Wukari International Studies Journal
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THE CONTENDING ISSUES AND REALITIES IN NIGERIAN FEDERALISM
Get PDFThe paper examines the contending issues and realities in Nigerian federalism. The paper adopted the theory of pluralism as its framework of analysis and relied on the secondary sources of data to explicate the contending issues and realities in Nigerian federalism. Before the amalgamation of Southern and Northern Protectorates in 1914, Nigeria had empires, emirates, and kingdoms that interacted diplomatically, economically, politically, socially, and culturally. These entities had unique ways of political and justice administration, conflict mediation, conciliation, and resolution processes. The amalgamation of 1914 brought new forms and patterns of exercising power, which were spelt out and entrenched in the Lugard’s Constitution of 1914. However, not all regions were represented in the Legislative Council, leading to bitter struggles and agitations towards the formation of a new government. The Richard’s Constitution in 1946 provided for regionalism, while the Macpherson’s Constitution of 1951 improved upon by introducing quasi-federalism. The Lyttleton’s Constitution of 1954 introduced federalism in Nigeria, providing greater autonomy to various regions and functional division of powers between the central and regional governments. This was the first genuine federal constitution of the country, and its adoption was externally motivated for administrative convenience of the expatriates. Nigeria’s complex diversity was a major factor that combined with other centrifugal and centripetal forces to produce a federation. The choice of a federal system of government was facilitated by the social, historical, political, and economic differences of the various groups and regions in the country. However, the legacy of colonialism continued to influence the functioning of federalism in the country. The uneven distribution of resources, power and structural imbalances, and ethnic rivalries among others have continued to challenge Nigerian federalism. The paper recommends that Nigeria's fiscal federalism should focus on revenue generation rather than distribution. Future reforms should encourage states to develop fiscal capacity, enabling them to control their own revenue. This will enhance fiscal viability and reduce oil dependency. Also, encouraging a sense of national identity and unity among the diverse ethnic nationalities in Nigeria by emphasizing shared values, history, and common goals that will bridge differences and reduce tensions
A SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF APPELLATIONS IN OHIMINI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE
Get PDFThis study is a sociolinguistic analysis of appellations among the Idoma speaking people of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State. The objectives were to identify the appellations and analysis these appellations using Dell Hymes’s model of SPEAKING. This is a descriptive research and data was elicited through observation, and informal interviews from selected respondents. Also, the intuitive knowledge of the researchers and secondary sources provided additional data. The findings reveal that appellations do exist and are used when greeting among Idoma speakers of Ohimini LGA. These appellations are gender and clan specific, can be traced to the progenitors of a clan and can be used alone or in conjunction with statutory greetings. Furthermore, these appellations help to preserve and promote the culture, pass down history and traditions of the people, convey information about a person’s lineage as well as foster a sense of oneness and brotherhood. This study, therefore, has shed light on an aspect of the culture of the Idoma people of Ohimini LGA and added to the body of written works on the Idoma language
SPORTS BETTING AS A MAJOR GAMING IN THE CONTEMPORARY GAMBLING INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA: EXAMPLE OF WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE
Get PDFSports betting have a long and interesting history in Nigeria, dating back to the pre-colonial era. However, it wasn’t until the 21st century that sports betting became a popular pastime in the country. This paper seeks to examine sports betting as a major gaming in the contemporary gambling industry in Nigeria with a focus on Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. It conceptualizes sports betting and appraises the motives for the increased sports betting in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. It analyzes the level of sports betting and the socio-economic impact of sports betting in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. The study relied on both primary sources like oral interviews, archival materials and secondary sources like books, theses, articles, newspapers, journals, etc. The study observes that two main reason accounts for the prevalence of sports betting in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. They are; the widespread availability of smartphones and the internet and two high rates of unemployment and peer pressure. The study demonstrates that despite controversies on the gains and benefits of sports betting in Nigeria, the great improvement in the number of betting companies operating in Nigeria (in our case, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State) has created more employment. Aside from employing Nigerians in their offices, betting companies create jobs by inviting people to become agents and own physical outlets. The study also found that these outlets have become very prevalent in Nigeria, and have provided a good source of income for their owners. The shop owners also have their own employees, who earn their small share from the sports betting jackpot. The study concludes the controversy of whether sports betting in Nigeria is harmful or harmless to Nigerians remains a matter to be debated
RELIGION AND ETHNICITY AS STRATAGEMS FOR THE TRIUMPH OF MEDIOCRITY IN NIGERIA: RECONNECTING THE DISCONNECT THROUGH FEDERALISM
Get PDFNigeria as a Nation has been experiencing socio-political convulsion on the basis of religion and ethnicity. The independent and post independent Nigeria is not an exception from this hiccup. This paper investigated religion and ethnicity as stratagems for the triumph of mediocrity in Nigeria thus reconnecting the disconnect through federalism. The research has adopted both descriptive and analytical methods of investigation. As a diverse and heterogeneous nation, the Northerners have consistently asserted their dominance and hegemony over others, as if Northerners are birthed with Nigeria political power. In their ethno-religious exhibition, other religions are subservient, and in their own view, the very least believer in their religion is far better than the greatest in other religion(s). The findings revealed that the aftermath of this promotion of religion and ethnicity in the Nigerian politics is the triumph of mediocrity, incompetent, unpopular and irrational candidates. The paper, therefore, recommends federalism as a means for reconnecting the disconnect between religion and ethnicity in Nigeria
ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC INTEREST IN ITS BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES, 2012-2022
Get PDFThis paper investigates Nigeria’s economic interest in its bilateral relations with the United States, 2012-2022. It explores the historical antecedents that have shaped Nigeria’s interest, and post-independence economic policies, which have led to a mono-economy centred around oil exports. The historical and exploratory research method was employed through secondary sources such as textbooks, journals, government publications, conference and seminar lecture materials, and the Internet. While Nigeria has benefited from U.S. investments, market access, and technological transfers, these advantages have often come with significant drawbacks such as reduced policy autonomy and vulnerability to external economic shocks. The research adopted the dependency theory as the theoretical framework for analysis. The findings underscore the need for Nigeria to diversify its economy, strengthen regional trade partnerships, and improve governance to mitigate these challenges. It concludes that although the economic relationship with the U.S. has provided short-term gains, it has compromised Nigeria's long-term national interests, highlighting the importance of pursuing a more balanced and self-reliant economic strategy. The paper recommended that through economic diversification and regional integration, Nigeria can enhance its resilience and align its economic policies more closely with its national interests
AFFORESTATION AS A MECHANISM FOR MITIGATING VIOLENT CONFLICTS BETWEEN FARMERS AND HERDERS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Get PDFIn the quest for sustainable peace against the spate of conflicts between Farmers and Herders in Northern Nigeria, this paper examined the viability of afforestation in taming the protracted violent embroil which has claimed many lives and property across the region. The strategy of using tree planting is borne out of the capacity of trees in providing the desired vegetation for both Famers and Herders and ability to fight climate change with its vulnerabilities such desertification, drought, erosion, erratic rainfall, heat waves etc. which often times trigger the South-Ward migration of herders in desperate search for greener pasture and water points which consciously or unconsciously leads to encroachment of famer lands which subsequently sparks resentment, mistrust and violent conflicts. The study relied on secondary sources of data collection mainly from newspapers, reports, published journals, and text books. The paper adopted Eco-Violence theory as a framework of analysis. Thus, the study discovered that, tree planting can go a long way in addressing our environmental condition by absorbing Greenhouse Gases (GHG) which through emission deplete the ozone layer that over time caused change in climate condition. To this end, the paper suggested greater collaboration of government with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), community heads, religious and traditional institution, inclusion of Climate Change Education in our schools’ curriculums and strengthening our legal frameworks for environmental protection against climate change among other policy recommendations
PREVENTING VIOLENCE CRIMES (KIDNAPPING, ARMED ROBBERY, BRIGANDAGE OR COMMUNITY MASSACRE) WITH DRONES: AN EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO VEHICULAR PATROLS IN NIGERIA
No full textThe family, society and morality, to borrow the most ecological terminology, have become “endangered species”. Studies on parenting have focused on psychological, sociological, gender roles and traditional perspectives. However much has not been said about the dimension of parents as home builders a sine-qua-non for national development from Christian standpoint. Data for this work were collected through oral interview and consultation of scholarly journals and textbooks. In the 21st century, the families off springs are endangered with multiple social vices that range from internet fraud (yahoo yahoo), kidnapping, lesbianism, drug abuse, homosexuality, bestiality, incest, ritual killing and others. Some of these issues if not all are gaily celebrated in most of our churches and shrines as they are being aided in all front. Parents have self-imposed and natural duty to train up their children without treating it as a second class duty, that there is a link between effective parenting, morality and national development. Findings from this work has indicated that responsible citizenry, reduction in crime rate, healthy nation and preservation of cultural values which are germane to national development are products of responsible parenting. Also discovered, are the salient roles of women (responsibility in children upbringing, character study, mirror of the family and caretakers) which are imperative for effective parenting, tutelage and admonition of children in families. The work recommends
UTILIZATION OF UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE SERVICES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN GOMBE STATE UNIVERSITY-NIGERIA
Get PDFThe study examined the utilization of university health care services among undergraduate students in Gombe State University. The study employed accidental sampling technique to administer 601 copies of structured questionnaires to students that visited the university clinic for treatments. The findings of the study revealed that, the university clinic accommodate received more female students compared to male. The study found that most of the university staff are accommodative as showed by the majority respondents. The time given to students in the clinic always clashes with lectures. The study revealed the types of illnesses taken students to university clinic include indigestion/conspiration, cold fever, malaria fever, typhoid fever, headache and general body pain, feminal problems and antenatal services among pregnant women. The study shows that students indicated satisfaction with the treatment received. The study however revealed inadequate personnel, lack of drugs, unfriendly approach of staff, inadequate facilities and delay in administering health care services among the challenges students encounter in utilizing the university health care facilities. The study concluded by recommending the need for upgrading the university health care clinic with sophisticated medical equipment to enable diagnose of diseases mostly taken students to the university clinic. Also, more medical personnel should be employed to help the experienced and old medical staff mostly with increase in the population of students in the university. This research has further contributed to the literature on utilization of university health care services among undergraduate students. There was no any empirical research of this nature in the study area and on this note, the findings of the study differed from other previous related study in the university because it has showcased a new knowledge on perception, type of illnesses taken students to university clinic and level of satisfaction of the treatment received and challenges students encounter in accessing the university health care clinic
SINO-NIGERIA RELATIONS AND GLOBAL OIL POLITICS, 1999-2023: ASYMMETRICAL OR SYMMETRICAL?
Get PDFNigeria's decreasing foreign investment has heightened Europe's and the USA's interest in investing amid this climate of uncertainty. However, China's quest for resources to ensure its energy security has countered this apprehension. China, the world's most populous nation, requires more imported oil to fuel its rapidly growing economy, while Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, needs infrastructure to accelerate its development. This paper examines Sino-Nigerian relations within the context of global politics, focusing on China's primary interest in securing access to Nigeria's natural resources to sustain its expanding economy. Unlike previous studies that predominantly framed Sino-Nigerian relations through a lens of simple economic exchange, this paper delves deeper into the intricacies of political and socio-economic interactions, highlighting how these factors create an interdependent relationship. It scrutinizes the bilateral agreements, investments, and strategic maneuvers that define the asymmetry or symmetry in this relationship, thereby offering a deeper understanding of how both nations negotiate their positions in the broader context of global oil politics. This approach provides a fresh perspective by combining geopolitical and economic analyses, thus moving beyond the traditional narratives and offering a richer exploration of the subject. This paper employs qualitative method using secondary and internet sources. The findings show that, despite China's positive economic reforms and political stability, which have driven its transformation, Nigeria has not experienced similar benefits. Consequently, the paper argues that, as China, an emerging global power with a booming economy, seeks oil, Nigeria should be recognized as needing significant investment and diversification of its resources
KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF MODERN CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG MOTHERS OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN ENUGU STATE; SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA
Get PDFEvidence from various studies shows that there is a high level of knowledge and awareness of contraceptive methods in Nigeria, yet the rate of use remains low. This study explored broadly the level of knowledge and extent of utilization of modern contraceptives among mothers of reproductive age in Enugu State, Southeastern Nigeria. Questionnaires (n=1200), in-depth interviews (n=6), and focus group discussions (n=96) were used to collect data from three local government areas (LGAs). The results showed high levels of knowledge (87.0%). However, only 47.0% used a type of modern contraceptive. The oral contraceptive pill was the highest mentioned (333 mentions) of modern contraceptives. Chi-square values showed that level of education, type of residence, number of living children, and income were significantly related to the use of modern contraceptives and that mothers of reproductive age with higher education (secondary and tertiary) tended to use modern contraceptives more than their counterparts. Urban residents used modern contraceptives more than the ruralites. The number of living children also influenced the use of modern contraceptives, and income also influenced the use of modern contraceptives because the higher the income of a mother of reproductive age in Enugu State, the more likely she may use a modern contraceptive (p< 0.05). Qualitative data indicated that the majority of married mothers of reproductive age who used any other modern contraceptive aside from the male condom often do so without the knowledge or consent of their spouses due to male dominance and some patriarchal values/beliefs. This study highlights the need for males to be actively involved in the reproductive health of females and helps to understand the essence of the use of modern contraceptives; this will invariably increase the utilization of modern contraceptives among mothers of reproductive age in Enugu State, Southeastern Nigeria. Finally, this study is different from various related studies because it revealed that male dominance is a major cultural factor that impedes the usage of modern contraceptives, unlike other studies that may focus on the fear of side effects