TABLE OF CONTENT
Cover page
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Abstract
Acknowledgment
Table of content
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
of the research
1.2 Statement
of research problem
1.3 Objectives
of the study
1.4 Significance
of the study
1.5 Research
question
1.6 Research
Hypothesis
1.7 Limitation
of the study
1.8 Definition
of terms
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Review
of concept
2.2 Review
of related work
2.3 Empirical
studies
2.4 Theoretical
framework
2.5 Summary
of the review
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research
method
3.2 Fact
finding method
3.2 Sources
of Data
3.3 Population
of the study
3.4 Sample
and Sampling
3.5 Research
Instrument
3.6 Reliability
and Validity of Instrument
3.7 Method
of Investigation
3.8 Method
of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Data presentation and Analysis
4.2 Test of Hypothesis
4.3 Discussion
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
References
Bibliography
Appendix I
Appendix II
ABSTRACT
This project examined
the menace of political godfatherism, one of the major internal factors
hindering the advancement of the democratization process and development of Imo
state in order to validate Rostow thesis. The study employed the descriptive
approach and therefore collected its data from secondary sources. Moreover, the
study examined the two opposing models on the subject of development and also
discussed the problem of godfatherism and its implications on the
democratization process and development of Imo state. The paper suggests love,
patriotism, hard work, sacrifice, commitment, condemnation of evil and
celebration of good, not only for the elite class, but also for the entire
citizenry. These could be used to stop the escalation of political godfatherism
in order to enthrone true the democracy that is needed for national unity and
development. In actualizing this, this project concluded that the elite class
needs to be saturated or dyed with positive attributes, which hinge on national
unity and consciousness, development-oriented mentality, public-spirit and
patriotism. These are essential to galvanize the available resources and
generate the necessary sentiments for the progress and well-being of Nigerians.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The history of political godfatherism is traceable
to the colonial epoch through independence era, military interregnum and
towards the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in what came to be known as the
fourth Republic in 1999 following the terminus of military junta. The
staggering posture of godfatherism in Nigerian democratic experiment leaves
much to be desired. This stems from the fact that since the adumbration of this
nascent democracy on the 29th May, 1999,
Nigerians have witnessed uncontrollable political
insecurity, which has threatened participatory democracy, peace, political
security and the consolidation of democracy as a result of the activities of
political godfathers (Ajadike 2010).
Essentially, the
politics of godfatherism in Nigeria has became more visible and widespread like
harmatan fire as events unfolded itself in the recent elections conducted
variously in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011 in Nigeria. With the expansion of the
activities of godfathers and its eldorado in the 21st century Nigeria, coupled
with the godson clientelism, there was greater commitment and manifestations of
discontentment in the developing democracy of Nigeria in the areas of political
security and participation. It should also be mentioned that the fourth
Republic Political godfathers are essentially predatory in their motivation to
influence electoral politics and subsequent elections in Nigeria (Gambo, 2007)
Unfortunately, the down
of the new millennium witnessed various manifestations of discontentment
demonstrated on a patro – client relationship with increasing frequency and
intensity bordering on participation, political security, and peace as it
torpedoes the consolidation of democratic governance and dividends in the country.
Aiyamenkhue (2010:10) noted that:
There has been a lot of
crises in Nigeria politics and administration, a crisis of confidence in our
elected officials, a lost of faith in our democratic
government and an increasing frustration at government, and more also, an
increasing frustration at the irrelevance of individual’s vote in our political
process. All these crises are caused by the unholy alliance of godfatherism.
As a corollary of the above, the desire to venture
into the burgeoning challenges became sacrosanct. The rationale for this
project therefore, is to x-ray the activities of godfatherism in the governance
of Nigeria especially in Imo state with a view to suggesting ways of
eliminating the menace in the body politics of the country
Imo State of Nigeria was created in 1976 with the
view of maintaining equity and balance among political units (ethnic groups) in
the Federation, and since its creation till today, several internal political
segments have been created for developmental and equity purposes. According to
Anas, A.A. (2010), based on these intentions, a political conscience or
internally agreed morality is generated for the reasons of equality in power
rotation and sharing, and Imolites unanimously agreed to impose it on themselves,
and this is the equity charter, which is thus a non-constitutional matter.
Egwemi, V. (2007), the politics of Godfatherism whereby a candidate of a
political party is chosen exclusively by an influential individual or a cabal
within or sometimes, outside the party had been the style of politics being
practiced in Imo State since Nigeria’s return to democracy until 2011 when
Rochas Okorocha broke the jinx Egwemi, V. (2011). From 1999 when the People’s
Democratic Party (PDP) began to control the government of the State, issues of
Godfatherism had been at the center of the party’s affair and eventually caused
its downfall. Godfatherism issue was responsible for denying Rochas the party’s
ticket for the 1999 gubernatorial election in Imo. Same issue led to the
emergence of Chief Ikedi Ohakim as the flag bearer for the People’s Democratic
Party in Imo State during the 2007 governorship election. Joseph, R.A. (2010)
After Ohakims emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2007 governorship
election, aggrieved members joined forces and formed a parallel group within
the party which they named. On the other hand, Chief Ohakim teamed up with his
allies within the PDP framework to form a group which they named New Face
Organization (NFO). The stage became set for a protracted political battle
between the two factions the Alliance group and the NFO. Such was the state of
the PDP when Rochas Okorocha was called by some concerned citizens to rescue
the State from political Gangsterism and Godfatherism Egwu, S. (2009). As at
September 2010 when political parties in Imo State were preparing for the
gubernatorial election scheduled for to take place the following year, the
People’s Democratic Party were still enmeshed in internal crisis arising from
issues of Godfatherism. According to reports from the Front Page of the Red
Parrot Newspapers Published on Sept. 15th 2010, “The Chairman of Isu Local
Government Area of Imo State, Mr Ignatius Egbuchulam, described the then PDP
National Chairman, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo as an assassin hired to kill Imo PDP,
accusing him of imposing members of the Alliance group on the Party to be its
executives Ibrahim, J. (2008). The
election which was captured on video was generally accepted by the delegates
but the tale changed on Monday, 1st November, 2010 when one Chief Clifford
Okonkwo from Okwuabala was sworn in at the Dan Anyiam Stadium as the Chairman
of the Party in place of Mr Emmanuel Obi. The newspaper further reported that
some PDP stalwarts led by Chief Arthur Nzeribe jungled the list right inside
the stadium. According to Kawu, I.M. (2009), the emerging scenario placed the
delegates in a confused state as they were at a loss concerning who to refer to
as their chairman – Mr Obi, who actually won the election or Chief Okonkwo
whose name was being used to replace the winner. The PDP at the State level was
not left out in the bizarre cases of Godfatherism and irregularities that
ravaged the party during the October, 2010 Congress. Musa, D. (2010), the
National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP cancelled the selection of Mrs
Kema Chikwe as the party’s Candidate for the Owerri Senatorial race after Mrs
Chris Anyanwu presented a video clip which revealed some PDP stalwarts removing
her votes from the ballot box and stuffing same in their pockets at the at the
Grasshoppers Handball Stadium, venue of the congress. She threatened to show
the video clip of the illegalities at the primaries on Cable News Network (CNN)
unless the PDP declared her winner of the Primary election. Oguntola, S. (2010),
fortunately for Rochas, the government of Chief Ikedi Ohakim had performed
below expectation and therefore failed to secure the support of most Imo State
electorate, leading to his defeat at the polls. Indeed, Okorochas victory can
be regarded as unique not only because he has no political godfather, but also
because he contested for the election on the platform of an opposition
political party, APGA. For the first time in the history of Imo State, an
incumbent governor lost in an election despite the fact that he had the support
of many political heavyweights in Nigeria including the then president, Good
Luck Jonathan. Ojo, E.O (2007), many political analysts are of the view that
Rochas emergence as governor has rescued Imo from the clutches of political
godfathers. Having contested in primary elections while in the PDP some years
earlier, Owelle Rochas Okorocha knew and understood the style of politics
played by the party and this is no doubt a major factor that propelled him to
dump the party when he did. It will be recalled that while addressing Igbos at
the 5th annual International Convention of Imo State Congress of America (ISCA)
from 2nd to 5th August 2013 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in the USA, Owelle
Rochas Okorocha accused the People Democratic Party of playing the politics of
Godfatherism as well as mismanaging the economic resources of Nigeria. Suffice
it to say that Okorochas victory at the gubernatorial election in 2011 have
paved way for the emergence of an era in Imo State where candidates of
political parties do not need to enter into any agreement formally or
informally with a godfather for the purpose winning in an election Luckham,
J. (2013). The way in which Governor
Okorocha has conditioned the minds of most politicians in Imo State presently
is such that practice of Godfatherism no longer appeals to them. They now work
hard to earn the support of the electorate rather than depending on a godfather
to help them win in an election. They argue that if Rochas who came on board
the political scene without the support of a godfather can defeat an incumbent
governor in an election, why can’t they do so equally? If the present campaign
by Governor Okorocha against political Godfatherism continues to achieve
positive results in the next 12 years, the issue of Godfatherism in Imo State
politics will surely be a thing of the past Bastian, S. (2009). The
multiplicity of candidates is an indication that our people enjoy party
politics and are not afraid to offer themselves. But since all 27 candidates
cannot become governors at the same time, we hope that the parties,
particularly PDP with the largest number of governorship aspirants, would sort
itself out in the primaries and nominate a credible candidate to bear its flag.
For now, the APC and APGA have only two known candidates each and may not have
difficulty dropping one in favour of the other. Notwithstanding, we wonder how
many of these candidates are really coming out with the intent of governing
Imo. Omodia S.M.(2010), How many want to make noise with the hope of getting
settled with big money and then step down to live happily ever after until the
next election? Settlement politics is a slap on our fledgling democracy. We
warn the spoilers and mockers of our democracy to stop distracting the people.
Other clogs on the wheel of our democracy are the godfathers who sponsor
candidates with the intention of recouping their millions after they win. And
like a flag hoisted on a pole dances to the wind, so do the godfathers expect
the Governor to dance to their selfish tune of corruption and injustice. Those
who perceive political offices as their birthright are also warned to rethink
Schumpeter, J.A. (2014). So are those who make and break promises with
impunity, hoping the people won’t remember. We are also advising anyone at all
levels – from Federal to State, who wants to use the power of incumbency to
remain in power not to forget what happened in 2011 in Imo State. History
doesn’t repeat itself but most certainly can. Chief Ofomata Onyekaba, a chieftain
of the All Progressive Congress in Imo State is a renowned transporter,
contractor, farmer, social crusader, youth mobiliser and financier. He is a
philanthropist whose foundation has positively touched many lives in Arondizogu
Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State. He spoke with newsmen in his
Okigwe corporate headquarters office, describing the performance of Governor
Owelle Rochas Okorocha as a feat which, according to him, would make him
invincible if he decides to seek re-election in 2015. Onyekaba said Okorocha
has remained a purposeful leader whose grassroots mobilization and support has
placed him at the top in Imo State politics and in the country generally,
insisting that his Imo Rescue Mission agenda has really touched every sector of
the state economy. Regional Editor Val Amanze brings excerpts of the interview.
Shobayo, I. (2010), the truth of the matter is that we don't know whether he
will be interested to seek re-election or run for Presidency in 2015, or not.
Governor Rochas Owelle Anayo Okorocha's performance as the governor of Imo
State has been very wonderful, that is the only adjective to qualify his
performance. Do you know, our kind hearted and humble governor has done
unquantifiable things in Imo State, a feat that has made him very unbeatable if
he decides to seek re-election Omotola, J.S (15). In the history of Imo State,
no governor achieved what this man has done just under three years. Late
Governor Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe performed during his own time but his performance
cannot be compared with the performance of this governor who I can say has a
magic wand in the transformation of the state. His Imo Rescue Mission agenda
has so touched every aspect of this state's economy. When he was campaigning in
2011, he said if elected governor he would work to ensure that Imo must be
better Dahl, R. (2008). So many people in Imo State then thought it was a mere
political and campaign slogan that would not be accomplished but today he has
proven detractors wrong because his solid achievements are evident in every
sector. He has even exceeded his campaign promises to the good people of Imo
State. So, if he decides to seek re-election in 2015, will there be any
alternative to him? The answer is no, because his works are very verifiable for
people to see and judge. There is nothing like Godfatherism in the state any
longer. In fact, every well-meaning Imo sons and daughters are very grateful
with the total elimination of God fatherism politics in Imo State by Governor
Okorocha's administration Diamond, L. (2013). That Imo is calm and progressing
today is because Owelle Rochas Okorocha's government has completely killed and
destroyed Godfatherism politics in Imo State. From 1999 till 2011, can anybody
tell me what if any single progress was made in Imo State? The answer is no.
These evil Godfathers of whomsoever that is in the office as governors will
allow this Godfathers to feed fat on the allocation meant to develop and
transform the state. Why don't you ask yourself where the governors under the
powerful influence of the governors then invested all the allocations that came
to the state then? That we are seeing the light and dividend of democracy today
is because there is no more Godfatherism in the state Held, D. (2014). The Imo
state Governor, Owelle rochas has called on the people of Anambra State to toe
the line of Imo people by resisting godfatherism. Governor Okorocha made the
call at the Anambra State governorship campaign flag-off of the All Progressive
Congress [APC] held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral field Onitsha. He described
Godfatherism in the Nigerian politics as an evil bondage that must be for
credible leaders to emerge. He reminded the people of the need to guide their
consciences against being swayed by money or other material gifts from selfish
politicians. Anytime you see them give you money for politics, remember it is
your money they stole that they are giving you he admonished. IDEA (2013),
Governor Okorocha attested that Senator Chris Ngige has all the potentials to
give Anambra State a most credible and transparent leadership and urged them to
vote for him. How should Imolites and Nigerians face the godfather challenges
today, vis-à-vis the equity charter? Prof Olufemi Taiwo promptly reminds us
today that the modern political environment or society has bent to process than
outcome in politicking, and remarks that trusting your Leader, Godfather,
Ethnic Group or Chief may not be best to secure a State’s or Nation’s advantage
Albert, I. O. (2013). The godfather phenomenon has direct link with procedure.
That is why “godfathers thrive in environments in which people, in this case,
politicians, don’t think that they can trust the process that guides,
authorises, and selects winners in the enterprise that they participate in to
yield outcomes that are favourable to their interests[Olufemi Taiwo.2011.160]”,
especially after investing on the godson. Thus, there is almost a contradictory
relationship between the Babanigbejo (godfather) phenomenon and due process.
The legacy of this tragedy shows itself more in the lack of trust in the play
of rules. This is because if those that play the rules end up getting short
shrift, it is not likely that trust in the efficacy of the rule-following will
be enhanced (Olufemi Taiwo.2011.161). Consequently, a whole culture is created
in which generations are socialized into believing that they cannot obtain any
benefits except by their linkage to godfathers (Olufemi Taiwo.2011.164-169).
The fact as Taiwo sees it is that in the modern dispensation, process is
absolute in such a way that substantive justice is sacrificed for procedural
justice. By so doing, what we practice in the contemporary Imo State is not a
democracy or any political system that has been appropriately matched with any
preexisting sorts.
1.1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
There is hardly any issue or social phenomenon that
has attracted and continues to attract scholarly attention as political
godfather and godson in Imo state. Political godfather and governance are
related but contradictory phenomenon in which a lot of intellectual energy has
been directed towards understanding their fundamental nature, character, causes
and effects or impact on Nigerian democracy.
Attempts by scholars to define, categorize, qualify
or quantify political godfather in Imo state have led to a huge body of
literature consistently churned out, in attempt to explain its causal factors,
processes and constraints. Over the past fourteen years, therefore Nigeria’s
grave political development crisis have generated a growing body of analyses
and prescriptions on what has gone wrong and what should be done (Gideons,
2010). The dominant strands of analytical expositions have appeared prominent
in the political and intellectual circle, giving rise to diametrically
oppressed interrogation of the injection of godfatherism in Nigeria’s body
Politics.
Experience has, however, shown that the application
of this concept has mostly resulted to democratic failures and disasters. From
denial of electing credible candidates to imposition of mediocrity into
political and appointive positions, and the whole experience has been that of
pains, misery, penury, squalor and damnation arising from poor performance and
poor service delivery among godsons.
Again, the whole scenario has been the promotion of
political follow-follow mentality and the empowerment of disempowerment. The
point that needs to be reinstated here above all is that, it is impossible to
understand the character of political godfatherism in the past and its contemporary
forms in the Nigeria’s fourth republic.
1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE
STUDY
1. To examine the effects of Godfatherism in the
electoral process of Imo state.
2. To access the problems associates with
Godfatherism in the electoral process.
3. To examine the strategies to curb Godfatherism in
the electoral process in Nigeria.
4. Investigate whether Godfatherism has any good
impact in electoral process in Nigeria.
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The point that needs to be reinstated here above all
is that, it is impossible to understand the character of political godfatherism
in the past and its contemporary forms in the Nigeria’s fourth republic.
It is against this backdrop that the research
questions below become sacrosanct;
i. What are the factors affecting good governance in
Nigeria?
ii. Has political godfatherism lead to poor delivery
of democratic dividends in Imo state?
1. What are the effects of Godfatherism in the
electoral process of Imo state?
2. What are the problems associates with
Godfatherism in the electoral process?
3. What are the strategies to curb Godfatherism in
the electoral process in Nigeria?
4. Dose Godfatherism has any good impact in
electoral process in Nigeria.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE
STUDY
In this research, the significance of this study is
to bring together the various ways and facts as regards to subject matter,
Godfatherism and credible electoral process in Imo state.
1. It is believed that the outcome of this research
work will be of interest to political parties in Nigeria.
2. The research work will provide them with vital information
regarding the problems Godfatherism and credible electoral process. States can
utilize this study to make amendments or control a number of lapses that may be
affecting electoral processes in Nigerian’s states, in terms of lack of
constitutional policies, political instabilities, godfather Godson problems.
3. It will also highlight the benefits of
maintaining credible electoral process in Nigerian’s state which can help to
increase the status of the good governance in the country.
4. This research work will also serve as a vital
material to those who may want to carry out further research work in this
regard.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The research work focuses attention on identifying
Godfatherism and credible electoral process in Imo state: 2007-2015. The
researcher limits the scope of the study to Imo state alone where he wants to
examine how an effective, accurate, direct and reliable credible electoral
process is for a better productivity of states.
1.6 LIMITATION OF THE
STUDY
A study of this nature is bound to experience
certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
TIME: A study of this nature needs relatively long
time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference
could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to
the research.
COST: The research would have extended the survey to
other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of
transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the
already completed work.
LACK OF COOPERATION: Many of the respondents are
usually aggressive to relay the issue that borders cooperation among the
respondents border.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Constituency: - This is the people of an area
district who vote for their congress person and are represented by him or her
for the congressional period.
Democracy: - Democracy, or democratic government, is
"a system of government in which all the people of a state or polity are
involved in making decisions about its affairs, typically by voting to elect
representatives to a parliament or similar assembly
Electoral process: - This is an election is a formal
decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold
public office.
Government: - is the system by which a state or
community is controlled.
Godfatherism: - is a symbiotic relationship between
two persons namely; the godfather and the godson, where the godfather uses his
political power and wealth to secure political position for the godson, who
upon ascension into power, pays gratification to his mentor in kind or in cash.