Covenant University Journal of Politics & Internationall Affair. Vol. 6 No. 1, June 2018 An Open Access Journal Available Online Covenant University Journal of Politics & International Affairs Vol. 6 No. 1, June 2018 A Publication of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, College of Leadership Development Studies, Covenant University. Editor-in-Chief: Sheriff F. Folarin, Ph.D [email protected] Managing Editor: Edwin O. Agbaike [email protected] Website: http//Journal.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/cujpia/ Covenant University Journal of Politics & International Affairs (CUJPIA) Vol. 6 No. 1, June 2018 © 2018, Covenant University Journals All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any meams, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. 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ISSN: Print 2354 - 3558 Online 2354 - 3493 Published by Covenant University Journals, Covenant University, Canaanland, Km 10, Idiroko Road, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria Printed by Covenant University Press ii Covenant University Journal of Politics & International Affairs (CUJPIA) Vol. 6 No. 1, June 2018 Articles Agitation for Restructuring and Resource Control in Nigeria‘s Federalism: Issues, Perspectives and the Way Forward Ali Ibrahim Abbas & Sani Garba Wakili 1 Fragility of the Nigerian State and the Challenge of Boko Haram Violence Alabi Usman & Salihu Bashir 19 Deconstructing the Doctrine of State of Emergency in Nigeria: A Human Security Perspective Uchenna Simeon 42 Militarisation of Oil and Environmental Politics in Nigeria: Armed Resistance, State Responses and Peace Prospects in the Niger Delta Region Samuel Oyewole, Damola Adegboye & Emmanuel Durosinmi 60 Terrorism and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Africa: Northeastern Nigeria in Focus Nanna Lord-Mallam & Adejoh Sunday 76 ii Covenant University Journal of Politics & International Affairs (CUJPIA) Vol. 6 No. 1, June 2018 Covenant University Journal of Politics & Internationall Affair. Vol. 6 No. 1, June 2018 An Open Access Journal Available Online Agitation for Restructuring and Resource Control in Nigeria’s Federalism: Issues, Perspectives and the Way Forward Ali Ibrahim Abbas, Ph.D. & Sani Garba Wakili Department of Political Science and Administration Yobe State University, Damaturu - Nigeria [email protected] [email protected] Abstract: Nigeria is a federal constitutional republic comprising of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The states are further sub-divided into 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This paper examines issues concerning agitation for restructuring and resource control in Nigeria. The study through content analysis of documents examined the factors that led to the agitation for re-structuring, salient issues raised and the constitutional basis for re-structuring. It is discovered that in Nigeria the agitation revolves around resource control, review of revenue sharing formula, devolution of power, return to regional federal system of government based on six geo- political zones, return to parliamentary system of government, removal of immunity clause from the constitution, creation of state police, role of traditional rulers, among others. The finding also shows that Nigerians- individually and in groups, across regions and ethnic divides have been advocating for one or more aspect(s) of restructuring Nigeria‘s federal system. The study therefore recommended restructuring in order to enhance national unity, peaceful co-existence, political stability and balanced national development. Beyond restructuring however, the failure of governance at all levels due to poor leadership, mismanagement, and corruption must be addressed. Keywords: Restructuring, Resource Control, Federalism, Political Economy, Nigeria Introduction In some cases, for instance, this Countries in the world over adopt arrangement facilitates a substantial political arrangements that best suit amount of co-operation among the their nature, context and composition. various segments and institutions all in 1 Covenant University Journal of Politics & International Affairs (CUJPIA) Vol. 6 No. 1, June 2018 a bid to achieve the desired end of the resulted in to agitation for self- good life for the citizens(Alsamee, government. This further demonstrates Abdul-Wahab & Yusof, 2016).The that the political history of Nigeria was federal system is one of such political dominated by struggles for freedom systems mostly adopted by especially between 1922 and 1959. In heterogeneous societies/states (Alsamee fact, it is now a common knowledge et al, 2016; Babalola, 2016; that some notable Nigerians: Sir Chukwuemeka & Amobi, 2011; Herbert Macaulay, Sir Abubakar T. Elekwa, Mathew & Akume, 2011; Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Sir Ewetan, 2012; Ezeji-Okoye, 2009). Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Similarly, it is in this regard of Awolowo, and Chief Anthony Enahoro, heterogeneous nature that Nigeria to mention but a few, are regarded as adopts and practices federalism as a the founding fathers of Nigeria‘s system of government where some nationalism. certain political, administrative and Given their struggles as mentioned economic powers/functions are shared earlier, the British colonialist gave between the central government and its concessions to Nigerian activists that component units(Babalola, 2016; led to the rise of the series of Chukwuemeka &Amobi, 2011; constitutions that come into existence, Elekwaet al, 2011; Ewetan, 2012; Ezeji- to assuage their feelings. The Okoye, 2009).It is in this regard that for constitutions included the Clifford instance a classical scholar such as constitution, 1922, Richards Tamuno (1983) sees Nigeria‘s constitutions, 1946, Macpherson federalism as a form of government constitution, 1951 and Lyttleton‘s where the component units of its constitution, 1954 that gave birth to political organization participate in Nigeria‘s federal arrangement. While sharing some powers and functions in a the constitutions have played significant co-operative manner though the roles, historical, social, political and combined forces of ethnic pluralism and cultural factors also made Nigeria‘s cultural diversity among others that pull adoption of federalism (Babalola, 2016; them apart. Elekwaet al, 2011; Ewetan, 2012; Ezeji- Earlier in the 19th century, the British Okoye, 2009). These factors are had conquered the different parts of diversities in nationalities, religions, present Nigeria at different times and cultures, resources, and fear of established control and authority over domination among the various entities. them (Ezeji-Okoye, 2009). These areas In the light of this, federalism is thus were grouped into Southern and seen as a system that grant units Northern protectorates. For the considerable freedom and autonomy in convenience of administration, the the internal governance of their people Northern and Southern protectorates given its decentralized powers were later amalgamated in 1914by the (Alsamee et al, 2016; Elekwa et al, colonial masters thus resulting into 2011; Ewetan, 2012; Chukwuemeka & existence the country presently called Amobi, 2011; Ezeji-Okoye, 2009). Nigeria (Ezeji-Okoye, 2009). However, Asuch, in a federal state like Nigeria, as time went by, the British colonial the constitution is supreme with shared rule, with its continued alienation and powers between and among the three subjugation of the indigenous people, 2 Covenant University Journal of Politics & International Affairs (CUJPIA) Vol. 6 No. 1, June 2018 tiers of governments (Babalola, 2016; revenue. In addition, the rentier Alsamee et al, 2016; Chukwuemeka & economic character of the Nigerian Amobi, 2011). Hence, in each tier, the state is also a fundamental factor in government is expected to exercise understanding the dimension and certain control and function within its interests of political forces in this scope of authority. struggle. Interestingly, the oil rent Although, federalism has being revenue constitutes a significant practiced in Nigeria over the years, the proportion of Nigeria‘s national income agitation for restructuring to achieve (Agwanwo, 2014; Anugwam, 2005; resource control or what some scholars Awofeso, 2017; Chijiokeet al, 2012; termed ―true federalism‖ including Elekwa et al, 2011; Madubuike, 2015; secession is not a new phenomenon in Ojakorotu, 2008). More disturbingly is the country‘s political history that, there has been afailure of (Agwanwo, 2014; Anugwam, 2005; governance at all levels of democratic Awofeso, 2017; Babalola, 2015; governance structure mostly due to bad Chijioke, Innocent & Emeh, 2012; leadership and corruption over the years Elekwa et al, 2011; Madubuike, 2015; (Abbas, 2013; Anugwam, 2005). In Ojakorotu, 2008).Hence, it is not fact, most indicators of under surprising from recent issues; that there development are still present in the are agitations by certain component country regardless of its varied geo units of Nigeria. In fact, it is clear that political regions. While the idea of true some parts or indeed all parts