(a) Explain any three pillars of democracy from the list below: (i) independent judiciary (ii) the military (iii) political parties (iv) civil society organ...

Answer Details

(a) Three pillars of democracy from the list:

1. Independent judiciary: A judiciary that is independent from political influence is an important component of a democratic system. This means that the judiciary must be free from interference by the executive or legislative branches of government and must be able to make decisions based on the law and the constitution.
2. Political parties: Political parties are a cornerstone of democratic systems. They provide a way for citizens to organize around different ideas and ideologies, and to compete for political power through elections.
3. Civil society organizations: Civil society organizations, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), are important in a democratic system because they provide a space for citizens to come together and advocate for their interests and rights. They can also serve as a check on the power of the state and help to hold elected officials accountable.

(b) Three reasons for fierce competition for political power in Nigeria:

1. High population and diversity: Nigeria has a large and diverse population, which makes it difficult for any one political party to gain a significant advantage. This results in intense competition among political parties for the support of voters.
2. Resources: Nigeria is rich in natural resources such as oil and gas, which makes political power particularly attractive. Political officeholders have access to these resources and the power to allocate them, which creates a strong incentive for politicians to compete for political power.
3. Corruption: Corruption is a significant issue in Nigeria and has contributed to the perception that political office is a means to personal gain. This has increased the level of competition among politicians for political power, as they see it as an opportunity to enrich themselves.