Comprehensive Guide to Nigerian Government and Political Science

General Political Concepts and Principles

• Rule of Law: This concept implies that the laws of a nation are supreme over all citizens, including leadership. In a system governed by the rule of law, no individual—regardless of their status or political position—is above the legal framework, and the law applies equally to everyone.

• Separation of Powers: This doctrine is intended to prevent tyranny by ensuring that power is not concentrated within a single person or a single organ of government. By dividing governmental authority, no single branch can monopolize control.

• Checks and Balances: This principle works in tandem with the separation of powers to ensure that no arm of government becomes supreme over the others. Each branch has mechanisms to monitor and limit the powers of the other branches, maintaining a balanced distribution of authority.

• Federal System: A primary feature of a federal system of government is the division of powers between a central government and sub-national units (such as states or regions). This contrasts with a unitary system, where power is centralized.

• Constitutional Sources: Constitutions are formed and influenced by various sources, including conventions (unwritten practices), judicial decisions (case law), and military decrees (specifically in nations with a history of military rule). Notably, pressure groups are not considered a formal source of a constitution.

• Citizenship: Citizenship by naturalization is the legal process by which a foreigner may be granted the status of a citizen in a country to which they were not originally born.

Systems of Government: Parliamentary vs. Presidential

• Presidential System:

  • A major function of the executive branch in a presidential system is policy implementation.
  • The system is characterized by a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
  • The President possesses veto power, which is the authority to reject a bill that has been passed by the legislature.
  • Impeachment is the specific legal and political process used to remove a president from office for misconduct or other constitutional violations.

• Parliamentary System:

  • In a parliamentary system, the executive is part of the legislature rather than being independent of it.
  • Ministers are usually appointed directly from the legislature, creating a fusion of the executive and legislative functions.

Arms and Organs of Government

• The Judiciary: The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws and adjudication (the legal process of resolving disputes). Through judicial review, the courts can examine the actions of other branches of government to ensure they align with the law.

• The Legislature: A unicameral legislature refers specifically to a government body that consists of only one chamber or house.

• The Civil Service: The civil service is best described as the permanent administrative machinery of the state. It is a non-political institution designed to implement the policies and programs of the government of the day.

Democratic Processes and Political Participation

• Voting and Suffrage:

  • Universal Adult Suffrage: This refers to the right of all adult citizens to vote in elections, regardless of wealth, gender, or social status.
  • Secret Ballot: This system was introduced to ensure voter secrecy, allowing individuals to cast their votes privately without fear of intimidation or coercion.
  • Electoral Malpractice: Any action that undermines the integrity of an election, such as rigging, is considered electoral malpractice.

• Political Entities:

  • Political Parties: The primary goal for the establishment of political parties is to win political power and form a government.
  • Pressure Groups: Unlike political parties, pressure groups do not seek to form a government or contest elections directly. Their main function is to influence public policy and government decisions from the outside.

• Public Opinion: In a democratic state, public opinion is vital because it serves to guide government decisions, ensuring that the desires and sentiments of the populace are reflected in governance.

• Direct Democracy Mechanisms:

  • Referendum: A device used to obtain public opinion on a specific policy issue, often requiring a direct vote by the electorate on a single question.
  • Plebiscite: A vote used primarily to determine the wishes of the people regarding territorial issues or changes in sovereignty.

Nigerian Constitutional History and Post-Independence Politics

• Clifford Constitution of $1922$: This constitution was significant for introducing the elective principle in Nigeria, allowing for the first time limited participation in the legislative council through voting.

• Richards Constitution of $1946$: The Richards Constitution was designed to promote the unity of Nigeria and create a framework for representing different regions (the North, West, and East) within a single legislative structure.

• Macpherson Constitution of $1951$: This constitution is highly notable for the wide consultation with the Nigerian people that took place during its drafting process.

• Lyttleton Constitution of $1954$: This constitution is credited with establishing the federal system of government in Nigeria, formalizing the division of powers between the central government and the regional governments.

• The Second Republic ($1979$–$1983$): During this period, the total membership of each State House of Assembly was determined by the provisions laid out in the Constitution.

• Post-Independence Leadership: After independence, the Premier of the Western Region was Akintola.

Colonial Administration and Nationalist Movements

• Indirect Rule: This British administrative policy was particularly successful in Northern Nigeria due to the pre-existing Emirate system and traditional institutions. These local structures allowed the British to govern through indigenous rulers.

• Policy of Assimilation: This was a French colonial policy aimed at cultural integration. It sought to turn colonized subjects into French citizens by having them adopt the French language, culture, and laws.

• Nationalism: In Nigeria, nationalism was primarily a reaction against colonial rule, characterized by the struggle for independence and self-determination.

International Organizations and Groupings

• Monrovia Group: Before the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), Nigeria belonged to the Monrovia group, one of the blocs of African states with differing views on African unity.

• Organization of African Unity (OAU): The OAU is classified as a political organization dedicated to promoting cooperation and unity among African states.

• OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries): A major threat to the continued relevance and stability of OPEC is the development of viable alternatives to crude oil, such as renewable energy sources.