Faith, Ethnicity and Democratic Consolidation: Nigeria’s Fourth Republic
By
Hephzibah Adesina
A thesis submitted to the School of Quinnipiac College in partial achievement of the necessities for a level in Political Science
Spring 2018
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First, I might similar to to thank God Almighty for the power and knowledge he has given me to finish this work. I might additionally wish to thank Professor Fodei Batty for his steering all through this course of and Professor Sean Duffy for his fixed encouragement. Lastly,my thesis wouldn’t have been doable with out the encouragement, Help and prayer of my dad and mom, Emmanuel and Ruth Adesina.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………5
Chapter 1: Introduction and Literature Overview…………………………………………………. 6
Main Points Affecting Democratic Consolidation ……………………………………………..…7
Chapter 2: Methodology…………………………………………………………..………………12
Chapter three: Outcomes and Interpretation…………………………………………………………….13
Chapter four: Suggestions ……………………………………..………………………………17
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………….….19
References ……………………………………………………………………………………….20
Determine 1: Map of Nigeria displaying the Ethnic Teams
Summary
After overcoming the turbulent years of Army regimes, Civil Struggle and coming into the fourth republic, Nigeria appears to be on a hopeful path in the direction of consolidating its democracy. It should quickly mark twenty years after the institution of the fourth republic, began on Might 29,1999. Nigeria has by no means skilled democratic rule for such a very long time. The previous twenty years have been crammed with varied challenges which have restrained Nigeria’s democracy from consolidating. Nevertheless, the truth that it’s making progress portends good omens. The key areas of issues inhibiting democratic progress are the affiliations with individuals to their faith and ethnicity above nationwide curiosity. Nigeria being a multi-ethnic and spiritual conservative nation has suffered setbacks in consolidating its democracy. This paper argues that ethnic range has an incredible influence on the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy primarily based on varied literature readings and findings.
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Nigeria obtained its independence in 1960 from British rulers. Since then, Nigeria has been struggling to face on its ft as a nation. Students sometimes debate the explanations as to why Nigeria has struggled to face on its ft as a rustic. Among the many many components are non secular tensions, financial variations, ethnic biases and academic imbalances; on this thesis, I argue that ethnic range has a adverse influence on the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy. Earlier than its independence, Nigeria consisted of various ethnic teams and nationalities. The key cultural teams on the onset of the colonial interval had been the Yoruba, Bini, and Igbo within the South, and the Hausas, Fulani, and Kanuri within the North, although there have been a number of smaller teams with totally different languages and cultures within the space as nicely. Nigeria is grouped beneath three areas: The Northern, Japanese and Western areas. Even till right this moment, these main teams have raised most of Nigeria’s leaders. These various nationalities type the bases of the brand new nation. Nigeria continued with the British type of authorities that’s the parliamentary system of presidency, and it was divided into three main areas, the Northern, Japanese and the Western. Because the ceremonial head of presidency NnamdiAzikiwe got here from the Japanese area, and the Prime minister Sir Tafawa Balewa was from the Northern area, there was no stable unity or nationwide objective in Nigeria’s first post-independence authorities. The prevalent variations and division was adopted by the army. This led to the army coup and subsequent counter coup to avenge the killings of 1 regional leaders by the opposite. “Jones and Olken (2009) conclude that in autocratic states, profitable assassinations of leaders are 13 share factors extra prone to shift a nation in the direction of democracy than failed assassination makes an attempt” (Min, 2010).
Nigeria was then beneath a army regime earlier than turning into a democracy. Its try at a democratic authorities was truncated by one army regime to a different which led to a civil battle that induced loads of division and acrimony. “The Nigerian civil battle was a cataclysm that rocked the emergent Nigerian state from 1967 to 1970” (James, 2011). Up to now, the results are nonetheless prevalent. Nigeria doesn’t have a dominant tradition, not like different creating nations of the world. The mutual regional variations and suspicions continued in subsequent army regimes and a civil battle.
The regional competitiveness, academic imbalances, financial variations, non secular tensions, ethnic biases and doubts have shaped the way in which authorities insurance policies and companies are ran over time. “Bingham Powell printed statistical analyses that confirmed a adverse relationship between ethnic fractionalization, on the one hand, and governmental stability, civil peace, and the prospects for democracy, on the opposite” (Kroenig, Fish, 2006). The after-effect of this corruption, nepotism, non secular rebellion and instability within the authorities result in lack of progress
This thesis addresses the impact of ethnic and spiritual diversities on democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Authorities insurance policies, areas and other people of Nigeria have been the principle contributors to the continual failure of democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Drawing from scholarly debates, participant observations, and extra, this thesis makes a declare on who or what’s most liable for the absence of democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
Main Points Affecting Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria
Since most ideas in current day have a number of definitions from a number of students, definitions are wanted for correct understanding of the paper.
Democracy
Nigeria and democracy are like divorced dad and mom with youngsters, they’re uncomfortable however proceed to work collectively for the sake of the kids. Democracy is outlined in two methods, as an idea and as a system of guidelines. Phillippe Schmitter and Terry Lynn Karldefined democracy as “a system of governance by which rulers are held accountable for his or her actions in public actual by residents, performing not directly via the competitors and cooperation of their elected representatives” (1991). They then created a set of components that served as situations for a democracy.
These embody: All 7 of Ronald Dahl’s components of polyarchy plus:
1) Elected officers can train constitutional powers with out subjecting to overriding opposition from unelected officers
2) Should be self-governing (In different phrases, it should act independently from an overarching political system
7 Components of Robert Dahl’s “polyarchy”
1) Choices about coverage are vested in elected officers
2) Frequent and pretty performed elections
three) proper to vote for virtually all adults
four) proper to run for virtually all adults
5) Residents have rights to precise themselves with out punishment
6) Residents have proper to hunt out different sources of data
7) Residents have proper to type comparatively impartial associations or organizations
Democratic Consolidation
Linz and Stepan provide an intuitive definition of consolidation—a democracy is consolidated when no political actors search to overthrow it. Consolidation requires the existence of a practical state and presence of 5 reinforcing arenas: a free civil society, an autonomous political society, the rule of regulation, a forms, and an financial society by which establishments and rules mediate the connection between the market and the state. (1996)
Faith
Faith is a shared assortment of transcendental beliefs which were handed on from believers to converts, which might be held by adherents to be actively significant and severe and both primarily based on (1) formally documented doctrine (organized faith) or (2) established cultural practices (folks faith)
Ethnicity
“Ethnicity is a social and psychological course of whereby people come to establish and affiliate with a bunch and a few side(s) of its tradition; ethnicity is what emerges when an individual, as affiliated, completes the assertion: “I’m a ____ as a result of I share ____ with my group.” Ethnicity is consciousness of distinction and the subjective salience of that distinction. It is usually mobilization round distinction— a camaraderie with or choice for socially-similar others.” (Eller, 1997)
Ethnic Group
A community-type group of people that share the identical tradition or to descendants of such individuals who might not share this tradition however who establish themselves with this ancestral group (Isajiw, 1993)
Unmanaged Cultural endowments
“Nigeria is endowed with plentiful mineral and pure sources which quantities to over 34 occurrences starting from industrial supplies, iron ore, tin-ore, limestone, coal, lead, zinc, columbite, marbles, bitumen and tar sand, statistically, the exploitation of those minerals could be very minimal in relation to the extent of deposits discovered within the nation. Nigeria was among the many largest producers of columbite, sixth largest producer of Tin, eighth largest producer of crude oil and fuel.” (Brown, Stephen, 2017) Although Nigeria is blessed with an plentiful quantity of various pure sources, their financial system is structurally depending on oil and fuel. Oil and fuel represent greater than 91% of whole exports and 12 % of its GDP , making it Africa’s largest oil producer .
Over time the gradual decline of agriculture, manufacturing and the oil growth in 1973 has induced Nigeria to be closely depending on oil. Nigeria’s reliance on oil could be blamed as partly liable for the looks of corrupt political establishments and elites, misuse of presidency funds and battle Niger Delta. Additionally, the sluggish highway to write down my essay Nigerian democracy could be attributed to its’ dependence on oil sources. Although oil sources aren’t an enough rationalization of Nigeria’s ethnic situation, it has delayed the observe of ‘true’ democracy and have served as a foremost problem to democratic consolidation.
Financial variations
Cultural endowments are the principle power pushing financial improvement in Nigeria. Throughout disaster there tends to be vandalization which will increase the air pollution within the space, inflicting underdevelopment in each well being and schooling sectors. Lack of schooling results in a lower in financial progress. “This very important goal in Nigeria, have been hampered by incessant closure – 261 – of colleges and excessive establishments in social conflicts inclined areas like, Bornu, Yobe, Jos, Kaduna, Kano and in some Niger Delta areas of Nigeria. Social conflicts disrupt educational actions within the affected areas, whereas the schooling of scholars whose dad and mom are pressured to relocate are critically affected. Resettlements in new surroundings might take loads of time, whereas time is wasted looking for new faculties for the scholars, which can negatively influence the psychological and educational efficiency of the scholars.” ( Kalejaiye, Alliyu, 2013) The dearth of correct schooling stagnates financial progress in Niger delta area, the nation’s most economically endowed space. Which can intern have an effect on the nation as complete being that oil and fuel represent for greater than 91% of whole exports.
Corruption
Corruption has been manifesting itself in virtually all facets of Nigerian tradition for the reason that 1960’s once they got here into independence. Because the nation got here into independence, no democratic authorities was in a position to have a nationwide election that didn’t lead to a army coup till 2003, forty-three years after their independence. Underneath these army coups many army directors and governors deposited cash into their very own pockets as an alternative of utilizing the cash to Help with the event of the nation. Nigerian corruption was later intensified within the 1970’s when the Center East disaster considerably elevated the value of oil. This was the primary time for the reason that discovery of oil,1958, that Nigeria was thought-about a petroleum state. As petroleum was step by step changing agriculture as the principle supply of nationwide income, competitors between ethnic teams and areas began to brew. The federal government and elites took management over oil areas and distributed the wealth inside themselves. This directed consideration to the accusations from the Nigerian residents of corruption and nepotism. Every ethnic group was blaming one another and holding declare to grease and land primarily based on ancestral affiliation. Aligned with elites pursuing wealth and energy it was clear that rampant corruption made its means into Nigerian society at most ranges. Corruption shaped via extra cost to these in greater places of work on high of official price, police/soldier checkpoint extortions and the event of ethnic militias.
Transparency worldwide defines corruption as “the abuse of entrusted energy for personal acquire”. Corruption in a rustic, akin to Nigeria, entails the violation of public belief which refutes the social contracts developed by the ruled residents and governing physique. Freedom home index referred to Nigeria as a “partly free” nation that means that they’re a rustic that “reasonably protects virtually all political rights” and are biased in the direction of political rights pertaining to particular person’s pursuits. Nigeria being a rustic troubled with corruption, was among the many 180 international locations listed on the transparency worldwide index which charges their stage of corruption on a scale of zero to 100, with zero being “extremely corrupt” and 100 being “very clear”. The corruption notion index was created to focus on international locations which might be making little to no progress in relation to corruption Nigeria scored a 27/100 and ranked 148 out of the 180 international locations. The outcome signifies that Nigeria is leaning nearer to “extremely corrupt” and was 32 international locations off from being essentially the most corrupt nation on the index.
Corruption in a democratic state, Nigeria, is seen as an irregularity. Philip B. Heyeman stated “One important relationship between corruption and democracy is thus that corruption can deeply undermine Help for democracy in any fragile democracy.” (1996) It is because corruption poses a hazardous omen to the ideologies of democracy. To keep away from such omens, Nigeria will first have to outline democracy and set considerably exact tips on what must occur to cut back corruption within the state. These tips had been spoken about earlier within the chapter.
Non secular Stress
Faith as performed an important position in hampering the event and consolidation of Democracy in Nigeria. Till current occasions, many Nigerians, particularly the Christians, believed that politics was a grimy recreation that may defile them, and make them unacceptable earlier than God in keeping with their non secular rights. Nigeria is thought for its non secular practices. Due to this non secular consciousness, Christians have exempted themselves from collaborating of their Nation’s politics. They don’t solid their vote, they solely pray for the Will of God to be finished. Their Muslim counterparts although extra non secular than the Christians, take part in politics. Muslims solid their votes for the candidate of their alternative and even encourage their wives and their youngsters, even under-aged youngsters, to vote and run for places of work as nicely. Yagboyaju, Ake had argued that it’s the rules of public accountability, mass participation, majority rule, and minority rights that outline democracy as an idea (Mimiko (2010). Yagboyaju concludes that it follows due to this fact, that any political system that gives for these rules qualifies to be referred to as a democracy. Contemplating the definition of democracy in its easiest type, it’s authorities for the individuals, of the individuals and by the individuals. Everybody should be carried alongside. Everybody’s voice, vote and contribution counts.
To consolidate Nigeria’s democracy, everybody should see it as their enterprise and contribute to its perform and improvement. Nigeria in all probability would have produced vibrant leaders who might have led Nigeria on the trail towards their desired democracy. The Christians have out of the blue realized that they’ve been making errors all this whereas and are actually absolutely collaborating in politics. Operating as candidates and casting their votes are new enhancements in comparison with praying alone prior to now. Apostle James stated, “Religion with out works is useless, or what does it revenue, my brethren, if somebody says he has religion however doesn’t have works? Can religion save him? If a brother or sister is bare and destitute of day by day meals, and one in all you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and stuffed,’ however you don’t give them the issues that are wanted for the physique, what does it revenue? Thus additionally religion by itself, if it doesn’t have works, is useless. However somebody will say, You have got religion, and I’ve works. Present me your religion with out your works, and I’ll present you my religion by my works (James 2:14-19).” What apostle James was making an attempt to say is that religion or prayer alone is just not sufficient however placing in further effort will produce a greater outcome. This is applicable to Nigeria’s democracy as nicely; although prayer is nice, it’s not sufficient to take Nigeria to its desired haven.
Having Nigeria’s democracy consolidated has not been straightforward with the non secular tensions right here and there. Boko Haram is well-known worldwide for its rebel actions, akin to their exercise within the kidnapping of about 230 faculty ladies a few years again, and frequent rampages that led to the killing of hundreds of individuals. This non secular wickedness has induced unrest within the nation, that residents might solely consider the protection of their lives and people of their households moderately than partaking within the political affairs of the nation.
One other factor is that, the leaders haven’t proven tangible concern concerning the safety of the plenty by stopping whoever individuals, particular person or group that’s liable for all the killings and nationwide uproars, however as an alternative have contributed to sponsoring of those non secular touts, which has induced extra hurt than good. Non secular tensions have been a device utilized by a number of leaders, particularly the Islamic leaders, to distract the eye of the individuals from authorities malpractice, and to silence individuals and put concern of their hearts. This repeated act as hindered the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. Nigeria was ran for years by the army generals, principally Muslims, and the present one, President Buhari, has not made the matter higher however as an alternative worsened it by permitting his tribal individuals (the Fulanis) to let their cattle graze on different individuals’s farms, rape girls, and kill whoever would problem or Question Assignment their actions. Due to non secular disaster, all efforts to make Nigeria expertise peaceable democracy has proved abortive. The current administration is comprised of each Christian and Muslim leaders. President Buhari- Muslim, and the vice president- Christian; regardless of that, Nigeria continues to be divided religiously and its individuals haven’t been in a position to work collectively for the event and consolidation of democracy. That is all due to non secular distinction.
CHAPTER 2
METHODOLOGY
On this analysis examine I used a semi- structured interview. Semi-structured interviewing, in keeping with Bernard (1988), is greatest used when you wouldn’t get multiple likelihood to interview somebody and when you may be sending a number of interviewers out into the sphere to gather knowledge. The interviews began with an introduction, summarizing the aim of the interview and an overview of the analysis. privateness points had been talked about, and individuals had been requested if any info they selected to share ought to be stored confidential. The interviews and conversations on this examine had been organized and partakers given a premeditated set of 4 questions which led the interview.
IQ1: Do you imagine that Nigeria is a Democratic Nation? In that case why? If not, why?
IQ2: What do you see to be the most important problem Nigeria is going through Proper now?
IQ3: Between Ethnic Variety and Non secular Variety which do you’re feeling has a larger adverse influence on Democratic consolidation in Nigeria?
IQ4: How do you assume Nigeria can develop into a greater democratic nation?
Chapter three
RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION
The questions and responses from these 4 questions have been written intimately in determine 2 beneath. I linked with 7 individuals from totally different sectors, ethnic backgrounds and religions in Nigeria. They had been chosen due to their background and standing. The primary couple I interviewed had been Yorubas, the Adenirans from Oyo State, which is within the South. They work within the agricultural sector. The second couple interviewed had been the Alabas who’re additionally Yorubas however reside in Akwa-Ibom state. Akwa-Ibom in positioned in Niger delta area. They work with oil firm. The third couple I interviewed had been the Ayenis. They got here from Ishan tribe of Delta State however stay in Nasarawa state, northern a part of Nigeria. Additionally they are concerned within the agriculture enterprise. The final particular person I interviewed was Arafat Bage, and entrepreneur from Abuja. Arafat’s background qualifies him as an interviewee. He’s Igbo/Hausa by tribe. His father was the previous Secretary of Nasarawa State and Commissioner of nationwide Salaries. All individuals asides from Arafat bage recognized themselves as Christian whereas Arafat Bage recognized himself as Muslim.
Interviewee’s Responses:
Bage: I imagine that Nigeria is a democratic nation however nonetheless on its technique to obtain what it claimed. Like another democratic nation particularly the developed nations like USA, UK, and others, they’ve overcome non secular, geographical biases and different issues. Nigeria continues to be rising. Democratic authorities is achievable in Nigeria however we’ve got overcome our cultural variations and see ourselves as one Nigeria, one individuals and nation then we will transfer Nigeria ahead to attain its purpose as a democratic nation. Bage Continues, To me the most important problem in Nigeria is accountability on the a part of leaders positioned in essential positions for nationwide improvement and the dearth of will to face up & unite in opposition to dangerous management on the a part of unusual Nigerians.
Leaders are usually not held accountable by the polity for gross mismanagement of their obligation in the direction of the nation, mediocrity is praised and harmful precedents have been set for future leaders. Bagesaid,“I might say ethnic range is a serious downside , there’s extra of an ethnic bias then a spiritual bias within the Nigerian society. One will moderately Help one in all his personal “brother” them to topic himself to a stranger that is not from his area . This impacts nation constructing as a result of most occasions ethnicity is chosen over competence” Bage: “Nigeria will develop into a greater democratic nation if the residents develop into extra patriotic. We now have to like the nation first and place the nation first. That being stated we should always select our leaders primarily based on sheer competence and talent to ship. Our Question Assignment ought to be “ what’s he bringing to the desk?” Slightly than “ the place is he from? “after we unite and actualize this methodology there can be nobody able to diving us alongside non secular & ethnic strains.”
Ayeni’s: “We do imagine Nigeria is a democratic nation. An ideal one? No, but it surely’s rising and evolving. Folks have a tendency to match Nigeria with democracies akin to U.S. who has practiced such for greater than 200 years. Nigeria has had an uninterrupted democracy for less than 19 years , so that you see there is a lengthy technique to go to be good and enhancements should be made particularly in strengthening establishments that may allow the nation’s democracy to succeed in its potential. Ayenicontinues that, “The most important problem for Nigeria now’s learn how to bridge the ethnicity hole that has separated Nigeria. If ethnicity hole is bridged, there can be unity and in unity we will stand and construct Nigeria democracy. Corruption is one other stage of problem, ranges from election malpractices, embezzlement, favoritism and and so forth. Ayenis continues, “Although, Nigeria has suffered loads of non secular disaster and hundreds of lives have misplaced however the fact is that, ethnicity is the foundation of those non secular disaster. One is not going to be stunned that even the leaders are behind a lot of the non secular unrest. Faith has develop into a weapon within the palms of those political leaders to distract the eye of the nation whereas they disguise their incompetence beneath the umbrella of spiritual pressure.” Ayenis added, “If Nigerians can see themselves as one, come collectively to design a plan that might be executed as deliberate. Additionally, there ought to equality earlier than the regulation.”
The Alabas and Adeniran households has similar view.
The ethnicity has been one of the necessary causes of democracy instabilities in Nigeria, and has been detrimental on social relationships. As talked about in my introduction, Nigeria consists of greater than 250 ethnic teams with distinctive languages. This has being a barrier to social interplay and improvement of Nation. Due to multi-ethno nature of Nigeria, democracy has suffered within the palms of politicians in that, everyone seems to be longing to imagine energy as a way to cater for his personal individuals and area. This segregation has induced tribalism and in addition nepotism whereby individuals’s competences are usually not put into consideration for workplace however their regional standing. When individuals with know –how expertise are usually not appointed then you’ll be able to think about the form of atrocities and sub-standard jobs that might be dedicated and carried out by the unqualified candidates. These unqualified fellows has been ruling Nigeria for years now and are usually not prepared to embrace change. Although Nigeria needs democracy and declare to observe one, however there isn’t any proof of willingness to observe democracy insurance policies. Not directly, Nigeria is working towards autocracy. In a state of affairs the place there may be not openness to new concepts, change how would the nation transfer on to consolidate its democracy?
Democracy can’t be consolidated if those that supposed to talk up and out for the plenty preserve quiet even within the midst of disaster and instabilities. Non secular fanatics have turned the
nation the wrong way up via their depraved actions utilizing non secular as a canopy up for evil. The Hausa and Fulanis are main tribal teams partaking in cruel, kidnapping, killing, stabbing, and raping of the harmless residents in Nigeria with nobody checking, questioning their actions all as a result of they’re of the identical tribe and communicate similar language. David & Melanie (2017) calls it “Silence within the face of violence.” David & Melanie additionally argue that, “essentially the most highly effective discretionary device of an authoritarian-inclined chief isn’t any particular motion, however moderately his or her silence or inaction within the face of violence or intimidation undertaken of their identify.” Nigeria residents/democracy has suffered silence remedy from the leaders however previous and current. In such a state of affairs, the place the leaders is in favor of his/her tribal particular person, democracy is just not been practiced and can’t transfer ahead neither be consolidated.
Leaders are usually not held accountable by the polity for gross mismanagement of their obligation in the direction of the nation, mediocrity is praised and harmful precedents have been set for future leaders. Bagesaid,“I might say ethnic range is a serious downside , there’s extra of an ethnic bias then a spiritual bias within the Nigerian society. One will moderately Help one in all his personal “brother” them to topic himself to a stranger that is not from his area . This impacts nation constructing as a result of most occasions ethnicity is chosen over competence” Bage: “Nigeria will develop into a greater democratic nation if the residents develop into extra patriotic. We now have to like the nation first and place the nation first. That being stated we should always select our leaders primarily based on sheer competence and talent to ship. Our Question Assignment ought to be “ what’s he bringing to the desk?” Slightly than “ the place is he from? “after we unite and actualize this methodology there can be nobody able to diving us alongside non secular & ethnic strains.”
Ayeni’s: “We do imagine Nigeria is a democratic nation. An ideal one? No, but it surely’s rising and evolving. Folks have a tendency to match Nigeria with democracies akin to U.S. who has practiced such for greater than 200 years. Nigeria has had an uninterrupted democracy for less than 19 years , so that you see there is a lengthy technique to go to be good and enhancements should be made particularly in strengthening establishments that may allow the nation’s democracy to succeed in its potential. Ayeni continues that, “The most important problem for Nigeria now’s learn how to bridge the ethnicity hole that has separated Nigeria. If ethnicity hole is bridged, there can be unity and in unity we will stand and construct Nigeria democracy. Corruption is one other stage of problem, ranges from election malpractices, embezzlement, favoritism and and so forth. Ayenis continues, “Although, Nigeria has suffered loads of non secular disaster and hundreds of lives have misplaced however the fact is that, ethnicity is the foundation of those non secular disaster. One is not going to be stunned that even the leaders are behind a lot of the non secular unrest. Faith has develop into a weapon within the palms of those political leaders to distract the eye of the nation whereas they disguise their incompetence beneath the umbrella of spiritual pressure.” Ayenis added, “If Nigerians can see themselves as one, come collectively to design a plan that might be executed as deliberate. Additionally, there ought to equality earlier than the regulation.”
The Alabas and Adeniran households had similar view.
Ethnicity has been one of the necessary causes of democratic instability in Nigeria and has been detrimental with social relationships. As talked about in my introduction, Nigeria consists of greater than 250 ethnic teams with distinctive languages. This has develop into a barrier to social interplay and improvement of the nation. Due to the multi-ethnic nature of Nigeria, democracy has suffered from the palms of politicians in that, everyone seems to be longing to imagine energy as a way to cater for their very own individuals and area. This segregation has induced tribalism and in addition nepotism whereby individuals’s competences are usually not put into consideration for workplace, however their regional standing is. When expert and certified persons are not appointed, then you’ll be able to think about the form of atrocities and sub-standard jobs that might be dedicated and carried out by the unqualified candidates. These unqualified people have been ruling Nigeria for years now and are usually not prepared to embrace change. Although Nigeria needs democracy and declare to observe one, there isn’t any proof of a willingness to observe democratic insurance policies. Not directly, Nigeria is working towards autocracy. In a state of affairs the place there isn’t any openness to new concepts or change, how would the nation transfer on to consolidate its democracy?
Democracy can’t be consolidated if those that are supposed to talk up and out for the plenty preserve quiet even within the midst of disaster and instability. Non secular fanatics have turned the
nation the wrong way up via their depraved actions utilizing faith as a canopy for evil. The Hausa and Fulanis are main tribal teams partaking in cruel, kidnapping, killing, stabbing, and raping of the harmless residents of Nigeria with nobody checking or questioning their actions all as a result of they’re of the identical tribe and communicate similar language. David & Melanie (2017) calls it “Silence within the face of violence.” David & Melanie additionally argue that, “essentially the most highly effective discretionary device of an authoritarian-inclined chief isn’t any particular motion, however moderately his or her silence or inaction within the face of violence or intimidation undertaken of their identify.” Nigeria’s residents and democracy has suffered the silence remedy from its leaders prior to now and the current. In a state of affairs the place the chief is in favor of his/her tribal member over each different residents who are usually not part of his/her tribe, democracy is just not practiced, and he nation can’t be transfer ahead, nor consolidated.
Chapter four
Suggestions
Primarily based on literature studying and a few semi structured interviews I’m able to give suggestions on how Nigeria could be transferring in the direction of consolidating its democracy.
* Tolerant
* Equal Collaboration
* Selfless Rule
* Continuity
* Line of demarcation
* Safety of public curiosity
Safety of public curiosity can be a great way of consolidating democracy in Nigeria. Wanting via the previous administrations, and listening to Nigeria Information, how leaders constructed an empire round themselves, utilizing principally costly automobiles, constructing and proudly owning homes and different belongings, sending their youngsters overseas to the costliest faculties, and their wives on overseas on holidays and Holy Land journeys on the expense of the Nigerian individuals; One can conclude that the curiosity write my essay of the residents is value nothing to Nigerian politicians and leaders. Most of them are simply there to syphon cash and the nation’s wealth to profit themselves. Okeke argues that, “Constructing Defence Mechanism” can be a great way of consolidating Nigeria democracy. He stated, “when democracy is being consolidated in protection of the people-centeredness of the precepts of democracy). Democracy is due to this fact, a system of presidency and a system of protection. It’s a system for defending the powers of the individuals in opposition to usurpation by political goons. Democracy defends the hopes of a individuals in opposition to onslaught by sundry intruders. Subsequently, within the context of creating democracies, the stronger the protection mechanisms of democracy the nearer the tendencies of the system in the direction of democratic consolidation” (Okeke, 2015).
A line of demarcation should be drawn for democracy in Nigeria to be consolidated. Faith and ethnicity as we’ve got examined have performed adverse position on Nigeria democracy, and proceed if nothing is finished. To consolidate Nigeria, a democratic line should be drawn between faith, ethnicity and democracy. When authorities or the management continues to be in favor of their very own individuals, tribe, or communicate a neighborhood language when official language, which is the English language ought to be used, there can by no means be the democracy Nigeria is on the lookout for. Nigerians should be able to dispose of tribalism and nepotism.
The Nigerian individuals may also have to be tolerant of one another’s non secular and ethnic variations. Bridge the hole that’s, ethnic range, for political and financial stability to reign over the nation. If the individuals don’t maintain the leaders accountable, then it contradicts what they voted for however they can not maintain somebody accountable in the event that they don’t see one another as one and are throwing the blame on everybody that’s not from their area. Tolerance will enable for there to be an actual nationwide id as an alternative of a whole bunch ethnic identities, that need to solely signify Nigeria.
Leaders in Nigeria will want to have the ability to rule selflessly. Rule to serve the nation and never one’s private pursuits. Making legal guidelines in the direction of ones’ private curiosity can solely decelerate the consolidation course of in a nation. A part of selfless rule is continuity of initiatives. “One of many hallmarks of fine governance is continuity in insurance policies, applications and initiatives; particularly these which might be progressive and developmental. Continuity isn’t just a few explicit political occasion being in energy over a protracted interval. Slightly, it concerning the skill of a authorities to have unity of objective, focus and clear reduce course. It’s about subsequent governments working inside and upon the identical ideology and political precept that are in the end helpful to the individuals.” (Aruya) Continuity within the authorities will carry progress to the nation. To occur. It wastes authorities write my paper funds that may be spent on one thing else. Additionally initiatives ought to Help all states, not simply these we’re ethnically tied to. Political leaders holding state cash for ransom can be unacceptable and detrimental to the solidification of democracy. “A degree that has been confirmed as soon as by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1999 when former President Obasanjo refused to launch Lagos State Native Governments allocation.” (Aruya)
Conclusion
Nigeria’s political historical past, consists of a number of transitions and recurrent democratic processes. Because the attainment of independence in 1960, Nigeria has been beneath a number of types of regimes. With a number of army regimes, the variety of coups and counter coups was many. Nigeria’s historical past with political instability mixed with their social points has affected democratic consolidation within the nation. Having examined Nigeria’s democracy within the mild of ethnicity and faith, the highway blocks they’ve placed on the event of democracy in Nigeria, and the adverse roles they’ve each performed within the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy, I imagine that if all of the aforementioned solutions akin to selfless rule, being patriotic, group work, unity among the many ethnic teams, safety of public curiosity, and spiritual tolerance is adhered to, Nigeria can be working towards the solidification of its democracy. As well as, the position of fine political management can’t be overemphasized.
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59/100
