- Department of Local Government Studies, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ile, Nigeria
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FEDERALISM AND MINORITY AGITATIONS IN NIGERIA: THE SOUTH-SOUTH MARGINALISATION QUESTION BY Samuel Chukwudi AGUNYAI, Temitayo Isaac ODEYEMI and Kayode Wakili OLAWOYIN Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife,... more
FEDERALISM AND MINORITY AGITATIONS IN NIGERIA: THE SOUTH-SOUTH MARGINALISATION QUESTION
BY
Samuel Chukwudi AGUNYAI, Temitayo Isaac ODEYEMI and Kayode Wakili OLAWOYIN
Department of Political Science,
Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Tel: 234-80-6091-7811, 234-70-6526-0752. E-mail: samora20032008@yahoo.com; odeyemiisaac11@gmail.com
Abstract
In every multi-ethnic society (Nigeria inclusive) fear of domination, marginalization, subjugation and denial of rights, particularly those of the minorities has often led to agitations against obnoxious powers of the majority groups among others, have its commonplace, but pervasive in the case of Nigeria’s federalism. Successive Nigerian Governments have tried to practice federalism that will promote equity and minorities’ rights, but they have failed to practice this doctrine as stipulated in the constitution, thereby raising the question of minority marginalization in Nigeria. However, marginalization of the minority groups has been the cause of agitations through violent militancy in recent time; and that unless the government practice federalism as enshrined in the constitution and properly engages the contending issues of resource control, power sharing, equal rights and accountability, the country will face minority agitations of increasing and dangerous proportions. The paper therefore examines federalism, its challenges and minority agitations for equity and development in Nigeria and proffers suggestions that can enhance protection of minorities’ rights and the practice of true federalism in Nigeria.
BY
Samuel Chukwudi AGUNYAI, Temitayo Isaac ODEYEMI and Kayode Wakili OLAWOYIN
Department of Political Science,
Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Tel: 234-80-6091-7811, 234-70-6526-0752. E-mail: samora20032008@yahoo.com; odeyemiisaac11@gmail.com
Abstract
In every multi-ethnic society (Nigeria inclusive) fear of domination, marginalization, subjugation and denial of rights, particularly those of the minorities has often led to agitations against obnoxious powers of the majority groups among others, have its commonplace, but pervasive in the case of Nigeria’s federalism. Successive Nigerian Governments have tried to practice federalism that will promote equity and minorities’ rights, but they have failed to practice this doctrine as stipulated in the constitution, thereby raising the question of minority marginalization in Nigeria. However, marginalization of the minority groups has been the cause of agitations through violent militancy in recent time; and that unless the government practice federalism as enshrined in the constitution and properly engages the contending issues of resource control, power sharing, equal rights and accountability, the country will face minority agitations of increasing and dangerous proportions. The paper therefore examines federalism, its challenges and minority agitations for equity and development in Nigeria and proffers suggestions that can enhance protection of minorities’ rights and the practice of true federalism in Nigeria.
There is a common saying that behind every successful man is a woman. Indeed, within the soul of a nation are women gladiators whose efforts contributed in no small measure to the shaping of the political system. Niger-Delta remains a... more
There is a common saying that behind every successful man is a woman. Indeed, within the soul of a nation are women gladiators whose efforts contributed in no small measure to the shaping of the political system. Niger-Delta remains a largely underdeveloped part of Nigeria, yet, it is the source of the
nation’s wealth. The hazards of oil exploration activities in the area hamper the traditional occupation of the people in the region. While the womenfolk engage in farming, their male counterparts are largely anglers. Women face onerous task of coping with the home front as well as providing food as farmers. In spite of this, women suffer from marginalization in the political schemes. Most often, they are excluded from the political activities. This paper investigates the extent of women’s marginalisation in political activities in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. It notes the increasing trend of relegating women in the area to the background in representing their people politically in spite of the decades of struggle for gender equity and empowerment. Using qualitative interview and document analysis, the paper discovers that a large portion of Niger-Delta women are farmers, traders, and uneducated majority of who suffer from the cultural, religious and traditional restraints from politics. The paper concludes that
the need to educate and empower women to know their rights, which are potential sources of economic, social, and political power, cannot be over emphasized.
Keywords: Women, politics, marginalisation, decision-making, Niger-Delta.
nation’s wealth. The hazards of oil exploration activities in the area hamper the traditional occupation of the people in the region. While the womenfolk engage in farming, their male counterparts are largely anglers. Women face onerous task of coping with the home front as well as providing food as farmers. In spite of this, women suffer from marginalization in the political schemes. Most often, they are excluded from the political activities. This paper investigates the extent of women’s marginalisation in political activities in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. It notes the increasing trend of relegating women in the area to the background in representing their people politically in spite of the decades of struggle for gender equity and empowerment. Using qualitative interview and document analysis, the paper discovers that a large portion of Niger-Delta women are farmers, traders, and uneducated majority of who suffer from the cultural, religious and traditional restraints from politics. The paper concludes that
the need to educate and empower women to know their rights, which are potential sources of economic, social, and political power, cannot be over emphasized.
Keywords: Women, politics, marginalisation, decision-making, Niger-Delta.
There is a common saying that behind every successful man is a woman. Indeed, within the soul of a nation are women gladiators whose efforts contributed in no small measure to the shaping of the political system. Niger-Delta remains a... more
There is a common saying that behind every successful man is a woman. Indeed, within the soul of a nation are women gladiators whose efforts contributed in no small measure to the shaping of the political system. Niger-Delta remains a largely underdeveloped part of Nigeria, yet, it is the source of the nation's wealth. The hazards of oil exploration activities in the area hamper the traditional occupation of the people in the region. While the womenfolk engage in farming, their male counterparts are largely anglers. Women face onerous task of coping with the home front as well as providing food as farmers. In spite of this, women suffer from marginalization in the political schemes. Most often, they are excluded from the political activities. This paper investigates the extent of women's marginalisation in political activities in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. It notes the increasing trend of relegating women in the area to the background in representing their people politically in spite of the decades of struggle for gender equity and empowerment. Using qualitative interview and document analysis, the paper discovers that a large portion of Niger-Delta women are farmers, traders, and uneducated majority of who suffer from the cultural, religious and traditional restraints from politics. The paper concludes that the need to educate and empower women to know their rights, which are potential sources of economic, social, and political power, cannot be over emphasized.