Titulo

arrangement is a clear violation of one of the core principles of federalism, that of relative equality of component units in a federation. The arrangement is also a fulfillment of Mill’s law of federal instability (cited by Oyedele, 1999) which

“states that no federation can be stable when one part of it constitutes a permanent majority in joint deliberations” (p. 60). Nigerian federalism has thus not been able to adequately promote national integration and development as the country continues to face various protestations and agitations by groups against the current federal structure.

and within sub-units as well as among and with their constituent units. For instance, by monitoring legislation, enforcing or finding agreements, human rights, immunity, from interference of development starting with the family.

Each larger unit is responsible for facilitating the floor of sub-unit and securing common authority. It caters for religious differences, as in Nigeria it allows for fair distribution of power on a territorial bases by adequate constitutional provision. The system makes administration easy because it operates in a very larger area and also for population which could been very difficult to govern.

The federal system is suitable for a country with significant sectional differences.

Local Representation-Federalism offers representation to different populations. Indigenes of various states may have different aspirations, ethnicity and follow different cultures. The federal government can sometimes overlook these differences and adopt policies which cater to the majority. This is where the state government steps in. While formulating policies, local needs, tastes and opinions are given due consideration by the state governments.

Rights of the minorities are protected too.

Localised Governance-Every state has political, social and economic problems peculiar to the region itself, state and local government

representatives live in proximity to the people and are most of the time from the same community, so that they are in a better position to understand their problems and offer unique solutions for them.

Scope for Innovation and Experimentation-Federalism has room for innovation and experimentation. Two local governments can have two different approaches to bring reforms in any area of public domain, be it taxation or education. The comparison of the results of these policies can give a clear idea of which policy is better and thus, can be adopted in the future.

Optimum Utilization of Resources-Division of work between the federal and state governments leads to optimum utilization of resources. The federal government can concentrate more on international and national affairs and defense of the country, while the state government can cater for the local needs of the masses.

3.3.2 The Demerits of Federalism in Nigeria

Federalism no doubt has many positives vis-à-vis communism or imperialism but still, some political scientists often raise questions about its advantages.

Uneven Distribution of Wealth-It promotes regional inequalities, natural resources, industries, employment opportunities differ from state to state,

hence, earnings and wealth are unevenly distributed. Rich states offer more opportunities and benefits to its citizens than poor states.

Promotes Regionalism- It can make state governments selfish and concerned only about their own states progress. They can formulate policies which might be detrimental to other states or indigenes of other states. For instance, the forceful repatriation of Anambra State indigenes by the Lagos state government and the retrenchment of non-indigene workers in Abia State by Abia state government.

Can lead to Corruption-Federal system of government is very expensive as more people are elected into office, both at the state and federal, than necessary. Thus, it is often said that only rich countries can afford it. Too many elected representatives with overlapping roles may also lead to corruption.

Pitches state against each other-Federalism can lead to unnecessary competition between different states. There can be a rebellion by a state government against the federal government too. Both scenarios can pose a threat to the country’s integrity.

Framing of Incorrect Policies- Federalism does not eliminate poverty. Even in Abuja, there are poor neighbourhoods and slums. The reason for this may be that intellectuals and not the masses are invited by the government during

policy framing. These intellectuals may not understand the local needs of the masses properly and thus, policies might not yield good results.

It can lead to duplication of unnecessary governmental policies and inefficient over-lapping or contradictory policies in different parts of the country. A good example of this is the introduction of Sharia law by some Northern State Governors.

It is slow in responding to crises. This is because so many people are involved in the decision making process. For instance, the delay in the rescue of the kidnapped Chibok School girls by the Boko Haram Sect.

Federal system retards the loyalty to the Nation state, since indigenes of different states pay more loyalty to their home states. There is also conflict of interest and power between the federal government and the state government themselves. This is because the government in the federal system are independent and co-ordinate, none of the other units interferes with the cases of the other thereby making the case difficult to resolve.