nigeria as a federation by eguriase s. m. okaka

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NIGERIA AS A FEDERATION BY EGURIASE S. M. OKAKA Meaning of Federation Every state requires an organized system of governance for the warfare and security of the people. Governance is defined as the processes, decisions and action of the people who run the affairs of the state. It also means the establishment of policies, and continuous monitoring of their proper implementation of by the members of the governing body of the state. Consequently, a state may be either a federation, confederation or unitary. Each system determines the structure and powers of different levels of government towards satisfying the needs and aspirations of the people. A federation, therefore, is a union of states, regions or ethnic groups that are united under one federal government. These states or regions, which are called, federating units, are in control of most of their internal affairs while leaving some crucial issues such as defense, currency, immigration and external affairs in the hands of the central government. Nigeria adopts a federation due to its unique peculiarities. The Nigeria federation provides for a three-tier of government: the central government (federal government, the state government and the local government.
Nigeria has thirty-six (36) and one Federal Capital Territory. It also has seven hundred and seventy-four (774) local government areas. The federating units called states/regions is in charge of their internal affairs, however, the central government makes national decisions on issues contained in the exclusive legislative list. The existence of each federating unit is guaranteed by the constitution. They are independent of each other but at times, may exercise powers in the some areas with the federal government on concurrent legislative list. Therefore, a federation is a country where the powers of government are shared between a central government and its coordinate component regions or states or localities. Factors that Encourage the Formation of a Federation The factors that may encourage the formation of a federation include: • The large size of the country; • Nearness of the federating unit to the people; • Fear of domination of minorities; • Promotion of better security; • Common historical background; • Desires for stronger economy; and • Differences in culture. Need for a Federation The needs for the adoption of a federation include the following: • National Integration: A country that is composed of different ethnic group with different religions, languages, etc., can adopt a federal system of government to avoid discrimination against sex, language, ethnic origin or religion. • Unity in Diversity: The practice of federation encourages unity among the different tribe of a country. This brings about peace and cooperation among people and enables them to achieve common goals and objectives in spite of the diversity emanating from cultural and historical perspectives. • Fear of Domination: Federation can be formed to avoid fear of domination of the minorities by the majority. It provides military security for minority states. Opportunities are provided for the minority areas through the quota system and federal character principle, which help to ensure a sense of belonging. • Rapid Development: Federation gives room for communities and states to develop at their own pace. It also opens markets for exchange of goods and services among components states. • Harmonization: A federation ensures the harmonization of different cultural and ethnic groups in the country. • Government is much closer to the People: Government is much nearer to the people of local councils. This allows for widespread participation in affairs of the state. • Control of Activities of the State: The activities of different states in a federation are easily controlled by the central government. Characteristics of a Federation A federation has characteristics which distinguish it from other systems of governments. Some of these characteristics are: • Division of powers between the Central Government and Coordinate Units: In a federation, political powers are not vested on one level of government. Each level of government exercise powers assigned to it by the constitution without undue interferences from others. • Possession of a Written Constitution: The country has a written constitution. A constitution refers to the body of fundamental laws and principles, which show how a given state is to be governed. The constitution of the Nigerian federation, for instance, spells out the institutions of government and the powers they can exercise. • Control of State Government by the Central Government on Certain Matters: The federal government has controlling power over the state government on certain matters. The central government ensures that the state government does not exceed the powers allowed by the constitution. It also makes sure that what is due to the state from the center gets to her. By this means, the central government exercises a lot of influence and control over the state government. • Power of State Government: The states have constitutionally defined control over their own affairs. As long as they carry out their constitutionally assigned roles or functions, the central government has no right to interfere in their internal affairs. • Existence of Bicameral Legislature: The legislature of a federation is made up of houses i.e. the upper house and the lower house. In Nigeria, they are called the Senate and the House of Representatives respectively. • Provision for three-tier government: Nigeria is a three-tier government. The federal and state governments are not the only levels of government in Nigeria. There is a third level of government, which consists of the federal government, the state government and the local government. Here in Nigeria, we have the federal government with the seat of government at Abuja; thirty-six state governments and seven hundred and seventy-four (774) local governments. • Powers are derived from the constitution: Each tier of government derives its powers from the constitution. No tier of government derives its powers from the other. Consequently, no tier of government can stop the other from exercising its constitutionally assigned powers. Importance of a Federation A federation is important for many reasons. Some of these are: • It allows for the control of activities of states on certain matters: It is possible for the activities of states to be controlled by the federal or central government. This is why the state Assemblies is subordinate to the National Assembly. Consequently, any law made by the state assembly, which conflicts with a law made by the National Assembly is null, void, and of no effect. • It ensures unity in diversity: In a federation, different groups of people with cultural, religious and other differences come together under one political entity. Nigeria as a nation comprises such tribes as the Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Edo, Igbo, Efik and many ethnic groups belonging to different states that have come together under the Nigerian federation. They decide to live together despite their differences. This ensures unity of purpose and sound economic progress. • It allays the fear of domination of the minorities: In a federation, states have equal recognition at the center. No state is regarded as being more important than the other. There is representation of every component at the center. The minority ethnic groups are also allowed to enjoy their local interest. • It fosters national integration among different people: People from different ethnic groups often see themselves as one, because they have a common national history, symbols and future. • It enhances socio-economic development: A federation does not only foster national unity, it also enhances socio-economic development. It makes it possible for people from various ethnic groups and states to relate to one another as brothers and sisters and the resources are shared among the components units. This enhances the socio-economic development of the country. Questions • Explain the term federation. • Outline the needs for a federation in Nigeria. • State any two reasons why a federation is necessary in a state. • Outline four factors that encourage the formation of a federation. • Mention three characteristics of a federal system of government. Class Activity Draw a map of Nigeria showing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

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education as a weapon by Eguriase S.M. Okaka

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Education as a weapon by Eguriase S.M. Okaka A weapon is an instrument of offensive of defensive combat; something to fight with; anything used, or designed to be used, in destroying, defeating, or injuring an enemy, as a gun, a sword, etc. That is where I likened, education as a weapon of offense and defense. Those who fought for Nigeria's independence on October 1st 1960, did not fight with guns, bombs and their likes rather they fought with their education. The West African Pilot was a newspaper launched in Nigeria by Nnamdi Azikiwe ("Zik") in 1937, dedicated to fighting for independence from British colonial rule. It is most known for introducing popular journalism within Nigeria. The main focus of the newspaper was to promote Nigerian independence from colonial rule. The aforementioned fact shows that education is still a veritable weapon in the hands of those who own it. All the credit goes to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and others who joined in the fight for our inde...
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