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. $4%&'()*56789:CDEFGHIJSTUVWXYZcdefghijstuvwxyz ? 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. It means that the sovereign unit (Centre) and local units . It came about following the necessity for administrative convenience and managerial expenses. In a Unitary system, the minority states cannot govern the entire region which is controlled by majority. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. This regional arrangement gave rise to ethnic sentiment and political struggle for the center among the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. Nigeria as a result was divided into three provinces. << By using our site, you agree to our collection of information through the use of cookies. 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. 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. 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. It allows for popular participation in politics at every level of government. Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer. 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 . 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. 4 0 obj sir Arthur Richards strengthened this proposal in 1945 and regionalism was introduced by his administration in 1946. 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 Nigerian, it is important to understand some basic things about the system of governance in Nigeria and why it is so. 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. 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. Parliamentary and Unitary system of government were in operation in Nigeria between 1914 and 1946. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! As a result, issues relating to marginalization, economic imbalance, social alienation, ethnic suspicion and superior-subordination contestation are recurring malaises in the system. Promoters of the idea were of the view that the %&'()*456789:CDEFGHIJSTUVWXYZcdefghijstuvwxyz One of the major reasons why countries choose federalism is because of size. 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. 1 Issue 2, BETWEEN THE PRISMS OF NECESSITY AND LEGALITY - THE IPOB PROSCRIPTION IN CONTESTATION_pp.43-57, RE-THINKING BIAFRA IDEOLOGY OF SELF-DETERMINATION IN NIGERIA, A (UN)JUST AND (UN)HOLY WAR? The federal government however has occupied a very strong position vis--vis the State and Local government since the 1970's in Nigeria. Journal of public administration and Management Vol.6,No.12, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. 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. Further Philosophical Issues 4.1 Sovereignty or federalism 4.2 Issues of Constitutional and Institutional Design 4.3 Sources of Stability 4.4 Division of Power 4.5 Distributive Justice Unfortunately, since the formation of Nigeria and adoption of this system of governance in the country has not seen much effect of federalism. 2023, Bscholarly LLC. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Another important factor that necessitated federalism in Nigeria was the political culture of the country. 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. It is important to also reason that small states are prone to domination and sometimes control by the big ones. The powers that exist between the federal and state government also depends on the constitution. 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. This is because most of the power (financial and. Moreover, it is important to note that most of the ethnic groups in Nigeria had strong political inter-group relationship before colonial rule. Email Address. 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. Just very few words have evoked much more controversy in the discus of politics than the word, federalism. /F4 15 0 R % Nigeria as a nation has succeeded in commanding influence among member states by the virtue of its size. The military were able to create more states because military decrees do not pass the same rigorous method bills pass in a democratic government. Death of a nation - Biafra and the Nigerian question.pdf, The politics and problem of fiscal federalism and revenue allocation formula in Nigeria: Who should get what, how, when and why, Resource Control: a Necessary Element for True Federalism in Nigeria, THE IMPACT OF STATE JOINT LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNT ON STATE LOCAL RELATIONS IN SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA, MEMORANDUM ON TRUE FEDERALISM SUBMITTED BY THE 'RESTRUCTURE NIGERIA' COMMUNITY AS A RESPONSE TO THE APC COMMITTEE CALL ON TRUE FEDERALISM, THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL STUDIES The Legal Framework for the Corporate Existence of Nigeria, Intricacies and paradoxes federalism and secessionism in Nigeria.pdf, Civic Education Curriculum Implementation, NIGERIAN FEDERALISM AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: PURSUIT, PROSPECTS AND IMPEDIMENTS TO UNITY AND NATION BUILDING, Constitutions Making, Amendments, Reviews and Nigerias Political Development: Economic factors in adoption of federalism in Nigeria are not unconnected with the issues of resource control, wealth generation and redistribution, and income distribution. 6 0 obj Before the amalgamation of the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate in 1914, there was nothing like Nigeria. Dual federalism was dominant from the 1790s until the 1930s. of diversities helps in a nations decision to adopt the aggregative or disaggregative type of federalism. Now, because the level of the development of the productive forces was still at a rudimentary stage, the pervasiveness of commodity relations was equally at a low level. Also it is more useful to expansiate on them. 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. . Federalism is a mixed form of government where there is a general government always known as the central or federal government and regional governments which could be provincial or states governments. 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 June 1,2022 +roiF9_? AK ku nh4P9\ }}31Ik "V mk@G~ . Nigeria therefore falls into the latter because of the wide diversities. However, that is not so in a federal government system. SjHw`d"*z;3N&W3k]:}N\t+5 (Nw3hW"T"aDV$V e. Under this type, there exist a balkanization of formerly unitary state near disintegration and its diversities which progress to a state. Between 1960 and 1996, the three regions have been divided into smaller entities which are now known as states and their boundaries were reorganised. This post will give you some insight into why federalism was adopted as the system of governance in Nigeria. 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. The proximity of the tongues and tribes in Nigeria made it possible for the adoption of federalism in the country. Dear Chidera, federalism allows the creation of ethnic-based federating units (States). 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. Academia.edu uses cookies to personalize content, tailor ads and improve the user experience. The origin of federalism in Nigeria can be traced to the colonial era. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. /Type /XObject 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. The United States, Canada, India, France and Australia adopted federalism because of the desire for security by the various ethnic units. Federalism was further adopted because the developed countries from which Nigeria borrowed democracy practice federalism. Also see: Differences between 1960 and 1963 constitution of Nigeria, reasons for federal system of government in nigeria. Bashar Abubakar Bukkuyum This is good 'nd thank you Blogger. we are proud to nigeria our inherited country,god bless nigeria. Mere desire to unite is not enough but there must be the desire to remain separate in respect to other matters. Nigeria's independence was gotten and founded on the basis of a federalist system of Government. Olawale Olaopa, Ibikunle Ogundari, Mike Awoleye and Willie Siyanbola, Nigeria Quasi Federalism: An Obstacle To Peace And Development In Nigeria, FEDERAL BALANCING IN NIGERIA: A PARADIGM FOR SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY, DECENTRALIZING PUBLIC SECTOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND THE CONTRADICTIONS OF FEDERAL PRACTICE IN NIGERIA, The National Assembly, Constitution Amendment and Civil Society Expectations, True Federalism in Nigeria: A Political Discourse, Re-regionalization and Fiscal Federalism: The Panacea for Accelerated National Development in Nigeria, REPORT OF NIGERIA'S 2014 NATIONAL DIALOGUE, Politics, Power. Is there high propensity or likelihood of exclusion, marginalization and relative deprivation, which was to engender obsessive mutual antagonism? 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. As a result of this, it has brought about the cry of the minorities clamoring for their own state. Nigeria is a plural society of over 250 tongues and tribes. But before moving to the crux of this article, we will be looking briefly at the meaning and history of federalism in Nigeria. The Journal of Pan African Studies, vol.8, no.2, . Pillars of democracy: 7 Essential pillars of democracy. This was one of the major reasons for the creation of the newer and smaller states after the independence. +rohyC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ Best information base for latest information both national and international. /F7 24 0 R /Width 371 And this is one of the factors responsible for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria. Since Nigeria is a heterogeneous nation and Federalism is more practicable in such kind of nation, it is an ideal system of government. It will schock you to know Nigerias adoption of federalism was also in the interest of the leaders. It has severally been emphasized by both the Northern and Western politicians that God did not create Nigeria but the British. This is why there is a clamoring for restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria. Power Sharing Formula You can download the paper by clicking the button above. Each state has the same level of self-governance. In this article, I will elucidate and discuss with references the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria. There are three major tribes in Nigeria namely Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. At the heart of these crises are weak democratic institutions, which are sustained by bad leadership and a culture of impunity. 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. 4 Topics . He is also a Developer with knowledge in HTML, CSS, JS, PHP and React Native. Useful tips on how to download from YouTube using SS, 10 most delicious Nigerian dishes for dinner, "Youve admitted election was flawed", Atiku replies Tinubu campaign, Whitney Adeyemi: Protest Hits Lagos as Residents Besiege Chrisland School, Long Fulani tribal braids: 30 beautiful styles to try out, Old Naira notes: 5 key things to know about Supreme Court's final verdict, "Precious don finish work": Little girl with 'anointing' prays passionately over food as mum watches, video trends. The second theory focuses on the existence of external military or diplomatic threat for the origin of federalism. The Babangida administration followed the same step and created 21 states and more local governments. 7. 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. government and the governed by enhancing political cohesion in such country with regional, ethic, racial, linguistic and cultural diversity like Nigeria. As one of the most effective frameworks for governing a pluralistic society, Nigeria adopted Federalism to manage her multi-ethnic state. Another major reason why federalism was adopted in Nigeria is the multiple ethnic backgrounds in Nigeria. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. 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. Present Nigeria was formed by the amalgamation of two regions which many see as a big influence in why federalism was later adopted by the British and later on by Nigerian leaders as at the time of independence. Unfortunately, to suit their interests and political agenda, the federal and state governments over time immemorial have maintained great level of . It advocates good governance and a participatory approach to constitutional review as the foundations for strong constitutionalism in 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 . This notwithstanding, the concept of federalism boasts of a very popular definition by an American scholar, K.C. This is because federalism is presented as a panacea in organizing distinct political identities under a state. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. |4-Iv /F2 9 0 R 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. REASONS FOR ADOPTION OF FEDERALISM According to IDEA (2015:3), federalism is adoption for the following reasons: Scale: This credited the operation of federalism to the adoption of democracy which allowed for citizens to participate directly in political life. This prototype edition of the daily Federal Register on FederalRegister.gov will remain an unofficial informational resource until the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register (ACFR) issues a regulation granting it official legal status. Your email address will not be published. In many countries of the world, federalism has emerged as a means of accommodating the growing desire of people to preserve or revive the intimacy of small societies and the growing necessity for larger combinations to mobilize the utilization of common resources. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is publishing this proposed rule to revise HUD's regulations for branch office registration requirements. We hope to seeing you again on other posts of interest. INTRO: Federalism has been approached with variegated definitions such that one might argue that there are as much definitions of federalism as there are authors on the subject. Required fields are marked *. >> Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Despite that, instead of unity, cooperation and consensus, there has been apparent division, disagreement, and dissension. << ! /Filter /DCTDecode 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). No doubt, the Ethnic, Religious and Geographical nature of Nigeria also contributed to the reason why federalism was adopted. Federalism is a method of segregating powers so that the central and local governments are each within a domain, harmonizing and autonomous. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention ISSN (Online): 2319 7722, ISSN (Print): 2319 7714 www.ijhssi.org Volume 2 Issue 8 August. 1. By the time Nigeria became a republic, the system of federalism was adopted and the country was considered as a federation of three regions. This simply means that federalism in Nigeria provides accommodation, an institutional arrangement which gives the component units equal and coordinate jural status. History of federal system of government in nigeria. This has nexus with the particular sharing formula adopted. Nigeria has been dubbed as a product of British colonial suturing. 2012, Issues and Trends in Nigeria's Development. After nearly three decades of cumulative military rule, the country returned to civilian governance in 1999 under a presidential system of government. V(B8eDK@sx AK hG~ u;6DV,pwP# _ O4C sR 8_yC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ 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. Nigeria is confronted to the boomerang effects of the evolution of its federalism. The United States, Canada, India, France and Australia adopted federalism because of the desire for security by the various ethnic units. This makes it possible for the minorities to be separated from the domination of big ethnic groups. As at the time of independence, the population of Nigeria was estimated at 45.21 million. We appreciate you. By the time Nigeria got her independence, the various party involved had been regionally based. 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. Given the size of Nigeria, it lays claims to being the Giant of Africa. Many nations in the international community recognizes her as such. 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.