ABSTRACT
This study is on Nigerian government and politics. The total population for the study is 200 selected members of political parties, Enugu state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made ward chairmen, secretaries, legal advisers and members were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Nigeria is a Federal Republic modeled after the United States, with executive power exercised by the president and with influences from the Westminster System model in the composition and management of the upper and lower houses of the bicameral legislature. However, the President of Nigeria is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Nigerian politics takes place within a framework of a federal, presidential, representative democratic republic, whereby Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of the legislature, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Together the two chambers make up the law-making body in Nigeria called the National Assembly. The highest judiciary arm of government in Nigeria is the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The National Assembly serves as a check on the executive arm of government.
One of the challenges facing Nigeria as a nation-state is political leadership which is a product of the nation’s colonial antecedent spanning almost a century. The political structure and the superstructure built and left behind as relics by the Colonial masters are often cited by scholars, as the source of the problems and prospects for the country. Issues such as lopsidedness of the political geography, unification of people who are diverse in history, culture, anthropology and level of economic development are mentioned as defects in the colonial policy of the Nigerian nation. Conversely, the unity in diversity, economies of large scale, large market and the psychological advantage of the strategic location of Nigeria in the international arena, are flash points in the amalgamation of the country
One of the major problems the researcher observed in this research work is the attitude of constitutional amendment in Nigeria. The Constitution of the USA for example has been amended for just two times in 230 years. The above situation is completely different from what is happening in Nigeria. Even before 1999, Nigeria constitution had been amended for over four times. Attempts were also made in 2006 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration amend the 1999 Constitution again. All this amendment of constitution in Nigeria by our leader is to favour their own selfish desires. However, the successful implementation of any constitution depends on how much it is respected by those whose duty is to uphold it. Another problem with Nigerian politics is that; those running the political affair of the country seem not to be politically oriented. And according to Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1956) “Men Sana Incorpo Sano” (people with sound mind and memory) are to be entrusted with the affairs of the public. While most of them did not study political science, public administration or other government and political related course in higher institutions. They are not professional politicians; therefore, they do not make professional decision. A good example is the sudden remover of oil subsidy which brought about a devastating situation in the entire country. Political decision ought to be taken prudently and based on plan.
The objectives of the study are;
- To ascertain the relationship between Nigeria government and politics
- To assess the function and impact of Nigerian government and politics, how it has helped in the development of both in the federal, state and local government level.
- To ascertain kind of development brought by politics
The researcher intends to test the following hypotheses
Hypothesis One:
Ho: There is no the relationship between Nigeria government and politics.
Hi: There is relationship between Nigeria government and politics
Hypothesis Two:
Ho: There is no the function and impact of Nigerian government and politics, how it has helped in the development of both in the federal, state and local government level
Hi: There is the function and impact of Nigerian government and politics, how it has helped in the development of both in the federal, state and local government level
- SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The researcher statements of the study can enrich the literature on the Nigerian government and politics and enhance people and student understands of the concept. This study will be useful to most countries that need to know the nature of government and politics in their country also in their local government and state government. The president of this country can use the finding and the recommendation of this study to improve the qualities of this country
- SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The scope of the study covers Nigeria government and politics. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;
- a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
- b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study
DEFINITION OF TERMS
POLITICS: Politics refers to a set of activities associated with the governance of a country, or an area. It involves making decisions that apply to members of a group. It refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance—organized control over a human community, particularly a state.
GOVERNANCE: Governance comprises all of the processes of governing – whether undertaken by the government of a state, by a market or by a network – over a social system and whether through the laws, norms, power or language of an organized society
DEVELOPMENT: the process of developing or being developed.
1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows
Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding. Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.
NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
