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Nigeria Sovereignty, Authority, Power. By: Sabrina Flowers and Olivia Huff Block: 1A. Overview. Has been an independent nation since 1960 No one agrees on how the nation should be run This dilemma is know as the “ national question ” which means how the the country should be governed
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NigeriaSovereignty, Authority, Power By: Sabrina Flowers and Olivia Huff Block: 1A
Overview • Has been an independent nation since 1960 • No one agrees on how the nation should be run • This dilemma is know as the “national question” which means how the the country should be governed • This issue is magnified by regional disagreements and hostilities and the tendency to solve problems by military force
Constitutionalism • The first constitution was written in 1914 but 8 more constitutions have been written since then • All the constitutions have not lasted for a long time • From Nigeria’s failing constitutions, constitutionalism has taken place • The acceptance of a constitution as a guiding set of principles • Military and civilian leaders alike have felt free to disobey and suspend constitutional principles
Legitimacy • The “national question” is at the heart of the country’s legitimacy problems • Legitimacy of the Nigerian government is very low, with many citizens having little or no trust in their leaders • Corruption has tainted civilian rule making Nigerians skeptical about their government • Sharia is an important source of legitimacy in the south with state officials encouraging education and recycling
Political Traditions • Pre-Colonial Era (800-1860) • The Niger River and access to the ocean allowed contact and trade with other civilizations • Trade with the north put groups in contact with Arabic education and Islam which replaced traditional customs and religion • Colonia Era (1860-1960) • The British were ruling • British planted influences that worked against the democratic patterns set in place in Nigeria during the pre-colonial period-Authoritarian rule, Christianity, Individualism
Political Traditions… Continue • The Era since Independence • Parliamentary-style government replaced by a presidential system • Intensification of ethnic conflict between the ethnic group Hausa-Fulani and the Igbo • A federalist system was created with some powers delegated to state and local governments • Nigeria’s economic survival is based almost exclusively on oil
Political Culture • Political culture refers to the collection of political beliefs, values, practices, and institutions that the government is based on • Political culture in Nigeria has been shaped by ethnic diversity and conflict, corruption, and a politically active military
Political Culture….Continue • Characteristics • patron-clientelism is seen in NigeriaTo break it down, the patron, who is the political leader, builds loyalty among his clients through the exchange of political or economic favors • civil society has remained alive and somewhat independent, shaped by ethnic and religious associations, professional and labor groups, and other NGOs • Islam was the original religion in Nigeria, but Christianity arrived much later and spread rapidly • The two religions have intensified ethnic conflicts and even led to political conflict, because the Muslims support sharia, however the Christians disagree.
Geographic Influences • Nigeria is located in West Africa and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea • population of approximately 140 million • Nigeria’s ethic groups are divided into six geographic zones: Northwest, Northeast, Middle Belt, Southwest, Southeast, Southern zone
Geographic influences…continue • 1. The Northwest: This area is dominated by the Hausa-Fulani people, two ethnic groups that combined over time, and is primarily Muslim. • 2. The Northeast: This area contains many smaller groups, such as the Kanuri. It is also predominately Muslim. • 3. The Middle Belt: This area is characterized by its mix of Muslims and Christians, and has many smaller ethnic groups. • 4. The Southwest: This geographic zone is dominated by a large ethnic group called Yoruba. The Yoruba are 40% Muslim, 40% Christian, and about 20% devoted to native religions. • 5. The Southeast: The Igbo live in this area. The Igbo are primarily Roman Catholic, but are increasing in Protestant Christians. • 6. The Southern Zone: The delta of the Nile River runs through this area, and the people here belong to many small minority groups.