Federalism, Nigerian Federal Constitution and the Practice of Federalism: An Appraisal
- 1 Faculty of Law, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Abstract
In 1954, the Nigerian founding fathers opted for a federal system of government despite its inherent challenges in a pluralistic society. This research work x-rayed federalism in Nigeria as the only basis upon which Nigeria can remain united despite its diversity and peculiar conditions in which the different tribal groups live in and proffers solutions to the challenges of the practice of federalism in Nigeria. The greatest problem of federalism in Nigeria today is the general problems of the true nature of the federal relationship as manifested in the intense rivalry and confrontation between the Federal and State Governments. This work recommends that the calls for the restructuring of federalism in Nigeria under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) should be implemented and federalism demands of them co-operation with one another in order to promote the welfare of the people through their combined powers.
- Alameyeseigha, D. (2005). Oil Exploration and Youth Restiveness, the Example of Balyelsa State. Tell Magazine No. 16 April 18.
- Amah, E .I. (2016a). A Critical Appraisal of the Federal Features of the Nigerian Constitution. Ebonyi State University Law Journal, 7.
- Amah, E. I. (2011). A Critical Analysis of the Federal and States Taxing Powers in Nigeria. Journal of Commercial and Contemporary Law, 1.
- Amah, E. I. (2013). Nigerian Federalism and the Issue of Resource Ownership and Management: An Appraisal. Confluence Journal of Jurisprudence on International Law, 6, No. 2.
- Amah, E. I. (2016b). Federalism, Democracy and Constitutionalism: The Nigerian Experience. Journal of Law, Policy and Globalization, 53.
- Amah, E. I. (2017). Nigeria: The Search for Autochthonous Constitution. Beijing Law Review, 8, 141-158. https://doi.org/10.4236/blr.2017.81008
- Amuwo, K. et al. (1998). Federalism and Political Restructuring in Nigeria. Ibadan: Spectrum Books Limited.
- Anam-Ndu, E. A. (2007). Fiscal Federalism, Resource Control and Violence in the Niger Delta. Being Text of Paper Presented at Center for Minority and Development Studies, Uyo, at the National Association of Seadog’s Town Hall Meeting Held at Eden Hotel, Eket on Saturday May 5.
- Anthony, E. O. et al. (2004). Federalism and National Integration in Nigeria. Onitsha: Bookpoint Ltd.
- Ayua, I. A. et al. (2001). Nigeria: Issues in the 1999 Constitution. Lagos: Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
- Darah, G. G. (2003). The Niger Delta Manifesto. Paper Presented for the Delta Peoples Academy Abraka Delta State, at the 3rd All Nigeria Socialist Conference, Benin City, February 20-22.
- Dudley, B. (1973). Instability and Political Order: Political Crises in Nigeria. Ibadan: Ibadan University Press.
- Dudley, B. J. (1975). Skepticism and Political Virtue. Inaugural Lecture, University of Ibadan.
- Ekeh, P. P. et al. (1989). Federal Character and Federalism in Nigeria. Ibadan: Heinemania Books Nigeria Ltd.
- Elaigwu, J. I., Longams, P. C., & Galadima, H. S. (2008). Federalism and Nation Building. National Council of Inter.
- Elazar, D. J. (1994). Federal System of the World (p. 3). A Hand Book of Federal, Confederal and Autonomy Arrangements. Harlow: Longman. http://www.jcpa.org/dje/books/fedsysworld-intro.htm