Economic and Political Policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria

Ife Social Sciences Review 25 (2017) 112 –123

Ife Social Sciences Review Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, Nigeria Journal homepage: www.issr.oauife.edu.ng/journal

Appraising the Socio – Economic and Political Policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria

1 2 M. K. Aliyu * and A. W. Adeowu

1Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, Nigeria 2Department of Social Studies, Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, Oun State , Nigeria * Corresponding Author: E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract Efforts have been put in place over the years by successive regimes to ensure socio-economic and political re-engineering of some policies in Nigeria. These efforts were geared towards enhanced security, job creation, provision of food, credible election, debt relief, anti-corruption, improved electricity and liberalization of the down-stream oil sector. But so far, results from some policy outcomes do not suggest that the various regimes that put them in place are truly committed to the effectiveness of such policy initiatives. Hence, this study employs descriptive method to examine why some of the policy initiatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the fourth republic, 1999 – 2015 failed to achieve their desired targets. The study made use of secondary data and analyzed same by content analysis. The study noted that some of the policy plans are not properly schemed, funded, provided with the structural facilities and a wide gap exists with the phase of planning and implementation.

Keywords: public policy, social - economic, political, re-engineering

Introduction Integrated Power Project (NIPP), National Going by the history of Nigeria, several Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), political and economic blueprints have been Vision 20:2020 and in recent time, the Subsidy designed to put the socio-economic and Re-Investment Empowerment Programme political situations in the country right. The (SURE-P) among others (Adeoye, 2012 & Nigerian government, over the years, had Biodun, 2015). deliberately taken concise actions through The country had also embarked on trade policies, programmes and strategies to address liberalization policies to open up the economy matters that relate to political, social and to foreign investors in different sectors, economic welfare and re – engineering. especially, in telecommunications, power, as In Nigeria, for instance, between 1999 well as oil and gas. The privatization and 2015, the followings were some of the programme of the Federal Government is one policy initiatives of the Federal Government to of the high point efforts towards the nation’s address some key challenges. They included: economic growth. However, it appears as if the National Economic Empowerment and implementations of these initiatives by Development Strategy (NEEDS), National government, in most cases, remain slow and

Aliyu and Adeowu / Ife Social Sciences Review 25 (2017) 112–123 112 heavy-footed. In other words, most of the worrisome to every well- meaning citizen. The previous Federal Government policy initiatives incidence of poverty is on the high side, where are not faithfully pursued with the necessary 70% of the total population has been classified zeal. To use the words of Amusan (2016), as poor (Nigerian Entrepreneurship Initiative, “most federal government policies have failed 2015; Ewhrudjakpor, 2016). Poverty in Nigeria because they were not supported with the is worsened by the increasing rate of required public- zeal demonstration.” unemployment, high level of illiteracy, and Sometimes, the attitude of Nigerian corruption; which virtually all policy initiatives leaders in pursuing their policies suggests that have not been able to check. The problem of government is not committed to them. This is unemployment is particularly pathetic as the because most of these policies are starved of number of those coming out from various the necessary funds, weakened by institutions of higher learning seeking implementation strategy or paralyzed by employment opportunity is increasing day- by- bureaucratic bottleneck (Ajayi, 2010). Political day. The situation in Nigeria is of such concern affiliation is also one of the barriers militating that hundreds of unemployed university against the efficiency and effectiveness of most graduates mounted a demonstration in front of Federal Government programmes. The rising the presidential office to express their concern incidence of poverty in the country against the in 2016 (Adelore, 2017). They demanded that plan of the Federal Government to ensure it is government should put necessary policy in not more than one digit further confirms that place to ensure that they are provided with jobs the economy has not translated to a substantial in order to cater for their essential needs of life growth. As at March 2017, the poverty index (Dabalen, Oni & Adekola, 2016). rate is about 12% (Adelore, 2017). The Today, the situation of things in Nigeria challenges that make public policies of the is replete with signs of economic growth Federal Government to fail at implementation without much development. A large number of stage are captured by Odunewu & Sotayo the people still do not have access to the good (2010): things of life. The economy is held down by That the current situation of lack of good road network. Where roads exist, things in Nigeria has not been able to they are in a total state of despair. There is also address such questions like: What is a huge gap between the portable water needs of happening to employment the people and what is actually available. The /unemployment? What is the state of country is unable to generate sufficient education? What happens to the electricity to power existing industries provision of health services? How do (Toogun, 2010 & Sternley, 2016). we improve on housing/shelter? How The nature and character of the governance is conducted, particularly Nigeria’s ruling class always come into the participation of citizens in how they reckoning in determining election fortunes in are governed? Nigeria, except the 1999 and 2011 general elections. The 2003 and 2007 general elections The essence of above questions is to call were very similar in many respects. According Federal Government attention to the fact that a to Iwara (2010), the period immediately lot is still needed to be done to put its policies preceding the April and May 2003 and 2007 on track. By the time answers can be elections witnessed political tension, confidently supplied to above raised questions, assassinations and massive violence. As a then it can be succinctly inferred that result, the task of ensuring peaceful voting substantial progress has been made (Adelore, could not be effectively controlled by the 2017). Nigerian Police and the Federal Government, under former president Goodluck Jonathan had In Nigeria, the increasing rate of to deploy the military in what should be pure poverty, unemployment, corruption and so “civil” matter. By now, Nigeria is supposed to many other social problems has become

Aliyu and Adeowu / Ife Social Sciences Review 25 (2017) 112–123 113 have reached a stage where its image, as far as do. It relates to the dos and don’ts which the conduct of elections and its processes government or any of its accredited agencies should have been boosted. It is also perhaps intends to pursue. It is sometimes called a appropriate to affirm hope in Nigeria because it proposal/an on-going process. Public policy is is gaining some level of stability and progress. not always complete until after implementation And, in this regard, we must commend the and feedback (Osuntokun, 2005). Such policies Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of are always binding and should be for the Nigeria, for its commitment to the mutual benefit of all and sundry in a country. enthronement of democracy. The primary task of all framers of public policy This paper is aimed at exposing failure is to articulate their country’s national interest of successive Federal Government’s policies on and achieve certain objectives among the stated the account of subverted commitment by alternatives. In the opinion of Oye (op. cit), political actors between 1999 and 2015, using public policy possesses the following political connections of some major policies in characteristics, it is; Nigeria. i. purposive and goal oriented; ii. action by government officials Conceptualizations: Context and Scope (authorities); The general expectation across the iii. what government actually does, world, including Nigeria, is that government not what it intends to do or think should be the greatest provider of services to they are going to do; the society at large. To this end, it is expected iv. based on law and is that government should put these ideas into authoritative; and concise framework called ‘policy’. What then v. involving overt government is a policy? There are varied definitions of actions policy, but none of the definitions sufficiently Using the characteristics, one can say conceptualizes what a policy is. Some see that the Federal Government of Nigeria policy policy as a scope of choice while others see it drives centre on educational, health, social, as a choice. According to Prethus (2002), energy, security, political issues and so on. One policy is a definite course or method of action can as well say that the Federal Government of selected from among several alternatives. It is Nigeria’s policy initiatives are to bring the consistent and repetitive behaviour of those enhanced living standard to Nigerians. But, the who made it and those who abide by it. Policy implementations of some of these policies have therefore according to Oye (2006) is the not been able to meet the desired needs of purposed course of action of a person, group or Nigerians as we shall discuss in the next government within a given environment. segment. Public policy can be viewed as the Social can be conceived in terms of intention of government or any of its accredited society and its organisation, while society itself agencies. This is government action or inaction. relates to people living together in an ordered Anderson (1984) defines public policy as a or structured community. In other words, purposive course of action followed by an actor society is a community of people. And, for or set of actors in dealing with a problem. In a people to live together in a community, certain similar vein, Siegel and Wein berg (1977) see policies have to be put in place for the good public policy as that which shaped or made governance of the people so as to achieve their when government decides whether to alter collective and individual goals. There are also aspects of community life while Ayuba, Claras, rights and obligations of individuals and and Paul (2012) define it as a deliberate attempt responsibilities by government within such by government to address a public issue by society. Economic is the adjective of the word instituting laws, regulations, decisions or economics or economy. Economics itself is the actions at hand. To Dye (1976), public policy branch of knowledge concerned with the means what government chooses to do or not to production, consumption, and transfer of

Aliyu and Adeowu / Ife Social Sciences Review 25 (201 7) 112 –123 11 4 wealth while economy is the state of a country is that public policy, be it social or political in terms of the production and consumption of does not operate in a vacuum but rather in goods and services and the supply of money. interrelated manner for the well - being of the By inference, it is implied that economy is whole. And, deficiency in any of the pivotal to the successful running of a country interrelated parts will definitely lead to shortfall whether politically or socially. The word of expectation. political is adjectival derived from the noun According to David (1965), a political politics, which means activities concerned with system is an interrelated set of activities, roles governing a country or state. For instance, the and institutions that operate within an socio- economic direction of a country is environment which provides inputs to the determined by the political class who are the political system. Policy makers decide what authors of economic and social policies or blue should be done in order to respond to people’s prints, which give direction to the polity if well demand for economic, social, political, and crafted and properly implemented. This implies developmental progress of the nation. These that whether the country will grow or decay policies are therefore critical in the depends largely on politics, politicians and management of government affairs as no good political parties in government. policy comes from government without being Engineering is defined as the study of criticized by either individuals or group in spite the design, building or molding and use of of the fact that government always weighs the engines, machines and structures. For the merits and demerits of any policy before purpose of this paper, we shall see engineering getting them implemented. Therefore, for a as the study of the molding or building and use policy to be accepted by the people, it must of institutional structures to provide social, undergo series of policy formulation processes economic and political policies in a society. Re and scrutiny. Policy formulation is followed by –engineering, in this study is a process through policy demand, policy decision and policy which something that is considered not to have statement. Policy statement is a government met its target (public policy in this context) is formal guideline that provides specific policy being revived for the common good and benefit roles for its people (Ayuba et al., 2012). A of the public. It means a charge for new policy statement, according to Egonmwan committtment, faithfulness, forthrightness, (1991) is the formal expression or articulation purpose of mind and target for new public of public policy which includes legislation policy drive that will be result oriented. statutes, administrative rules and regulations. Thus, when a policy statement is issued by Theorizing Nigeria’s Socio – economic and government, it means that such policy had Political Policies already been formulated. When a policy has This study adopts the systems theory of been formulated and implemented, the David Easton (1965). According to systems implemented policy requires a feedback. The theorists, social and other issues are feedback therefore serves as check and balance components of an interrelated whole. mechanisms to assess or evaluate whether the Consequently, the political system takes inputs policy has been accepted by the people or not. from the society which makes demands for a It could also be an indicator to show how the particular policy. Government, therefore, policy has changed the lives of the people for converts the demands into outputs in the form better or worse. of authoritative policy. As argued by Ezeani Given the foregoing illustration of how (2005), the quality of an output will determine public policy is crafted and linked with the whether to effect a policy change or introduce a system, a good socio – economic or political new one so as to get the desired results. If the policy should elicit support for government, policy is tested and found to be good, then a especially when the needs of the people are feedback is fed into the system in the form of met. This is a sign of showing government that support. The main thrust of the systems theory people are pleased with its decision and policy

Aliyu and Adeowu / Ife Social Sciences Review 25 (2017) 112–123 115 priorities. On the other hand, it could be The only difference is under President negative support when the policy of the Muhammadu Buhari who is doing everything government is anti – people or have not to eliminate corruption in the country. Yet, it is addressed the perceived challenge that people assumed in some quarters that his anti – contend with. In other words, when policy corruption crusade is one – sided, biased and articulation or outcome is not implemented as aimed at prosecuting members of the expected or seen to be unrealizable, people mainstream opposition political party, the might revolt, resort to crisis, withdraw their Peoples Democratic Party (Adelore, 2017). The support or disrupt the political system. The latest proof of this is Federal Government knowledge of this theory will be helpful to indisposition to sanction Secretary to the Nigerian government to acknowledge the fact Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir that socio – economic and political policies that Lawal over some contract scam untill he was tend to address insecurity, power shortage, suspended lately. The presidency was accused unemployment, food crisis will be re – of partiality by the senate when the SGF was engineered with a view to seeing why they alleged to have failed to resign from his have not been able to meet their targets in the company, as prescribed by law, as soon as he past and revive them accordingly. was appointed in 2015, the position he latter used to facilitate some contracts (Abisoye, Politics of the Federal Government Policies: 2017). The suspended SGF was also indicted An Assessment by the Senate of inflating the contract for the The Federal Government of Nigeria has cutting of grasses in Internally Displaced not sufficiently pursued its policy thrusts to Persons Camps in the North Eastern part of bring the desired results. The seriousness Nigeria and therefore demanded his removal. attached to the process of implementing many Instead of removing and handed him over to Federal Government policies apparently the Police for prosecution, the President simply suggests that the required zeal and commitment suspended him and set up a 3- man Committee to make the programmes successful are lost headed by the vice - president to investigate (Biyi, 2016). This is why (Odunayo, 2016) the allegations. This looks like a double contends that many Federal Government standard and giving the sinews of anti- policies are failing because they are more or corruption war clearance to favourites of less mere ‘political’ statements and not government or members of the rulling party. objectively pursued. For instance, the issue of In the same vein, the National Judicial corruption is still very worrisome. Yet, Council, (NJC) criticized the recall of six successive regimes have made several efforts to judges earlier suspended and being investigated stem the tide. But, it is either that the fighters for corruption – related matters as hasty and are not serious or that the methodology is against the Federal Government’s anti – graft wrong (Osuntokun, 2005). In a situation war (Benson, 2017). The Chairman, whereby leaders who should be in the vanguard Presidential Advisory Committee Against of anti – corruption crusades are the ones Corruption, Professor Itse Sagay also accused perpetuating corruption, why would there not the NJC of not being on board in the anti –graft be corruption? According to Bolade (2003), war of the Federal Government, following the Nigerian leaders have not been able to build a recall of the judges (Benson, 2017). Our system that will be a reference point for contention is that the shift of blame between everybody that comes to power. Except during key stakeholders in the ongoing anti – former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, corruption war cannot sustain it. As at today, when a serving Inspector General of Police, several ex-governors like Rasidi Ladoja and Ibrahim Balogun was prosecuted because of Alao Akala of Oyo State, Gbenga Daniel of corruption related matter, no other case has Ogun State and Timprieye Sylva of Bayelsa, attracted public attention since 29 May, 1999 are having one corruption case or the other to (Odunayo, 2016). answer in court. Economic and Financial

Aliyu and Adeowu / Ife Social Sciences Review 25 (201 7) 112 –123 11 6 Crimes Commission (EFCC) is so weakened that its achievement is dwindling on daily basis Yet, each Inspector General of Police (Biyi, 2016). Presently, from the manner EFCC came with promises to sanitize the police force. is doing its job, the impression is that all arrests Events after each IG’s departure leave much to made currently are mere ‘symbolism’ rather desire. According to Shardrack (2009), police than genuine desire to prosecute and convict are fond of collecting money from the corrupt public officials (Odunayo, 2016). complainants and later pervert justice. Personal Structurally, the Police is dying. Until ego or pride is also a serious challenge to the recently, the menace of police roadblocks has efficiency and effectiveness of Nigeria Police been on the increase instead of declining. as observed by Bright (2004). Police officers Previous Inspector Generals (IGs) of Police, as take advantage of their uniform on hapless seen in Table 1 could not even stop the illegal civilians. In fact, former Inspector General of collections. Police, Sundary Ehindero, who assumed duty in January, 2005, while reacting to allegations Table 1: Inspector General of Police from 1964 of mounting roadblocks and collection of – 2017 in Nigeria illegal charges at police stations warned police commissioners not to bring any returns to his S/ Names of IGP Year of office (Tell, 2005). Ehindero also created N Service Inspector General’s Special Task Force to 1 IGP Louis Edet 1964 – 1966 arrest and discipline any of his men found mounting illegal roadblocks and extorting 2 IGP Kam Salem 1966 – 1975 money from motorists. But, situation reports 3 IGP Muhammadu Dikko 1975 – 1979 after his retirement suggest that the force was Yusufu not better than he met it (Shardrack, 2009). 4 IGP Adamu Suleiman 1979 – 1981 According to Abiola (2011), government position on the issue of increment 5 IGP Sunday Adewusi 1981 – 1983 in fuel prices and removal of subsidy on fuel 6 IGP Etim Inyang 1983 – 1986 could also be seen to be a political promise. Also not new in such circumstances is the issue 7 IGP Muhammad Gambo - 1986 - 1989 of government’s offer of palliatives aimed at Jimeta cushioning the pains that may arise from 8 IGP Aliyu Atta 1990 - 1993 subsidy removal. Government’s promises on palliatives have become a recurring decimal. 9 IGP Ibrahim Coomasie 1993 - 1999 On almost twenty - five occasions that Nigerian 10 IGP Musiliu Smith 1999 - 2001 leaders had increased fuel prices, as shown in 11 IGP Mustafa Balogun 2001 - 2005 Table 2, Nigerians had borne the pains while some lost their lives in the ensuring protests. 12 IGP Sunday Ehindero 2005 - 2007 According to Adeagbo (2016), the 13 IGP Mike Okiro 2007 - 2009 change mantra that President Mohammed Buhari promised when removing the total 14 IGP Ogbona Onovo 2009 - 2010 subsidy on oil is nothing but the same old 15 IGP Hafiz Ringim 2010 - 2012 songs. Today, the situation of policy insincerity of government is felt in virtually all areas of the 16 IGP Muhammed Abubakar 2012 - 2014 Nigerian economy ranging from transportation, 17 IGP Suleiman Abba 2014 – 2015 energy, security, job provision, education to agriculture. 18 IGP Solomon Arase 2015 – 2016 19 IGP Ibrahim Idris 2016 – Date

Source: Oyo State Police Command Diary (2017)

Aliyu and Adeowu / Ife Social Sciences Review 25 (2017) 112–123 117 Table 2: Increment in Fuel Price according to political colouration. Thus, Nigerians have Regime in Nigeria been short-changed by the past leaders who governed them. While the nation’s leaders S/N Regime Price always call for sacrifices on the part of the 1st Yakubu Gowon 6k to 8.45k citizen when faced with this economic nd 2 Muritala 8.45k to 9k challenge, they are hardly seen to join the Muhammed rd masses in making such sacrifices (Ogidan, 3 Olusegun 9k to15.3k 2016). Worse still, elected politicians waste Obasanjo 4th Shehu Shagari 15.3k to 20k resources on hiring jets for travels within and 5th Ibrahim 20k to 39.5k outside the country and enjoy estacode Babangida allowances in the process, whereas in other 6th Ibrahim 39.5k to 42k climes, political office holders are often the Babangida first to initiate such desired sacrifice. 7th Ibrahim 42k to 60k*** price Again, the provision of reliable electric Babangida reduction th power is another issue that Nigerians have 8 Ibrahim 60 k to70k approached with so much hope but experienced Babangida th so much frustration over the past decades. All 9 Earnest Shonekan 70k to N 5 10 th Sanni Abacha N5 to 3.25k*** Price previous regimes have put in enormous funds reduction to reverse the poor state of electricity. The 11 th Sanni Abacha 3.25k to N 15 National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) was 12 th Sanni Abacha N 15 to N 11*** signed in December 2004. But, while it was 13 th Muhammed N 11 to N 25 expected that electricity generation, Abubakar transmission and distribution would have th 14 Muhammed N 25 to N 20 *** price received a boost as at now, things have not Abubakar reduction improved (Iyiola, 2010). When there was 15 th Olusegun N 20 to N 30 Obasanjo public outcry about continuing deterioration of 16 th Olusegun N 30 to N 22 *** price power supply in the country, the House of Obasanjo reduction Representatives set up a probe panel headed by 17 th Olusegun N 22 to N 26 Ndudi Elumelu to look into electricity Obasanjo administration since 1999. Members of the 18 th Olusegun N 26 to N 42 Elumelu panel who visited several project sites Obasanjo th reported that there was virtually nothing on 19 Olusegun N 42 to N 50 ground (Jude and Allinson, 2010). When Obasanjo th Jonathan became the President, he promised to 20 Olusegun N 50 to N 65 Obasanjo make electricity available to Nigerians by 21 st Olusegun N 65 to N 75 reviving NIPP. To do this, old contracts had to Obasanjo be revived and new ones re - awarded to ensure 22 nd Musa Yar’dua N 75 to N 65 *** price NIPP came back on track. Although, some reduction units of the power stations under the NIPP had rd 23 Goodluck N 65 to N 141 been commissioned, the current level of Jonathan success of NIPP is worrisome going by the 24th Goodluck N 141to N 97 huge sum of money already sunk into the Jonathan 25 th Muhammadu N 97 to N 145 **** project by the Federal Government. At various Buhari subsidy removal points in time, electricity corporate name had to Source: Federal Ministry of Statistics be changed from National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), to Power Holding Company Ekpo (2011) is of the view that government has of Nigeria (PHCN) and later sold to various always been failing to fulfill its part of the competitors in the name of privatization. All bargain. Past increases in fuel prices have these have not brought any significant brought no relief to the people because of their improvement in the power sector. As

Aliyu and Adeowu / Ife Social Sciences Review 25 (2017) 112–123 118 Adaralegbe (2015) puts it, the poor state of the objectives have not been significantly electricity in Nigeria, even after privatization realized because of inefficient implementation was because the same old thieves are now the mechanism. new rogues. From Table 3, despite the policy upon policy by National Energy Commission,

Table 3: Distribution of Electricity in Different Power Stations as at 2016

S/N Station and Type Inauguration Installed capacity in MW Current Output Date 1 Oji, Thermal 1956 30 530

2 Delta, Thermal 1966 900 1290 3 Ijora, Thermal 1978 60 287

4 Sapele, Thermal 1978 1020 1450

5 Kainji, Hydro 1968 760 830 6 Jebba, Hydro 1983 560 760

7 Afam,Thermal 1978 960 1110

8 Egbin,Thermal 1985 1320 1540 Source: The Nigerian Energy Commission

At present, only 10% of rural not better after its total sale because the Federal population and 40% of Nigeria’s total Government did not mean business but to only population have access to electricity because preserved the interest of Nigeria’s former private electricity companies that took over leaders. have not injected substantial funds into power Vision 20:2020 economic blue - print is supply (Obutu, 2016). For over twenty years another beautiful policy designed to translate prior to 1999, the power sector did not witness the country’s economy. But, is the country on substantial investment in energy while only track? If the objectives of vision 20:2020 as nineteen out of the seventy – nine installed shown in Table 4 are to be realized, the generating units were in operation (Adebisi, manufacturing sub-sector is expected to grow 2010). The contention is that power supply is by more than 25 percent.

Table 4: Projected National Output in Vision 2020

Activity Sector Current Share of Output (%) Projected Share of Ouput by 2020 (%) Agriculture 42.1 3 - 15 Industry 23.8 30 - 50 Manufacturing 4.0 15 - 30 Services 34.1 45 - 75 Source: Federal Government of Nigeria (2016)

Aliyu and Adeowu / Ife Social Sciences Review 25 (2017) 112–123 119

It is expected that the relative the principle of separation of powers. On and contribution of agriculture will decline to about on, the Federal Government seems incapable of 15 percent, while the position of the industry, engendering what could have been all- especially manufacturing will be significantly embracing policies at the stage of enhanced to drive the economy. But as at the implementation. A lot of reasons are fourth quarter of 2011, the manufacturing sub- accountable and these are what the next sector had only grown by 7.5 percent which is a segment intends to unravel. decrease of 0.17 percent if compared to 7.67 percent in 2010 (Ekpo, 2011). Industrial sector Why Government Seems Incapable of remains one of the most dynamic employment Implementing its Good Policies components of the economy and hence the need Government ineptitude constitutes an for new factories that can employ persons to impediment to government good policies. For produce goods and services. This is because instance, Osuntokun (2005) is of the opinion the economy is structurally altering the that when an individual has the discretion, with building of modern industrial economy and little or no accountability to determine who housing Nigerian economy still remains would benefit from a good or service over primitive and backward. which it has monopoly power, and what Except few election cases under quantity would be given at a time, then immediate past INEC chairman, Professor government cannot achieve much. In a similar Attahiru Jega, general elections in Nigeria have vein, Beauty and Stone (2000) submit that been generally seen to be flawed (Biodun, where there is extreme greed, craziness and 2011). This is why late president Umaru immense love for materialism by leaders as Yar’adua announced the setting up of electoral seen in Africa generally, it would be very reform panel on august 28, 2007 which was difficult to implement good policies. headed by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Besides, most laudable policies of the Muhammed Uwais. The Uwais Committee Federal Government could not be achieved made far reaching recommendations that because of what Presthus (op.cit) refers to as addressed constitutional issues, institutional weak and young democratic governance. strengthening, value re-orientation and the Within such young democratic cultures, corrupt granting of more autonomy to the Independent politicians bribe their way into prominence; National Electoral Commission (Oluseyi, circumvent due process and rule of law. Within 2008). But in 2008, the late President such growing democratic structures as well, inaugurated at 3-man panel headed by Justice there is usually godfathers that crop up, who Minister, Chief Aondoaka, to review the often aspire to control and determine ‘who gets recommendations of the Uwais led Electoral what when and how’ in the political system. Reform Committee, which invariably tampered Out of about fifty-seven years after the with some key committee’s recommendations attainment of political independence, the (Toogun, 2010). For example, Uwais led panel country has only experienced participatory submitted that the appointment of the chairman democracy for about 18 years. Such of Independent National Electoral Commission inconsistent practice cannot enhance dexterity (INEC) should not be made by the president and proficiency in provision of laudable (Akindele, 2008). The federal government in its policies except with time. Since democratic white paper later altered this provision and practice was kept in abeyance for more than 30 came out with a position that was at variance years, the elected leaders had no opportunity of with the good recommendation of the learning the rule before their election. committee (Asida, 2010). The argument of the More fundamentally, some of Nigeria’s Federal Government was that the involvement leaders had never participated in democratic of the National Judicial Commission in the governance except by voting before they appointment of INEC chairman would violate became part of the leading policy makers.

Aliyu and Adeowu / Ife Social Sciences Review 25 (2017) 112–123 120 Frosty relationship between the executive and enhance the ability of government to fulfill its the legislature in stages of passing budget can fundamental objectives to the people in a also frustrate implementation of government capitalist economy. Leaders in Nigeria should programmes. For example, throughout the first embark on a bold diversification of the national four years of the eight years of President economy. To do this, Nigerians should focus Obasanjo’s regime, the executive and the more on revitalization of agriculture, legislature played the cat and mouse game development of the solid minerals sector and which inadvertently frustrated the the promotion of small and medium scale implementation of National Poverty industries. The leaders should pursue an Eradication Programme (Ogidan, 2006). The ambitious and bold industrial development current lost effort of the All Progressive agenda that will transform Nigeria from a Congress led government to install the key petroleum-export dependent and raw material leaders of the National Assembly has created a economy to an innovative economy that can deep crack in the relationship between the deliver high quality goods and services. legislature and the executive arms of As the state pursues economic growth, government, even when the APC produced it must come with job creation, and majority of the national lawmakers opportunities for self employment. As much as . possible, Nigerian policy makers should ensure Conclusion that public expenditure is targeted at sectors Nigerians have heard many failed that will create jobs. To generate jobs, promises from their leaders in the past. It is substantial funds should be committed to such important to note that no democratic regime areas like the Niger Delta, power supply, can be judged by the beauty of blue prints made construction and re - construction of national on socio – economic or political policies in any high ways and railway system, educational and country of the world, but how such policies are health sectors. effectively and efficiently translated into For corruption to be fought and won, physical projects. This is the major reason why the Nigerian society; through leaders must re- Nigerian leaders must go beyond mere ‘paper establish the link between work and wealth. In work’, but translate major proposals into other words, there should be more pro-active tangible projects. After eighteen years of civil war against unexplained and inexplicable rule, which began in 29 May, 1999, Nigeria’s wealth. For anti-corruption efforts to be a democracy is still largely imperfect as the serious crusade, the Economic and Financial execution of Federal Government policies still Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be more remains more or less mere promise or dream. independent. For this to be achievable, the But in spite of its imperfections, only an commission must be subjected to the uncritical mind would have a pleasant nostalgia constitution and not to the President. The for the military. It is not to say that the military appointment of the EFCC and Independent does not pursue laudable policies, but because Corrupt Practice and other Related Offences it is by definition, an affront on its Commission (ICPC) must be subjected to professionalism and therefore does not conform Senate’s ratification. There has been much cry to universal standard of civility. that the current anti – graft war is a vendetta aimed at persecuting the members of the Recommendations opposition political parties; therefore, both There is an urgent need to re-evaluate EFCC and ICPC need to look inwardly and re – the philosophy of governance in Nigeria in examine themselves on their mandates. such a way to make it more to guarantee a The law enforcement agents should be vibrant national economy. The wealth of a given more standard training comparable to nation can best be guaranteed in an atmosphere what obtains in advanced countries. The of free enterprise. The new philosophy of training received by the police and other governance should be one that will greatly security apparatus should be strengthened so as

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