GOVERNMENT THEORY ANSWERS
SECTION A: ANSWER TWO(2) QUESTIONS ONLY
(1)
(i) Ethnic and Cultural Diversity: Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, with significant political representation from the three major groups: the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo. A one-party system would likely marginalize some of these groups, while a multi-party democracy allows diverse voices to participate, fostering greater inclusivity and reducing ethnic tensions.
(ii) Historical Experience with Military Rule: Nigeria has had periods of military dictatorship, where power was centralized, and political opposition was suppressed. The experiences under military rule led to a strong public desire for a more democratic system with checks and balances, where political opposition is allowed and encouraged to prevent the concentration of power.
(iii) Constitutional Safeguards for Democracy: Nigeria’s constitution emphasizes democratic governance and promotes a multi-party system. The constitution provides frameworks for political competition, elections, and safeguards against a one-party state, reflecting an institutional commitment to pluralism and democracy.
(iv) International Influence and Pressure: As part of the global community, Nigeria faces diplomatic pressure from international organizations and Western nations that promote democracy. Multi-party democracy aligns Nigeria with international norms, enabling it to access economic, developmental, and political support from international bodies like the United Nations and the African Union.
(v) Civil Society and Public Demand for Representation: Civil society in Nigeria, including the media, NGOs, and advocacy groups, has grown more robust over the years and promotes democratic values and governance. Citizens increasingly demand accountability and representation, making a one-party system less viable. The resilience of civil society has been instrumental in advocating for a competitive political system.
====================
(2)
(i) Individual Freedom and Autonomy
Liberalism prioritizes individual rights and freedoms, emphasizing personal autonomy in making economic, social, and political choices. This individualism is central to liberal thought, whereas socialism often emphasizes collective decision-making, which can sometimes override individual autonomy. For many, liberalism’s approach respects personal agency and self-determination more than the collective-oriented framework of socialism.
(ii) Economic Flexibility and Innovation
By advocating for free markets and private enterprise, liberalism generally fosters environments where economic innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive. Market competition incentivizes businesses to be efficient and creative, fostering progress. Socialist systems, in contrast, often involve state ownership or significant regulation of industries, which can limit competition and reduce incentives for innovation.
(iii) Checks and Balances in Power
Liberalism emphasizes checks and balances within government, supporting democratic institutions, and the rule of law to prevent abuses of power. This principle allows for a more pluralistic and decentralized governance model compared to socialism, which often requires a stronger centralized authority to manage resources and implement policies.
(iv) Responsive to Change and Adaptation
Liberal societies, with their emphasis on individual choice and market-driven policies, tend to be more adaptable to changes. Market-based economies can respond dynamically to shifts in demand, technology, or global markets. Socialist economies, by focusing on planned economies or collective ownership, may find it harder to adjust quickly to unforeseen changes due to bureaucratic constraints or rigid policy structures.
(v) Personal Incentives and Motivation
Liberalism emphasizes a reward system where individuals are incentivized to succeed through personal ambition and talent, fostering a merit-based approach. This model can motivate people to innovate and work harder, knowing that they can reap the benefits of their efforts. In socialist frameworks, the emphasis on equal distribution can sometimes diminish these personal incentives, potentially reducing overall productivity or efficiency.
====================
(3)
(i) Institutional Framework Restructuring:
The government should restructure its institutional framework to ensure proper application of strategies and avoid unnecessary political influence and neglect of beneficiaries ą. This involves streamlining processes, reducing bureaucracy, and increasing transparency.
(ii) Citizen Engagement and Participation:
Active citizen engagement and participation are crucial for effective policy implementation. The government should create opportunities for citizens to contribute to policy-making processes through various channels, such as public hearings, town hall meetings, and online platforms ˛. This will ensure that policies address the needs and aspirations of the people.
(iii) Inclusiveness and Representation:
Policies should prioritize inclusiveness and representation, ensuring that all segments of society are represented and accounted for. This includes measures to promote gender equality, youth empowerment, and social justice.
(iv) Transparency and Accountability:
Transparency and accountability are essential for building trust between citizens and the government. Policies should prioritize openness, accountability, and anti-corruption measures to prevent abuse of power and mismanagement of resources
(v) Digital Economy Development:
Leveraging digital technologies can enhance citizen participation, improve service delivery, and increase access to information. The government should invest in digital infrastructure and promote e-governance initiatives to bridge the gap between citizens and the government
====================
(4)
(i) Democratic Legitimacy and Representation: Elections provide a legitimate means for citizens to choose their leaders, ensuring that those in power are directly accountable to the people. Periodic elections allow citizens to express their preferences, and this regular renewal of mandates strengthens the democratic foundation of the government. Through elections, the populace ensures their representatives align with their values, priorities, and needs.
(ii) Political Accountability: Periodic elections serve as a mechanism for holding elected officials accountable for their actions in office. If an elected official has failed to deliver on promises or acted against the public's interest, the people can vote them out of office in the next election cycle. This keeps politicians focused on fulfilling their duties to the electorate and encourages transparency and integrity.
(iii) Peaceful Transition of Power: Regular elections provide a peaceful means for the transfer of political power, reducing the likelihood of political instability or violent power struggles. In a country like Nigeria, with diverse ethnic and religious groups, periodic elections help to ensure that power is not monopolized by one group or region, thus promoting national cohesion and stability.
(iv) Encouragement of Political Participation: Elections promote active political participation and engagement by citizens. They give individuals the opportunity to participate in decision-making, whether through voting, running for office, or engaging in political discourse. By holding elections regularly, citizens remain connected to the political process, fostering greater public interest in governance.
(v) Consolidation of Democracy: Periodic elections help to strengthen the democratic process by allowing for periodic checks and balances. They ensure that the political leadership is continuously tested by the electorate, promoting the development of democratic norms and institutions. This is especially important in a country like Nigeria, where democratic consolidation is an ongoing process that needs periodic reaffirmation through free and fair elections.
====================
SECTION B: ANSWER TWO(2) QUESTIONS ONLY
(6)
(i) Political and Administrative Leadership: Emirs served as the political leaders of their territories, governing and overseeing the administration of their emirates. They made decisions on governance, appointed officials, and ensured the loyalty and coordination of district heads and other local leaders within their jurisdiction.
(ii) Judicial Authority: Emirs functioned as the highest judicial authority in their emirates, administering justice based on Islamic law (Sharia) and customary laws. They presided over major cases and disputes, maintaining law and order and upholding the moral and legal codes within their communities.
(iii) Military Leadership and Defense: Emirs were responsible for the defense and security of their territories. They led military campaigns, organized defense against external threats, and maintained a small army to enforce peace and protect the emirate’s borders.
(iv) Religious Leadership: As spiritual leaders, Emirs promoted Islam, supported religious scholars, and enforced Islamic practices and values within the community. They were often seen as custodians of Islam and organized religious events, such as prayers and festivals, within their emirate.
(v) Economic Oversight and Tax Collection: Emirs played a role in managing economic activities, such as trade and agriculture, within their territories. They collected taxes, including zakat (alms) and jizya (tax on non-Muslims), to fund the administration and welfare of the emirate, which helped sustain social and economic stability.
====================
(7)
(i) Promotion of Federalism and Regional Autonomy: Awolowo was a strong advocate for a federal system of government, which he believed would accommodate Nigeria’s ethnic diversity more effectively than a unitary system. His arguments for federalism influenced the constitutional conferences that led to Nigeria's federal structure, a model that continues today.
(ii) Economic and Social Development through Education: Awolowo pioneered free primary education in Western Nigeria, making it the first region in Nigeria to introduce universal primary education. This approach increased literacy rates and contributed to a well-educated population that was crucial for Nigeria’s development and self-governance.
(iii) Formation and Leadership of the Action Group: Awolowo founded the Action Group (AG) in 1951, a political party that promoted progressive policies, regional autonomy, and social welfare. The AG became a powerful political force, especially in the Western Region, and set a model for organized, issues-based political engagement.
(iv) Advocacy for Economic Self-Sufficiency: As Premier of the Western Region, Awolowo promoted policies aimed at economic independence, including infrastructure development, industrialization, and the establishment of cooperative societies. His emphasis on financial autonomy for regions provided a framework for economic self-reliance within the federal structure.
(v) Role in Constitutional Negotiations and Debates: Awolowo played a critical role in negotiating the terms of Nigeria’s independence, advocating for minority rights and a fair federal arrangement. His intellectual contributions during constitutional conferences influenced the structure and principles of Nigeria’s governance at independence.
====================
(8.)
(i) Enhanced Regional Security: Collaborative foreign policy fosters cooperation in combating common security threats, such as terrorism and cross-border crimes. By working together, Nigeria and its neighbors can share intelligence, coordinate efforts, and create a safer environment for citizens.
(ii) Economic Benefits: A cordial relationship with neighboring states can lead to increased trade, investment, and economic cooperation. Nigeria can benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) by expanding its market, improving productivity, and attracting foreign investment.
(iii) Improved Diplomatic Relations: Good neighborly relations can resolve border disputes, promote cultural exchange, and enhance Nigeria's international reputation. This, in turn, can attract more foreign investment, tourism, and international cooperation.
(iv) Increased Influence in Regional Organizations: Nigeria's collaborative foreign policy can strengthen its position in regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. This enables Nigeria to play a more significant role in shaping regional policies and decisions.
(v) Better Management of Transboundary Issues: Collaborative foreign policy helps address shared challenges, such as climate change, health pandemics, and environmental degradation. By working together, Nigeria and its neighbors can develop effective strategies to mitigate these issues.
====================
(9)
(i) Establishment of Nigeria as a Republic: Unlike the 1960 Constitution, which retained the British monarch as the head of state, the 1963 Constitution made Nigeria a republic, removing the British monarchy’s role. This was a significant move toward full independence, as it severed the final constitutional link with the United Kingdom.
(ii) Creation of the Office of the President: The 1963 Constitution replaced the British monarch with a Nigerian President as the head of state, a ceremonial role distinct from that of the Prime Minister, who retained executive powers. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria’s first President, symbolizing Nigeria’s newfound sovereignty.
(iii) Greater Judicial Independence: The 1963 Constitution established the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the highest court of appeal, ending the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in Britain as the final court of appeal. This change strengthened Nigeria’s judicial independence and provided for a fully sovereign legal system.
(iv) Changes to Citizenship Provisions: The 1963 Constitution introduced clearer definitions and more robust provisions for citizenship, giving Nigerians a more distinct national identity separate from their colonial past. These changes affected rights and legal recognition within Nigeria’s borders.
(v) Constitutional Amendment Process: The 1963 Constitution allowed for constitutional amendments without requiring approval from the British government, giving Nigeria full control over changes to its laws and governance structures. This enabled more flexibility in adapting the constitution to Nigeria's evolving political landscape.
====================
COMPLETED
Home
Forum
Search
Calendar
Gallery
Arcade
Members
Login
Register
Post-UTME
NOTICE: You are currently viewing this website as a Guest and are restricted from viewing some vital information. For more permissions on 
June 05, 2024, 11:59:43 am
