Nigeria in Political Transition

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Nigeria in Political Transition Order Code IB98046 CRS Issue Brief for Congress Received through the CRS Web Nigeria in Political Transition Updated February 23, 2006 Ted Dagne Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress CONTENTS SUMMARY MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS Historical and Political Background Transition to Civilian Rule Elections in 1998, 1999 The 2003 Elections Current Economic and Social Conditions Humanitarian and Human Rights Concerns HIV/AIDS Sharia Human Rights The United States and Nigeria U.S.-Nigerian Relations: Background LEGISLATION IB98046 02-23-06 Nigeria in Political Transition SUMMARY On June 8, 1998, General Sani Abacha, In May 2001, President Obasanjo met the military leader who took power in Nigeria with President Bush and other senior officials. in 1993, died of a reported heart attack and The two presidents discussed a wide range of was replaced by General Abdulsalam issues, including trade, peacekeeping, and the Abubakar. On July 7, 1998, Moshood Abiola, HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. President Bush the believed winner of the 1993 presidential pledged $200 million into a new global fund election, also died of a heart attack during a for HIV/AIDS. In FY2002, Nigeria received meeting with U.S. officials. General Abubakar $66.5 million in economic and development released political prisoners and initiated politi- assistance. The Bush Administration provided cal, economic, and social reforms. He also $75 million in FY2003, $61 million in established a new independent electoral com- FY2004, and an estimated $64 million for mission and outlined a schedule for elections FY2005. In early November 2001, President and transition to civilian rule, pledging to Obasanjo visited Washington to express his hand over power to an elected civilian govern- government’s support for the U.S.-led anti- ment by May 1999. In late February 1999, terrorism campaign and returned to Washing- former military leader General Olusegun ton in June 2002. In July 2003, President Bush Obasanjo was elected president and was visited Nigeria while on a five-day, five-coun- sworn in on May 29, 1999. Obasanjo won try trip to Africa. 62.8% of the votes (18.7 million), while his challenger, Chief Olu Falae, received 37.2% Nigeria continues to make progress in of the votes (11.1 million). In mid-April strengthening its fragile democracy but faces 2003, President Obasanjo was re-elected, and serious economic challenges. Nigeria’s popu- the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won a lation, now 133 million, is projected to grow majority in the legislative elections. The to over 260 million by 2025. Nigeria remains elections, however, were marred by serious relatively stable, although ethnic and religious irregularities and electoral fraud, according to clashes in some parts of the country have led international election observers. to massive displacement of civilian popula- tions. Thousands of civilians have been killed Relations between the United States and over the past several years and many more Nigeria improved with the transfer of power wounded in religious clashes. Under President to a civilian government. In late October Obasanjo, Nigeria has emerged has a major 1999, President Obasanjo met with President player in Africa. President Obasanjo took a Clinton and other senior officials in Washing- leading role in the creation of the New Part- ton. President Clinton pledged substantial nership for African Development (NEPAD) increase in U.S. assistance to Nigeria. In and the African Union (AU). He is the current August 2000, President Clinton paid a state Chairman of the AU. President Obasanjo also visit to Nigeria. He met with President played key roles in facilitating the exile of Obasanjo in Abuja and addressed the Nige- Liberian President Charles Taylor. Nigeria is rian parliament. Several new U.S. initiatives also facilitating negotiations between the were announced, including increased support government of Sudan and the Darfur rebels. In for AIDS prevention and treatment programs August 2003, Nigeria sent an estimated 1,500 in Nigeria and enhanced trade and commercial troops to Liberia as part of a West African-led development. peacekeeping force. Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress IB98046 02-23-06 MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS In February 2006, southeastern and northern Nigeria regions were the scene of religious violence where more than 130 people were killed. This round of violence began when Muslims in the north of the country demonstrated against cartoons of Prophet Mohammed published in a Danish newspaper. Over two dozen Christians were killed and properties destroyed. In retaliation, Christians in Onitsha, Nigeria killed over 80 Muslims and burned properties. Meanwhile, attacks against the oil sectors of the country have disrupted oil production and distribution. Nigeria is the leading oil producer in Africa and the world’s eighth major producer of crude oil. The violence in the Niger Delta has disrupted production of 455,000 barrels a day. Royal Shell has closed one of its terminals after several attacks. Africa’s first deadly H5N1 bird flu was found in several states in Nigeria. In late February, Nigerian authorities confirmed the death of a 67-year-old woman in Kano (northern Nigeria) and are investigating the cause of her death. She reportedly died from respiratory problems. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS Historical and Political Background Nigeria, the most populous nation Nigeria At A Glance in Africa with an estimated 128.7 million people (World Fact Book, 2005), has Population: 128.7 million been in political turmoil and economic Independence: October 1960 crisis intermittently since independence Comparative Area: Slightly more than twice the in October 1960. The current borders size of California were demarcated by British colonial Religions: 50% Muslim, 40% Christian, rulers in 1914, on the eve of World War 10% Indigenous beliefs I, by merging the British dependencies of Languages: English (official) Northern and Southern Nigeria into a GDP: $125.7 billion (2004) single territory with promising economic GDP Per Capita: $1000 (2004) prospects. The new Nigeria, as defined Labor force: 55.6 million by the British, placed over 250 distinct Exports: $33.9 billion (2004) ethnic groups under a single Imports: $17.1 billion (2004) administrative system. Of this large External Debt: $30.5 billion (2004) number of groups, ten account for nearly 80% of the total population, and the Source: The World Fact Book, 2005. northern Hausa-Fulani, the southwestern Yoruba, and the southeastern Ibo, have traditionally been the most politically active and dominant. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1960, Nigerian political life has been scarred by conflict along both ethnic and geographic lines, marked most notably by northern and Hausa domination of the military and the civil war fought by the Ibo of CRS-1 IB98046 02-23-06 Biafra from 1967 to 1970. Questions persist as to whether Nigeria and its multitude of ethnic groups can be held together as one nation, particularly in light of the degree to which misrule has undermined the authority and legitimacy of the state apparatus; but many Nigerians feel a significant degree of national pride and belief in Nigeria as a state. Nigeria’s political life has been dominated by military coups and long military-imposed transition programs to civilian rule. The military has ruled Nigeria for approximately 28 of its 43 years since independence. In August 1985, General Ibrahim Babangida ousted another military ruler, General Muhammadu Buhari, and imposed a transition program that lasted until June 1993, when Nigeria held its first election in almost a decade, believed to be won by Chief Moshood K. O. Abiola, a Yoruba businessman from the south. In the same month, General Babangida annulled the presidential election because of what he called “irregularities in the voting” and ordered a new election with conditions that Abiola and his challenger be excluded from participating. Amid confusion and growing political unrest, Babangida handed over power to a caretaker government in August 1993, then ousted the caretaker the following November. General Sani Abacha took power in November 1993. Abacha had been an active participant in several Nigerian military coups and was an authoritarian figure who seemed unmoved by international opinion. Beginning in 1995, Abacha imprisoned hundreds of critics, including former military leader Olusegun Obasanjo, the only Nigerian military leader to have handed over power voluntarily to an elected civilian government, and Moshood Abiola, who was charged with treason after declaring himself president following the annulled election. The senior wife of Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, was assassinated in June 1996 by unidentified men. Her daughter blamed the military junta. In October 1995, under pressure to implement political reforms, Abacha announced a three-year transition program to civilian rule, which he tightly controlled until his death on June 8, 1998. Abacha established the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), which published guidelines for party registration, recognized five political parties in September 1996 and officially dissolved opposition groups after refusing to recognize them. The military professed its support for Abacha should he seek reelection as a civilian, and by April 20, 1998, all five parties had nominated Abacha as the single presidential candidate despite criticism by the international
Recommended publications
  • Combating Corruption in Nigeria: a Critical Appraisal of the Laws, Institutions, and the Political Will Osita Nnamani Ogbu
    Annual Survey of International & Comparative Law Volume 14 | Issue 1 Article 6 2008 Combating Corruption in Nigeria: A Critical Appraisal of the Laws, Institutions, and the Political Will Osita Nnamani Ogbu Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/annlsurvey Part of the Other Law Commons Recommended Citation Ogbu, Osita Nnamani (2008) "Combating Corruption in Nigeria: A Critical Appraisal of the Laws, Institutions, and the Political Will," Annual Survey of International & Comparative Law: Vol. 14: Iss. 1, Article 6. Available at: http://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/annlsurvey/vol14/iss1/6 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Academic Journals at GGU Law Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Annual Survey of International & Comparative Law by an authorized administrator of GGU Law Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Ogbu: Combating Corruption in Nigeria COMBATING CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE LAWS, INSTITUTIONS, AND THE POLITICAL WILL OSITA NNAMANI OGBU· I. INTRODUCTION Corruption is pervasive and widespread in Nigerian society. It has permeated all facets of life, and every segment of society is involved. In recent times, Nigeria has held the unenviable record of being considered one of the most corrupt countries among those surveyed I. The Political Bureau, set up under the Ibrahim Babangida regime, summed up the magnitude of corruption in Nigeria as follows: It [corruption] pervades all strata of the society. From the highest level of the political and business elites to the ordinary person in the village. Its multifarious manifestations include the inflation of government contracts in return for kickbacks; fraud and falsification of accounts in the public service; examination * Senior Lecturer, and Ag.
    [Show full text]
  • (EFCC) ALONG LEADERSHIP REGIMES in NIGERIA Umar, Hassan Sa’Id Department of Public Administration, University of Abuja, Nigeria
    Global Journal of Political Science and Administration Vol.3, No.3, pp.1-9, July 2015 ___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org) AN ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENTIAL PERFORMANCES OF THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC) ALONG LEADERSHIP REGIMES IN NIGERIA Umar, Hassan Sa’id Department of Public Administration, University of Abuja, Nigeria ABSTRACT: One of the greatest enemies of human growth and societal development is corruption. More worrisome is when there is manifestly a deliberate failure to get rid of its spread and existence. This research is a survey type that assessed the perception of Nigerians on possible differential performance of EFCC along leadership regimes. This research is an extraction of a Ph.D thesis that explored both primary and secondary data. The theory of prismatic society provided a frame work for the analysis. The study reveals a differential perception on the performance of the EFCC along leadership regimes. It also shows that president Olusegun (1999-2007) is favorably higher in ranking in the fight against corruption than the YarAdua regime with Goodluck’s administration at lowest ebb of the score. The research concludes that the premise for this leadership cocksureness is the vacuum created by weak institution of governance. This vacuum provides an avenue for tendentious attitudes and despotic inclination to governance. The study recommends inter alia; a need for virile institutions of governance, political culture of discipline and leadership consciousness and conscious national agenda. KEYWORDS: Corruption, Leadership, Performance, Regime, Anticorruption INTRODUCTION The political administration system in Nigeria is said to have been largely influenced by the leadership qualities and disposition of the political head, elected or otherwise.
    [Show full text]
  • Nigeria Nigeria at a Glance: 2005-06
    Country Report Nigeria Nigeria at a glance: 2005-06 OVERVIEW The president, Olusegun Obasanjo, and his team face a daunting task in their efforts to push through long-term, sustainable economic reforms in the coming two years. However, the recent crackdown on high-level corruption seems to point to the president!s determination to use his final years in power to shake up Nigeria!s political system and this should help the reform process. Given the background of ethnic and religious divisions, widespread poverty, and powerful groups with vested interests in maintaining the current status quo, there is a risk that the reform drive, if not properly managed, could destabilise the country. Strong growth in the oil and agricultural sectors will ensure that real GDP growth remains reasonably high, at about 4%, in 2005 and 2006, but the real challenge will be improving performance in the non-oil sector, which will be a crucial part of any real attempt to reduce poverty in the country. Key changes from last month Political outlook • There have been no major changes to the Economist Intelligence Unit!s political outlook. Economic policy outlook • There have been no major changes to our economic policy outlook. Economic forecast • New external debt data for 2003 show that the proportion of Nigeria!s debt denominated in euros was much higher than previously estimated. Owing to the weakness of the US dollar against the euro since 2003, this has pushed up Nigeria!s debt stock substantially, to US$35bn at the end of 2003. Despite limited new lending, mainly from multilateral lenders, we estimate that further currency revaluations and the addition of interest arrears to the short-term debt stock will push total external debt up to US$39.5bn by the end of 2006.
    [Show full text]
  • Nigeria's Struggle with Corruption Hearing
    NIGERIA’S STRUGGLE WITH CORRUPTION HEARING BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON AFRICA, GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED NINTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION MAY 18, 2006 Serial No. 109–172 Printed for the use of the Committee on International Relations ( Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.house.gov/international—relations U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 27–648PDF WASHINGTON : 2006 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512–1800; DC area (202) 512–1800 Fax: (202) 512–2250 Mail: Stop SSOP, Washington, DC 20402–0001 VerDate Mar 21 2002 12:05 Jul 17, 2006 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 5011 Sfmt 5011 F:\WORK\AGI\051806\27648.000 HINTREL1 PsN: SHIRL COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS HENRY J. HYDE, Illinois, Chairman JAMES A. LEACH, Iowa TOM LANTOS, California CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey, HOWARD L. BERMAN, California Vice Chairman GARY L. ACKERMAN, New York DAN BURTON, Indiana ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American ELTON GALLEGLY, California Samoa ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida DONALD M. PAYNE, New Jersey DANA ROHRABACHER, California SHERROD BROWN, Ohio EDWARD R. ROYCE, California BRAD SHERMAN, California PETER T. KING, New York ROBERT WEXLER, Florida STEVE CHABOT, Ohio ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York THOMAS G. TANCREDO, Colorado WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT, Massachusetts RON PAUL, Texas GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York DARRELL ISSA, California BARBARA LEE, California JEFF FLAKE, Arizona JOSEPH CROWLEY, New York JO ANN DAVIS, Virginia EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon MARK GREEN, Wisconsin SHELLEY BERKLEY, Nevada JERRY WELLER, Illinois GRACE F.
    [Show full text]
  • From Hell: the Surge of Corruption in Nigeria (1999 – 2007)
    Academic Leadership: The Online Journal Volume 9 Article 27 Issue 1 Winter 2011 1-1-2011 From Hell: The urS ge of Corruption in Nigeria (1999 – 2007) Segun Oshewolo J. Olanrewaju Follow this and additional works at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/alj Part of the Educational Leadership Commons, Higher Education Commons, and the Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons Recommended Citation Oshewolo, Segun and Olanrewaju, J. (2011) "From Hell: The urS ge of Corruption in Nigeria (1999 – 2007)," Academic Leadership: The Online Journal: Vol. 9 : Iss. 1 , Article 27. Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/alj/vol9/iss1/27 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by FHSU Scholars Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Academic Leadership: The Online Journal by an authorized editor of FHSU Scholars Repository. academicleadership.org http://www.academicleadership.org/1360/from-hell-the-surge-of-corruption-in- nigeria-1999-2007/ Academic Leadership Journal Introduction Nigeria is one of the world’s most endowed nations, with abundant human and natural resources. These resources are located in all the states of the federation and exist in commercial quantities (see Ajibewa, 2006:261). The proceeds from these resources have been disproportionately distributed to the disadvantage of the poor population while through the paraphernalia of the presidium of government, the allocation of resources has been done to generously favour the ruling and business elites as well as their cronies. This situation has given rise to the grave issue of inequality in the country. The availability of these resources notwithstanding, Nigeria is still underdeveloped; a condition that has largely been blamed on corruption.
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of Social Studies Education on the Political Awareness of Secondary School Students For
    THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION ON THE POLITICAL AWARENESS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR CITIZENSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA BY ABONU, DAVID NGBEDE Ph.D/Edu/16205/98-99 A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY SOCIAL STUDIES. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA APRIL, 2005 DECLARATION I hereby declare that the research report presented in this dissertation has been written by me, that is, it is a record of my own research work. It has not been presented in any previous application for a higher degree. All quotations are indicated by quotation marks and the sources of information are especially acknowledged by means of references David Ngbede Abonu Date ii CERTIFICATION This dissertation entitled “The Impact of Social Studies Education on the Political Awareness of Secondary School Students for Citizenship Development in Nigeria”, by ABONU, David Ngbede meets the regulations governing the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Studies of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is approved for its contribution to the knowledge and literary presentation. Dr. F. O. Ogunlade Date Chairman, Supervisory Committee Dr. M. Ben - Yunusa Date Member, Supervisory Committee Dr. A. A. M. Shaibu Date Head, Department of Education Dean, Postgraduate School Date iii DEDICATION This work is dedicated to: My late wife: Julie Omateyi Abonu My children: Ada Abonu Onyemowo Abonu Abonu Adams Abonu Ojeibi Abonu Ochoechi Abonu Ochohepo Abonu Ocheola Abonu Emmanuel Abonu Rose-Mary Abonu (Late) Oyinema Abonu (Late) iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I acknowledge the guidance of God the Almighty in the successful completion of this study.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Civil Society in the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria's Fourth Republic
    European Scientific Journal January 2015 edition vol.11, No.2 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431 THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC: PROBLEMS, PROSPECTS AND THE WAY FORWARD Patrick Ukase, PhD Department of History and International Studies, Kogi State University Anyigba, Kogi State-Nigeria Bem Audu Department of History and International Studies, Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna State, Nigeria Abstract Using a historical perspective, this essay historicizes and analyses the role and contributions of Civil society towards the entrenchment of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law in Nigeria, but much importantly in the eradication of corruption. The paper argues that the country witnessed the collapse of most institutions-especially institutions that are charged with the responsibility of checking corruption during the long years of military adventurism into the nation’s political space. Given the zeal and propensity with which civil society contributed in dismantling the previous military regimes, it was also expected that they would serve as a critical agent in the fight against corruption. The paper contends that even though civil society have been at the centre of the fight against corruption and the enthronement of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, especially in the face of weak anti-corruption institutions, they have been confronted with a lot of challenges. While examining the various ramifications of the challenges confronting civil society in Nigeria (these include internal and external), the paper stresses the need to strengthen civil society groups in Nigeria if the country is to make any significant breakthrough in its fight against corruption and the enthronement of democracy and good governance in the fourth republic.
    [Show full text]
  • It Is Common to Interpret African Politics in Tribal Or Ethnic Terms. In
    Adewale Yagboyaju-Ethnic POlitics, Political Corruption ETHNIC POLITICS, POLITICAL CORRUPTION AND POVERTY: PERSPECTIVES ON CONTENDING ISSUES AND NIGERIA'S DEMOCRATIZATION PROCESS Dewale Adewale Yagboyaju Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria Introduction It is common to interpret African politics in tribal or ethnic terms. In the case of Nigeria, the dominant political behaviour can be defined, on the one hand, in terms of "incessant pressures on the state and the consequent fragmentation or prebendalizing of state-power" (Joseph, 1991 :5). On the other hand, such practices can also be related to "a certain articulation of the factors of class and ethnicity" (ibid). For a better understanding of the essentials of Nigerian politics and its dynamics, it is necessary to develop a clearer perspective on the relationship between the two social categories mentioned above and their effects on such issues as political corruption and poverty. In order to do the necessary formulation that we pointed out in the foregoing, we need to know a bit about the history of Nigeria's birth. Designed by alien occupiers, through the amalgamation of diverse ethnic nationalities in 1914, Nigeria, as it is, cannot be 131 Ethnic Studies Review Volume 32.1 called a nation-state. Although Nigerians are often encouraged to think of the country before their diverse ethnic origins, this seems to be an unattainable desire. Such a desire, if accomplished, will make Nigeria a unique African nation. However, behind the fa<;:ade of ethnic politics in Nigeria, there are such other vested interests as class and personal considerations. Undoubtedly, all these combine to undermine the autonomy and functionality of the state in Nigeria.
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Character Principle and National Integration (1999-2011)
    IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 21, Issue 6, Ver. 6 (June. 2016) PP 01-10 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.iosrjournals.org Federal Character Principle And National Integration (1999-2011) UGWUJA DANIEL I. Department Of Political Science, Enugu State University Of Science And Technology, Nigeria. ABSTRACT:-This research determined whether the application of the federal character principle in solving ethnic tension, national question and inequitable distribution of political power possesses the potentials for achieving national integration which is the prerequisite for economic development. Most of the information in this research was based on the secondary source of data collection. Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has been plagued by ethnic tension and political conflicts which have taken the toll of unity and stability in Nigeria. Various solutions, ranging from the adoption of unitary system, federalism to the creation of states, have been proffered and implemented to the creation of states, proffered and implemented, but the problem has persisted. The adoption of federal character principle in Nigeria is to hold the federating units firm. This research also traced the history of amalgamation and evolution of Nigeria as one political unit. It also analyzed and examined the adoption of the Federal Character Principle as a solution to the problem of ethnic tensions arising from inequitable distribution of political power and posts, its relevance to the solution on ethnic tensions and marginalization. Keywords:- National integration, amalgamation, economic development, political power and ethnic tension. I. INTRODUCTION The concept of federal character is a device through which every section of a nation would take part in the decision making process.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Civil Society in the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria’S Fourth Republic: Problems, Prospects and the Way Forward
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by European Scientific Journal (European Scientific Institute) European Scientific Journal January 2015 edition vol.11, No.2 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431 THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC: PROBLEMS, PROSPECTS AND THE WAY FORWARD Patrick Ukase, PhD Department of History and International Studies, Kogi State University Anyigba, Kogi State-Nigeria Bem Audu Department of History and International Studies, Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna State, Nigeria Abstract Using a historical perspective, this essay historicizes and analyses the role and contributions of Civil society towards the entrenchment of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law in Nigeria, but much importantly in the eradication of corruption. The paper argues that the country witnessed the collapse of most institutions-especially institutions that are charged with the responsibility of checking corruption during the long years of military adventurism into the nation’s political space. Given the zeal and propensity with which civil society contributed in dismantling the previous military regimes, it was also expected that they would serve as a critical agent in the fight against corruption. The paper contends that even though civil society have been at the centre of the fight against corruption and the enthronement of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, especially in the face of weak anti-corruption institutions, they have been confronted with a lot of challenges. While examining the various ramifications of the challenges confronting civil society in Nigeria (these include internal and external), the paper stresses the need to strengthen civil society groups in Nigeria if the country is to make any significant breakthrough in its fight against corruption and the enthronement of democracy and good governance in the fourth republic.
    [Show full text]
  • The Making of the President's Cabinet in Nigeria: a Reflection of the Olusegun Obasanjo's and Goodluck
    Democracy and the Making of the President’s Cabinet in Nigeria: A Reflection of the Olusegun Obasanjo’s and Goodluck Jonathan’s Cabinets Tunde Adeniran Tunde Ajayi ABSTRACT The Presidency, especially in Federal systems, holds peculiar and haunting fascination for scholars in their attempts to diagnose the workings of modern governments. The increasing powers of the Presidency, the recurrent debates over their use or abuse and the continuous interrogation of the extent of the legitimate use of such powers, invariably compel attention to the study of the Presidency. In Nigeria, a critical inquiry that goes beyond the surface seems to be long overdue and an appraisal of the making of a Presidential cabinet appears a vital part of the advancement of knowledge in this regard. Thus, this study is a review of democracy and the making of the presidential cabinet in Nigeria with a reflection of the Olusegun Obasanjo’s and the Goodluck Jonathan’s Cabinets. The aims are (i) to investigate the role of the President as crisis manager when a nation faces serious internal security challenges; (ii) to appraise the President’s role as manager of the economy – especially when fiscal and monetary policies are set in the context of double – digit inflation and severe economic dislocations; and (iii) to assess the interactions between the President, the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the National Assembly. The study reveals among many others that for the President to be effective he needs a cabinet that fully understands what he wants to achieve, the way he wants to go about it and the time he wants to achieve it.
    [Show full text]
  • NNPC-Question
    2 TEST GUIDE THE TEST FORMAT: NNPC’S Test would usually come in 4 sections. You will required to answer 120 questions In 120minutes. That is one question per minute. The sections are: PART A: DIGRAMMATIC REASONING Questions 1-30 PART B: VERBAL REASONING Questions 31-60 PART C: QUANTITATIVE REASONING Questions 61-90 PART D: SPATIAL REASONING. Questions 91-120 The test may also sometimes include field specific questions relating to the field you are applying to. This happened in 2015. The field specific questions are usually classified as General Knowledge. ABOUT THIS STUDY PACK: This study pack will help you prepare for the main sections of the test. Other supporting materials that came with your study pack will also help you prepare for any other likely questions that may appear. SECTION-1 QUANTITATIVE REASONING 30 Questions will be drawn from this section, It is advisable to practice without using calculator, as calculators may not be allowed in the test. Most often, it is not allowed. This questions pack has 300 of these past quantitative reasoning questions. You should pick 30 questions and manually set your time to 30 minutes, to see how fast you can solve these questions in the real test. NNPC RECRUITMENT - Quantitative Reasoning Questions A. 40% 1 B. 16% If I give you seven apples, you will then have five times C. 20% as many as I would then have, however, if you give me D. 100% seven apples, we will then both have the same number E. 67% of apples. How many apples do we currently have? The correct answer is option [B] A.
    [Show full text]