2012, Issues and Trends in Nigeria's Development. He is also a Developer with knowledge in HTML, CSS, JS, PHP and React Native. But before moving to the crux of this article, we will be looking briefly at the meaning and history of federalism in Nigeria. The second theory focuses on the existence of external military or diplomatic threat for the origin of federalism. By every political barometer, this is a thought-provoking account of the Nigeria-Biafra political imbroglio. Parliamentary and Unitary system of government were in operation in Nigeria between 1914 and 1946. These crises flow from issues such as fiscal federalism, corruption, credible elections, tribal politics, ethno-religious conflicts, and disdain for the rule of law. Federalism is a method of segregating powers so that the central and local governments are each within a domain, harmonizing and autonomous. Despite the profound and lengthy discussions that have taken place on the subject for about four and half decades, consensus has not been reached concerning the optimal formula to adopt to achieve desired economic development . Bashar Abubakar Bukkuyum This is good 'nd thank you Blogger. 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. 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. Northern Cameroons should remain with Northern Nigeria but Southern Cameroon should be granted autonomy with a legislature of its own. There must exist supremacy of the constitution, which implies that laws passed by the authority in the federal arrangement, if contrary to the constitution shall be declared to be ultra votes. 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. i dont have my first school leaving certificate. Thus, federalism seemed to be the only option left for Nigeria because it allows for popular participation in government. 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. ff>qsfN? The chief architect of this theory is Riker. There are other political systems the country could have adopted but because of some reasons which I am going to share with you today, federalism seemed to be the best idea. In this paper I explain the hows and whys of the minorities continued disadvantaged status in spite of the far-reaching steps that have been taken to ameliorate, if not eliminate, the problem. >> 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. 3. In 1939 sir Bernard Bourdillion made a serious constitutional proposal which concluded having regional councils with a central council in Lagos. This is why there is a clamoring for restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria. In 1954, the Nigerian founding fathers opted for a federal system of government despite its inherent challenges in a pluralistic society. In the words of Richards, regionalism was introduced to strengthen unity in diversity. The British in their quest for economic wealth and geo-political edges over other Europeans in Africa made Nigeria the largest British colony in Africa. . 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). 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 federalism, there is accountability, there is transparency. It allows for popular participation in politics at every level of government. The states too have no resources for development but depended on federal grants. It came about following the necessity for administrative convenience and managerial expenses. Academia.edu uses cookies to personalize content, tailor ads and improve the user experience. At the heart of these crises are weak democratic institutions, which are sustained by bad leadership and a culture of impunity. Nigeria is quite a big country with an area of 923,768 km2. Brad Simpson (2014) The Biafran secession and the limits of self-determination, Journal of Genocide Research, 16:2-3, 337-354, WARN POLICY BRIEF THE NIGERIA STATE AND THE BIAFRA QUESTION: THREATS TO OR OPPORTUNITIES FOR NATIONAL COHESION, LAST TRAIN TO BIAFRA - Memories of a Biafran Child: A Personal Family Experience, Fiscal Federalism, Ethnic Minorities and the National Question in Nigeria: Revisiting the Case of the Niger Delta People, WARN POLICY BRIEF WARN POLICY BRIEF THE NIGERIA STATE AND THE BIAFRA QUESTION: THREATS TO OR OPPORTUNITIES FOR NATIONAL COHESION, Biafra Resurgence: State Failure, Insecurity and Separatist Agitations in Nigeria, Biafra Separatism: Causes, Consequences and Remedies, The Nigerian State and the Quest for Restructuring: Implications for Democratic Consolidation, THE DISINTEGRATION OF YUGOSLAVIA: A LESSON FOR NIGERIA, MASSOB AND IPOB SELF DETERMINATION AND THE NIGERIA STATE, Ndi Igbo, Leadership, Nationhood, the Nigerian Dilemma and Why We Are All Biafrans, Death of a nation - Biafra and the Nigerian question.pdf, Exploring the Dimensions of Secessionist Agitations: Security Threats and Implications for Nigeria 1966-2016, REVISITING THE NIGERIA-BIAFRA WAR: THE INTANGIBLES OF POST- WAR RECONCILIATION, The Ambiguity of Constitutional Silence on State Secession in Nigeria: Looking Beyond Politics of Compassion and Prejudice, West Africa Insight Secessionist Movement ENGLISH Version, Situation Analysis on Public Safety and Security Governorship Election in Anambra State, IGBOS, A PEOPLE THRIVING AMIDST ADVERSITY: WHO ARE THE IGBOS, Pro-Biafran Activists and the call for a Referendum: A Sentiment Analysis of 'Biafraexit' on Twitter after UK's vote to leave the European Union, NIGERIA: WHAT IS TO BE DONE? /BitsPerComponent 8 Nigeria is quite a big country with an area of 923,768 km2. 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. Also it is more useful to expansiate on them. Put differently, revenue sharing has become a recurrent crisis factor in Nigeria. 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. The post war efforts for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of the Igbo secessionist into the post-civil war Nigeria through the (3Rs) policy of rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation (the 3Rs) to promote national unity and nationalism have failed to yield desire result. Federalism was basically introduced to bring about peace and unity in the different regions of the country. Levoluzione del federalismo nigeriano tra conflitti etnici e transizioni democratiche. In my view, federalism is a good system for Nigeria. Federalism is a defined or is said to be the system where powers are shared between central and regional governments so that each is in a sphere coordinate and are independent. Nigeria's independence was gotten and founded on the basis of a federalist system of Government. Academia.edu uses cookies to personalize content, tailor ads and improve the user experience. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention ISSN (Online): 2319 7722, ISSN (Print): 2319 7714 www.ijhssi.org Volume 2 Issue 8 August. From that date, the concept of federalism incorporated the idea of patterned contact at two levels: at the governmental level between the participating units, and among the citizens of these different units (Dare, 1979:26). It is not surprising that Nigeria in its 55 years of political sojourn has tried different forms of federalism. Also, Read: Local Government In Nigeria : Definition, Functions, And Importance. After nearly three decades of cumulative military rule, the country returned to civilian governance in 1999 under a presidential system of government. By using our site, you agree to our collection of information through the use of cookies. 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 . Federalism in Nigeria refers to the devolution of self-governance by the West African nation of Nigeria to its federated states, who share sovereignty with the Federal Government. With the total area of 923,768 km, Nigeria can not justifiably be administered by a lone leviathan from the top. Each state has the same level of self-governance. The Attorney General sought to know whether the 13% sharing formula of the oil producing states should include revenue from oil producing states should include revenue from oil production activities off shore. Besides the Big Three - Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba, there are other macro and micro ethnic minorities in the country. 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. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. You are welcome dear reader. READ ALSO: Reasons for political apathy in Nigeria, Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. Moreover, Nigeria are typically inclined to the derivation principle, which is the process of distributing centrally generated revenue to constituent units with regards to the contribution made by a group to the country's more 12substantial income. Nigeria as a nation has succeeded in commanding influence among member states by the virtue of its size. READ ALSO: History of democracy in Nigeria from 1960. 7 Topics Revenue Allocation in Nigeria | Week 9. stream The availability of resources in a particular region and the need for that area to control the resources has also been seen as a reason for a federal system in Nigeria. The states were later increased to 30 states. 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. Also see: Historical constitutional development in Nigeria explained. Below are the reasons why Nigeria adopted a federal system of government: The major reason for the adoption of federal system of government in Nigeria is borne out of the historical experience that brought all the ethical groups together under one Nigeria. It submits that the problem with constitutionalism in Nigeria is poor leadership and poor implementation of the Constitution. This was a period when long efforts were made to identify the legal relationships between the Leagues and the City States (Mogi, 1931:21). Federalism in Nigeria refers to the devolution of self-governance by the West African nation of Nigeria to its federated states, who share sovereignty with the Federal Government . is one of the devices built into the federal constitution of Nigeria as a means of achieving unity in diversity. This was one of the major reasons for the creation of the newer and smaller states after the independence. 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. Payment Details. Federalism did not return to Nigeria until after his death. Federalism was favoured among other systems of government in a bid to averting . It should be noted that the Federal Military Government had earlier by fiat taken proceeds from offshore prospecting and drilling activities directly under federal eminent domain. Federalism is a system of government where there are a decentralization power and autonomy of governance to the regional or federated states that share sovereignty with the Federal Government. There are three major tribes in Nigeria namely Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. Fear of insecurity and the desire for a Union Meaning of federalism? "There are reasons why some nation-states opt for federalism. Full History of Nigerian Federalism. - Cooperative or "marble-cake" federalism is de ned as a exible relationship between the national and state government in which both work together on a variety of issues and programs. Historical experience 3.2 2. On the contrary it has also been suggested that is created more diversity and conflict for the nation to grapple with. 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 . As at the time of independence, the population of Nigeria was estimated at 45.21 million. To learn more, view ourPrivacy Policy. We can offhandedly list all of the reasons for the adoption of federal system in Nigeria. Federal System of Government/Federalism | Week 8. Do you know the reasons for federalism in Nigeria? It means that the sovereign unit (Centre) and local units . ideology, federalism becomes the only solution to ensure peace and unity amongst the. Since 1954 successively Nigerian constitution had adopted the federal system of government without much emphasis on the unity or disunity it has accorded to Nigeria. Differences between 1960 and 1963 constitution of Nigeria, Differences Between First, Second and Third Degree Murder, Best Lawyers In The World (With Pictures): Top 10 Most Popular, Factors that Limits Independence of the Judiciary in Nigeria, Statute of Fraud: Contracts Required to be in Writing, Advantages And Disadvantages Of a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Richest Christian Musicians In The World: Top 10 Wealthiest, Countries With The Highest Minimum Wage 2022: Top 13, Best Handworks/Skills To Learn In Nigeria 2023: Top 12 Most Lucrative, Richest Engineers In Nigeria 2022: Top 10 Highest Paid, Cheapest Places to Live in the United Kingdom 2022: 12 Most Affordable, Cheapest Places/Cities To Live In Nigeria 2022. 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. This is another reason for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria. (eds. stream Meaningful studies, especially the comparative study of Vile, have significantly shown that emerging challenges of conflict, cooperation and competition amongst levels of government in classical federalist states such as U.S., Canada and Australia, are important rationales for federating as well as the hallmarks of federal government (Vile, cited in Jinadu, 1979). MCC Vol 2 No 1 Article 04.pdf, GJ #2018, 2, Globalization and Federation in Peril: Renewed Agitations for Statehood and the Future of Nigerian State, by A. M. Maigari and U. Dantani, GLOBALIZATION AND FEDERATION IN PERIL: RENEWED AGITATIONS FOR STATEHOOD AND THE FUTURE OF NIGERIAN STATE, RESTRUCTURING NIGERIA: BEYOND POLITICAL RHETORIC AND THE MORAL PANIC, PDF copy of Published paper on Agitation and restructuring.pdf, ESSAYS ON RIGHT TO SELF DETERMINATION AS A PEREMPTORY NORM AND THE LIMITATION IN EXERCISING THAT RIGHT.pdf, Federalism, Military Legacies and the Restructuring Debate in Contemporary Nigeria, Legal Aid Journal of Legal Issues Vol. 2. Multi-Ethnicity Nigeria is a country with a lot of ethnic groups. Geographical nearness of the component states to each other and the state network of roads and transportation. 7. five reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria explained. 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. There is no doubt that geographical factored are one of the influential reasons for federalism in Nigeria. In Nigerian democracy, there is a federalist system of government. The leaders also were from different major tribes and also wanted a level of power. w !1AQaq"2B #3Rbr /Subtype /Image Samuel is bent on changing the legal profession by building Web and Mobile Apps that will make legal research a lot easier. Also see: Differences between Cross-offers and counter-offers, five reasons for the adoption of federalism in nigeria. Political institutions, Kinship ties, Origin of towns and their cultural antecedents are enriched with similar history. It has severally been emphasized by both the Northern and Western politicians that God did not create Nigeria but the British. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reasons for the Adoption of Federalism in Nigeria. >> Federalism And Intergovernmental Relations In Nigeria. The federal government however has occupied a very strong position vis--vis the State and Local government since the 1970's in Nigeria. The possible reasons for the practice of federalism in Nigeria are several, and have, for instance, been presented as British imposition targeted at a post-colonial relationship, or as a. So for effective governance of a country of this big size, federalism has to be adopted. It discovered a positive relationship between the changes in the fiscal structure and the aggravation of ethnic minorities' struggles. Reasons For The Adoption Of Federalism In Nigeria. /Type /XObject 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. . The United States, Canada, India, France and Australia adopted federalism because of the desire for security by the various ethnic units. The advanced economies where Nigeria had borrowed leaves from, such as USA practice federalism. /Type /Page Hon. examines the question on why federalism has not succeeded in managing and accommodating diversity in Nigeria. << What is federalism? The USSR was an example of this type of federalism. It concluded that the interplay of these variables leads to the degeneration of the national question and. It will schock you to know Nigerias adoption of federalism was also in the interest of the leaders. As one of the most effective frameworks for governing a pluralistic society, Nigeria adopted Federalism to manage her multi-ethnic state. 1. By using our site, you agree to our collection of information through the use of cookies. So, what are the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria? Excellent, thanks a lot f 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. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. Nigeria has been dubbed as a product of British colonial suturing. Voter Turnout, Voting Behavior and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria By Professor Sakah Saidu Mahmud Kwara State University, Malete 1. To begin with, the title of this book, " Last Train to Biafra " is allegorically evocative of the severing of, or rather the dead relationship between Nigeria and Biafra. 6 0 obj Therefore, the adoption of a federal political framework in Nigeria was a necessity as the system was the only viable option for a multi-ethnic country like 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. To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds toupgrade your browser. sir Arthur Richards strengthened this proposal in 1945 and regionalism was introduced by his administration in 1946. To avert this domination, states unite to form a strong, virile and stable union capable of withstanding external attacks. This notwithstanding, the concept of federalism boasts of a very popular definition by an American scholar, K.C. 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. ), 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. What were the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria? The contradictions generated by this rigional arrangement threatened Nigeria unity.