/Type /XObject Reasons for a state to adopt a federal system include the need to reflect linguistic, economic and cultural differences of a population, especially one that is concentrated geographically. Your email address will not be published. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. This is also one of the reasons for federal system of government in 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 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. 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. /Height 235 The Legacy of Biafra: An Investigation into trauma as National Identity Fragmentation, Under Reconstruction: Ethnicity, Ethnic Nationalism, and the Future of the Nigerian State, ETHNIC SCHISM IN NIGERIA: A SOCIO-LITERAY STUDY OF CHINUA ACHEBE'S THERE WAS COUNTRY. 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. Are there certain inherent and primordial grievances and preferences? 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 . Such an act has constituted to one of the major problems of federalism thereby militating against the development of the nation. 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. For citation see: http://www.cejiss.org/issue-detail/biafra-s-resurgence-state-failure-insecurity-and-separatist-agitations-in-nigeria. /F2 9 0 R By the time Nigeria got her independence, the various party involved had been regionally based. Evidently, Nigerias political culture was federalism friendly and that gave rise to easy adoption of federalism. It is not surprising that Nigeria in its 55 years of political sojourn has tried different forms of federalism. 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. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. It established that the resources of a particular state is not totally owned by the federal government. By the time Nigeria became a republic, the system of federalism was adopted and the country was considered as a federation of three regions. Rather there has been more challenges than benefits of this federal system. . One of the major reasons why countries choose federalism is because of size. 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 1951 constitution gave more strength to regionalism with the creation of two chamber legislation in the northern and western Nigeria. It was subsequently, not until after the American constitution of 1787, that a new concept of federalism was introduced. If you answer to the above questions is no, then you lucky to be here. Another major reason why federalism was adopted in Nigeria is the multiple ethnic backgrounds in Nigeria. Another cogent reason for federalism in Nigeria is the fear of marginalization. Problems of Nigerian Federalism 1) Revenue Allocation: This has been a problem in Nigeria. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. The USA and Canada were formed with the above interest at heart. %PDF-1.5 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. The Emergence of Nigeria as a political entity under colonial rule was not an easy affair. 2012, Issues and Trends in Nigeria's Development. Population of the country British North American colonies unite 3 Up to 1867, the colonies 4 of British North America had no political or geographical links. 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 origin of federalism in Nigeria can be traced to the colonial era. 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. examines the question on why federalism has not succeeded in managing and accommodating diversity in Nigeria. This was a period when long efforts were made to identify the legal relationships between the Leagues and the City States (Mogi, 1931:21). This feature of federalism is widely believed to be a veritable framework for even and need-sensitive development. On the other hand; a constitution is unitary when there are created by the law made by the central legislature and their existence depends upon the government to control, supervision of the central government. Also it is more useful to expansiate on them. /BitsPerComponent 8 3. Mainly of telling who is who in a given society. So for effective governance of a country of this big size, federalism has to be adopted. /Parent 2 0 R This allows the central or federal government to share governmental powers between the central or federal government and the components regions, state, etc. This is because federalism is presented as a panacea in organizing distinct political identities under a state. We can offhandedly list all of the reasons for the adoption of federal system in Nigeria. Federalism did not return to Nigeria until after his death. Another factor that prompted the adoption of federalism in Nigeria is the fear of insecurity and the desire for union. 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. Besides the Big Three - Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba, there are other macro and micro ethnic minorities in the country. There are three major tribes in Nigeria namely Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. Each state has the same level of self-governance. Your email address will not be published. *$( %2%(,-/0/#484.7*./. C The regional government had power over matters that are listed under the residual list. 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. Regrettably, this system is founded on a militarily-conceived constitution lacking a fully enforceable bill of rights and clear governmental functions. /F5 18 0 R The states too have no resources for development but depended on federal grants. Power Sharing Formula And even now we can see the population of Nigeria compared to other countries in Africa. Nigeria as a nation has succeeded in commanding influence among member states by the virtue of its size. 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. Resource control: 3.7 7. It came about following the necessity for administrative convenience and managerial expenses. Nigeria is a heterogeneous nation facing challenges within the balance of economic development along ethnic divisions in society. READ ALSO: Reasons for political apathy in Nigeria, Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. Dual federalism was dominant from the 1790s until the 1930s. It also shows the growth rate as an engine to the development of economies of developing countries like Nigeria in this 21p century. 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. 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. Promoters of the idea were of the view that the Local Government In Nigeria : Definition, Functions, And Importance, Bad Leadership Causes, Effects And Solutions In Nigeria, How To Calculate OAU Aggregate Score for Admission, Best Education Websites and Blogs In Nigeria (2021), Lakzeland Regional High School Board Of Education, Student Loan Planning Educational Webinar With Justin Rice, Is Agricultural Chemicals a Good Career Path? /F6 21 0 R Another important factor that necessitated federalism in Nigeria was the political culture of the country. It represents a synthetic between two perspectiveneess; one is that politics of the United States should produce the good commonwealth and the other is that the principal task of politics is to create an open political market. The disadvantages are that it can set off a race to the bottom among states, cause cross-state economic and social disparities, and obstruct federal efforts . +rohyC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ The construct of federalism, which originates with the concept of intergovernmental relations, dates back to the Greek civilization. On the contrary it has also been suggested that is created more diversity and conflict for the nation to grapple with. 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. 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 know more about various aspects of federalism in Nigeria ,you may read from . Political institutions, Kinship ties, Origin of towns and their cultural antecedents are enriched with similar history. or this it really helped me, Your email address will not be published. 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. Parliamentary and Unitary system of government were in operation in Nigeria between 1914 and 1946. 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. It needs proper review so that the country can move forward as a nation. It discovered a positive relationship between the changes in the fiscal structure and the aggravation of ethnic minorities' struggles. 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. Such arrangement would inter alia breed neglect, frustration and aggression; no thanks to the red-tape inherent in unitarism. /F3 12 0 R V(B8eDK@sx AK hG~ u;6DV,pwP# _ O4C sR 8_yC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ Unfortunately, since the formation of Nigeria and adoption of this system of governance in the country has not seen much effect of federalism. Take for example, in the Nigerian case of Attorney General of Federation v Attorney General of Abia and others (2002) 3 NCLR 1ar p 54, the issue of resource control in a true federalism was the bone of contention in that matter. Federalism, State creation and National Integration State creation like federal character, quota system, etc. Constitutionalism in Nigeria has been crisis-ridden since independence in 1960. 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. FOR CLIENTS OUTSIDE NIGERIA. We appreciate you. In a Unitary system, the minority states cannot govern the entire region which is controlled by majority. It allows for popular participation in politics at every level of government. >> 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. As a result, issues relating to marginalization, economic imbalance, social alienation, ethnic suspicion and superior-subordination contestation are recurring malaises in the system. In order to examine these issues, this paper adopted qualitative research and intrinsic approach methodology, along with relative deprivation theory. 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 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. History of federal system of government in nigeria. Therefore, the problem with federalism in Nigeria is the mix-application or non-application of this clause especially as it has to do with power distribution (Awa, 1977). 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 Full History of Nigerian Federalism. /Type /Page To learn more, view ourPrivacy Policy. +roiF9_? AK ku nh4P9\ }}31Ik "V mk@G~ . In this article, I will elucidate and discuss with references the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria. Also, Read: Local Government In Nigeria : Definition, Functions, And Importance. Federalism in India. Bashar Abubakar Bukkuyum This is good 'nd thank you Blogger. 3l:rmO"XDhG%2| The military were able to create more states because military decrees do not pass the same rigorous method bills pass in a democratic government. Over the years the fiscal federalism in Nigeria has crystallised and remained . >> You are welcome dear reader. A large body of literature exists on Nigeria's fiscal federalism particularly with reference to revenue allocation. Journal of public administration and Management Vol.6,No.12, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. It is on this footing, herewith, that one can properly understand the rational for, and theory of federalism, what and why certain trends theme up federal-state relations in Nigeria, and the features of federal-state relations in Nigeria. 2. It advocates good governance and a participatory approach to constitutional review as the foundations for strong constitutionalism in Nigeria. Federalism can be defined as a system of government in which political powers of the state are shared between the central government and other component units. Justice Udo Udoma is of the view that regionalism was introduced by the colonialists in order to divide and rule, and weaken true national unity in Nigeria. The calls for restructuring have been louder particularly from the southern part of Nigeria. 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. This is why there is a clamoring for restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria. 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. Also, the adoption of the Littleton constitution of 1954 laid further credence to . Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer. Notwithstanding the above reasons for the adoption of Nigerian federalism, we can also mention some specific factors peculiar to Nigeria. By using our site, you agree to our collection of information through the use of cookies. 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. REVENUE ALLOCATION IN NIGERIA: NEED FOR REFORM? 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. i dont have my first school leaving certificate. 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. What is federalism? politicization of ethnicity or the ethnicization of the politics of state creation that Nigeria has witnessed in recent years. Northern Cameroons should remain with Northern Nigeria but Southern Cameroon should be granted autonomy with a legislature of its own. Again, in 1967 twelve states were created to appease the interest of those clamoring for states and weaken the geo-political holds of Biafra. READ ALSO: History of democracy in Nigeria from 1960. There was just the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate. 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. 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. The constitution emphasized areas of authority between the central government and the regions. Federalism is a method of segregating powers so that the central and local governments are each within a domain, harmonizing and autonomous. Size and population of a country is among the determinants of the level of power and influence which a country commands. Between 1960 and 1996, the three regions have been divided into smaller entities which are now known as states and their boundaries were reorganised. So, what are the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria? 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. The powers that exist between the federal and state government also depends on the constitution. Indeed, whatever scholarly connotations they bear, one strongly believes that they all enjoy one clear focus. 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. Evidently, Nigeria's political culture. Historical experience 3.2 2. We hope to seeing you again on other posts of interest. 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. @VF:8=|@5&/1df gbjtCoy(L5A,JCI1/'5DT8`A!UY*&wTN5[v;KXvH* 5:>}W^Bp_ ;R!&L %s\q'(], Therefore, striking an acceptable delicate balance between these two divides, has, time and again, become a well known problematic world over. was federalism friendly and that gave rise to easy adoption of . /F7 24 0 R 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. Have you ever wondered why Nigeria is practicing a federal system of government and not any other system? To learn more, view ourPrivacy Policy. Nigeria as a result was divided into three provinces. << Federalism has been present in Nigeria since the former British colony was reorganized into a federation of three regions in 1946. Book excerpt: Defensive Federalism presents an original contribution to the field of federalism and multinational democracies, exploring the concept of defensive federalism as a protection of self- government against the "tyranny of the majority". There must be a formal decision of government powers by the constitution between the federal and state government. 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. You can download the paper by clicking the button above. %&'()*456789:CDEFGHIJSTUVWXYZcdefghijstuvwxyz 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. Military administration does not apply the principle of federation. 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.