Nigeria…A case for Dependency Theory? Poor nations provide market access to wealthy nations (e.g., by allowing their people to buy manufactured goods and obsolete or used goods from wealthy nations), permitting the wealthy nations to enjoy a higher standard of living. Wealthy nations actively perpetuate a state of dependence by various means. This influence may be multifaceted, involving economics, media control, politics, banking and finance, education, culture, sport, and all aspects of human resource development (including recruitment and training of workers). Wealthy nations actively counter attempts by dependent nations to resist their influences by means of economic sanctions and/or the use of military force.

Nigeria Africa’s most populous state (140 mil) Say what??? Nigeria Africa’s most populous state (140 mil) Strong democracy movements with a susceptibility to totalitarian military rule Vast resources , but 60% live in poverty Microcosm of religious tensions Lacks coherent national identity.

Sources of Public Authority and Political Power Disagreement on the basics of who should rule and how (known as the “national question”) and of how the county should be governed or even if it should remain as one nation Constitutionalism-(acceptance of a constitution as a guiding set of principals) with 8 different heavily amended constitutions, con.- has eluded Nigeria

Sharia-source of legitimacy in the North, but rest of the country??? Legitimacy…Nigeria impulses towards fragmentation along ethnic, regional, and religious lines Belief in the rule of law, but since independence in 1960 leaders have used military to do whatever Sharia-source of legitimacy in the North, but rest of the country??? Elections- wide spread vote rigging, intimidation, fraud, and violence Bottom line-legitimacy of rulers challenged. President Buhari 2015 Ruled in the past, military coup. Faces bad economy and Boko Haram

Political Traditions Precolonial era- Early influence of Islam in the north- religious law emphasizing authority by the elite Kinship based politics Colonial Era Authoritarian rule-British ruled indirectly by leavin chiefs and other natives in charge (not responsible to Nigerian people) Christianity- North already Muslim, south and west Christian Intensification of ethnic politics- most schools are in south, independence leaders played on ethnic identities

Political traditions continued 1960 onwards Intensification of ethnic conflict Military rule to restore order (Biafra Civil War) Personalized rule/corruption Federalism and devolution-attempts to mollify ethnic tensions Economic dependence on oil

Politcal Culture Prebendalism (patron-client relationships like in China and Mexico) Patron (political leader build loyalty among his clients (lesser elites) by granting them favors that are denied others. ie-in exchange for their support a pres may grant to his clients a potion of oil revenues State Control/rich civil society(sectors of a county that lie outside gov control). Govt tries to control all first under British rule, then under military rule Always have formal and informal religious groups, labor groups, and NGO Tension between modernity and tradition British modern but independence movement appealed to tradition. Ethnic conflict and corrupt rule make modernity difficult

Political Culture cont Religious conflict: Islam (50%) and Christianity(40%) have intensified ethnic conflict and fed political issues. ie- Muslims support Sharia law, ongoing debate about its role has sparked religious conflict Geographic influences- Ethnic groups typically may be divided into 6 geographic zones

The British Colonial Experience has left a lasting legacy. Combined geographically divergent areas Sahel of the North, Wetlands of the South Fragmentation/irredentism (annexation of territories administered by another state on the grounds of common ethnicity or prior historical possession) 250 ethnic and linguistic groups North : Hausa-Fulani Muslim Southwest: Yoruba Protestant Southeast: Igbo (Ibo) Catholic Middlebelt: minorities traditional groups Indirect rule promoted ethnic, cultural and religious differences

Ethnic identity vs. civic identity Legacy continued Altered and destroyed the traditional culture without building a new culture. (caught between) Ethnic identity vs. civic identity From trans Saharan trade (horses) to Ocean trade/slave (“gun” society) From subsistence agriculture to cash crops (exploitation???) Left an insufficient political order Fragmented, loose federation with parliamentary system, a republican democratic system with poor understanding.

Over 40 Years later it still lack continuity There is a lack of constitutional legitimacy (continually changing) 1st republic Parliamentary model 2nd republic presidential model 4th republic Semi-presidential model Military regimes have rule the majority of the time Originally to restore order and viability Has led to a fragmented, competitive, and corrupt military. It has become part of the problem.

Constant struggle between federal and state control Devolution movement to accommodate ethnic demands Military rule and oil dependence has pro moted centralism                              

Greed and corruption predominate in all aspects of governance Ethnic loyalty clientalism, (Prebendalism)---getting a government position to benefit you and your own Military

Lessons for the future world Ethnic nationalism Decay of infrastructure Loss of middle class Economic stagnation and decline Blight of urbanization and informal economy

Nigeria is Very Important in Africa Leader in the region Model for the region Military leader in the region. As Nigeria goes, so goes Africa

Nigeria-background Independence in 1960 Military dominant player Military coup in 66 Civil War 67-70 Military dominant player Military dictatorships/limited democracy Obasanjo-former military ruler turned politician. Served 2 terms. Yar’Adua- elected in 2007 first time that political power has been transferred from one civilian govt. to another (post-independence) Goodluck Jonathan assumes office 2010 when Jar’Adua dies in office. Igbo (Christian)

Political Structure Strong executive presidency, appoints a Federal Executive Council Federal Executive Council – made up of government ministers and ministers of state. Executive accountable to bicameral National Assembly 30+ political parties-most have no clear ideology                             

Policy Issues Economic Reform Goal to boost non oil sectors Improve macroeconomic stability Tackling corruption Renegotiate OPEC quota Maintain good relations with Western Powers Promote Nigeria as a regional power