Highlight five features of the hausa/Fulani pre-colonial political system in Nigeria

Answer Details

Five features of the Hausa/Fulani pre-colonial political system

1. Highly centralised system: Power was concentrated in an emirate structure headed by the Emir, unlike the more diffused Igbo system.
2. The Emir as head: The Emir was the political, administrative and spiritual head of the emirate. He was appointed by kingmakers from the ruling dynasty and enjoyed near-absolute authority.
3. Theocratic government based on Islam: The system was founded on Islamic religion and Sharia law; the Quran guided administration and justice, and the Emir was seen as protector of the faith.
4. A well-organised bureaucracy of titled officials: The Emir ruled with the help of appointed officials such as the Waziri (prime minister/adviser), Galadima (administrator), Madawaki (head of the army), Sarkin Dan Doka (police), Maaji (treasurer) and Alkali (judges).
5. An organised tax/revenue system: Taxes such as Zakat, Jangali (cattle tax), Kharaj and Jizya were collected to run the administration.
6. A judicial system based on Sharia: Justice was administered by Alkali courts applying Islamic law, with the Emir as the final court of appeal.