It is also an undisputed fact that the Hausas and Yorubas fought Biafra to keep the unity of Nigeria. Just very few words have evoked much more controversy in the discus of politics than the word, federalism. By way of conclusion, it is imperative to know that the reason why Nigeria is still practicing federalism today is because the system seems to be suitable for our political value and culture. Moreover, it is important to note that most of the ethnic groups in Nigeria had strong political inter-group relationship before colonial rule. . 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. Federalism is a type of government in which the sovereign authority of political power is usually divided between two units. 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. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. There is a general opinion that Nigeria was formed because of the interest of the British and they had to govern the country under a federation system. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The federal system adopted in 1954 comprised a national government and three regional governments: Eastern, Northern, and Western. Despite that, instead of unity, cooperation and consensus, there has been apparent division, disagreement, and dissension. The calls for restructuring have been louder particularly from the southern part of Nigeria. This paper consequently argues that the anxiety as well as angst attributable to this agitation has the tendencies of not only disrupting the relative-peace presently enjoyed by the various groups, but is also, if not controlled, capable of plunging the country into a state of economic comatose and perpetual fragility. Your email address will not be published. five reasons for the adoption of federalism in nigeria Another factor that prompted the adoption of federalism in Nigeria is the fear of insecurity and the desire for union. 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). 3l:rmO"XDhG%2| Under this type, there exist a balkanization of formerly unitary state near disintegration and its diversities which progress to a state. Matters, enumerated in the exclusive list are selected for the federal authority, while matters that fall within the concurrent list are selected for the federal government, and the regions. It submits that the problem with constitutionalism in Nigeria is poor leadership and poor implementation of the Constitution. Thus, Nigeria's federalism is not only complex but also hard to understand. We appreciate you. By every political barometer, this is a thought-provoking account of the Nigeria-Biafra political imbroglio. Multi-Ethnicity Nigeria is a country with a lot of ethnic groups. Again, in 1967 twelve states were created to appease the interest of those clamoring for states and weaken the geo-political holds of Biafra. Emphasis on indigeneity, the federal revenue allocation formula and the increasing formalization of the 'federal character' principle, to mention only a few issues, increase sources of tensions and potential conflicts. /Width 371 Nigeria as a nation has succeeded in commanding influence among member states by the virtue of its size. Dual federalism was dominant from the 1790s until the 1930s. Nigeria is confronted to the boomerang effects of the evolution of its federalism. By the time Nigeria got her independence, the various party involved had been regionally based. In developing countries like India, Iraq and Nigeria, federalism has either failed to close developmental gaps and ethno-communal tensions among various states or, more worryingly, in some. 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. This book was released on 2022-09-16 with total page 197 pages. A large body of literature exists on Nigeria's fiscal federalism particularly with reference to revenue allocation. This duplicity of government is not alien to a federal structure as identified, except that in the Nigerian case, there is ineffable strife for dominance. 2. 7 Topics Revenue Allocation in Nigeria | Week 9. Here, both the majority and minority are represented in the government. The leaders also were from different major tribes and also wanted a level of power. 74 . The states' territories were formed around ethnic groups with common interest and close ties, culture, and dialects. Unfortunately, since the formation of Nigeria and adoption of this system of governance in the country has not seen much effect of federalism. Unfortunately, to suit their interests and political agenda, the federal and state governments over time immemorial have maintained great level of . Federalism was implemented in Nigeria as way back as 1946 during the British colonial era. Over the years the fiscal federalism in Nigeria has crystallised and remained . Since a strong bond links the process through which constitutions are produced and their degree of acceptance and effectiveness, questions over the Constitutions legitimacy prompted parliament to amend it in 2010. Voter Turnout, Voting Behavior and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria By Professor Sakah Saidu Mahmud Kwara State University, Malete 1. Do you want to know the basis and the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria? In Nigeria, the main reason for the adoption of a federal arrangement was the sociological complexity of the society, its ethnic and geographical diversity. The intimidating size of Nigeria does not only earn her an international respect but also provides her with a buffer to attacks by rogue nations and disgruntled neighbours. In his judgment, Ogundare JSC agreed that the provisions to Sections 162(2) of the constitution re-stabilized the principle of derivation. The paper identifies and discusses the problems associated with separatist movements and how they affect national and social security, and argues that while the definition of state failure is contested and therefore Nigeria cannot yet be called a failed state, but certainly a fragile state. Hon. /Type /XObject This is another reason for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria. Historical experience 3.2 2. It also shows the growth rate as an engine to the development of economies of developing countries like Nigeria in this 21p century. Federalism And Intergovernmental Relations In Nigeria. Fear of insecurity and the desire for a Union Meaning of federalism? The second theory focuses on the existence of external military or diplomatic threat for the origin of federalism. This allows the central or federal government to share governmental powers between the central or federal government and the components regions, state, etc. The advanced economies where Nigeria had borrowed leaves from, such as USA practice federalism. It advocates good governance and a participatory approach to constitutional review as the foundations for strong constitutionalism in Nigeria. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. 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. Therefore, striking an acceptable delicate balance between these two divides, has, time and again, become a well known problematic world over. You are welcome dear reader. 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. 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 . Nigeria thus consists of various ethnic groups and sub-national states, all of which are at the mercy of the Central government. /Subtype /Image Why indirect rule succeeded in Northern Nigeria, SEE REASONS HERE. Nigeria is a heterogeneous nation facing challenges within the balance of economic development along ethnic divisions in society. 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 . This embodies ideas of promise, obligation, and undertaking; and consequently, the federal idea draws on collaboration, reciprocity, and mutuality. Also see: Reasons why lawyers wear wigs to court, Origin and nature of federalism in Nigeria. Nigeria's independence was gotten and founded on the basis of a federalist system of Government. Stated reasons of the coup were prevailing gangsterism and disorder, corruption and nepotism in the civil government. In the words of Richards, regionalism was introduced to strengthen unity in diversity. All these strengthen political bonds and gave Rice to unity in diversity. The federal government however has occupied a very strong position vis--vis the State and Local government since the 1970's in Nigeria. THE THEME OF IMAGERY AND SYMBOLISM IN THE IPOB SECESSIONIST STRUGGLE, Abdul's Assignment on 711 Dr. Usman Mohammed, A nation divided against itself: Biafra and the conflicting online protest discourses, Ethnicity, Political Exclusion and the Resurgence of Separatism in South-Eastern, Nigeria, Hands Behind their backs: Making a case for a region-centred restructuring framework, THE EFFECT OF CRIMINAL INJUSTICE AGAINST EASTERN NIGERIA AND THE DEMAND FOR SELF-DETERMINATION BY IPOB. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. Federalism was the only solution to ensure peace and unity amongst the leaders and the citizens and that was why federalism was adopted into the Nigerian political system. >> 1. Do you know the reasons for federalism in Nigeria? There must be a formal decision of government powers by the constitution between the federal and state government. Ethnic, Religious and Geographical Factor 3.5 5. It allows for popular participation in politics at every level of government. Federalism was favoured among other systems of government in a bid to averting . Have you ever wondered why Nigeria is practicing a federal system of government and not any other system? Federalism in India. Such arrangement would inter alia breed neglect, frustration and aggression; no thanks to the red-tape inherent in unitarism. Minority Marginalization 3.6 6. The analysis of the emerging issues and scenarios as well as the response options aims at supporting the efforts of different stakeholders including the Federal government on managing the current pro-Biafra agitation. As I have already explained, Nigeria is an amalgamation of three different regions with beliefs and customs. All attempts to solve these problems over the years have failed. What are the reasons Nigeria adopted the Federalism system of government in Nigeria? READ ALSO: History of democracy in Nigeria from 1960. Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. Defence, Security, Economy and Development, Chigozirim Odinkalu, Ebenebe Ernest Onyeka, Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies (eJECS), International Journal of Research in Economics and Social Sciences(IJRESS), Glocalism: Journal of Culture, Politics and Innovation, African Journal of Governance and Development, Calabar Journal of Politics and Administration. 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. 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. It discovered a positive relationship between the changes in the fiscal structure and the aggravation of ethnic minorities' struggles. 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 . The fact that these nations chose to adopt a federal system does not prove anything; it does, however, suggest that federalism may help these countries manage the problems that come with ethnic . Moreover, /Contents 4 0 R Manages And Maintains And Secures Nigeria. READ ALSO: Reasons for political apathy in Nigeria, Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. As one of the most effective frameworks for governing a pluralistic society, Nigeria adopted Federalism to manage her multi-ethnic state. Prof. Jan Robert Go of the Department of Political Science, UP Diliman. In recent times, specifically in post 2015 general election, there have been new waves of agitations for the Biafra republic by both Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra and Indigenous People of Biafra on one hand and for Niger Delta republic by Niger Delta Avengers on the other, added to terrorism and militancy that are already threatening Nigeria fragile state. a system of state organization, to bring a workable polity with a just moral order is the reason why states adopt or should adopt federalism. Another factor that prompted the adoption of federalism in Nigeria is the fear of insecurity and the desire for union. This was many times more the population of most African countries then. Also see: Historical constitutional development in Nigeria explained. Nigeria as a result was divided into three provinces. Some of the reasons include preservation of identities. Many Nigerian ethnic groups began to agitate for their own states. /Font << This was one of the major reasons for the creation of the newer and smaller states after the independence. It is believed by many that this was one of the reasons why Nigeria adopted a federalist system. 7. After nearly three decades of cumulative military rule, the country returned to civilian governance in 1999 under a presidential system of government. Federalism as said earlier decentralizes power. What were the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria? Abstract One of the arguments for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria is the desire for economic and political viability and development in a nation of uneven distribution of human and. Federalism, State creation and National Integration State creation like federal character, quota system, etc. by the federal or any state government. More so, the colonial masters with the Richards Constitution in 1947 launched Nigeria onto the path of the present federal system of government via the regionalization of the country. In Nigeria, there are different and distinct ethnic groups brought together by colonization. In the same way, the political culture of the United States is civic, republican and participatory. INTERNAL COLONIALISM IN NIGERIA Some of the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria are the diversity of the nation and the desire for political, cultural and social identity of a people of over 250 ethnic groups, several languages, diversities and a lot of political traditions; the desire for some form of 6 0 obj These crises flow from issues such as fiscal federalism, corruption, credible elections, tribal politics, ethno-religious conflicts, and disdain for the rule of law. /F7 24 0 R 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. stream 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. It forays into the inherent issues underlying the Biafran movement and the ways in which those issues, as well as Biafran agitation, are inimical to Nigeria's development. According to Ayoade (2009:iii): Nigerians have come to identify the first republic 1960- 66 as the golden age of federalism in Nigeria. The Emergence of Nigeria as a political entity under colonial rule was not an easy affair. Federalism was basically introduced to bring about peace and unity in the different regions of the country. Federalism has been present in Nigeria since the former British colony was reorganized into a federation of three regions in 1946. Regrettably, this system is founded on a militarily-conceived constitution lacking a fully enforceable bill of rights and clear governmental functions. /ProcSet [/PDF /Text ] Keywords: Civil war, Secession, Self-determination, Nationalism and Restructuring, This work critically examines the issues undermining the unification of Nigeria, using indicators and concepts including failed state, separatist agitation and insecurity. Fiscal Federalism and Democratic Governance in Nigeria - I. O. Taiwo 2004 Email Address. Thus, there is continuous agitation by many ethnic nationalities for a sovereign national conference in order to renegotiate the Nigeria federal deal to put Nigeria on the path of true federalism to guarantee her unity and co-existence. << Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. 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. Your email address will not be published. << Also, there was a demand for more local regions by all these ethnic interest groups which was what led to the creation of new states. To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds toupgrade your browser. Is there high propensity or likelihood of exclusion, marginalization and relative deprivation, which was to engender obsessive mutual antagonism? This type of government is also known as a "federation" or a "federal state" in common parlance (eg., United States of America). This has nexus with the particular sharing formula adopted. >> Federal System of Government/Federalism | Week 8. Reasons for Federalism 3.1 Reasons for a federal order rather than separate states or secession 3.2 Reasons for preferring federal orders over a unitary state 4. reasons for the adoption of federalism in nigeria pdf. 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. 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. The powers that exist between the federal and state government also depends on the constitution. 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 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. The Plural nature of Nigeria. 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 . is one of the devices built into the federal constitution of Nigeria as a means of achieving unity in diversity. Nigeria has been dubbed as a product of British colonial suturing. we are proud to nigeria our inherited country,god bless nigeria. Given the size of Nigeria, it lays claims to being the Giant of Africa. Many nations in the international community recognizes her as such. By and large, it is the nature of the relationship of the federal and state governments that determines whether a state is federal or unitary. Northern Cameroons should remain with Northern Nigeria but Southern Cameroon should be granted autonomy with a legislature of its own. 7 Topics . Academia.edu uses cookies to personalize content, tailor ads and improve the user experience. Excellent, thanks a lot f What is federalism? However, that is not so in a federal government system.