democratiche. Here, both the majority and minority are represented in the government. Federalism: Federal Features in the Colonial State." A chronology of critical events in Nigeria's political development from the adoption of a federal system in 1954 to the present is provided in Table 1. The paper begins by placing the question in an historical context examines its different phases and characters. reasons for the adoption of federalism in nigeria pdf. Pillars of democracy: 7 Essential pillars of democracy. Are there certain inherent and primordial grievances and preferences? +rohyC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ Federalism will shape the long-term health and economic impacts of COVID-19, including plans for the future, for at least two reasons: First, federalism exacerbates inequities, as some states have a history of underinvesting in social programs, especially in certain communities. In 1954, the Nigerian founding fathers opted for a federal system of government despite its inherent challenges in a pluralistic society. Instead of designing a government that should unite the different elements in Nigeria, the colonialists fully adopted federal stem of government in 1954 and created greater regional autonomy. The history of Ijaw, Edo, Igala, Yoruba, Igbo, Nupe and Hausa Kingdoms are enriched with social-political relationships that existed before the emergence of the white man. To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds toupgrade your browser. This is why there is a clamoring for restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria. The first military head of state was dethroned for adopting unitary system of government yet successive military administration in practice follow unitary principle instead of federal system. politicization of ethnicity or the ethnicization of the politics of state creation that Nigeria has witnessed in recent years. Federalism also in this manner, preserves cultures of the minorities from being drowned in the ocean of the cultures of the majorities. The current problems facing the Nigeria government and the Biafra separatist agitators originate in the causes and the effects of the Nigerian Civil war (06 July 1967-15 January 1970). As at the time of independence, the population of Nigeria was estimated at 45.21 million. Nigeria can be said to be operating the federal system of government, whereas in actual practice, the country is tending towards a unitary system. This is another reason for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria. One of the major reasons why countries choose federalism is because of size. What are the reasons Nigeria adopted the Federalism system of government in Nigeria? Despite that, instead of unity, cooperation and consensus, there has been apparent division, disagreement, and dissension. It has been suggested that the creation of more states and local government have helped in the distribution of national cake. This particular corroborated federalism in Nigeria. 3. /ProcSet [/PDF /Text ] % To learn more, view ourPrivacy Policy. Size and population of a country is among the determinants of the level of power and influence which a country commands. In examining post-independence constitution-making in Nigeria, this chapter finds that military rule blighted Nigerias capacity to respond appropriately to the challenges of federalism. The Political Economy and Un-ending Search, Agitation for Restructuring and Resource Control in Nigeria's Federalism: Issues, Perspectives and the Way Forward, Federalism, Military Legacies and the Restructuring Debate in Contemporary Nigeria, Federalism, Decentralisation and the Liberalisation of Business Environment in Nigeria, Hands Behind their backs: Making a case for a region-centred restructuring framework, Nigerian Pseudo-Federalism and the Agitations for Restructuring, The evolution of fiscal centralism and strong centre federalism in Nigeria An historical analysis, The Nigerian fiscal formulas and the agitations for resource control in the Niger delta region of. Generally speaking, one of the reasons for federalism is common historical or ancestral background. It advocates good governance and a participatory approach to constitutional review as the foundations for strong constitutionalism in Nigeria. Reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria include: 1. Payment Details. Trouble for INEC staff who violated Electoral Act during presidential polls as c 53 things to do with your boyfriend: fun ways to spend time together, Presidential election: Jack-Rich salutes Tinubu, Shettima over victory, Maritime workers hail Supreme Court over old naira notes, says cargo can now leave ports, Dating apps in Nigeria: best applications to help you find the one. These maladies have led to a renewal of the call for secession by the South-Eastern ethnic group of Nigeria for a Republic of Biafra, on the basis that they are being short-changed in the political cum socio-economic largess accumulating from the Centre. Section 10 of the constitution rule outs the adoption of any religion as a state religion either. A large body of literature exists on Nigeria's fiscal federalism particularly with reference to revenue allocation. Post-independence creation of states and further division of states created after independence was done as a framework for the development of Nigeria. Other specific reasons for the increasing demand for decentralisation are: Central governments increasingly are finding that it is impossible for them to . Have you ever wondered why Nigeria is practicing a federal system of government and not any other system? FRED EKPE F. AYOKHAI, Peter W I L F R E D Naankiel, This study, using content analysis, examined the impact of fiscal federalism and the struggles of ethnic minority groups in the Niger Delta on the trajectories of the national question in Nigeria. Nigeria's independence was gotten and founded on the basis of a federalist system of Government. Pls visit us again dear reader. It is also an undisputed fact that the Hausas and Yorubas fought Biafra to keep the unity of Nigeria. Reasons For The Adoption Of Federalism In Nigeria. Roxy Horner biography: who is Jack Whitehalls girlfriend? Peter W I L F R E D Naankiel, FRED EKPE F. AYOKHAI, Covenant University Journal of Politics and International Affairs, African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, African Journal of Governance and Development, Calabar Journal of Politics and Administration, International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Under Reconstruction: Ethnicity, Ethnic Nationalism, and the Future of the Nigerian State, Institutional Engineering and the Survival of Nigerian Federalism, " Managing a Plural Society : the Boomerang Effects of Nigerian Federalism' Journal of Commonwealth and Comparative Politics , 27, 1-2 (July 1989), 218-245, An Historical Interrogation of Federalism berlin, THE PRACTICE OF TRUE FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA AND THE NIGER DELTA QUESTION, "The dawn of constitutionalism in Nigeria in Mbondenyi, M. K., and Ojienda T. Federalism And Intergovernmental Relations In Nigeria. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. It is believed by many that this was one of the reasons why Nigeria adopted a federalist system. Government at different periods had set up commissions to advise on the acceptable revenue sharing formula, especially as it affects the three (3) tiers of government. The main goal of the Convention was to revise the Articles of Confederation, the agreement that governed the 13 colonies and was adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777, shortly after the end of the Revolutionary War . Constitutionalism in Nigeria has been crisis-ridden since independence in 1960. Also, the adoption of the Littleton constitution of 1954 laid further credence to . i dont have my first school leaving certificate. 74 . Therefore, striking an acceptable delicate balance between these two divides, has, time and again, become a well known problematic world over. Thus, federalism is mostly considered a tangible element for coexistence, but much more, I think, as political syrup, for adumbrating potent dislocations inherent in, and symptomatic of pluralist societies. For a better explanation of the theory of federalism, I highly recommend that you watch the video below. The advanced economies where Nigeria had borrowed leaves from, such as USA practice federalism. Manages And Maintains And Secures Nigeria. 3. Federalism as a system of government which is meant to help to advance good governance and development of a multi-ethnic and big country like Nigeria. ), Constitutionalism, Constitution Making and Constitutional Reform in Africa: Contemporary Perspectives from Sub-Saharan Africa, Chapter IX: The politics and policies of oil deregulation in Nigeria: Implications and policy suggestions. Problems of Nigerian Federalism 1) Revenue Allocation: This has been a problem in Nigeria. 2012, Issues and Trends in Nigeria's Development. Regrettably, this system is founded on a militarily-conceived constitution lacking a fully enforceable bill of rights and clear governmental functions. The size of Nigeria is therefore managed and maintained with federalism. The 1951 constitution gave more strength to regionalism with the creation of two chamber legislation in the northern and western Nigeria. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. It concluded that the interplay of these variables leads to the degeneration of the national question and. This paper recommends that there should be an overhaul of the political system through constitutional amendment process to expunge provisions that negate federalism and provide for implementation of true federalism. Federalism in Nigeria can be traced to Sir Frederick Lord Lugard, when the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated in 1914. For instance, such noun phrases like: nationality, nation, citizenship, identity, ethnicity, ethnic group, indigene, state of origin, etc, are inherently conflict laden, with abundant intellectual understandings. Also see: Reasons why lawyers wear wigs to court, Origin and nature of federalism in Nigeria. In other not to control only some parts of the big country, Nigeria, the colonial masters thought it wise to divide the country into different component units that will be represented in the government. This has nexus with the particular sharing formula adopted. This was many times more the population of most African countries then. /Width 371 Federalism is a type of government in which the sovereign authority of political power is usually divided between two units. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Do you want to know the basis and the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria? The Hausa Fulani and the Minorities feared the domination of political powers by the Igbos and Yorubas. Nigeria is a plural society of over 250 tongues and tribes. ideology, federalism becomes the only solution to ensure peace and unity amongst the. This is also one of the reasons for federal system of government in Nigeria. It needs proper review so that the country can move forward as a nation. Policy Brief on the agitation for cessation of Biafra republic from the Nigerian state, response to the agitation and the options to address the issues. We can offhandedly list all of the reasons for the adoption of federal system in Nigeria. At the heart of these crises are weak democratic institutions, which are sustained by bad leadership and a culture of impunity. Rt. Promoters of the idea were of the view that the What is federalism? Nigeria is quite a big country with an area of 923,768 km2. The logic for this call, nay, agitation for self-determination by this group is not faulty in itself except that the laws of the land; Nigeria 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not guarantee self-determination or secession by any group of the Nigerian political environment. I have said that Nigeria is reputed to be the largest black country around, even Nigeria has claimed to be the giant of Africa by . The constitution must be rigid to avoid frequent and unnecessary changes. It came about following the necessity for administrative convenience and managerial expenses. The Evolution, Development and Practice of Federalism in Nigeria Charas Madu Tella, Ahmed Wali Doho, Aliyu Bapeto Abstract Federalism is a political philosophy in which members of a group are. 19 more states were created in 1976 in order to score more political advantage by the Murtala-Obasanjo regime against those that favor General Yakubu Gowon. The fear of marginalization by the minority in a unitary system of government has, to a great extent, influenced the majority state support for federating states. % There are three major tribes in Nigeria namely Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. 3l:rmO"XDhG%2| /Type /XObject The United States, Canada, India, France and Australia adopted federalism because of the desire for security by the various ethnic units. The fear of ethnic groups overlapping regional boundaries and the loyalties of castes cutting of some extent across provincial political boundaries also encourage some groups to support wider federal unions. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Consequently, the economic condition was one of the reasons that led to the adoption of federal systems of government in both Nigeria and South Africa. stream The crux of the matter is that the minorities fear the domination of the majorities, but federalism allows them some independent existence, and as such, their fears, both real and fancied, are allayed. However, the practice of fiscal federalism in Nigeria is a negation of true federalism. Also, Read: Bad Leadership Causes, Effects And Solutions In Nigeria. Your email address will not be published. Rather there has been more challenges than benefits of this federal system. CLICK HERE To Pay With Debit Card ($15) GHANA - Make Payment of 80 GHS to MTN MoMo, 0553978005, Douglas Osabutey. Identities can be in terms of ethnicity, culture, religion and other differences," she says. In a unitary constitution which opposes federal principles, everything belongs to the central government; the federating unit does not exist, let alone agitating for resource control. |4-Iv Another important factor that necessitated federalism in Nigeria was the political culture of the country. Common national, racial, religious, cultural linguistic or social ties have often contributed to the unification of political unit. Federalism as said earlier decentralizes power. However, it is also fact that since independence Nigeria has promulgated several constitutions and that if Nigeria wanted an alternative system of government, she could have opted for it. Federalism as a system of government has been approached with variegated definitions such that one might argue that there are much definitions of federalism as there are authors on the subject. More importantly, certain heavy but blurred (or fluid) terminologies that define or designate Nigerias federal principle, which are highly pertinent to coexistence, have yet compounded the theoretical and practical significance of federalism in Nigeria. } !1AQa"q2#BR$3br Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Here, the Attorney General of the Federation Instituted the case to test the true position so that the federal government would be guided on the varying issues of derivation formula. >> First, how to properly place peoples, better still - indigenes and ethnic groupings, in their relevant socio-economic categories; that is, in line with the oil windfalls. Also it is more useful to expansiate on them. /F3 12 0 R POL 124 MAIN CONTENT Mar 21, 2011 NEW (1), Resource Control, Federalism and Peace in the Niger Delta: A Reflection on Nigeria at Fifty, Federalism and Revenue Allocation in Nigeria: A Critical Evaluation of the Derivation Principle, Legal Framework for Fiscal Federalism: Issues and Options for Reform, RESOURCE CONTROL, REVENUE ALLOCATION AND PETROLEUM POLITICS IN NIGERIA: THE NIGER DELTA QUESTION, Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations in Nigeria's Fourth Republic: Issues and Challenges, The Nigerian State and the Quest for Restructuring: Implications for Democratic Consolidation, Federalism, Democracy and Constitutionalism: The Nigerian Experience. Problems facing the legal profession in Nigeria, History of the legal profession in Nigeria, Problems of Local Government in Nigeria And Solutions, 5 important Characteristic of customary law, Sources of Nigerian Law: everything you need to know. Another reason why federalism is adopted by any country is that of its population. However, that is not so in a federal government system. Granted is the fact that federalism was launched in Nigeria by expatriate leaders, its continued existence since independence is standing firm on the interest of the indegeneous leaders. Fourthly, there shall be the existence of court to interpret the constitution as it applies to cases and conflicts among the tiers of government. The federal system adopted in 1954 comprised a national government and three regional governments: Eastern, Northern, and Western. This research work x-rayed federalism in Nigeria as the only basis upon which Nigeria can remain united despite its diversity and peculiar conditions in which the different tribal groups live in and proffers solutions to the challenges of the practice of . As a heterogeneous state, Nigeria operates a federal structure which accommodates a Central government and sub-national, otherwise, state governments with several other municipal administrations; local government, therefore enabling a tripartite level of governance. Journal of public administration and Management Vol.6,No.12, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Federalism therefore involves the linkage of individuals, groups and policies in lasting but limited union in such a way as to provide for the energetic pursuit of common goals while maintaining the respective integrities of all parties.