CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background of the Study
Nigeria claims to be practicing
Federalism but the type of Federalism it is practicing is not Federalism
in the real sense of its meaning.
Federalism in Nigeria roots back to the
amalgamation of the southern and northern protectorates of Nigeria in
1914 by Lord Lugard; though it was the Leyttleton’s constitution of 1954
that brought a ray of what Federalism is all about and by extension the
provisions of the 1999 constitution describes expressively the tenets
of the Federal system of government; with Nigeria having three tiers:
the federal, state and local government.
Federalism is one form of government
that supports the sharing of power between the central and state
governments with no interference of either of them in their affairs.True
Federalismis not about the central government being more powerful than
the state government even down to the distribution of wealth (kolawole,
2008).This is because the powers of both the central and state
governments stem from the constitution, where their autonomies are
clearly spelt out.
Federalism is a form of government that
is best practiced in a heterogeneous ethnic society like Nigeria;
Federalism is about unity in diversity.
Nigeria consisting of people with
diverse languages, different religion, different climate, different
culture, etc need to practice True Federalism to aid socio-economic
development.
The Federal government not exercising
more power than the state government; rather allowed to control the
affairs of the state to its advantage and for the betterment of the
country at large.
However, for Nigeria to have sustainable
development, national integration and equitable distribution of its
resources, True Federalism must be adopted.The state governments must
take their eyes off the central government, and vice versa so they can
effectively discharge their duties (Kenneth Wheare, 1963).
Meanwhile, for Nigeria to experience rapid growth in all its sectors ‘True Federalism’ is the way out.
1.1 Statement of the Problem
It is obvious on how states in Nigeria
are not allowed to control their affairs without the interference of the
central government. There are not allowed to maximize their resources
for the good of the state; rather they are made to rely on the
allocation from the Federal government which is not sufficient to meet
the needs of the state.
However, the Federal government has
failed to offer good governance through equitable distribution of
wealth. Some states are given certain privileges than the other. A good
example is the people of Niger Delta who contribute immensely to revenue
generation of Nigeria through the supply of crude oil; yet they have
poor roads, unstable power supply, poor health services, degraded
environment etc.
In addition, the northern part of the
government seems to enjoy much allocation than other states, even down
to political appointments(Muhammed, 2008: p44). The purpose of the
federal character is forfeited, thus bridging the law of True
Federalism.
Another major problem of True Federalism
is corruption. Corruption is a factor that has eaten deep into the
Nigeria system. When a power is controlled someone from a particular
ethnic group or community, the persons tend to accumulate wealth just
for members of this community neglecting other communities.
1.2 Objectives of the Study
The major objective of this research is to discover how True Federalism can be a panacea for rapid growth in Nigeria.
Other specific objectives include:
- To determine how True Federalism can be practiced in Nigeria.
- To determine the factors that militates against True Federalism in Nigeria.
- To examine the effect of True Federalism on the economic growth of Nigeria.
- To recommend ways of improving True Federalism in Nigeria.
1.3 Research Questions
- Can True Federalism be practiced in Nigeria?
- What are the factors militating against True Federalism in Nigeria?
- What are the effects of True Federalism on the economic growth of Nigeria?
- Are there ways of improving True Federalism in Nigeria?
1.4 Research Hypotheses
Ho:True Federalismcannot be practiced in Nigeria.
Hi:True Federalismcan be practiced in Nigeria.
1.5 Significance of the Study/ Justification of the study
This study is important to the general
public, most especially the government. It is meant to bring to their
knowledge that Nigeria is not practicing True Federalism. It is meant to
educate, sensitize and enlighten the general public on what True
Federalism entails; and to the government that they stop deceiving
Nigerians and practice True Federalism to ensure the rapid growth of the
economy.
This study will be of immense benefit to
other researchers who intend to know more on this topic and can also be
used by non-researchers to build more on their work. This study
contributes to knowledge and could serve as a bench mark or guide for
other work or study.
1.6 Scope/Limitations of the Study
This study is broad since it is studying True Federalism: a panacea for rapid growth in Nigeria.
Limitations of study
- 1. Financial constraint-
Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in
sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in
the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- 2. Time constraint- The
researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic
work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the
research work.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Federalism: This refers
to the mixed or compound mode of government, combining a general
government (the central or 'federal' government) with regional
governments (provincial, state, Land, cantonal, territorial or other sub-unit governments) in a single political system.
True Federalismsimply means practicing the tenets of federalism.
Panacea: Is a solution or remedy for all difficulties or something that will make everything about a situation better.
Rapid development: This refers speedily change in the standard of living.