DEMOCRACY, FEDERALISM AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA
No Thumbnail Available
Files
Date
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Utara Malaysia ILMU BUDI BAKTI
Abstract
Description
Nigeria became one of the federal societies under the supervision of
the British colonial government in 1954. Federalism and democracy
ceased when the military government usurped and suspended the
Republican Constitution in 1966. The periods of military rule
witnessed over-centralization of power at the centre, while the
federating states became Lilliputians. The usurpation of jurisdictional
competencies and centralization of power made the federating
states and local governments default on their socio-economic
responsibilities. The paper aims to elucidate the intricate relationship
between federalism and democracy in Nigeria, shedding light on
the repercussions of their erosion during military rule. Through a
comprehensive review of historical events and constitutional changes,
this study examined the consequences of over-centralization and
jurisdictional encroachments during military governance. The paper revealed that the institutionalization of federalism once embraced
without due consideration, led to detrimental adjustments and crises
during military rule, significantly impeding socio-economic and
political development. The paper concluded that democracy and
federalism are twins ‘brothers’ and will remain relevant and last long
when Nigerian leaders, particularly elected representatives, undertake
constitutional reforms that prioritized power devolution to states and
local governments. This adjustment, rooted in justice and fairness,
will rejuvenate the symbiotic relationship between democracy and
federalism, ensuring lasting relevance.
Keywords
JA Political science (General)