CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The
importance of government in any society is to enhance human condition through
people’s involvement in the determination of various decisions that affect
their lives. All over the world, this viewpoint accounts for the reason why
democracy is regarded as the best form of government that allows man to fully
actualize his potentials and opportunities. Thus, democracy is both an
expression and expansion of man’s freedom and is akin to man’s progress and
societal sustainability. Ighodalo (2006) stated that a democratic government
releases the total energy of all citizens for development rather than the
restraint, curtailment, suppression and oppression associated with an
authoritarian regime.
Oyugi
(1988) defined democracy as the open polity that is accessible to the general
citizenry. Likewise Ajibewa *Corresponding author Email: ajayi2009@yahoo.com
(2006) described it as the ability of the electorate to choose freely on a
regular basis between competing groups of potential leaders who want to conduct
the affairs of the state. Huntington (1991) described it as the institutional
arrangement for arriving at political decisions in which individuals acquire
the power to decide by means of a competitive struggle for people’s vote.
Obasanjo and Mabogunje (1992) defined democracy as ideology and politics. As an
ideology, democracy is the philosophy of governance, which puts a high premium
on the basic freedom, or fundamental human rights of citizens, the rule of law,
the right to property, the free flow of information and the right to choose
between alternative political options. However, as politics, democracy is
concerned with institutions and procedure of governance which foster consensus
while simultaneously promoting and sustaining respect for the ideology of democracy.
Dahl
(1971) discussed certain elements that sustain a democracy. These include
effective participation, equality in voting, gaining enlightened understanding,
control of agenda and inclusion of adults. Obasanjo and Mabogunje (1992)
highlighted other elements such as: right of choice. Freedom from ignorance
and want.
Empowerment and capability, respect for the rule of law and equality
before the law; promotion and defense of human rights, creation of appropriate
political machinery, sustained political communication to create trust among
populace, accountability of leadership to followership, decentralization of
political power and orderly succession through secret ballot. Council of
Foreign Relations (2006) added that a democracy might not worth its salt
without a firm and fearless judiciary, efficient and impartial electoral
system, a visionary and effective executive, a committed and responsible
legislative, a forthright and courageous press and an active and tolerant
multi-party system.
However,
Gbadebo (2001) berated all previous elections into different elective offices
in the country since the time of independence in 1960 describing it as a grave
manipulation against the will of the electorate. He revealed that the 1964 and
1965 regional elections in country were marred by mistrust and chaos. The 1979
elections were also characterized by large-scale malpractices. The 1983
elections were also alleged to have been falsified beyond measure, which led to
a military takeover. However, the 1993 elections were considered free and fair,
it was nevertheless annulled by the military under general Ibrahim Badamosi
Babangida (IBB). The 1999, 2003 and 2007 elections were also greeted with
criticisms of massive rigging. Then came the latest April 2015 elections that
remained the most condemnable by local and international observers in our
national history.
1.2 Statement
of the Problem
The
emergence of democratic governance in Nigerian political system in 1999
was a
land mark in the political development of Nigeria. After fifteen years
of
persistent dictatorship, the return of democracy was received with pump
and
peagentry by civil societies, labour union, civil rights organization
etc. Hope
was very high in the area of human right which was completely absent
during the
dictatorship rule. It was expected that the dividend of democracy would
be
realized through the political parties which are the means through which
the politician reach the public and make their promises and manifestoes
available
to the people.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The study sought to assess the dividend of
politics in Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to;
1. Identify the benefits of politics in Nigeria.
2. Examine the dividend of politics on the citizens
of Nigeria.
1.4 Research
Questions
1. What
are the benefits of politics in Nigeria?
2. What
is the dividend of politics on the citizens of Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Ho:
There is no dividend of politics on the citizens of Nigeria.
Hi:
There is dividend of politics on the citizens of Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This
work has two aspect of significance: firstly, it will theoretically increase
the existing body of knowledge in the scholarship on politics and governance in
Nigeria. Secondly, the research will practically be of immense value to
political leaders and policy makers in Nigeria and will also enlighten and
educate the masses on the dividend of politics, by so doing; it will go a long
way in providing practical solution to some of the problems of politics in
Nigeria.
1.7 Scope/Limitations of the Study
This
study is on assessing the dividend of politics in Nigeria.
Limitations of study
1. Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the
efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature
or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire
and interview).
2. Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously
engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down
on the time devoted for the research work.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Politics:
Is the process of making uniform
decisions applying to all members of a group.
Governance:
refers to "all of processes
of governing, whether undertaken by a government, market or network, whether
over a family, tribe, formal or informal organization or territory and whether
through the laws, norms, power or language.
Democracy:
A system of government in which power is vested in the
people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.