reasons for the adoption of federalism in nigeria pdf

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The demand for the creation of newer states in Nigeria tends to emanate from sub-state groups, often ethnic- or tribal-interest groups, which accuse the current larger state governments of subverting or ignoring the interests and necessities of the more local regions. Many have attributed this development largely due to the successive . This is what has been administratively put in place as a political mechanism for governance within the Nigerian polity. During the period, the regions (i) Violent secession attempts had been matched with force and Wars broke out. Federalism in Nigeria can be traced to Sir Frederick Lord Lugard , when the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated in 1914. The situation attracts growing interest and concern. The domestication of child-related treaties is not a straightforward process in Nigeria. The problem of federalism and the associated crises of national integration in Nigeria raise serious alarm. This informs some of the reasons for the demand of 'true federalism' in Nigeria. Evidence abound that Nigeria‟s form of federal system has been grappling with serious working and institutional challenges. This paper, therefore, inquired into the causes of dissatisfaction and violent agitation arising from fiscal federa. However, the adoption of federalism in Nigeria was a compromise aimed to fairly distribute authority between the states and the national government. by joint identity and integration crisis. It further explores mainstream approaches to the study of federalism with the aim to highlight their relevance to federal studies. However, the adoption of federalism in Nigeria was a compromise aimed to fairly distribute authority between the states and the national government. Unlike treaties with another thematic focus, the majority of constituent states must give their full consent before any child-related instrument may be domesticated at the federal level and subsequently re-enacted in the domestic states. Project Aim: Having discussed what federalism is, the purpose of this project was to design a system which enables a political body to determine whether federalism would be a good option to adopt for a certain country. When some of us met last year in Turku, I gave an outline of secessionism in Nigeria. And again, we are back to the problem of corruption in Nigerian. Problems of Nigerian Federalism 1) Revenue Allocation: This has been a problem in Nigeria. According to Ayoade (2009:iii): Nigerians have come to identify the first republic 1960- 66 as the golden age of federalism in Nigeria. By Federalism, we mean a system whereby constitutional powers are shared or divided between the central (Federal) government and the component states that formed the federation for the purpose of exercising these powers to develop their domain. This means autonomous states or regions come together . 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 (c) Another related problem in the study of federalism is the distinction between the definition and accompanying characteristics. Faced with these problems, Nigeria adopted federalism as a means of achieving its much needed goal of national integration. However, the adoption of federalism i n Nigeria was a compromise aimed to fairly distribute authority between the states and the national government. Federalism is the sharing of power between a national government and the states that reside within its borders, instead of one or the other having all the authority. federal system in February 1991, but the system has not become operational because the adoption of Islam as a state religion in the federal constitution is unacceptable to the Christian southern half of the country. The foregoing explains the reason for the arguments that in Nigeria, federalism offered the best option to accommodate the ethno-linguistic and religious diversities, which where for the most part, geographically distributed. Often, the accompanying federalism, cooperative federalism, organic federalism, dual federalism, confederation, decentralization, which are all terms used to designate shades and levels of federalism. Nigeria's federal experience began in 1954 under the tutelage of the British colonial authorities. legislative councilors in 1947. basic reasons for the adoption of a federal system. Federalism also has been used to address conflicts that involve ethnic groups. The works addresses this phenomenon by . Publius: The Journal of Federalism 21 (Fall 1991) 1 Consequently, the paper posits that the prospects of genuine nationhood and development in Nigeria lies in a swift adoption of true federalism. Under this type, there exist a balkanization of formerly unitary state near disintegration and its diversities which progress to a state. Introduction 1.1 Background Of The Study. Diversities in cultures: The recognition of the diversities in cultures, religious beliefs and languages, e.g. The current Nigerian political Corruption and unqualified leaders cause ethnic conflict in Nigeria. (ii) It had worsened the relationship and distrust between the secessionist group and the rest of the country. germane to note that Nigeria‟s federalism, though largely influenced by imperial motives, is justified by the following . In Nigeria for instance, the central The crises are very severing such that they culminate in a strong force being mounted on the federation with tendency to disintegrate the country. The full explanation of Nigeria's federalism. This process is one of the primary reasons why democratic countries choose this form over the other governing options which are available. 3. legislative councilors in 1947. Clear inequality exists in the way . Although, in recent times, there have been growing disagreements and agitations for the Sovereign National Conference, where . This seemed to be the default option given its heterogeneous nature. To start with, it is worthy to note that the adoption of federalism, characterized by the decentralization and evolution of state power to ethno-regional entities was a policy to douse ethnic tension in the Nigeria polity. structure within which Nigeria operated her federalism. There are numerous reasons adduced for adoption of Federal System of Government. Effects of Federalism The history of Nigerian federalism dates back to the pre‐independence Constitution of 1954 called the Lyttleton Constitution . The concept of fIscal federalism was introduced in Nigeria in 1946 following the adoption of the Richards Constitution. Federalism is a means of ensuring peace, stability and mutual accommodation in countries that have territorially concentrated differences of identity, ethnicity, religion or language. This was why Onifade and . The problems of nation-building and national development in Nigeria would start to receive proper attention only under a truly federal system of government and Some of the major problems of intergovernmental relations in Nigeria are as follows: 1. 1 Secessionism in Nigeria Johannes Harnischfeger, University of Frankfurt I. The following research proposes that three variables have reinforced centralization in Nigeria; 1) the nations historical-colonial origins 2) the oil economy 3) the constraints of decentralization and economic reform in federal states. Furthermore, Onah (2006) highlighted the reasons for the adoption of federalism to secession; (1) States can join together in a federation to jointly become powerful enough to deter or award off external aggression . The study adopted qualitative research design using documentary content analysis. It has severally been emphasized by both the Northern and Western politicians that God did not create Nigeria but the British. In the early colonial days, Nigeria was administered as a Unitary State until 1946 when Richard constitution introduced regionalism, although the regional legislatures that were set up as a consequences of regionalism had severely limited legislative power since then, Nigeria has been administered as a FEDERAL STATE, except for a brief period in 1960 . Adopt different philosophy entirely that will guarantee group rights and the acceptance of the heterogeneity of the nation. In Nigeria, state creation was originally conceived as a solution to the problems of ethnic minority groups. Thus, Nigeria's federalism is not only complex but also hard to understand. The period marked the beginning of the recognition of sub­ national governments during which fmancial responsibilities were devolved to the three regions -North, East and West. In essence the federalism so adopted is expected to reduce the immensely aggressive inter ethnic competition and tension, allay the usually alleged fear of domination, religious, ethnic and regional elites in the quest to capture state power renders the reasons for the adoption of federalism useless. Causes for Federalism. This is because it has generated so many problems capable of threatening the corporate existence and continuity of the Nigerian state. In Nigeria, the problem is complemented by financial frauds within both federal government and state government. Gross mismanagement of national resources and misrule by unqualified leaders, have impoverished and denied opportunities to majority of Nigerians since independence which has led to agitations by citizens. A federal system is currently being advocated for Ethiopia and South Africa. Given that federalism is a multifaceted subject due to its institutional, constitutional, political, sociological and . Although, in recent times, there have been g. The adoption of a federation structure in any political system presupposes the existence of diverse and competing ethnic and linguistic variables. Firstly, the study is theoretically informed by the global experience of federalism as a national approach to conflict management. Financial frauds. They include the following: Desire for Union: A State may adopt Federal system of government if the Federating units solicit for union. destabilizing factor in the practice of federalism in Nigeria. That year, the Northern Region, fearing a southern domination, demanded fifty percent representation in the central legislature, and insisted that if this was not granted, the Region would secede . This embodies ideas of promise, obligation, and undertaking; and consequently, the federal idea . Nigeria is a Federal Republic made up of thirty‐six states. In this chapter, we focus on this form of power-sharing. Reason for the Adoption of Federalism in Nigeria. Federalism is an efficient process. Micronesia, Nigeria, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Venezuela. The term "federal" is derived from the Latin foedus, which means, "covenant". However, the adoption of federalism in Nigeria was a compromise aimed to fairly distribute authority between the states and the national government. federalism adopt federal constitution. This was why Onifade and . Although, in recent times, there have been growing disagreements and agitations for the Sovereign National Conference, where diverse people come .The practice of federalism in Nigeria is one of the legacies the British colonial masters bequeathed to Nigeria. The imbalance in the federal arrangement had generated fears and suspicions of domination among Nigerian groups and their leaders. Local government is born out of federalism because federalism has to do with the . In view of the threats of grasp the full ramifications of fiscal federalism in Nigeria (p. 192). It is not surprising that Nigeria in its 55 years of political sojourn has tried different forms of federalism. Nigeria inclusive. 1. It sourced its data from secondary . It is most commonly referred to as federalism. It is probably for this reason that K.C. 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 cases . Though Nigerian federalism has survived many turbulent periods, it is still confronted with the problem of how to effectively integrate the diverse groups that make-up the country. The federal constitution specifies the legislative powers of the central government and governments of component regions or states. Geographical Nearness/Contiguity: States that are not separated by natural barriers such as Mountains, Valleys, Oceans, etc. Federalism, according to K.C Wheare, is the method of dividing powers so . Nigeria, may allow for the adoption of a federal and decentralized system of government. During the period, the regions Beyond the ethnic and cultural diversities that necessitated Nigeria to adopt federalism as a political organization, Nigeria's choice can also be explained by her population size, land mass, imposition by Britain-Nigeria colonial master and the quest for even development. The study reveals that, unequal power relation affects the country democratic system. Unfolding Federalism. 6. Nigeria therefore falls into the latter because of the wide diversities. In Nigeria, the main reason for the adoption of a federal arrangement was the sociological complexity of the society, its ethnic and geographical diversity. At the Ibadan Constitutional Conference of 1950 Nigerian leaders decided to form a destabilizing factor in the practice of federalism in Nigeria. Although, in recent times, there have been growing disagreements and agitations for the Sovereign National Conference, where . 2. 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 concept of fIscal federalism was introduced in Nigeria in 1946 following the adoption of the Richards Constitution. According to Ayoade (2009:iii): Nigerians have come to identify the first republic 1960- 66 as the golden age of federalism in Nigeria. This is because federalism has been exercised and 2 studied as a field of study in many developed and developing countries. Citizens are expected to obey . 5. For the purpose of developing all part of the country. suggest the adoption of the federalist political structure, so as to ensure efficient administration of both the vast territories of Nigeria and its ethno-tribal heterogeneous population. Louis Wirth (Hepburn 1978, 1) defined an ethnic minority group as a group of people who because of their physical or cultural characteristics, "are singled out from the others in the society in which they live for differential and unequal treatment and who therefore regard themselves . Since the adoption of federalism in 1954, the aims of the founding fathers are still far from being achieved. 1. All three variables show centralization to be over-determined, in that, all documented variables point to the . The contestations and demand for the adoption of 'true federalism' is inform by the predatory nature and character of the Nigeria state, where only a microscopic few control and appropriate The period marked the beginning of the recognition of sub­ national governments during which fmancial responsibilities were devolved to the three regions -North, East and West. However, the adoption of federalism in Nigeria was a compromise aimed to fairly distribute authority between the states and the national government. Federalism in Nigeria could help in talking about the problem of national integration. Within the limitations of space, let us take a brief look at each national leader in . Common Historical Background: For example, Britain imposed a federal system on Nigeria by dividing the territory into regions and ruled them separately. This simply means that federalism in Nigeria provides accommodation, an institutional arrangement which gives the component units equal and coordinate jural status. It sourced its data from secondary . Russian government has limited federalism since 2000. and in a way make the leaders see reasons or how effective the . Federalism is also a political concept in which a group of member is bound together by covenant with a governing representative head. The 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. FISCAL FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA: THEORY AND DIMENSIONS ABSTRACTThe dynamism and complexity of Nigeria's federalism has attracted academic scrutiny. Example of countries that adopt federalism include; USA, Brazil, Germany , Switzerland, Australia, Yugoslavia, India, Nigeria, among others. (iv) It led to wastage of financial, human, and material resources. 2) The Problem of Minorities: In Nigeria, there are majority groups and minority groups. The multifaceted differences that exist . 3. Economic factor: The need to pool . Given this background, it could be reasoned that Nigeria's adoption of the federal system was not as a strategy to manage problems of pre independence period but more importantly as an enduring strategy that would help detonate a major source of threat to the future political stability of an independent Nigeria. marginalization or deprivation in Nigeria's political landscape. T he skills tested were descriptive and explanatory. To protect and preserve the the local independence of every ethnic group in the country. On the local level, we can observe this problem as well, but . ON THE CONCEPT FEDERALISM. Inter-ethnic rivalry: Nigeria, we all know is made up of diverse group of people with different ethnic groups, and the rivalry among hausa/Fulani, Yoruba and igbo has become a serious issue overtime. In Nigeria, We see different set of people from different geo-political regions agitating for power which . 4) Corruption and Inept Leadership. Keywords: Federalism, . may adopt Federalism. The study adopted qualitative research design using documentary content analysis. It is not surprising that Nigeria in its 55 years of political sojourn has tried different forms of federalism. Federalism Overview In the previous chapter, we noted that vertical division of power among different levels of government is one of the major forms of power-sharing in modern democracies.

reasons for the adoption of federalism in nigeria pdf