FEDERAL CHARACTER PRINCIPLE AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION IN NIGERIA
Abstract
A major contentious issue in Nigeria’s convoluting federalism currently is the issue of equitable power and resources distribution. Like virtually all other multi-ethnic stats. Nigeria is faced with the problem of ‘equitocracy’. The aforementioned problems have given rise to the study. This study examines the issue of Federal character principle and how it can bring about national integration in Nigeria. This study is anchored on Gabriel Almond’s structural functionalism theory. The theory is based on the notion that each section of the federation which represents a political system has to perform certain functions and should be accorded a fair opportunity to do so. This paper adopted secondary method of data collection. In the course of the research, the paper discovered that Nigeria lacks the federal temperament and spirit required for the successful implementation of federal character principle. Despite the laudable aims and objectives of the principle, it is still unattainable in Nigeria mainly because of the aforementioned reason. In a bid to feel the impact of federal character principle which will enhance National Integration, the paper however recommends a holistic reform of the system to enhance the much desired integration in Nigeria.
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