Civil Society, Conflict Resolution, and Democracy in Nigeria

Civil Society, Conflict Resolution, and Democracy in Nigeria
Author: Darren Kew
Publisher: Syracuse University Press
Total Pages: 450
Release: 2016-05-31
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0815653670

African nations have watched the recent civic dramas of the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street asking if they too will see similar civil society actions in their own countries. Nigeria—Africa’s most populous nation—has long enjoyed one of the continent’s most vibrant civil society spheres, which has been instrumental in political change. Initially viewed as contributing to democracy’s development, however, civil society groups have come under increased scrutiny by scholars and policymakers. Do some civil society groups promote democracy more effectively than others? And if so, which ones, and why? By examining the structure, organizational cultures, and methods of more than one hundred Nigerian civil society groups, Kew finds that the groups that best promote democratic development externally are themselves internally democratic. Specifically, the internally democratic civil society groups build more sustainable coalitions to resist authoritarian rule; support and influence political parties more effectively; articulate and promote public interests in a more negotiable fashion; and, most importantly, inculcate democratic norms in their members, which in turn has important democratizing impacts on national political cultures and institutions. Further, internally democratic groups are better able to resolve ethnic differences and ethnic-based tensions than their undemocratically structured peers. This book is a deeply comprehensive account of Nigerian civil society groups in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Kew blends democratic theory with conflict resolution methodologies to argue that the manner in which groups—and states—manage internal conflicts provides an important gauge as to how democratic their political cultures are. The conclusions will allow donors and policymakers to make strategic decisions in their efforts to build a democratic society in Nigeria and other regions.

Problems and Prospects of Sustaining Democracy in Nigeria

Problems and Prospects of Sustaining Democracy in Nigeria
Author: Bamidele A. Ojo
Publisher: Nova Publishers
Total Pages: 262
Release: 2001
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9781560729495

The past few years have been very traumatic ones for many Nigerians. With the exception of those in power or close to the seat of power, the changes of 1998 were a welcome relief given the tyranny and repression that the country had suffered under General Abacha. With many people in prison and more in exile, the death of Abacha was received with a sigh of relief. Many observers have seen the resilience that has come to signify the strength and potential of this once 'giant of Africa', as well as the destruction and the socio-political and economic decay of the past decades. The Nigerian people have endured the exploitation of their rights due to the lack of democratic leadership, and with this in mind, they have been called to attention to fight for their country.

Nigeria

Nigeria
Author: Omano Edigheji
Publisher:
Total Pages: 226
Release: 2020-11-18
Genre:
ISBN: 9789789800803

There is a paradoxical relationship between democracy and development in Nigeria. In the twenty years of electoral democracy, poverty, inequality, unemployment, underemployment and insecurity have increased. The hopes of citizens that democracy would lead to improved living standards have been dashed. Social justice and inclusive sustainable development have also been elusive. The economy has remained dependent on 2 primary sectors - agriculture and oil - and low value added services.The aspiration that by 2020, Nigeria would become one of the twenty leading economies in the world has not been achieved, the political elite have captured the state for personal gains and unsurprisingly, Nigeria remains one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

Understanding Modern Nigeria

Understanding Modern Nigeria
Author: Toyin Falola
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 691
Release: 2021-06-24
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1108837972

An introduction to the politics and society of post-colonial Nigeria, highlighting the key themes of ethnicity, democracy, and development.

Democratic Practice and Governance in Nigeria

Democratic Practice and Governance in Nigeria
Author: Ebenezer Oluwole Oni
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 394
Release: 2020-06-08
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1000094170

This book examines the challenges confronting the practice of democracy and governance in Nigeria. The book examines the theoretical underpinnings and the procedural and institutional components of democratic practice in Nigeria, including the challenges associated with elections, the legislature, the media and gender issues. Approaching the pluralistic characteristics of the Nigerian state and how they impede democratisation through contributions by experts and scholars in the field, the book analyses the issues and nuances inherent to governance and democracy in Nigeria, as well as domestic policy process, global governance and human security. Democratic Practice and Governance in Nigeria will be of interest to students and scholars of African politics and democratisation.

Governance and Politics in Post-Military Nigeria

Governance and Politics in Post-Military Nigeria
Author: S. Adejumobi
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2010-12-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 0230115454

This edited collection is the product of a National Research Working Group (NRWG) established by Said Adejumobi and supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA). It analyzes the progress made in Nigeria since the return to democratic rule in 1999 and the prospects of democratic consolidation in the country.

The Causes of Instability in Nigeria and Implications for the United States

The Causes of Instability in Nigeria and Implications for the United States
Author: Clarence J. Bouchat
Publisher: Army War College Press
Total Pages: 136
Release: 2013
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

The political economy problems of Nigeria, the root cause for ethnic, religious, political and economic strife, can be in part addressed indirectly through focused contributions by the U.S. military, especially if regionally aligned units are more thoroughly employed.

Democratization in Africa

Democratization in Africa
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 94
Release: 1992-02-01
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0309047978

The global movement toward democracy, spurred in part by the ending of the cold war, has created opportunities for democratization not only in Europe and the former Soviet Union, but also in Africa. This book is based on workshops held in Benin, Ethiopia, and Namibia to better understand the dynamics of contemporary democratic movements in Africa. Key issues in the democratization process range from its institutional and political requirements to specific problems such as ethnic conflict, corruption, and role of donors in promoting democracy. By focusing on the opinion and views of African intellectuals, academics, writers, and political activists and observers, the book provides a unique perspective regarding the dynamics and problems of democratization in Africa.