Proceedings of the 2nd (Hybrid) International Conference, Faculty of Social Sciences, Niger Delta University, Held on March 13, 2024
March, 2024
Pages 381-401
DOI: 10.36108/wjss/ConfP.2024.022
BUILDING AN ALTERNATIVE MODEL OF FEDERAL STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT IN AFRICAN COUNTRIES
Ambily Etekpe, Epoweide Isaiah Koko, Prince Beteh Barisuka, and Winifred Idubamo Gagariga
Abstract
The federal structure of democracy is a widely accepted form of government in several countries, especially, Western Europe and their former colonies to redress ethnic, cultural and religious diversities. Unfortunately, it has solved the structural problems of devolution of legislative powers, fiscal federation and principles of federal character, etc; in Nigeria; and as such, democracy is withering away in the country and continent. This study was, therefore, aimed at re-examining the mode and practices of federalism in Nigeria and its impact on good governance, with emphasis on the 4th Republic Nigeria. It adopted Schumacher’s theory on “Small is beautiful (SIB)”, and applied a combination of desktop and participant-observation methods of data collection; and found that the present federal structure of democracy in Nigeria has not engendered dividends of democracy in the areas of peace, good governance and sustainable development. It then recommended a modified presidential system an alternative model of federal government that shall take into cognizance the practice of ‘SIB’ for Nigeria and other African countries.
Keywords: Africa countries, democracy, ethnic nationalities, federal structure, good governance and withering away.