-
Discuss any four factors that led to the development of nationalist struggle in Nigeria.
-
Explain the functions of any four political institutions in any pre-colonial Nigerian society.
-
Discuss any four features of the Lyttleton Constitution in relation to Nigeria’s political development.
-
Explain the reasons for military take over in Nigeria after the second Republic.
-
What, in your view, could cause another civil war in Nigeria?
-
Discuss any four constraints to the formation of public policy in Nigeria.
-
Discuss any four major factors militating against the conduct of free and fair elections in Nigeria.
Answers
Question 1: Four Factors That Led to the Development of Nationalist Struggle in Nigeria
Nationalism refers to the movement by Nigerians to end British colonial rule and achieve self-governance and independence.
-
Western Education — The introduction of Western education produced an enlightened elite class including Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awolowo. These educated Nigerians became aware of democratic rights, human dignity, and the injustice of colonialism. They used their knowledge to organize political parties, write newspapers, and mobilize the masses against British rule.
-
The Role of the Nationalist Press — Newspapers became powerful tools of resistance. Publications like the West African Pilot (Azikiwe), Lagos Weekly Record, and Daily Service criticized colonial policies, exposed the brutality of British rule, and awakened political consciousness among ordinary Nigerians, spreading nationalist ideas widely.
-
Impact of World War II (1939–1945) — Nigerian soldiers fought alongside the British in WWII. On returning home, they questioned why they fought for the freedom of others while remaining colonized themselves. The Atlantic Charter of 1941, which proclaimed the right of peoples to self-determination, further inspired nationalists to demand independence.
-
Formation of Political Parties and Pressure Groups — The emergence of political organizations such as the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) founded by Herbert Macaulay in 1923, the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944, and the Action Group (AG) in 1951 provided organized platforms through which nationalists could channel their demands for self-rule and independence.
Question 2: Functions of Four Political Institutions in Pre-Colonial Nigerian Society
Pre-colonial Nigeria had well-organized political institutions across different ethnic groups. Below are four institutions and their functions:
i. The Oba (Yoruba)
-
Served as the supreme political, religious, and judicial head of the kingdom
-
Presided over the council of chiefs and resolved major disputes
-
Controlled trade and commerce within the kingdom
-
Represented the ancestors and served as a link between the living and the spiritual world
-
Led military campaigns and ensured the security of the kingdom
ii. The Obi/Council of Elders (Igbo)
-
The Igbo practiced largely decentralized governance through councils of elders (Ndi Eze Ala)
-
Elders settled disputes, maintained law and order, and interpreted customary law
-
They organized community labor, festivals, and religious ceremonies
-
In some areas like Onitsha, the Obi served as a ceremonial and judicial head
iii. The Emir (Hausa-Fulani)
-
The Emir served as both political and religious (Islamic) head of the emirate
-
Collected taxes (Zakat, Jizya, Kudin Kasa) and distributed them to officials
-
Administered justice through Alkali courts based on Sharia law
-
Commanded the military and defended the emirate from external attacks
-
Appointed and supervised subordinate officials such as the Waziri and Galadima
iv. The Age Grade System (Various Societies)
-
Age grades were organized groups of people of similar age who performed specific civic functions
-
They maintained law and order, served as police and military forces
-
They undertook community development projects such as road building and farm clearing
-
They organized and participated in festivals and cultural ceremonies
-
They enforced sanctions and punishments on offenders within the community
Question 3: Four Features of the Lyttleton Constitution (1954) in Relation to Nigeria’s Political Development
The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 (named after Oliver Lyttleton, British Colonial Secretary) was a landmark document that fundamentally restructured Nigeria’s political system.
-
Establishment of True Federalism — The constitution formally made Nigeria a federation with a clear division of powers between the central government and the three regions (North, East, and West). Each region gained substantial autonomy, making this the most significant step toward genuine federal governance in Nigeria’s history.
-
Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists — The constitution introduced an Exclusive Legislative List — matters handled only by the federal government (e.g., defense, currency, foreign affairs) — and a Concurrent Legislative List — matters handled by both federal and regional governments (e.g., education, agriculture). This clearly defined the boundaries of legislative power at each level.
-
Regional Self-Government — Each of the three regions was granted its own Premier, Executive Council, House of Assembly, and House of Chiefs (where applicable), giving them substantial control over internal affairs. This laid the foundation for regionalism and the eventual emergence of strong regional governments.
-
Separation of Lagos as Federal Territory — Lagos was detached from the Western Region and declared a Federal Territory administered directly by the central government. Though controversial, this was intended to provide a neutral federal capital not dominated by any single region or ethnic group.
Question 4: Reasons for Military Takeover in Nigeria After the Second Republic
The Second Republic (1979–1983) was Nigeria’s return to civilian rule under President Shehu Shagari of the NPN. It was cut short by a military coup on December 31, 1983, led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari.
Reasons for the Military Takeover:
-
Widespread Corruption and Mismanagement — The Second Republic was characterized by unprecedented corruption among elected officials at all levels. Politicians looted public treasury, inflated contracts, and misappropriated funds. The collapse of oil revenues worsened the economic situation, and the government appeared helpless to address it.
-
Rigging of the 1983 Elections — The 1983 general elections were massively rigged in favor of the ruling NPN. Results were brazenly manipulated, and opposition parties were robbed of genuine victories. This electoral fraud destroyed public confidence in democratic governance and created widespread anger and instability.
-
Economic Crisis and Deteriorating Living Standards — Nigeria faced a severe economic recession due to falling global oil prices. Foreign exchange was mismanaged, imports dried up, industries collapsed, and the cost of living skyrocketed. The government was unable to pay workers’ salaries, and public services deteriorated sharply.
-
Political Violence and Instability — The Second Republic was plagued by intense political violence, including the Kano riots of 1982 and electoral violence in Ondo and Anambra states. The breakdown of law and order provided justification for the military to intervene, claiming it was necessary to restore stability and save the nation from collapse.
Question 5: What Could Cause Another Civil War in Nigeria?
Nigeria came close to disintegration during the 1967–1970 Civil War. Several contemporary factors could potentially trigger another conflict:
-
Unresolved Ethnic and Regional Tensions — Nigeria’s over 250 ethnic groups continue to compete fiercely for political power, federal appointments, and resource allocation. Persistent marginalization of certain groups — especially in the Niger Delta and Southeast — fuels separatist agitations such as the IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) movement, which mirrors pre-civil war sentiments.
-
Religious Conflict Between North and South — The deepening divide between the predominantly Muslim North and Christian South, worsened by the controversial implementation of Sharia law in northern states and attacks by Boko Haram, creates communal tensions that could escalate into full-scale conflict if not carefully managed.
-
Farmer-Herder Conflicts and Banditry — The violent clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farming communities across the Middle Belt and southern Nigeria have claimed thousands of lives. If these conflicts continue to intensify without effective government response, they could spiral into wider ethnic or regional warfare.
-
Economic Inequality and Youth Unemployment — Nigeria’s extreme economic inequality, where a small elite controls vast wealth while millions live in poverty, combined with massive youth unemployment, creates a large population of desperate, angry young people who are easily recruited by armed groups, militias, and separatist movements.
-
Weakening of Democratic Institutions — Continued rigging of elections, failure of the judiciary to deliver justice, and corruption in security agencies erode public trust in the state. When citizens no longer believe the system can address their grievances peacefully, they may resort to armed resistance.
Question 6: Four Constraints to the Formation of Public Policy in Nigeria
Public policy refers to the set of decisions, actions, and programs adopted by government to address public problems and achieve societal goals.
Four Constraints:
-
Corruption and Vested Interests — Policy formation in Nigeria is heavily influenced by corrupt politicians, powerful business interests, and ethnic lobbies who manipulate policies for personal gain rather than public benefit. This distorts priorities and results in policies that serve the few rather than the majority.
-
Weak Institutional Capacity — Many Nigerian government ministries, departments, and agencies lack the skilled personnel, research capacity, data, and technical expertise needed to formulate sound, evidence-based policies. Poor record-keeping and inadequate data collection further hamper effective policy design.
-
Political Interference and Instability — Frequent changes in government — especially during military rule — lead to sudden reversals of policies. New administrations often abandon ongoing programs for political reasons, creating policy inconsistency and preventing long-term development planning.
-
Inadequate Public Participation — Effective public policy requires input from citizens, civil society, and stakeholders. In Nigeria, policy formation is largely top-down, with limited consultation of the people most affected. This leads to policies that are poorly designed, lack public ownership, and face resistance during implementation.
Question 7: Four Major Factors Militating Against Free and Fair Elections in Nigeria
-
Electoral Violence and Thuggery — Politicians sponsor armed thugs to intimidate voters, snatch ballot boxes, and disrupt voting in opposition strongholds. Security forces are sometimes complicit or fail to protect voters and electoral officials. This creates widespread fear that suppresses voter turnout and distorts election results.
-
Vote Buying and Monetization of Politics — The open buying of votes with cash, food items, and gifts has become deeply entrenched in Nigerian elections. Wealthy politicians use their financial resources to purchase electoral victory, rendering the principle of one-man-one-vote meaningless and excluding credible but less wealthy candidates.
-
Manipulation of the Electoral Body (INEC) — Despite constitutional provisions for its independence, INEC has repeatedly been accused of partisan conduct, late deployment of materials, manipulation of results at collation centers, and complicity with the ruling party. When the umpire is compromised, the integrity of the entire electoral process collapses.
-
Poverty and Illiteracy Among the Electorate — A large proportion of Nigerian voters are poor and uneducated, making them susceptible to manipulation through vote buying, ethnic appeals, and religious propaganda. Illiterate voters may also struggle with ballot papers and voting procedures, increasing the risk of invalid votes and manipulation by electoral officials.