- Nigeria
Yusuf Abdullahi Manu, PhD
Federal University Dutse, Poitical Science, Faculty Member
The paper explored on the challenges within the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and how problematic the twin problems of corruption and insecurity have manifested into underdevelopment and impoverishment of the oil rich region resulting in... more
The paper explored on the challenges within the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and how problematic the twin problems of corruption and insecurity have manifested into underdevelopment and impoverishment of the oil rich region resulting in socioeconomic backwardness and poor livelihood condition the people in the area. The convergence of these hydra-headed issues has hindered progress, impeded growth, and exacerbated the plight of the region's inhabitants. The paper utilised secondary sources of data collection technique and documentary analysis as its methodology using content analysis. It utilized theory of Prebendalism as theoretical framework of discourse. It argued that Corruption, have become deeply entrenched within the fabrics of governance and it has debilitated developmental efforts through the misappropriation of funds by government officials and the stealing of resources meant for the improvement of public welfare by the ruling class resulting in a vicious cycle of insecurity. Insecurity, both as a result of socioeconomic deprivation worsened by oil bunkering and exploitation of natural resources by MultiNational Corporations, has further plagued the region hence, resulting in the neglect of the people's welfare thus, resulting in the proliferation of militant groups, and environmental degradation due to oil spillage have further degraded the environment, reduced investment, perpetuated displacement, and undermined efforts toward sustainable development. It further maintained that that the underdevelopment of the region is stemming from a combination of factors including corruption, insecurity, coupled with flawed governance structures undermined the region. The misallocations of funds toward non-beneficial projects, environmental degradation, and the exploitation of resources by multinational corporations have impeded progress. Frivolous contracts, lack of vital infrastructure, and the dearth of people-oriented projects have perpetuated the region's backwardness and pauperization of the locals. It recommends that Social, political, economic and gender inclusion initiatives should be introduced by government, so as reduce the drivers of violence, because frustration could lead to aggression.
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Abstract The inability of the public service to deliver effectively public goods and services and high incidence of ghost workers have justified the need to reform the public service to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria.... more
Abstract
The inability of the public service to deliver effectively public goods and services and high incidence of ghost workers have justified the need to reform the public service to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria. To this end, this paper examines the public service reforms and the Millennium Development Goals. The Weberian legal rationale bureaucratic theory was used to buttress the arguments in this paper which uncovered among others that the internal reforms and programs put in place to achieve the Millennium Development Goals are laudable. However, as a result of
poor implementation, the achievements so far are nothing to write home
about. For instance, despite poverty alleviation and eradication programs implemented at all levels of government to achieve goal 1 by 2015, the percentage of Nigerians living in extreme poverty remain 35% in 2004, 2005 and 2006.The paper recommends among others, the need for social and cultural re-orientation to achieve the Millemium Development Goals by 2015. The problem of development has
The inability of the public service to deliver effectively public goods and services and high incidence of ghost workers have justified the need to reform the public service to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria. To this end, this paper examines the public service reforms and the Millennium Development Goals. The Weberian legal rationale bureaucratic theory was used to buttress the arguments in this paper which uncovered among others that the internal reforms and programs put in place to achieve the Millennium Development Goals are laudable. However, as a result of
poor implementation, the achievements so far are nothing to write home
about. For instance, despite poverty alleviation and eradication programs implemented at all levels of government to achieve goal 1 by 2015, the percentage of Nigerians living in extreme poverty remain 35% in 2004, 2005 and 2006.The paper recommends among others, the need for social and cultural re-orientation to achieve the Millemium Development Goals by 2015. The problem of development has
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The paper examines the paradox in the practice of western liberal democracy and capitalism. The paper utilized secondary source of data collection and content analysis as its methodology. The paper argues that liberal democracy is the... more
The paper examines the paradox in the practice of western liberal democracy and capitalism. The paper utilized secondary source of data collection and content analysis as its methodology. The paper argues that liberal democracy is the political correlate of liberal capitalism and vice-versa, and that both liberal democracy and capitalism the world over are to the favor of a few who remain as the economically and politically privileged groups, who are better educated, ‘more cultured’, have higher social status, more ‘successful’ professionally and politically in the society. These few privileged groups “democratically” allow for competitive elections but they determined who participates and win the election; they control the media, the security, the electoral bodies and other agencies that oversee elections and so on. The paper concludes that the inequality and insecurity in the political, social and economic spheres of world system was as a result of the double standard inherent in the practice of western liberal democracy and capitalism the world over. The paper recommends that until all nations are allowed to practice democracy and economic system based on their norms, values and culture within the context of justice, fair play, sovereignty of the people, the rule of law, liberty and equality of individual’s injustice will flourish in the third world countries.
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Abstract Violent conflicts have been a characteristic feature of Nigeria’s polity since the recommencement of democratic rule in May 1999. The various dimension of conflict witnessed ranges from ethno-religious, inter-communal,... more
Abstract
Violent conflicts have been a characteristic feature of Nigeria’s polity since the recommencement of democratic
rule in May 1999. The various dimension of conflict witnessed ranges from ethno-religious, inter-communal,
post-election violence, and so on. Over 187 ethno-religious conflicts were reported between May 1999 and
April 2009; and since 2009 boko haram activities have been on the increase and over 115 attacks reported in the
north. Nigeria is thus seen as a conflict prone society as no geopolitical zone is immune. Scholarly account
points to youth as the prosecutors of over 90% of these violent conflicts and the youth constitute about 70% of
Nigeria’s population. But are the youth victims of these violent conflicts or the perpetrators? A critical analysis
of the situation using secondary data revealed that over 60% of youth lack access to employment and
development opportunities. 90% of the 1,430,000 youths that graduated from tertiary institutions between 2004
and 2014 roam the streets and become victims for manipulation by corrupt political elites and their associates to
perpetrate and persecute violent conflicts on their behalf in order to strengthen or legitimize their political and
economic positions. Critically, youth are more of the victims of Nigeria’s democratic process that deny them
opportunities and being the perpetrators of violent conflicts is but a manifestation of this denial. Therefore, value
reorientation for political elites and more job creation programs for youths in both private and public sector of
Nigeria’s polity is strongly recommended.
Key words: Conflict, Democracy, Electoral Process, Victims, Violence, Youth
Violent conflicts have been a characteristic feature of Nigeria’s polity since the recommencement of democratic
rule in May 1999. The various dimension of conflict witnessed ranges from ethno-religious, inter-communal,
post-election violence, and so on. Over 187 ethno-religious conflicts were reported between May 1999 and
April 2009; and since 2009 boko haram activities have been on the increase and over 115 attacks reported in the
north. Nigeria is thus seen as a conflict prone society as no geopolitical zone is immune. Scholarly account
points to youth as the prosecutors of over 90% of these violent conflicts and the youth constitute about 70% of
Nigeria’s population. But are the youth victims of these violent conflicts or the perpetrators? A critical analysis
of the situation using secondary data revealed that over 60% of youth lack access to employment and
development opportunities. 90% of the 1,430,000 youths that graduated from tertiary institutions between 2004
and 2014 roam the streets and become victims for manipulation by corrupt political elites and their associates to
perpetrate and persecute violent conflicts on their behalf in order to strengthen or legitimize their political and
economic positions. Critically, youth are more of the victims of Nigeria’s democratic process that deny them
opportunities and being the perpetrators of violent conflicts is but a manifestation of this denial. Therefore, value
reorientation for political elites and more job creation programs for youths in both private and public sector of
Nigeria’s polity is strongly recommended.
Key words: Conflict, Democracy, Electoral Process, Victims, Violence, Youth
Research Interests:
Abstract: In every democratic state the world over election is regarded as the heart of liberal democracy. Elections are seen as the hallmark of democracy because it gives an avenue for peaceful change of government and legitimizes the... more
Abstract: In every democratic state the world over election is regarded as the heart of liberal democracy. Elections are seen as the hallmark of democracy because it gives an avenue for peaceful change of government and legitimizes the new administration. For a government to be legitimate, the Electoral process must be in line with the dictates of the electoral laws as enshrined in the regulatory framework. The study laid emphasis on the electoral process with a view to examine the extent of adherence with the provisions of the 2010 Electoral Act as amended which was used for the conduct of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria. The study utilizes secondary source of data and content analysis as its methodology. The paper argues that there were gross violations of the 2010 Electoral Act by the ruling elite during the electioneering process which has negatively affected the electoral process in the conduct of the 2015 general elections. The study recommends that an Independent Commission be set up by the government in order to monitor and ensure that politicians adhere to the rules of the game as well as the setting up of an Electoral Offenses Court in order to prosecute and punish offenders. Keywords: Abuse, Democracy, Elections, Electoral Act, Electoral Process
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In every democratic state the world over election is regarded as the heart of liberal democracy. Elections are seen as the hallmark of democracy because it gives an avenue for peaceful change of government and legitimizes the new... more
In every democratic state the world over election is regarded as the heart of liberal democracy. Elections are seen as the hallmark of democracy because it gives an avenue for peaceful change of government and legitimizes the new administration. For a government to be legitimate, the Electoral process must be in line with the dictates of the electoral laws as enshrined in the regulatory framework. The study laid emphasis on the electoral process with a view to examine the extent of adherence with the provisions of the 2010 Electoral Act as amended which was used for the conduct of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria. The study utilizes secondary source of data and content analysis as its methodology. The paper argues that there were gross violations of the 2010 Electoral Act by the ruling elite during the electioneering process which has negatively affected the electoral process in the conduct of the 2015 general elections. The study recommends that an Independent Commission be set up by the government in order to monitor and ensure that politicians adhere to the rules of the game as well as the setting up of an Electoral Offences Court in order to prosecute and punish offenders.