ETHNICITY AND DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES IN NIGERIAN POLITICS (AN OVERVIEW OF 1999 – 2011 DEMOCRATIC DISPENSATION)

Abstract

This work is motivated by the apparent intractability of the ethnic problems in Nigeria. A cursory glace at the history of ethnicity reveals that as far back as early 1990s, some Nigerians had warns about the negative patriotic, progressive and other have inveighed against it and suggested solutions to it. Some of these solution have been tried in the past dispensation of democracy but to no avail. Further examination of the relevant literature indicates that a great deal of intellectual endeavour has been devoted to the ethnic phenomenon. The work identify among others that ethnicity have stand to militate against the democratic principles in Nigeria politics and governance. However, certain criticism suggested that the study could be strengthened of the theoretical perspective were anchored in some concrete situation in response to this I decided to male a concrete overview of the 1999 – 2011 democratic dispensation.

 TABLE OF CONTENT

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 study                                 1

1.2. Statement of the problem                          3

1.3  objective of the study                                4

1.4  research questions                                    4

1.5. Statement of hypothesis                                   5

1.6  Significance of the study                                   6

1.7  Scope of the study                                    7

1.8  limitation of the study                               7

1.9  Definitions of terms                                         8

CHAPTER TWO

2.0. Literature review                                       10

2.1. Introduction – the cradle of ethnicity           10

2.2  Nigerian ethnicity varied                                   10

2.3  The ethnic minority groups                         16

2.4  Democratic principles                                17

2.5  Some unique principles and elements of

democracy                                               18

2.6  Inter ethnic struggle for political power               20

2.7  Elections in the fourth republic                    21

2.8  Conceptual issues on ethnicity and

 democratic principles.                               23

2.9  Theoretical issues                                     25

       Reference                                                27

CHAPTER THREE

• Research design and methodology                     29

3.1  Introduction                                             29

3.2. Research design                                        29

3.3. Sources/method of data collection                     30

3.4. Population and sample size                         30

3.5. Sample technique                                     30

3.6. Validity/ reliability of measuring instrument 31

3.7. Method of data analysis                             31

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0. Presentation and analysis of data                33

4.1. Introduction                                             33

4.2. Presentation of data                                         34

4.3. Analysis of data                                        35

4.4  Test of Hypothesis                                    43

4.5  Interpretation of result (s)                         44

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0. Summary, conclusion and recommendation  47

5.1. Introduction                                             47

5.2. Summary of findings                                 48

5.3. Conclusion                                               49

5.4. Recommendations                                    49

       References                                               51

       Appendix I                                               53

       Appendix II                                              54

CHAPTER ONE

1.0. INTRODUCTION

1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This research can simply be viewed within the Nigerian context; ethnicity is very closely associated with a strong belief in a perceived cultural and linguistic diversity of the country. It is often regarded as the inevitable consequence of socio-cultural differences. With reference to Nigeria within 1999 – 2011 democratic dispensation, Nigeria can be seen as a “mere geographical expression” a “heterogeneous” society or as having a federal character Okwudiba (1980)

Indeed many Nigerians regard ethnicity as bio-cultural phenomenon arising from the more existence of various cultural groups within the same polity. However, it is common to interpret the other administrative discrimination observed in Nigerian politics in tribal terms. According to Akin, tribalism “is perceived to be the central unifying concept for the analysis of African not only Nigerian life”.

Much have been viewed, observed, gathered and put down in the trace of the effect of ethnicity in democratic principle in Nigeria towards ethnic politics of Nigeria. This dispensation 1999-2011 at which ethnic factor have been based, each ethnic group  irrespective of size, wants to be autonomous in regards to its internal affairs.

The chapter suggested among other things, the creation of more autonomous communities and guest for more states in the country as a means of allaying fear of ethnic minority and enhances development in the country. However, this ethnic ideology in itself needs to be explained. It cannot, therefore be made a decisive independent variable several factors therefore attempt to explain the ethnic phenomenon in Nigeria.

First, may be ethnic sentiments aflamed by bringing it to the fore front of the consciousness of the reading population. Second it may generate decisive inter ethnic controversy. Ethnicity is a very sensitive issue in the nation politics in its interpretation. It may be regarded by some ethnic ideologies as casting aspirations on their ethnic groups. In other case, the net effect is an unintended growth in ethnic tension.

A focus on ethnicity tends to make a very significant variable in considering the nature of democratic principles in Nigerian government and politics. Thus, knowing clearly well that it is the loss of confidence, by the ethnic group in the democratic principles over the years that have paved way for the politics and governance which many have site as ethnic dilemma.

However, no wonder Tony said “I feel it sounds so ridiculous and of course a murder to our hard earned democracy that people tribalism which stand to militate against our stability in democratic government”. Donaba, a resident of Lagos state could write affirming that Igbos are brewing crisis in Lagos state – THIS DAY February 20, 2001 simply because the voice of Ndigbo feels that it is high time they take a shot at the highest office in Logos state.

Finally, one should not conclude that the act of ethnic crisis is just from a particular tribe but out of ethnic fight for survival in the recent democracy. In as much as there is no way geographical extractions cannot afford to do without bloc politics.