Pressure groups

Pressure group may be defined as a body of a organized group of people with a defined interest, wishing to influence the policies of government as it affects the welfare of its members.

TYPES OF PRESSURE GROUPS

  1. Economic pressure group: This group is made up of business and trading organizations. It includes manufacturer’s associations, cocoa producers union etc. which seek to influence government on issues concerning their members.
  2. Professional pressure groups: These are organized associations of professionals including medical doctors, lawyers, teachers etc. Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) etc.
  3. Occupational pressure groups: These are formed by workers who belong to the same occupation in order to protect their occupation and interest of their member. These groups include; Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) etc.
  4. Educational pressure groups: These are student’s union, Academic Staff Union of University (A.S.U.U.) whose major aims are to seek for the improvement of the educational system and protecting the educational interest of its members.
  5. Religious pressure groups: These are pressure groups formed with the aim of pursuing their religious interest. They include the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) etc

(MODE OF OPERATION)

  1. Ultimatum: It involves setting a date beyond which a drastic action will be taken. Either party could be issued an ultimatum.
  2. Lobbying: It means persuading influential officials to support the position of the lobbyist.
  3. Demonstration/protest: This is a protest procession along major routes to create awareness and elicit support of the people.
  4. Strike: It is temporary withdrawal of services as a means to apply pressure on the government.
  5. Mass media: It involves the use of intensive media campaign through newspapers, radio, billboards etc.

FUNCTIONS OF PRESSURE GROUPS

  1. Welfare services: They promote certain general welfare services such as NBA which offers free legal services to the less privileged in the society
  2. Promotion of economic stability: They promote economic stability through the chamber of commerce
  3. Advice the government: They advise the government on some vital issues of administration at the local, state and federal levels and also give useful suggestions
  4. Political education: They provide their members with adequate political education which assists them to know their rights and decisions made by government
  5. Promotion of members’ interests: Pressure groups promote and protect the interests and welfare of their members