OBJECTIVE ANSWERS
01-10: ABCDDABABB
11-20: CCDABCDABC
21-30: BADBADDAAB
31-40: DBBDCDACDA
41-50: BACBCAAACD
ESSAY/THEORY ANSWERS
(NUMBER 1)
(i) Historical experience: Nigeria has had negative experiences with one-party systems in the past, leading to political instability and authoritarian rule. This history has pushed the country towards embracing a more democratic system to avoid repeating past mistakes.
(ii) Pressure from civil society: Over the years, civil society organizations in Nigeria have advocated for democratic principles and the importance of multiple political parties to ensure representation and accountability. This pressure has influenced the country’s move away from a one-party system.
(iii) International norms and pressure: Nigeria’s participation in the global community has exposed it to international norms that prioritize democracy and multi-party systems. Pressure from international organizations and other countries has encouraged Nigeria to adopt more democratic forms of government.
(iv) Ethnic and religious diversity: Nigeria’s diverse population includes various ethnic and religious groups with differing interests and perspectives. A one-party system would not adequately represent these diverse groups, leading to tensions and conflicts. Embracing multi-party democracy allows for better representation and accommodation of these differences.
(v) Economic factors: Nigeria’s economic growth and development have been influenced by political stability and good governance. A multi-party system with checks and balances can contribute to a more stable political environment, which in turn fosters economic growth. This economic consideration has been a factor in Nigeria’s move towards democratic governance.
(NUMBER 2)
(i) Liberalism prioritizes personal freedoms and rights, allowing individuals more choice in personal and economic matters, unlike socialism, which often emphasizes collective goals over individual preferences.
(ii) Liberalism supports a market-driven economy, where competition encourages efficiency, innovation, and economic growth. Socialism’s focus on state-controlled resources can sometimes lead to inefficiency.
(iii) Liberalism advocates for minimal government intervention, giving individuals and businesses more autonomy. Socialism, by contrast, typically involves extensive government control over resources and industries.
(iv) Liberalism values private ownership, which can lead to better resource management and incentives for individuals to invest and grow wealth, whereas socialism often restricts private property in favor of communal ownership.
(v) Liberalism encourages a diversity of beliefs, lifestyles, and choices, supporting tolerance and inclusivity. Socialism may prioritize uniformity and collective identity, potentially limiting individual expression.
(NUMBER 3)
[PICK FIVE ONLY]
(i) Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Building and protecting democratic institutions like an independent judiciary, electoral commissions, and a free press would empower citizens by ensuring transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
(ii) Improving Civic Education: Implementing widespread civic education programs would help citizens understand their rights and responsibilities, making them more informed about how to participate meaningfully in the political process.
(iii) Enhancing Electoral Processes: Reforming the electoral system to ensure free, fair, and credible elections would increase citizens’ trust in the process, making them more likely to engage and influence political outcomes.
(iv) Encouraging Political Participation: Creating platforms for citizen engagement, such as town halls, community forums, and social media discussions, would allow citizens to voice their concerns and have a direct influence on decision-making.
(v) Promoting Decentralization: Delegating more power and resources to local governments would allow for more responsive governance and increase citizens’ ability to influence policies at the local level, where their voices are most impactful.
(vi) Accountability and Anti-Corruption Measures: Enforcing strong anti-corruption policies and holding leaders accountable would build public trust, motivating citizens to engage more actively, knowing that their efforts can lead to positive change.
(vii) Protection of Civil Rights and Freedoms: Ensuring freedom of speech, assembly, and association would enable citizens to express dissent and organize around issues, empowering them to demand better governance.
(viii) Supporting Youth and Women’s Involvement: Implementing policies that encourage youth and women to participate in politics would broaden the representation within the system, ensuring a more inclusive and influential citizenry.
(NUMBER 5)
[PICK ANY FIVE]
(i) Increased Efficiency and Profitability:
Private ownership incentivizes profit maximization, leading to improved efficiency in operations and increased returns on investment.
(ii) Reduction of Government Spending:
Privatization reduces the financial burden on the government, freeing up funds for essential public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
(iii) Access to Capital and Expertise:
Private investors often have access to greater capital and expertise, which can accelerate the growth and expansion of former state-owned enterprises.
(iv) Improved Customer Service:
Private companies are driven by the need to satisfy customer demands, leading to improved service quality and responsiveness.
(v) Competition and Innovation:
Privatization introduces competition into markets, encouraging innovation and improved product or service offerings.
(vi) Creation of Job Opportunities:
The growth and expansion of privatized enterprises can create new job opportunities in various sectors of the economy.
(vii) Transparency and Accountability:**
Private companies are generally subject to greater financial transparency and accountability, reducing corruption and enhancing public trust.
(viii) Reduction of Monopoly Power:
Privatization can break up state monopolies, promoting competition and preventing market distortions caused by government intervention.
(NUMBER 6)
(i) Political and Administrative Leadership: Emirs served as the political leaders of their territories, governing and overseeing the administration of their emirates. They made decisions on governance, appointed officials, and ensured the loyalty and coordination of district heads and other local leaders within their jurisdiction.
(ii) Judicial Authority: Emirs functioned as the highest judicial authority in their emirates, administering justice based on Islamic law (Sharia) and customary laws. They presided over major cases and disputes, maintaining law and order and upholding the moral and legal codes within their communities.
(iii) Military Leadership and Defense: Emirs were responsible for the defense and security of their territories. They led military campaigns, organized defense against external threats, and maintained a small army to enforce peace and protect the emirate’s borders.
(iv) Religious Leadership: As spiritual leaders, Emirs promoted Islam, supported religious scholars, and enforced Islamic practices and values within the community. They were often seen as custodians of Islam and organized religious events, such as prayers and festivals, within their emirate.
(v) Economic Oversight and Tax Collection: Emirs played a role in managing economic activities, such as trade and agriculture, within their territories. They collected taxes, including zakat (alms) and jizya (tax on non-Muslims), to fund the administration and welfare of the emirate, which helped sustain social and economic stability.
(NUMBER 7)
(i) Promotion of Federalism and Regional Autonomy: Awolowo was a strong advocate for a federal system of government, which he believed would accommodate Nigeria’s ethnic diversity more effectively than a unitary system. His arguments for federalism influenced the constitutional conferences that led to Nigeria’s federal structure, a model that continues today.
(ii) Economic and Social Development through Education: Awolowo pioneered free primary education in Western Nigeria, making it the first region in Nigeria to introduce universal primary education. This approach increased literacy rates and contributed to a well-educated population that was crucial for Nigeria’s development and self-governance.
(iii) Formation and Leadership of the Action Group: Awolowo founded the Action Group (AG) in 1951, a political party that promoted progressive policies, regional autonomy, and social welfare. The AG became a powerful political force, especially in the Western Region, and set a model for organized, issues-based political engagement.
(iv) Advocacy for Economic Self-Sufficiency: As Premier of the Western Region, Awolowo promoted policies aimed at economic independence, including infrastructure development, industrialization, and the establishment of cooperative societies. His emphasis on financial autonomy for regions provided a framework for economic self-reliance within the federal structure.
(v) Role in Constitutional Negotiations and Debates: Awolowo played a critical role in negotiating the terms of Nigeria’s independence, advocating for minority rights and a fair federal arrangement. His intellectual contributions during constitutional conferences influenced the structure and principles of Nigeria’s governance at independence.
(NUMBER 8)
(i) Enhanced Security: Good relations help Nigeria collaborate with neighbors to address shared security challenges, like terrorism and cross-border crime.
(ii) Economic Growth: Cooperation fosters trade and investment, boosting Nigeria’s economy and creating job opportunities.
(iii) Political Stability: Positive relations promote regional peace, reducing conflicts that could destabilize Nigeria and the region.
(iv) Resource Sharing: Collaboration allows Nigeria to share and access resources like water, energy, and infrastructure, benefiting development.
(v) Cultural Exchange: Friendly ties encourage cultural interactions, tourism, and mutual understanding, strengthening Nigeria’s soft power.
(NUMBER 9)
(i) Establishment of Nigeria as a Republic: Unlike the 1960 Constitution, which retained the British monarch as the head of state, the 1963 Constitution made Nigeria a republic, removing the British monarchy’s role. This was a significant move toward full independence, as it severed the final constitutional link with the United Kingdom.
(ii) Creation of the Office of the President: The 1963 Constitution replaced the British monarch with a Nigerian President as the head of state, a ceremonial role distinct from that of the Prime Minister, who retained executive powers. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria’s first President, symbolizing Nigeria’s newfound sovereignty.
(iii) Greater Judicial Independence: The 1963 Constitution established the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the highest court of appeal, ending the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in Britain as the final court of appeal. This change strengthened Nigeria’s judicial independence and provided for a fully sovereign legal system.
(iv) Changes to Citizenship Provisions: The 1963 Constitution introduced clearer definitions and more robust provisions for citizenship, giving Nigerians a more distinct national identity separate from their colonial past. These changes affected rights and legal recognition within Nigeria’s borders.
(v) Constitutional Amendment Process: The 1963 Constitution allowed for constitutional amendments without requiring approval from the British government, giving Nigeria full control over changes to its laws and governance structures. This enabled more flexibility in adapting the constitution to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
(NUMBER 10)
[PICK ANY FIVE]
(i) Enhancing Political Stability and Unity: ECOWAS should reinforce diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts among member states to maintain political cohesion, aiming to prevent further member withdrawals or internal divisions.
(ii) Strengthening Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation: By enhancing security frameworks and joint military initiatives, ECOWAS can better respond to terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crime, which are destabilizing factors for member nations.
(iii) Promoting Economic Integration and Trade Facilitation: ECOWAS should accelerate the removal of trade barriers, enhance customs procedures, and foster a single economic market to stimulate intra-regional trade and economic growth.
(iv) Improving Infrastructure Development: Investing in cross-border infrastructure projects such as roads, energy networks, and digital connectivity would make regional integration more practical and reduce dependency on external support.
(v) Empowering Institutional Capacity: Strengthening ECOWAS’s institutions, including the secretariat and specialized agencies, can help in better implementation of policies, monitoring compliance, and enhancing governance across member states.
(vi) Developing a Robust Conflict Resolution Mechanism: A more effective, transparent mechanism for addressing conflicts and grievances between and within member states can prevent the escalation of tensions that lead to departures.
(vii) Advancing Economic Diversification and Resilience: By promoting regional value chains and supporting small and medium enterprises, ECOWAS can foster economic resilience among member states, helping them withstand global shocks.
(viii) Enhancing Regional Cooperation on Climate and Sustainability: Joint initiatives on climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy can improve food security, reduce environmental risks, and attract investment, reinforcing the region’s stability and economic health.
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