ENHANCEMENT OF GOOD GOVERNANCE THROUGH FREE AND FAIR ELECTION A CASE OF 2007 TILL 2011 NIGERIA DEMOCRACY

Abstract

The work begins by identifying the major problems Nigeria democratic governance from the colonial to civilian military. It highlights some of these problems to include political rigging, voters initiation, political killings incessant assassination of individual(s) lives, appointment of mediocre over government affairs, politics of Godfathers, crude and money politics, lack of education and untimely arrival of electoral boxed and materials to each polling centers and units, poor condition of lives and property. It agrees that good governance can only be achieved with democratic principles. As a form of recommendation, the work state for the democratic principle to be enshrined and effectively practiced in Nigeria, all stake holders e.g. politicians, voters, the military, electoral commission, tribunals the court non-governmental organizations (N G O’s) civilizing common objective.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

Approval page                                                               ii

Dedication                                                                    iii

Acknowledgement                                                         iv

Abstract                                                                       v

Table of content                                                            vi

CHAPTER ONE

1.0  introduction                                                           1

1.1  background of the study                                          1

1.2  statement of the problem                                        3

1.3  Objective of the study                                             5

1.4  Research question                                                  5

1.5  Statement of hypothesis                                          5

1.6  Significance of the study                                          6

1.7  Scope of the study                                                 6

1.8  Limitation of the study                                            7

1.9  Definition of terms                                                  8

CHAPTER TWO

2.0  Literature review                                                    10

2.1  Introduction                                                          10

2.2  Politics and governance in pre-colonial Hausa and      Fulani tribes                                                           10

2.3  Politics and Governance in pre-colonial Yoruba     tribes                11

2.4  Politics and governance in pre-colonial 1960 tribes            12

2.5  Nigeria political development during colonial Era.        13

2.6  The British direct system of leadership                       14

2.7  Factors that contributed to the failure of direct        rule in Nigeria        14

2.8  The British indirect rule system in Nigeria                   15

2.9  Post colonial Era in Nigeria first republic      administration  17

2.10 Military rule in Nigeria from 1966-1975                      19

2.11 Civilian transitional government in the second  Republic of Nigeria                                                 21

2.12 Military rule in Nigeria from 1983-1998                      22

2.13 Civilian transition in Nigeria from 1999                       23

2.14 The challenges facing Nigeria democratic governance        from 199, 29^th may 2007 till 2011                                  25

2.15 The needs for enhancing democratic governance     in Nigeria                                                              28

2.16 Causes of electoral fraud in 2007 till 2011 Nigeria   general election                                                     30

2.17 Agents of electoral fraud in 2007 till 2011 general      Electoral     31

2.18 Ways of enhancing democratic election in Nigeria        33

       Reference                                                              43

CHAPTER THREE

3.0  Research design and method                                    47

3.1  Introduction                                                          47

3.2  Research design                                                     47

3.3  Sources and method of data collection                      47

3.4  Population and sampling size                                    48

3.5  Sample techniques                                                  48

3.6  Validity and reliability of measuring instrument           49

3.7  Method of data analysis                                           49

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0  presentation and analysis of data                              51

4.1  Introduction                                                          51

4.2  presentation of data                                                      51

4.3  Analysis of data                                                      52

4.4  Test of hypothesis                                                  61

4.5  Interpretation of result                                            63

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0  Summary, conclusion and recommendation                65

5.1  Introduction                                                          65

5.2  Summary of findings                                               65

5.3  Conclusion                                                             66

5.4  Recommendation                                                    67

       References                                                             70

       Appendix 1                                                           

       Appendix II                                                           

       Questionnaire                                                        

CHAPTER ONE

• INTRODUCTION

1.1  BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

       Nigeria is a federated state with multi famous and multiplicity of ethnic groups whose norms and societal values varies in a book titled Authority in government: Nigeria and world politics, Nwankwo (1992) opined that a federated state is that type of government system where authority and power are shared (exclusively, concurrently and residually). Between two (2) levels of government namely, the central (national) government and component states government.

       Nigeria as the name implies is the epitome structure of the British colonies starting from 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorate into one legislative council till 1960 when Nigeria gained its political independence and up till today. Through, the system is not that development oriented on the host country rather, for Europeans economic exploitative purpose.

       In other words, the Nigeria effects to ensure development and good governance was masterminded on the constitutional conference held at London on may 10^th and ended on 19^th, 1960. It was as this confab that Nigeria elites sent a communiqué on issues discussed to the common wealth which on the other hand lead to Nigeria independence on 1^st October, 1960

Historically, it was quite clear that since inception of leadership on 1^st October 1960 till 2007 and general election, democratic governance of Nigeria has been in a like-up for instance, Nigeria has experienced a lot of pitfalls like insecurity of individual lives, incessant assassination, religious rivalries, bribery and corruptions abuse of power, trust position, politics of Godfathers, appointment of mediocrity in piloting public affairs, Falsification of electoral results by INEC officers, intimidation of voter etc. also, the administration till data, has not ensured a notable achievement in the country due to no emerged government had established effective ways of checkmating the public officers in piloting the public affairs.

       It was therefore noted that, Nigeria since 1960 till data has experienced Nine (9) military plotted coups, which ruin the democratic governance of the country. The worse is that, the exercise does not significantly altered the structure of Nigeria national development or provide panacea for the stoppage of electoral malpractices.

However, this research work is aimed at examining fulgamental ways through which democratic governance can be enhanced in Nigeria with the view of free and fair election.