Key Takeaways

• Political science research papers require balancing universal academic standards with local Nigerian context
• Topic selection, research design, and proper structure are critical foundations for success
• Understanding departmental dynamics and supervisor expectations significantly impacts your grade
• Analysis and critical thinking matter far more than information dumping
• Professional guidance from services like PremiumResearchers can streamline your entire writing process

Table of Contents

• Why Political Science Research Papers Matter
• Understanding the Academic Landscape
• Topic Selection and Initial Research Steps
• Developing a Strong Research Design
• Structuring Your Political Science Research Paper
• Crafting Your Analysis Section
• Submission and Defense Strategies
• Frequently Asked Questions

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How long should a political science research paper be?

Length varies by institution and level, but typically undergraduate papers are 15-20 pages while postgraduate research papers are 40-60+ pages. However, quality matters infinitely more than quantity. A 15-page paper with sophisticated analysis outperforms a 25-page paper with superficial treatment. Check your department’s specific requirements, as these vary considerably across Nigerian institutions.

Should I use primarily Nigerian sources or international sources?

Use both strategically. International sources provide theoretical frameworks and comparative perspective. Nigerian sources ground your research in local reality. A balanced approach (approximately 40% international, 40% Nigerian-specific, 20% African scholarship) demonstrates sophisticated engagement with your topic. Purely international sources suggest you haven’t deeply engaged with local contexts. Purely local sources might indicate insufficient theoretical grounding.

How do I handle sensitive political topics without getting in trouble?

Sensitivity isn’t automatically disqualifying. Instead, handle sensitive topics with intellectual rigor, acknowledge multiple perspectives, base arguments on evidence rather than opinion, and avoid inflammatory language. Academic distance is your protection. A well-argued paper examining controversial political dynamics demonstrates analytical maturity. Discuss topic sensitivity with your supervisor early to ensure alignment on approach.

What’s the biggest mistake students make when writing political science papers?

Information dumping without analysis. Students compile extensive information then present it descriptively, assuming supervisors will extract significance. Actually, supervisors expect you to do the analytical work. Transform information into argument. Explain what evidence means, why it matters, and how it supports your thesis. This analytical sophistication is what transforms average papers into excellent ones.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Oligarchy, aristocracy, theocracy, monarchy, fascism, socialism, authoritarian or dictatorships in form of military rule, and democratic regimes are the different forms of government globally experienced in human societies. Among these forms, democracy has come up as the most widely known and desirable system of government in our modern world.

The end of the cold war revived the interest in democratization as the proportion of countries in the world with some form of democratic government increased from 28 percent in 1974 to 61percent in 1998 and third world countries also had their share of these pronounced changes.

However, Sub-Saharan African has lagged behind with weak attempts to democratize and the process of democratization has not been of clear progression for African countries and in Nigeria particularly.

Considering Nigeria among the global committee of sovereign country, out of her many years of independence have been under authoritarian military rule. These years of military rule swept away democratic principles and the attempts at transition to democratic government were characterized by gross abuse of election the only acceptable institutionalized process for a democratic society.

The process of change from military to civilian regime did acquire popular endorsement for many Nigerians were not satisfied with the military administration that denied people their freedom of speech and the right to involve in governance through representatives.

However, the transition to civil rule spearheaded by the military and In face of some setbacks encountered, elections were conducted and the military in 1999 handed over power to General Olusegun Obasanjo.

The emergence of a democratically elected government on May 29th 1999 was seen as the much expected dawn of democracy, the hopes and expectations of the electorate were high base on the conviction that the return to democratic rule will bring about positive change through their newly elected representatives.

This however has not been the case as the gains that would have been reaped from the expansion of the democratic space have been gravely depleted by timing, dating, supervision hitches, delays due to late arrival of electoral materials etc. (Okoosi-Simbine, 2013).

In the World today, political systems are going through qualitative change from authoritarian to participatory regimes. This worldwide trend, otherwise known as democratization (Elekwa, 2008) has made the issue of election a critical political imperative.

Election as a democratic practice refers to the system whereby the citizenry (organized as electorate) consciously choose people into civic roles through a competitive selection process (Raymond, 2010). Election is defined as a procedure of aggregating preferences of a particular kind (International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences vol.5).

The two features of this definition are procedure and preferences. By procedure, the concept is used to describe a special way of doing something while preference connotes choice between alternatives.

Election can also be described as a procedure that allows members of an organization, community or a nation to choose representatives who will hold positions of authority within it. According to Givinn and Norton, (2010) election is the formal process of selecting a person for public office or accepting or registering a political proposition by voting.

They continued further by stating that an election is one of the channels by which a country may organize itself and make particular formal decisions, including that where voting is free, it acts in concurrently as a system for making certain decisions concerning the power relations in a country and as a method for obtaining political obedience with a lower of sacrifice of the individual’s freedom. The essence of a democratic election is a freedom of choice.

During elections, the electorate is given the opportunity to choose between alternative programs of contestants. Elections also promote public accountability. The threat of defeat at the polls exerts pressure on those in power to conduct them in a responsible manner and take account of popular interests and demands when they make their decisions.

There is no one accepted procedure of election. In ancient Greece, various types of procedures were used. These include voting by show of hands, written votes and ballots. With the emergence of liberal democracy in the seventeenth and eighteenth century in Western Europe, the concept of election took new meaning anchored on the principles of consent franchise and representation.

In essence, election not only serves to give the voter privilege to exercise his choices or preferences on political leadership but also provides the base on which elected political leaders uphold legitimacy of their positions (Elekwa, 2008).

The place and vitality of election in democracy cannot be over-emphasized. Based on this therefore; Elections have the potential to proffer legitimacy, moderate dissent, engender compliance and heighten citizen efficacy.

Elections are mostly crucial for obtaining consent from those citizens who would prefer alternative rules and policies within the political process (Elekwa, 2008). In Nigeria, the problem of election has been a challenging endeavor over the years.

Ironically, election in Nigeria has been denied of democratic ideals, much as it has been made up of untoward circumstances. According to Ibeanu, (2007); The Electoral process as currently constituted in Nigeria is psychologically alienating for the vast majority of the people who are largely outsiders and are only periodically inserted in the process when they cast votes.

At the same time this alienation is underscored by the fact that even when these vote casters have completed the ritual of voting, the outcome bears little semblance to what they chose in their ballots.

Besides, there have been problems of electoral violence and fraud, bulk of which may arise from the excesses of the politicians in their desperate bid to consolidate, capture or control state power. In the face of this therefore, electoral experiences in Nigeria so far have left much to be considered. It is against this background that this paper examines general elections and its impact on democratic process in Nigeria.

1.2. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The centrality of competitive, credible, free, fair and acceptable elections in democracy cannot be over-emphasized. However contrary has been the experience in Nigeria as over the years elections were characterized by high incidence of electoral malaise manifesting in the prevalence of electoral rigging, fraud, violence, and other forms of

electoral malpractices and irregularities which tend to erode established electoral standards and pose challenge to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country. It is against this background that this study examines the 2015 general elections and its impact on democratic process in Nigeria.

Election is considered to be a critical element of modern representative government which is closely linked to growth and development of democratic political order and as the most singular indicator of democracy. Elections also offer the electorate the freedom of choice, power to hold elected leaders accountable and to provide protection against perpetuation of arbitrary rule.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The major aim of the study is to examine the 2015 general elections and its impact on democratic process in Nigeria. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. 1. To examine the nature and character of Nigeria’s electoral politics.

1. 1. To examine the outcome and challenges of 2015 general election.

1. 1. To examine the impact of the 2015 general election on democratic process in Nigeria

1. 1. To examine the democratic processes and  factors hindering genuine democratic process in Nigeria

1. 1. To examine the relationship between 2015 general election and democratic process in Nigeria.

1. 1. To recommend requirements for genuine democratic process in Nigeria.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. 1. What is the nature and character of Nigeria’s electoral politics?

1. 1. What is the outcome and challenges of 2015 general election?

1. 1. What is the impact of the 2015 general election on democratic process in Nigeria?

1. 1. What are the democratic processes and factors hindering genuine democratic process in Nigeria?

1. 1. What is the relationship between 2015 general election and democratic process in Nigeria?

1. 1. What are the requirements for genuine democratic process in Nigeria?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Hypothesis 1

H0: There is no significant impact of the 2015 general election on democratic process in Nigeria.

H1: There is a significant impact of the 2015 general election on democratic process in Nigeria.

Hypothesis 2

H0: There is no significant relationship between   2015 general election and democratic process in Nigeria.

H1: There is a significant relationship between 2015 general election and democratic process in Nigeria.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study would be of benefit because Nigeria’s experience with elections over the years has thrown up a number of issues pertaining to the processes, conduct and outcome of election. So far, enough scholarly works have not been done to address these issues.

Given the increasing relevance and topicality of election in Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation, more researches such as this are certainly needed to examine elections and its impact on democratic process in Nigeria. The study would also be of immense benefit to students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on the subject matter.

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study is restricted to the 2015 general elections and its impact on democratic process in Nigeria.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

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)

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.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Politics: refers to a set of activities associated with the governance of a country, or an area. In modern nation-states, people have formed political parties to represent their ideas. They agree to take the same position on many issues and agree to support the same changes to law and the same leaders.

Elections: this has to do with the process by which the people of a place choose those who will represent them in government. These election takes place in order to fill public offices at various level of government be it federal, state or local.

General Elections:  means nation-wide elections to choose leaders and representatives at national and state levels. Such elections include Presidential Elections, National Assembly Elections, Gubernatorial Elections as well as State House of Assemblies Elections (INEC, 2007).

Democracy: This is essentially refers to the rule of many which is usually done through representation. It is a form of government in which he people have the freedom to choose who their leaders will be through free and fair election which could be direct or indirect.

The word “democracy” according to Bangura (2013) is used to describe three different political systems. ‘According to him, this system of government has to do with the rule of many and also a representation of the true interests of the people.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Election is an integral part of a democratic process that enables the citizenry determine fairly and freely who should lead them at every level of government periodically and take decisions that shape their socio-economic and political destiny; and in case they falter, still possess the power to recall them or vote them out in the next election. This was Obakhedo, (2011) aptly defined election thus:

Election is a major instrument for the recruitment of political leadership in democratic societies; the key to participation in a democracy; and the way of giving consent to government (Dye, 2001); and allowing the governed to choose and pass judgment on office holders who theoretically represent the governed Obakhedo, (2011).

In its strictest sense, there can never be a democracy without election. Huntington is however quick to point out that, a political system is democratic ‘to the extent that its most powerful collective decision-makers are selected through fair, honest and periodic elections in which candidates freely compete for votes, and in which virtually all the adult population is eligible to vote’ (Huntington, 1991).

In its proper sense, election is a process of selecting the officers or representatives of an organization or group by the vote of its qualified members (Nwolise, 2007). Anifowose (2003) defined elections as the process of elite selection by the mass of the population in any given political system, Bamgbose (2012).

Elections provide the medium by which the different interest groups within the bourgeois nation state can stake and resolve their claims to power through peaceful means (Iyayi, 2005). Elections therefore determine the rightful way of ensuring that responsible leaders take over the mantle of power.

An election itself is a procedure by which the electorate, or part of it, choose the people who hold public office and exercise some degree of control over the elected officials. It is the process by which the people select and control their representatives. The implication of this is that without election, there can be no representative government.

This assertion is, to a large extent, correct as an election is, probably, the most reliable means through which both the government and representatives can be made responsible to the people who elect them.Eya (2003) however, sees election as the selection of a person or persons for office as by ballot and making choice as between alternatives.

Ozor (2009) succinctly gives a more encompassing and comprehensive definition of election when he noted that the term connotes the procedure through which qualified adult voters elect their politically preferred representatives to parliament legislature of a county (or any other public positions) for the purpose of farming and running the government of the country.

Thus Osumah (2002) elucidates what the basic objective of election is which is to select the official decision makers who are supposed to represent citizens-interest. Elections, according to him extend and enhance the amount of popular participation in the political system.

However, elections in Nigeria has always been marred by violence and heightened sense of national insecurity because of the level of tribal and religion sentiments showed by the country men.Nigeria’s 2015 general elections the fifth since 1999, was scheduled for 14th and 28th February 2015 respectively and later changed to 28th March and 11 April 2015 respectively.

All 36 states held presidential, federal parliament and House of Assemblies (state parliaments) elections. Gubernatorial polls were held in 29 states. General elections in Nigeria have always been turbulent and violent affairs. Indeed, the 2007 election polls was widely condemned as the most violent, poorly and massively rigged in the history of Nigeria’s electoral history.

Even the winner of the presidential pool, a person of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, conceded flaws. Some analysts and observers considered the April 2011 elections as the most credible since the return to democracy,

unlike 2007 elections where over 1,000 people were killed in post-election protests. Nigeria has had a checkered electoral history with successive elections being marred by serious irregularities and controversy- particularly in the conduct of its electoral commission.

This has led in some cases to the collapsed of democratic experiments as occurred in 1966 and 1983. The 2007 general elections in Nigeria provided a good opportunity to occasion a break with the past and rekindle public confidence in the electoral and democratic process of the country.

However, this was not to be as the elections, according to several local and international observers turned out to be the worst in Nigeria’s political history (European Union: 2007, Human Rights Watch: 2007, Transition Monitoring Group: 2007).

Like its predecessors, INEC was accused of not being able to engender public confidence in the electoral process or organize transparent and credible elections. Unfortunately, this position has scarcely been demonstrated in a systematic manner.

March 28th and April 11th 2015 election marked another turn in Nigeria’s democratic history as registered voters took to the polls to elect the next set of leaders into the Presidential and National Assembly positions.

The elections, conducted in the thirty six states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory, witnessed the emergence of the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate. This outcome was also the first time an opposition party would unseat the ruling party, People Democratic Party (PDP) since Nigeria’s transition into civil rule in 1999.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The cornerstone of competitive elections and democracy is free and fair election. The credibility and legitimacy accorded an election victory is determined by the extent to which the process is free and fair (Garuba, 2007;Bogaards, 2007).

Free and fair election serves the purpose of legitimizing such government. In fact, the quality of elections is part of the criteria for assessing the level of consolidation of new democracies.

Elections are therefore considered as vital and indispensable for determining the democratic nature of a political system and ensuring national security. When election is not managed quite satisfactorily,

it can pave the way for deeper ethnic and regional divisions, lost of legitimacy of elected authorities, protest, violent contestation, social explosion, and doubt about institutions, violence, and instability or even threaten the entire democratization process.

In fact, poor management of elections is a real and prolific source of conflicts, violence, insecurity and instability (Hounkpe & Gueye, 2010).Low turnout in the 2015 compared to 2011 may be attributed to some factors. First, it might be an indication that previous election results were inflated.

Second, there was a heightened sense of insecurity. among Nigerians, with causes such as the Boko Haram insurgency in the North, the possibility of the incumbent not willing to accept the outcome of the election should it not be in its favour, the effects of the election postponement,

Also, there is the perception that ‘votes do not count’ and that the outcomes have been pre-decided by an elite minority. However, this study is examining the electoral process and national security comparing the 2011 and the 2015 general elections.

 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following are the objectives of this study:

To examine the relationship between electoral process and national security in Nigeria. To examine the differences and similarity in the 2011 and 2015 general elections processes in Nigeria. To examine the factors that promotes national security in an electoral process.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS What is the relationship between electoral process and national security in Nigeria? What are the differences and similarities in the 2011 and 2015 general elections processes in Nigeria? What are the factors that promote national security in an electoral process?

HYPOTHESIS

HO: There is no significant relationship between electoral process and national securityHA: There is significant relationship between electoral process and national security

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The following are the significance of this study:

The outcome of this study will educate the general public on the relationship between electoral process and national security. It will also educate on the differences and similarities in the 2011 and 2015 general elections in Nigeria.

This research will be a contribution to the body of literature in the area of the effect of personality trait on student’s academic performance, thereby constituting the empirical literature for future research in the subject area.

SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will cover the issues of electoral process and national security with focus on comparison between 2011 and 2015 general elections in Nigeria

LIMITATION OF STUDY

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).

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

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AS A TOOL FOR CREATING A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In a country with mixed economy like Nigeria, the government and the individual are managing the economy together. This means that people, groups and the three levels of government are free to start businesses. The three lowest levels of government include the local government, the state and the federal government, respectively. In the modern world, mixed economy appears as the most widespread economic system, but what makes the difference is the degree of mixing.

As a result, the government has important roles to play in this type of economy. Given the importance of government commercial regulation in the country, its regulatory power over commercial activities was defined in Article 16 (1) and (s) of the

Federal Constitution of 1979. 1984 also, the first was modified by the government Federal military of the time. This amendment was also included in sections 16 (1) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And both constitutions have specified the following with respect to our national economic activities.

Section 16 (1) states that the state must, within the framework of the ideal and the objectives of this Constitution, control the national economy to ensure maximum welfare, freedom and freedom. Energy citizen on the basis of social justice and fairness of status and opportunity.

Without prejudice to their right to operate or participate in areas of the economy that are not the main sectors of the economy.

Subsection 4 of Section 16 defines the main section as activities directly related to the production, distribution and exchange of wealth or goods and services. These main sectors of the economy will be declared periodically by a resolution of each Chamber of the National Assembly administered and administered exclusively by the Government of the Federation.

Without prejudices to its right to operate or participate in areas of the economy, to manage and operate the major section of the economy.

Moreover, according to section 16 (3); a body shall be set up by an act of the National Assembly which shall have power to review from time to time the ownership and control of business enterprise operating in Nigeria and make recommendation it some and to administer any law for the regulation of the ownership and control of such enterprise.

Therefore, it is clear that the role of government is to protect and represent the interest of the society and the citizenry in which business operates.  It can be further said that government through policies protects consumers from abuse, they ensure efficiency in the use of resources and promote equitable distribution of income.

Government policies are the most dynamic of all government influence on business in Nigeria.  This is due to instability in Government of Nigeria and has contributed to massive change in policies affecting the operation of business.

These policies may include monetary or fiscal policies.  Fiscal policies which is a macro-economic tool that involves the use of government spending and taxes (T) in guiding the nation’s economy to achieve pre-determined economic good.  Monetary policy on the other hand is the regulation of money and the terms and availability of credit.  Government can regulation of business activities.

Conclusively, government can use other means such as import duties and tariffs to regulates business in Nigeria, in order to protect domestic industries and producers against foreign competition. This study is therefore carried out to examine government policies as a tool for creating a business environment.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS

The influence of government on business can take so many forms.  The study aims to look at the regulation or government regulation towards Small and medium businesses and also suggest how to increase the organization’s efficiency through the regulation.  Government has realized that political independence without economic independence is meaningless.

The research on government regulation with particular reference to Small and medium businesses has raised some questions among experts and professionals, which this study has attempted to address.  These include;

a.           Can government regulation in organization be minimized and for untimely eliminated?

b.            Can organization exist without regulation?

c.           Is regulation beneficial or detrimental to organizational goal?

d.           How can organization efficiency be increased by regulation?

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to asses government policies as a tool for creating business environment. The following are the specific objectives of the study:

1.           To find out whether policy exist in small and medium enterprises

2.           To examine and assess various policy traceable in the organization.

3.           To identify whether a specific method of policy actually exist in small and medium enterprises.

4.           To identify problems if any encountered in regulating the organization.

5.           To find out the consequences of policies in small and medium enterprises (activities).

1.4       RESEARCH QUESTION

1.           Does policy exist in small and medium enterprises?

2.           What are the various policy traceable in the organization?

3.           Does a specific method of policy actually exist in small and medium enterprises?

4.           What are the problems encountered in regulating the organization.

5.           What are the consequences of policy in small and medium enterprises (activities).

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Business had been criticized seriously due to discriminatory rates and policies. The economic power had been in the hands of all kind of processing and manufacturing industries through trusts and corporate merger. Meanwhile, due to this government in order to rescue the economy has come up with so many regulatory measures which are beneficial to the following people;

a.           Employers

b.           Employees

c.           Consumers etc.

In fact it is because of these, it becomes necessary to study the effect of government policy on management of different businesses in Nigeria.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study of this topic Government Policies as a tool for creating a business environment is supposed to include many kinds of business sector both private and public sector.  In order to manage the topic and carryout the study effectively and effectively the researcher deemed it fit to restrict the topic to the effects of government policy on business and it affects organizations.

Although, reference will be made on a general basis because of the diverse native of business.

1.7       DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms or words used in this study will be defined:

Business:  This simply means an economic activity undertaken to produce goods and or services.

Mixed Economy: It is a system of economy in which both private individuals and government jointly run the economic activities of the country.

Fiscal Policy: It is a tool or measure which the government used in regulating the economy through taxes and government spending.

Monetary Politic:        This is another measure used by the government in order to control the supply of money and the terms and availability of credit in the nation.

Government: It is an agency designed to administer the affairs of a state or nation.

Policy: This is the system which government in controlling the economic activities of the nation.

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AS A TOOL FOR CREATING A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Poli…

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY  

Successive governments in Nigeria have tried to resolve some societal problems by enacting or putting into place different policies at one time or the other. For example, in order to reduce the high rate of poverty in the country, the Federal Government introduced some policies aimed at reducing the poverty level by 2010.

This was the case in Asari-Toru local government area of Rivers State. It is true that the Asari – Toru Local Government council both past and present have embarked on several developmental policies. Nevertheless, the incidence and scourge of poverty have worsened over the years.

The people from that area still live in abject poverty, no good and accessible roads, no good health care facilities, no better pipe borne water, the people depend solely on water from the well which has led to sickness and diseases because it is not well treated and so prone to water borne diseases; also no sound electricity system put in place etc.

With all the different policies, the people still live in abject suffering, like the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) put in place by this present administration also in an effort to reduce poverty, what are the aspect of halving the incidence of poverty by 2015,

we shall treat this in our subsequent writing, because the question is pertinent to the issue that, since the creation of the local government, the yearning and aspiration of the people have not been met. They still wallow in poverty.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The study is specifically geared towards providing tentative answers to the following questions:

1. 1. What factor weakens the National Poverty Eradication Programmes and other policies geared towards poverty alleviation and grass-root development.

1. 1. What are the prospects of the poverty alleviation policies like NAPEP put in place to halve poverty in the grass-roots areas by 2010?

1. 1. What are the measures put in place to be used in implementing the policy of poverty alleviation in the grass-root areas?

1. 1. Howe far has the policy of NAPEP faired so far in its different programmes, and what is the importance of this public policy programme as a tool for grass-root development especially in ASALGA L. G. A. of Rivers – State.

OBJECTIVES OF STUDY:

The aim of this study is to highlight the significant role of public policy and grass-root development in Nigeria, with a special focus on the National Poverty Eradication Programme on Asari – Toru local government area.

Secondly, is to examine if the policy measures used in implementing its policies are really the best suitable measures that would enhance development and reduce poverty rate in the grass-root level.

Thirdly, is to determine the extent at which the poverty eradication programme have been carried out in the grass-root level and explain if really it has succeeded in its implementation or its failures.

Fourthly, is to show the prospect of NAPEP put in place to fight poverty in the local government levels etc.

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY:

The purpose of this study is to show and justify the importance of public policy to the grass-root people.

The study is very necessary because it will not only tell us how public policy on poverty alleviation has performed in the local government levels but it will also shed light on the way out towards poverty alleviation. Also, it will form a basis for further research on poverty alleviation and other related policies through findings and researches.

To justify the importance of the policy of poverty alleviation, the bottom-up approach to the programme implementation and monitoring should be looked into.

Also, the study is going to show, in view of the fact that poverty is a phenomenon which has threatened the survival of mankind especially in the rural or grass-root areas, some development effort to alleviate poverty embarked upon by the government through various programmes, prominent among them are:-

1. 1. Operation Service to our people.

1. 1. Rural Electrification projects.

1. 1. Primary Health Care Projects.

1. 1. Portable Drinking Water Projects.

1. 1. The National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP)

1. 1. The Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).

All these were programmes put in place by government in one time or the other to improve the living standard of the people at the grass-root level. So, this study will critically appraise them.

At the end of this work, policy makers and other researchers will find this study very relevant if properly looked into, because it is going to provide answers to policy problems and implementation in the grass-root level.

LITERATURE REVIEW:

The importance of literature review is that, it builds a link between previous intellectual works and the current attempts. So the literature review will focus on the rigorous appraisal of poverty alleviation.

Usman, S. (2001: 1 – 3) has opined that whether used in a relative or absolute sense, poverty denotes a situation in which the individual does not enjoy the minimum acceptable standard of living as defined by the World Bank, Poverty can be due to variety of causes, including unemployment and low pay, particularly in a generally weak environment such as the grass-root area.

He further stated that poverty is considered a global phenomenon which threatens the survival of mankind, the United Nations declared 1996 the International year for the eradication of poverty, with every 17th, of October every year as the date for poverty eradication day, and also 1997 – 2006 as the decade for Eradication of Poverty. In pursuance of this target, government and civil society in the country have set up different polices to curb the poverty problem.

Aliu (2001: 12), speaking on the nature of involvement of beneficiaries, emphasized that, experience from the past poverty alleviation programmes has shown the inability to involve the people in their community planning and implementation towards poverty alleviation. However, he stated that one of the main focuses of the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) is the adoption of the bottom-up approach to programme implementation and monitoring.

Also, there is need to extend the concept to include direct participation of the beneficiaries or benefiting communities in project identification. This non –involvement has been detraction from appropriateness of projects as well as their sustainability.

This is because the top – down approach widely adopted in project identifications and selection has often led to beneficiaries not associating themselves with such projects. Therefore, there should be sufficient participation of the grass-roots people in the identification and implementation of projects affecting them.

This will not only increase their commitment but will also de-emphasize the erst while perception of such programmes as conduit pipes for national cake sharing.

Obasi, (1998: 10 – 12) writing on the state of the nation of (SAP), has outlined the characteristics of the country which gave rise to SAP as follows:

1. 1. The economy was facing a crisis of dwindling revenue from oil the nation’s major foreign exchange.

1. 1. There was high rate of unemployment in the country, and corruption was pervasive.

1. 1. The per-capital income was rapidly decreasing even as there was high rate of inflation, coupled with a very high level of domestic and foreign debt.

He further observed that SAP was not a good omen for the country especially the Nigeria Labour, which said SAP affected adversely and further marginalized the workers, which led to hardships.

Okongwu, C. (1987: 4), the then Minister of Finance, commented on poverty alleviation policy that they combine a nexus of measures aimed at promoting economic efficiency and long term growth with stabilization policies designed to restore balance of payment equilibrium and price stability, which never yielded any positive effect.

Edesiri, (1986: 16), speaking on the different policies put in place, said like the River Basin Development Authority (RBDA), which was given the responsibility to develop, irrigate and cultivate numerous river basins in the country especially the Niger Delta city area failed to solve the problems.

That inspire of the objectives of the River Basin development Authority, water problem still remain a big log in the wheels of farmers. Even in the catmint areas of the authority most bore-holes are dry. This adversely affects the irrigation prospect of the farmers and farms.

The poor performance of the authority has compelled government to sell off some of the authority’s property via public auction.

On NAPEP Promise Keeper Programme (P.K.P), Dr. Magnus Kpakol who is National co-ordinator of NAPEP re-affirmed that the partnership with religious bodies would involve the provision of matching funds to an amount raised by a religious group to provide interest free – micro credit to its members who fall into the provisions categories. That he said would empower the poor by developing a working partnership with other viable sources in the fight against poverty.

Speaking on the different projects of NAPEP, Dr. Kpakol said, like under the farmers empowerment programme, NAPEP has disbursed N240 million and another N250 million for the capacity acquisition programme.

The former chief Economic Adviser to the president further stated that the old set-up in the programme was perceived by beneficiaries as an agency to be ripped off.

He said the sad development largely affected the Keke-NAPEP project, which beneficiaries dishonestly almost ruined. Which he said they have not recorded enough success in that area, that is because of the way it was done, people took the vehicle and disappeared to another part of the country.

Olawoja Ajobola, from Lagos state speaking on poverty alleviation programme in the (Guardian of Friday, May 30, 2003 page 17), cried out that their monthly N10,000 stipend which NAPEP was supposed to have paid to them, has not been paid for the past eight (8) month and no concrete effort has been made to prepare them for the loan they are to collect at the expiration of the two (2) years Mandatory Attachment Programme (MAP), which was supposed to be in February 2004.

Emeka, Onuforo (Guardian, Thursday, August 4, 2005), writes on “NAPEP boss task Governor’s over poverty eradication”, said the National coordinator of NAPEP, Dr. Magnus Kpakol speaking in a programme tasks a group of governors in Kaduna to join hand with the Federal Government in waving good bye to poverty.

Dr. Kpakol told the governors that the new NAPEP initiative would provide economic empowerment to the poor in Nigeria by developing a winning partnership with other sources of support in the fight against poverty, he added that other funds would be sourced from interested Nigerians abroad for the provisions of essential infrastructure in their communities back here in Nigeria.

The primary targets of NAPEP, Kpakol continued are the women, the youths and farmers, and others are trainees of the local government poverty reduction programmes.

Dr. Kpakol also told the governors that NAPEP is also giving N500 million for evolving credit around the country, which is hoped to generate savings of over say N50 million.

NAPEP, he said now focuses on self reliance and the ‘can do’ spirit and transform the idea that everyone is a participant in the fight against poverty which he said would create a winning

strategy by generating economic activities that would in turn assure well-being and guarantee sustainability of efforts aimed at achieving the desired objectives of attaining comfortable standard of living for the poor in Nigeria, he asserted.

These are what people have said concerning public policy in respect to poverty alleviation in the country.

HYPOTHESES:

i)        Lack of consultation with elders, chiefs and community leaders in the local government areas is responsible for the failure of public policies.

ii)       Ignorance on the part of the citizens at the grass-root level, due to poor orientation on the part of policy officials like. NAPEP officials and other agencies cause the low performance of poverty alleviation programmes.

iii)      High level of corruption on the part of NAPEP officials and the beneficiaries, seems to hamper the success of poverty alleviation programmes.

iv)      Bad public policy programme and implementation due to selfish interest of policy formulators, tends to be the cause of high rate of poverty levels in grass-root areas.

METHODOLOGY:

i)       Theoretical Frame Work:

A study that has to do with public policy and grass-root development has to be examined against background of a social and sound theoretical orientation.

This study, therefore will be guided by the “FUNCTIONAL APPROACH”, to local government performance. The approach assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the local government implementation of public policy and grass-root development in relation to poverty alleviation programmes in Asari-Toru local government area of Rivers State.

“It is the view of the functionalist approach that the society is conceptualized as a system of social relationship and cluster of relationship (institution) features in the manner which it is organized into an ordered and self maintaining entity, a common pattern of norms and values which ensures both the reciprocal interdepence of its parts and consequent integration of the whole”. Paul Filumer and Divid Silverman, (1972: 57).

Pulbic policy and implementation as a tool for grass-root development has to be viewed using the functional approach. Therefore, in the survival of grass-root system by the way of its operations, which the policy implementers perform vis –a – vis the required condition of their existence, the functional approach is the ideal type of theory to be applied.

ii)      Method of Data Collection:

This section is designed specifically to highlight the procedures and instrument employed in getting relevant information pertinent to the study.

Sources of Data:  Primary and Secondary sources of data would be relevant in carrying out this research.

The primary sources of data helps to source for reliable and valuable primary data which is necessary for the study. It entails oral interview like questionnaires, which would be design with extra care to avoid ambiguity, bias and misleading questions.

The secondary sources of data collection would supplement the information provided by the primary sources for use. It could be magazines, journals, form newspapers, textbooks and other related unpublished materials etc.

1. 1. Method of Data Analysis:

The nature of data generated determines the types of statistical techniques to be used in data analysis. Due to the nature of the hypotheses and the method of data collection the “inferential statistical tool method” will be used to help make proper predications and operaliziations about the public policy and grass-root development in respect to the NAPEP performance.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF STUDY:               

The study is limited to Asari-Toru local government area of Rivers State, and its public policy and grass-root development programme, a critical appraisal of the National Poverty Eradication Programme while, in the process of the research many hitches were encountered, like the issue of finance, which is the bedrock of any good research work or study, because without the needed, or due to financial constraint, getting a first hand information was difficult.

This also hindered traveling to some designated areas for getting some primary information coupled with the hard economic situations. So, finance and transportation problems cause some kind of hindrances. Also was the issue of time constraints.

These hampered going to the grass-root area for a better assement and getting of information and mostly was the fact that most of them even the local government’s did not have websites for easy information dissemination.

CLARIFICATION OF KEY CONCEPTS:

– DATA: These are raw informations gathered.

– IMPLEMENTATION: The translation of public policy objectives into action leading to the achievement of set objectives, expressed by policy makers.

– NAPEP: National Poverty Eradication Programme, set up in 2001 by the Obasanjo led administration to curb the poverty situation in the country.

– NAPEC: National Poverty Eradication Council. It is the apex body for the formulation of policies on poverty in Nigeria.

– THEORY: It is a set of interelated construct, delimitation and preposition that present the systematic view of phenomenon by specifying relationship among variables with the purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomenon.

– POLICY: This is decision making on what should be done and how, when and where? It involves development strategy and procedures.

– GRASS-ROOT: This can be describe as rural areas or group of persons living in an existing environment.

REFERENCES

Ajobola, O. (2003), NAPEP. The Guardian Friday, May 30 page 17.

Aliu, A. (2001), National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), Completion, implementation, coordination and monitoring, NAPEP Secretariate, Abuja.

Edesiri, (1986): “Hunger in the land”, The African Guardian, Lagos. October, 23.

Emeka, A. (2005); Governors task on Poverty Eradication. The Guardian, Thursday page 27.

Leicheter, H. (1979); A Comparative Approach to Policy Analysis. Health Care Delivery in Four Nations,  Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

PUBLIC POLICY AND GRASS ROOT DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA (A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF NATIONAL POVERTY ERADICATION PROGRAMME ON ASARI-TORU L. G. A OF RIVER STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Nigeria amongst other countries in Africa has encountered several political conflict incidences, before and during its time as a democracy. This composition examines election conflict and democracy, particularly in Nigeria. It is apposite to state that political conflict is the hallmarks of weakly institutionalize politics.

The starkest manifestation of such violence is armed conflict in the form of civil war. Though elections which are supposed to be a significant pillar in the democratic process of a country with the twin principles of political participation and accountability is precisely in the greatest and most notable violations of the occurrence of this principles.

Everyone wants to win, and nobody wants to lose. It is obvious that for any political critic to say anything considered ‘negative’ about any political office holder, he should be ready to bear the risk of being molested. According to Adekanye in (Alfa & Otaida, 2012), an objective review of the Nigerian political journey would reveal that political violence has been part and parcel of the country’s history.

What is however new are the metamorphoses of the violence; which is now in shapes, magnitude and consequences? No country can develop in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.

Nigeria would have been one of the leading economics of the world but its movement has been anticlockwise due largely to the fact that monumental resources are channelled into security votes, conflict resolution and reconstruction as a result of perennial political violence: since political power is the major source of wealth in Nigeria, the contest for political office is always a ‘do or die’ affair (Ake, 1981 & Tenuche, 2011 in Alfa & Otaida, 2012).

Democracy in Nigeria since the first republic has faced with lots of hurdles which included electoral conflict in form of conflict; making it more or less difficult for the true principles of democracy to emerge. Due to political conflict and political thuggery, an average Nigerian cannot differentiate between democratic governance and leadership by imposition; this of course has made a significant number of the citizens to see democracy as synonymous with death and destruction.

The common citizens of the nation are placed far from the realities of democracy both in participation and the dividends of democracy. The terrible nature of the election and electioneering campaigns in Nigeria has defeated the true concept of democracy and has alienated the electorates from their political environment.

This situation is one of the greatest threats to democracy such that the survival of phenomenon has been put to jeopardy. The separation of the electorates from the process of selecting their leaders in a democratic dispensation is a way of imposing wrong and autocratic leaders on the masses and engendering of antidemocratic principles in the political system.

Through the process of selecting the party candidate to the general election in Nigeria, democratic principle is undermined leaving the process at the mercy of party king makers and the men in possession of weapons and might.

The electorates are terrified and intimidated out of the selection and election platform while the men with good intention knowledge and character are terrified out of electoral process making Nigeria young democracy more or less the meeting of the vultures which end at producing wrong and disgruntled leaders. Democracy, the most preferred system of government (for its perceived ability to comfort all and sundry) is bedevilled in Nigeria by political violence occasioned according to some scholars by bad governance.

Democracy, expectedly, is a government of the people by the people for the people. However, this applies in the developed world where democracy is already a product. In Nigeria and other third world countries, democracy is still a process and indeed a means to an end and not yet an end in itself.

For these reasons, scholars of democracies the world over differ in opinion about what democracy represents. Consequently, there are two major groups: the first group sees Democracy as a ‘cherished ideal’ while the second group sees it as mere instrument of oppression.

The positivists, looking at democracy from the point of view of the practice in the developed world argues that democracy implies the rule by the people, the triumph of the will of the people, rule of law, egalitarianism, utilitarianism, constitutions, civil liberties and universal franchise. On the other hand the leftists believe that democracy is poised to destroying order, stability, discipline and moral rectitude which aristocracy and oligarchy have always maintained.

Through democracy man commits the following offences against one another and the society at large. The majority’s ambivalence to a comprehensive social justice; political instability, often tending to war and tyranny; the lack of moral virtues, promoted by a politics of ambition popular rhetoric, the entrenchment of a few in long possession of offices; the wide spread pursuit of indolent pleasures; the injustices occasioned by a superficial and selfish ethic of egalitarianism; majoritarianism and general licentiousness; the absence of genuine social or moral aims.

However, be that as it may, democracy has begun in Nigeria and Nigeria must strive to consolidate the democratic culture because of its inherent advantages: – freedom to form and join association, freedom of expression, universal adult suffrage, the eligibility of citizens to seek political office, the right of political leaders to compete freely for votes and support, the existence of alternative sources of information, free and fair election and accountable government.

This research will therefore attempt to determine what political violence, its causes, objectives, consequences on governance and the relationship between Political violence and the attainment of Democratic stability in Nigeria.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Political conflict has been rooted in Nigerian democracy such that they have killed the spirit of genuine political participation both at the leadership level and among the electorates. Where these abound, the future of democracy is in doubt save for the reinforcement of autocracy, military in civilian regalia and militancy politics in disguise.

Among the African nations, political conflict in the form of using the unemployed youth and the security agency by the political demagogues has created a serious setbacks and underdevelopment as the electorates are discouraged from participating in political activities.

Democracy as one of the important agenda before the United Nations, to protect human rights and encourage development, has been endangered by political conflict making it necessary to scientifically evaluation.

There has been a high level of political apathy resulting to low turnout during general elections in Nigeria. Although some scholars have alleged it is on the account of political conflict and lack of faith in Nigerian democracy, the present study is focused on the indices of true democracy such as political participation at the grass root among the electorates and the public perception of the image of democracy in Nigeria in the face of constant electoral conflict.

1.3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The major aim of the study is to examine the impact of political conflict in Nigerian democracy. Other specific objectives are as follows;

1. To examine the attitude to Nigerian democracy among the people of the nation.
2. To examine the causes of political conflict in Nigeria.
3. To examine the impact of political conflict on democratic stability.
4. To examine the factors that can explain the public perception of democracy in Nigeria as a nation.
5. To examine the relationship between political conflict and democratic stability in Nigeria.
6. To examine the measures to curb political conflict for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.

1.4. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the attitude to Nigerian democracy among the people of the nation?
2. What are the causes of political conflict in Nigeria?
3.  What is the impact of political conflict on democratic stability?
4. What are the factors that can explain the public perception of democracy in Nigeria as a nation?
5. What is the relationship between political conflict and democratic stability in Nigeria?
6. What are the measures to curb political conflict for sustainable democracy in Nigeria?

1.5. RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Hypothesis 1

H0: Political conflict has no significant impact on democratic stability in Nigeria.

H1: Political conflict has a significant impact on democratic stability in Nigeria.

Hypothesis 2

H0: There is no significant relationship between political conflict and democratic instability in Nigeria.

H1: There is a significant relationship between political conflict and democratic instability in Nigeria.

1.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this timely and topical study is twofold: practical and academic. Practically, this study will be of paramount importance to the elections management bodies in Nigeria especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the registered political parties, authorities of the non-governmental organizations, the national and state governments as well as the general public for the following reasons:

This research/study is significant as it aims to provide lasting solution to the causes of political conflicts which constitute adverse effects on the democratic process in Nigeria. It is also relevant to researchers, policy makers, practical statesmen, students. The study will also contribute to the body and encourage other writers or researchers to carryout similar work in the field.

1.7. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study is restricted to the impact of political conflict in Nigerian democracy, case study of selected political parties in Nigeria, Abuja.

1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY

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).

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.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Election: This is the formal way of choosing someone who will govern the public, by means of electing or voting for that person or political party (Eulau, Gibbins and Webb, 2019).

Democracy: Democracy in its basic form is when people rule or govern. Higher power lies with the people and is either applied by them or the party which they have voted for. What should be also considered with democracy is that the majority vote rules (Zimmermann, 2012).

Conflict: Aggressive actions from one person or party which are inflicted onto another and could therefore be caused by someone wanting to transform a government or situation (Jacquin, 2017: Internet).

Political conflict: Political conflict refers to any acts of hostility or aggression before, after or during the election process. These actions involve physically or verbally threatening people who will be voting, forcefully interrupting the election process, or even to hurt anyone who is involved in the elections (Egobueze and Ojirika, 2017).

Political Party:  Is defined as an organised group of people with at least roughly similar political aims and opinions that seeks to influence public policy by getting its candidates elected to public office.

Democracy: Is defined as a political system that is run and controlled by citizens of the country. Democracies are made up of elected representatives and require that governmental measures be voted on by these elected representatives or the people. Democracies are not universal and are implemented and enforced in different manner.

Nigeria: Nigeria is a country located in western Africa and is currently the most affluent country in all of Africa according to GDP. Its capital city is Abuja and it has over a hundred spoken languages, with a population of 190, 9 million in 2017 (McKenna, 2017).