DOCSLIB.ORG

Promoting Sustainable Development in Nigeria Through Rural Women's

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Promoting Sustainable Development in Nigeria Through Rural Women's Promoting Sustainable Development in Nigeria through Rural Women’s Participation in Decision-Making about Renewable Energy Law and Policy Uchenna Ijoma Thesis submitted to the University of Ottawa in partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctorate in Philosophy degree in Law Faculty of Law, Common Law University of Ottawa © Uchenna Ijoma, Ottawa, Canada, 2021 ABSTRACT “[T]o devise development planning without the participation of [rural] women is like using four fingers when you have ten.”1 Both lack of access to energy and climate change threatens poverty reduction and sustainable development in Nigeria. Most poor communities in Africa use inadequate fuels and are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with women bearing most of the social, economic, and environmental costs. Promoting access to affordable and sustainable energy through policy interventions is one crucial path to achieving sustainable development. Renewable energy offers countries the opportunity to meet the energy demands of the poorest and most vulnerable in each society, and thereby achieve many of the sustainable development goals, such as: hunger and poverty eradication,2 gender equity, affordable and clean energy,3 climate action,4 and maternal health.5 The Nigerian government is constantly formulating legal frameworks for renewable energy to expand the availability of energy (including electricity) to rural areas while reducing the impacts of climate change. Yet the extent to which these legal frameworks will be implemented successfully remain in doubt; as to date, Nigeria has been unable to achieve its stated goal of sustainable development.6 Why are renewable energy policies and laws in Nigeria not succeeding? This thesis asks whether one reason may be that Nigerian women living in rural areas have little role in both designing renewable energy laws and policies and participating in their effective implementation. This is a problem given that rural women are the primary users of unsustainable energy, they suffer most from its negative impacts, they are the main beneficiaries of rural electrification, and the closest to the needs and capacities of the population in rural communities. This thesis is mainly qualitative. Multiple approaches (feminist historical research, documentary or doctrinal analysis as well as analysis by specific illustrative examples) were used to explore the phenomenon of why the Nigerian government’s concerted efforts at developing the legal frameworks for renewable energy have not yielded their desired goals of promoting sustainable development, and what lessons could be learned from South Africa. In addition to contributing to the gender and renewable energy literature, the research attempts to develop a blueprint for inclusive approaches to renewable energy law. It investigates how renewable energy legal and institutional frameworks could effectively include rural women. Using ideas from feminist legal theorists, the thesis makes a case for why rural women should be considered suitable stakeholder participants. It concludes that renewable energy policy- and law-making processes which consider the voices and active participation of rural women could encourage an increase in 1 Thomas Sankara, “Women’s Liberation and African Freedom Struggle” (2011) 75 The Militant at 11. See also, Gail Karlsson, Where Energy is Women’s Business: National and Regional Reports from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific (Leusden: Energia International Network on Gender & Sustainable Energy, 2007) at 14. 2 SDGs 10, 2 &1. 3 SDG 7. 4 SDG 13. 5 SDGs 3 & 5. 6 Federal Republic of Nigeria, Implementation of the SDGs: A National Voluntary Review (s:I: Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President, 2017) at 22-48. See also, “Clean Technology Investment Plan for Nigeria: Update Note” (July, 2014), accessed January 20, 2021, online: <https://www.climateinvestmentfunds.org/country/nigeria> at 15. ii the generation, distribution, and use of renewable energy in the poorest inaccessible areas while closing the gap between renewable energy policies and laws, and sustainable development. Finally, it recommends that renewable energy policies and laws should increase rural women’s participation by using among other things “recognition politics,” which allows for the representation of subordinate social groups in bodies such as Parliaments; for example, by using measures such as mandatory affirmative action – quota system clauses,7 and techniques such as“Taking Parliament to the People.”8 7 Sylvia Walby, “Feminist Theory: Marxist and Socialist” in Neil J. Smelser & Paul B. Baltes, eds, International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioural Sciences (Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2001) at 5504. 8 Parliamentary Monitoring Group, “ATC080515”: Report NCOP “Taking Parliament to the People” Western Cape: NCOP Women, Children and People with Disabilities” online: <https://pmg.org.za/tabled-committee-report/630/>. See also, In session, Taking Parliament to the People: NCOP Conducts Oversight on Service Delivery in Free State (s:I: Parliamentary Communication Services, 2017). iii TABLE OF CONTENT ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................................................... ii TABLE OF CONTENT ..................................................................................................................................... iv SELECT ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................................... ix ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................................................................. xi Defining Terms .................................................................................................................................................. xii Chapter One ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background and Context ................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Renewable Energy Options in Nigeria and Rural Women ............................................................. 5 1.2.1 Biomass Energy .............................................................................................................................. 5 1.2.2 Hydropower .................................................................................................................................... 7 1.2.3 Wind Energy ................................................................................................................................... 9 1.2.4 Geothermal Energy ...................................................................................................................... 10 1.2.5 Solar Energy ................................................................................................................................. 10 1.3 The Key Role of Rural Women in Promoting Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development .................................................................................................................................................. 12 1.4 Problem Statement............................................................................................................................ 15 1.5 Literature Review ............................................................................................................................. 16 1.5.1 Renewable Energy Legal Framework and Sustainable Development.................................... 16 1.5.2 Renewable Energy Legal Frameworks, Women’s Participation, and Sustainable Development .............................................................................................................................................. 20 15.2.1 Why Rural Women? ............................................................................................................ 27 1.6 Research Questions ........................................................................................................................... 29 1.7 Theoretical Perspectives ................................................................................................................... 30 1.8 Research Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 31 1.8.1 Document or Doctrinal Analysis ...................................................................................................... 32 1.8.1.1 Types of Data Collected using Document Analysis ................................................................... 32 1.8.2 Feminist Historical Methodology................................................................................................ 33 1.8.2.1 Type of Data Collected using a Feminist Historical Approach ....................................... 33 1.8.3 Analysis by Specific Illustrative Examples ............................................................................... 34 1.9 Scope of study .................................................................................................................................... 36 iv 1.10 Thesis Structure/Organization
Load more

Recommended publications
  • CPDE Global Synthesis Report 2015 the State of Development Cooperation, CSO Enabling Environment and CSO Development Effectiveness
    CPDE Global Synthesis Report 2015 The State of Development Cooperation, CSO Enabling Environment and CSO Development Effectiveness May 2015 2 3 CPDE Global Synthesis Report 2015 Acknowledgements The State of Development Cooperation, CSO Enabling Environment and CSO Development Effectiveness Published by The editorial team is grateful to all the 23 country-based CSOs and authors whose contributions made this global report possible. Our gratitude is extended to the entire team that made this project possible Editorial Team: Roselynn Musa The Global Secretariat Jennifer del Rosario-Malonzo 3/F IBON Center Christopher Chanco 114 Timog Avenue Manja Bayang Quezon City Philippines 1103 May 2015 This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (sida), the Department of Foreign Affairs - Ireland (IrishAid), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFA TD-Canada). The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of CPDE and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of aforementioned donors. This book may be reproduced in whole or in part with proper acknowledgement to CPDE. 4 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS AKNOWLEDGMENTS........................................................................................................................ 3 AA Auswärtiges Amt (Foreign Office) AAA Accra Agenda for Action ABBREVIATIONS
    [Show full text]
  • Legacies of Biafra Conference Schedule - SOAS, University of London, April 21-22
    H-AfrLitCine Legacies of Biafra Conference Schedule - SOAS, University of London, April 21-22 Discussion published by Louisa Uchum Egbunike on Monday, April 24, 2017 Legacies of Biafra Conference Schedule - April 21-22, SOAS, University of London Registration is to completed online at www.igboconference.com/tickets For further details about the conference, visit www.igboconference.com Conference Schedule: Thursday 20th April, Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS 6:00pm – 8:00pm Preconference Welcome, Film screening: Most Vulnerable Nigerians: The Legacy of the Asaba Massacres by Elizabeth Bird, followed by a Q & A session. Elizabeth Bird will introduce the documentary film and talk about her research and upcoming book about the Asaba Massacres. Film Screening: Onye Ije: The Traveller, An Igbo travelogue on the Umuahia War Museum & The Ojukwu Bunker produced by Brian C. Ezeike and Mazi Waga. The film will be introduced by the producers of the Documentary series, followed by a short Q & A Session. …………………………………………… FRIDAY, 21st APRIL 2017, Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre & Suite, SOAS 8:30am Conference Registration Opens 9:30am Parallel Panels (A) A1 Panel: Revisiting Biafra A2 Panel: Writing Biafra (please scroll down for speaker details on the A Panels) 11:00am Parallel Panels (B) B1 Roundtable: Global Media and Humanitarian Responses to the Biafra War B2 Roundtable: Real Life Accounts of the War B3 Panel: Child Refugees of the Nigeria-Biafra war (please scroll down for speaker details on the B Panels ) 12:30pm Obi Nwakanma in Conversation with Olu Oguibe Citation: Louisa Uchum Egbunike. Legacies of Biafra Conference Schedule - SOAS, University of London, April 21-22 .
    [Show full text]
  • Mapping Nigeria's Response to Covid-19 the Bold Ones
    DIGITAL DIALOGUES A NATIONAL CONVERSATION: MAPPING NIGERIA’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19 POST-EVENT REPORT THE BOLD ONES: NIGERIAN COMPANIES REINVENTING FOR THE NEW NORMAL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT JULY 2020 AGRIBUSINESS FINANCE MARKETS NIRSAL exists to create a handshake between the Agricultural Value Chain and the Financial Sector in order to boost productivity, food security and the profitability of agribusiness in Nigeria. At the heart of our strategy is the Credit Risk Guarantee (CRG) which enhances the flow of finance and investment into fixed Agricultural Value Chains by serving as a buffer that encourages investors to fund verified bankable projects. Working with financial institutions, farmer groups, mechanization service providers, logistics providers and other actors in the Value Chain, NIRSAL is changing Nigeria's agricultural landscape and delivering food security, financial inclusion, wealth creation and economic growth. THE NIGERIA INCENTIVE-BASED RISK SHARING SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL LENDING De-Risking Agriculture Facilitating Agribusiness Office Address Lagos Office Plot 1581, Tigris Crescent CBN Building www.nirsal.com Maitama District Tinubu Square, Marina You u e Abuja, Nigeria Lagos, Nigeria @nirsalconnect NIRSAL, a Central Bank of Nigeria corporation. DIGITAL DIALOGUES A NATIONAL CONVERSATION: MAPPING NIGERIA’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19 POST-EVENT REPORT THE BOLD ONES: NIGERIAN COMPANIES REINVENTING FOR THE NEW NORMAL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Sponsors Moderators and Panelists ZAINAB PROF. AKIN IBUKUN DR. OBIAGELI ALIYU DR. DOYIN OLISA ENGR.
    [Show full text]
  • Senate Committee Report
    THE 7TH SENATE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION REPORT OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION ON A BILL FOR AN ACT TO FURTHER ALTER THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 1999 AND FOR OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH, 2013 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria referred the following Constitution alterations bills to the Committee for further legislative action after the debate on their general principles and second reading passage: 1. Constitution (Alteration Bill) 2012 (SB.107), Second Reading – Wednesday 14th March, 2012 2. Constitution (Alteration Bill) 2012 (SB.136), Second Reading – Thursday, 14th October, 2012 3. Constitution (Alteration Bill) 2012 (SB.139), Second Reading – Thursday, 4th October, 2012 4. Constitution (Alteration Bill) 2012 (SB.158), Second Reading – Thursday, 4th October, 2012 5. Constitution (Alteration Bill) 2012 (SB.162), Second Reading – Thursday, 4th October, 2012 6. Constitution (Alteration Bill) 2012 (SB.168), Second Reading – Thursday 1 | P a g e 4th October, 2012 7. Constitution (Alteration Bill) 2012 (SB.226), Second Reading – 20th February, 2013 8. Ministerial (Nominees Bill), 2013 (SB.108), Second Reading – Wednesday, 13th March, 2013 1.1 MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE 1. Sen. Ike Ekweremadu - Chairman 2. Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba - Member 3. Sen. Bello Hayatu Gwarzo - “ 4. Sen. Uche Chukwumerije - “ 5. Sen. Abdul Ahmed Ningi - “ 6. Sen. Solomon Ganiyu - “ 7. Sen. George Akume - “ 8. Sen. Abu Ibrahim - “ 9. Sen. Ahmed Rufa’i Sani - “ 10. Sen. Ayoola H. Agboola - “ 11. Sen. Umaru Dahiru - “ 12. Sen. James E.
    [Show full text]
  • Nigeria | Freedom House
    Nigeria | Freedom House http://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2014/nigeria-0 About Us DONATE Blog Mobile App Contact Us Mexico Website (in Spanish) REGIONS ISSUES Reports Programs Initiatives News Experts Events Subscribe Donate FREEDOM IN THE WORLD - View another year - ShareShareShareShareShareMore 0 Nigeria Nigeria Freedom in the World 2014 OVERVIEW: 2014 SCORES Human rights conditions continued to worsen in 2013, STATUS with increasing Islamic militancy in the north, a rising wave of kidnappings in the south, and ethnic and communal clashes in Kaduna and Plateau states. The Partly Free situation in northeastern states continues to defy remedy, FREEDOM RATING as the militant Islamist group Boko Haram (or “People (1 = BEST, 7 = WORST) Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad”) increased its deadly attacks on civilians and 4.0 government targets; Boko Haram was the second most CIVIL LIBERTIES deadly terrorist group in the world in 2013. Moreover, an (1 = BEST, 7 = WORST) October 15 report by Amnesty International revealed that security forces involved in the counterterrorist 4 offensive against Boko Haram committed gross human POLITICAL RIGHTS rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary (1 = BEST, 7 = WORST) mass arrests, illegal detentions, and torture against citizens living in the affected areas. According to the 4 report, over 950 people died in military custody in the first six months of 2013. Meanwhile, in November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) classified the crisis involving Boko Haram and the Nigerian security forces as a non-international armed conflict. At year’s end, the ICC also continued its investigations into whether Boko Haram has committed crimes against humanity.
    [Show full text]
  • Nigeria's Economic Reforms
    Nigeria’s Economic Reforms Progress and Challenges Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Philip Osafo-Kwaako Working Paper # 6 NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC REFORMS: PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Distinguished Fellow Global Economy and Development Program The Brookings Institution Philip Osafo-Kwaako Visiting Research Associate Global Economy and Development Program The Brookings Institution MARCH 2007 THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTION 1775 MASSACHUSETTS AVE., NW WASHINGTON, DC 20036 2 The authors are grateful to various colleagues, particularly members of the Nigerian Economic Team, for valuable comments and suggestions on various components of the recent reform program. Additional suggestions should be directed to [email protected]. About the Global Economy and Development Program The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings examines the opportunities and challenges presented by globalization, which has become a central concern for policymakers, business executives and civil society, and offers innovative recommendations and solutions in order to materially shape the policy debate. Global Economy and Development scholars address the issues surrounding globalization within three key areas: • The drivers shaping the global economy • The road out of poverty • The rise of new economic powers The program is directed by Lael Brainard, vice president and holder of the Bernard L. Schwartz Chair in International Economics. The program also houses the Wolfensohn Center for Development, a major effort to improve the effectiveness of national and international development efforts. www.brookings.edu/global The views expressed in this working paper do not necessarily reflect the official position of Brookings, its board or the advisory council members. © The Brookings Institution ISBN: 978-0-9790376-5-8 Contents List of Acronyms .
    [Show full text]
  • Corruption in Civil Society Activism in the Niger Delta and Defines Csos to Include Ngos, Self-Help Groups and Militant Organisations
    THE ROLE OF CORRUPTION ON CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVISM IN THE NIGER DELTA BY TOMONIDIEOKUMA BRIGHT A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LANCASTER UNIVERSITY FOR DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY SUBMISSION DATE: SEPTEMBER, 2019 i Abstract: This thesis studies the challenges and relationships between the Niger delta people, the federal government and Multinational Oil Companies (MNOCs). It describes the major problems caused by unmonitored crude oil exploitation as environmental degradation and underdevelopment. The study highlights the array of roles played by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in filling the gap between the stakeholders in the oil industry and crude oil host communities. Except for the contributions from Austin Ikelegbe (2001), Okechukwu Ibeanu (2006) and Shola Omotola (2009), there is a limitation in the literature on corruption and civil society activism in the Niger delta. These authors dwelt on the role of CSOs in the region’s struggle. But this research fills a knowledge gap on the role of corruption in civil society activism in the Niger delta and defines CSOs to include NGOs, self-help groups and militant organisations. Corruption is problematic in Nigeria and affects every sector of the economy including CSOs. The corruption in CSOs is demonstrated in their relationship with MNOCs, the federal government, host communities and donor organisations. Smith (2010) discussed the corruption in NGOs in Nigeria which is also different because this work focuses on the role of corruption in CSOs in the Niger delta and the problems around crude oil exploitation. The findings from the fieldwork using oral history, ethnography, structured and semi-structured interview methods show that corruption impacts CSOs activism in diverse ways and has structural and historical roots embedded in colonialism.
    [Show full text]
  • First Election Security Threat Assessment
    SECURITY THREAT ASSESSMENT: TOWARDS 2015 ELECTIONS January – June 2013 edition With Support from the MacArthur Foundation Table of Contents I. Executive Summary II. Security Threat Assessment for North Central III. Security Threat Assessment for North East IV. Security Threat Assessment for North West V. Security Threat Assessment for South East VI. Security Threat Assessment for South South VII. Security Threat Assessment for South West Executive Summary Political Context The merger between the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and other smaller parties, has provided an opportunity for opposition parties to align and challenge the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This however will also provide the backdrop for a keenly contested election in 2015. The zoning arrangement for the presidency is also a key issue that will define the face of the 2015 elections and possible security consequences. Across the six geopolitical zones, other factors will define the elections. These include the persisting state of insecurity from the insurgency and activities of militants and vigilante groups, the high stakes of election as a result of the availability of derivation revenues, the ethnic heterogeneity that makes elite consensus more difficult to attain, as well as the difficult environmental terrain that makes policing of elections a herculean task. Preparations for the Elections The political temperature across the country is heating up in preparation for the 2015 elections. While some state governors are up for re-election, most others are serving out their second terms. The implication is that most of the states are open for grab by either of the major parties and will therefore make the electoral contest fiercer in 2015 both within the political parties and in the general election.
    [Show full text]
  • EASTERN CAPE NARL 2014 (Approved by the Federal Executive)
    EASTERN CAPE NARL 2014 (Approved by the Federal Executive) Rank Name 1 Andrew (Andrew Whitfield) 2 Nosimo (Nosimo Balindlela) 3 Kevin (Kevin Mileham) 4 Terri Stander 5 Annette Steyn 6 Annette (Annette Lovemore) 7 Confidential Candidate 8 Yusuf (Yusuf Cassim) 9 Malcolm (Malcolm Figg) 10 Elza (Elizabeth van Lingen) 11 Gustav (Gustav Rautenbach) 12 Ntombenhle (Rulumeni Ntombenhle) 13 Petrus (Petrus Johannes de WET) 14 Bobby Cekisani 15 Advocate Tlali ( Phoka Tlali) EASTERN CAPE PLEG 2014 (Approved by the Federal Executive) Rank Name 1 Athol (Roland Trollip) 2 Vesh (Veliswa Mvenya) 3 Bobby (Robert Stevenson) 4 Edmund (Peter Edmund Van Vuuren) 5 Vicky (Vicky Knoetze) 6 Ross (Ross Purdon) 7 Lionel (Lionel Lindoor) 8 Kobus (Jacobus Petrus Johhanes Botha) 9 Celeste (Celeste Barker) 10 Dorah (Dorah Nokonwaba Matikinca) 11 Karen (Karen Smith) 12 Dacre (Dacre Haddon) 13 John (John Cupido) 14 Goniwe (Thabisa Goniwe Mafanya) 15 Rene (Rene Oosthuizen) 16 Marshall (Marshall Von Buchenroder) 17 Renaldo (Renaldo Gouws) 18 Bev (Beverley-Anne Wood) 19 Danny (Daniel Benson) 20 Zuko (Prince-Phillip Zuko Mandile) 21 Penny (Penelope Phillipa Naidoo) FREE STATE NARL 2014 (as approved by the Federal Executive) Rank Name 1 Patricia (Semakaleng Patricia Kopane) 2 Annelie Lotriet 3 Werner (Werner Horn) 4 David (David Christie Ross) 5 Nomsa (Nomsa Innocencia Tarabella Marchesi) 6 George (George Michalakis) 7 Thobeka (Veronica Ndlebe-September) 8 Darryl (Darryl Worth) 9 Hardie (Benhardus Jacobus Viviers) 10 Sandra (Sandra Botha) 11 CJ (Christian Steyl) 12 Johan (Johannes
    [Show full text]
  • Western Cape Provincial Parliament
    WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015 Posbus 648, Kaapstad PO Box 648, Cape Town PO Box 648, Ekapa www.wcpp.gov.za 8000, Suid Afrika 8000, South Africa 8000, Mzantsi Africa +27 21 487 1600 Table of Contents PART A: GENERAL INFORMATION 1. GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 6 2. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS ........................................................................................... 7 3. FOREWORD BY THE SPEAKER ....................................................................................................... 8 4. REPORT OF THE ACCOUNTING OFFICER ....................................................................................... 9 4.1 Overview of the operations of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament: ................................... 9 4.2 Overview of the financial results of Western Cape Provincial Parliament: ................................ 10 4.2.1 WCPP Receipts: ........................................................................................................................... 10 4.2.2 Programme Expenditure: ........................................................................................................... 10 4.2.3 Supply Chain Management:........................................................................................................ 11 4.2.4 Gifts and Donations received in kind from non-related parties: ................................................ 11 4.2.5 Exemptions
    [Show full text]
  • The Jonathan Presidency, by Abati, the Guardian, Dec. 17
    The Jonathan Presidency By Reuben Abati Published by The Jonathan Presidency The Jonathan Presidency By Reuben Abati A review of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency in Nigeria should provide significant insight into both his story and the larger Nigerian narrative. We consider this to be a necessary exercise as the country prepares for the next general elections and the Jonathan Presidency faces the certain fate of becoming lame-duck earlier than anticipated. The general impression about President Jonathan among Nigerians is that he is as his name suggests, a product of sheer luck. They say this because here is a President whose story as a politician began in 1998, and who within the space of ten years appears to have made the fastest stride from zero to “stardom” in Nigerian political history. Jonathan himself has had cause to declare that he is from a relatively unknown village called Otuoke in Bayelsa state; he claims he did not have shoes to wear to school, one of those children who ate rice only at Xmas. When his father died in February 2008, it was probably the first time that Otuoke would play host to the kind of quality crowd that showed up in the community. The beauty of the Jonathan story is to be found in its inspirational value, namely that the Nigerian dream could still take on the shape of phenomenal and transformational social mobility in spite of all the inequities in the land. With Jonathan’s emergence as the occupier of the highest office in the land, many Nigerians who had ordinarily given up on the country and the future felt imbued with renewed energy and hope.
    [Show full text]
  • The Judiciary and Nigeria's 2011 Elections
    THE JUDICIARY AND NIGERIA’S 2011 ELECTIONS CSJ CENTRE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE (CSJ) (Mainstreaming Social Justice In Public Life) THE JUDICIARY AND NIGERIA’S 2011 ELECTIONS Written by Eze Onyekpere Esq With Research Assistance from Kingsley Nnajiaka THE JUDICIARY AND NIGERIA’S 2011 ELECTIONS PAGE iiiiii First Published in December 2012 By Centre for Social Justice Ltd by Guarantee (Mainstreaming Social Justice In Public Life) No 17, Flat 2, Yaounde Street, Wuse Zone 6, P.O. Box 11418 Garki, Abuja Tel - 08127235995; 08055070909 Website: www.csj-ng.org ; Blog: http://csj-blog.org Email: [email protected] ISBN: 978-978-931-860-5 Centre for Social Justice THE JUDICIARY AND NIGERIA’S 2011 ELECTIONS PAGE iiiiiiiii Table Of Contents List Of Acronyms vi Acknowledgement viii Forewords ix Chapter One: Introduction 1 1.0. Monitoring Election Petition Adjudication 1 1.1. Monitoring And Project Activities 2 1.2. The Report 3 Chapter Two: Legal And Political Background To The 2011 Elections 5 2.0. Background 5 2.1. Amendment Of The Constitution 7 2.2. A New Electoral Act 10 2.3. Registration Of Voters 15 a. Inadequate Capacity Building For The National Youth Service Corps Ad-Hoc Staff 16 b. Slowness Of The Direct Data Capture Machines 16 c. Theft Of Direct Digital Capture (DDC) Machines 16 d. Inadequate Electric Power Supply 16 e. The Use Of Former Polling Booths For The Voter Registration Exercise 16 f. Inadequate DDC Machine In Registration Centres 17 g. Double Registration 17 2.4. Political Party Primaries And Selection Of Candidates 17 a. Presidential Primaries 18 b.
    [Show full text]