Implications of Federal Misshapes in Nigeria

Abstract

The evolution of federalism in Nigeria has repeatedly been attributed to the availability of federal conditions. Within this think-tank is the perspective that prerequisites such as socio-cultural diversity and contiguity, the presence of natural resources both human and material, the essence of protecting minority interests, and the population of the country, constitute major impetus for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria. The eventual practice of federal system in Nigeria by a feudo-capitalist social formation presents a picture that is at cross-purposes with true federalism seen as a panacea for Nigeria.
Thus, the paper examines the operation of federalism in Nigeria against the widely accepted K.C. Wheare's indices of measuring true federalism, balance of power, and the trajectories of stability. It became lucid from the analysis that the prevailing federal practice in Nigeria is incompatible with the diverse nature of the country due to the influence of ethno-maniac factor. There were clear indications to prove that the sub-optional federal model in Nigeria is rooted in conceptual misunderstanding. This resulted in the blatant derogation of local autonomy and self realization of states, just as state rights on territorial immutability were abused by the federal government.
The paper observes that, calls for disintegration are gaining grounds, while voices of pacification are dwindling. The paper finally articulates the thinking that an urgent national conference is imminent for a conscious choice of a federal system that would address the problems of the contemporary federal elusiveness.