JAMB UTME - Government - 2024

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Under the Hausa/Fulani pre-colonial administration, the **commander of the army** was known as the Madawaki. The Hausa/Fulani societies in pre-colonial times had an organized political structure in which roles and titles were clearly defined. The Madawaki was charged with the responsibility of leading the army, planning military strategies, and ensuring the security and defense of the state.

In contrast, other titles like Waziri, Galadima, and Maaji were associated with different administrative or advisory roles. The Waziri acted as the chief adviser or prime minister to the ruler, the Galadima was responsible for the administration of a particular province or area, while the Maaji handled financial matters and the treasury. Each of these roles was crucial to the functioning of the state, but the primary responsibility for military leadership rested with the Madawaki.

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The **Commonwealth of Nations**, often simply known as the **Commonwealth**, is a political association of 56 member states, most of which are former territories of the British Empire. It is indeed essential to recognize its main organs.

The **Commonwealth Secretariat** is a principal **organ**. It is responsible for the administrative work of the Commonwealth, serving member governments, and acting as a central agency of cooperation for policy development and consensus-building among countries.

The **Assembly of Heads of State and Government** does not exist within the Commonwealth framework as an independent organ. Instead, these leaders meet at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which is a summit for current government leaders to discuss pertinent global and Commonwealth issues.

The **Conference of Prime Ministers** is not a permanent organ of the Commonwealth, but it refers historically to meetings of the heads of government, which is similar to CHOGM today.

The **Fund for Technical Cooperation** is an integral financial resource managed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, not an organ in itself. It supports member countries in achieving economic development through technical assistance.

In conclusion, the **Assembly of Heads of State and Government**, as stated, is not an independent **organ** of the Commonwealth of Nations.

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Lack of separation of power is primarily a feature of a military government.

In a typical democratic framework, like a presidential system or a cabinet system, power is usually divided among different branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary. This division is known as the separation of powers. It ensures that no single entity has absolute control, and it balances the powers among various branches of government.

On the other hand, a military government usually centralizes power within a single authority or group, often led by military leaders. In such systems, the military might control the executive power and possibly influence or directly control legislative and judicial functions. This centralized control eliminates the typical checks and balances provided by a separation of powers, leading to a system where one group or leader may wield broad, unchecked authority.

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The major objective of **price stability in the international oil market** is primarily associated with the **Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)**.

OPEC is an organization consisting of oil-producing countries, and its primary aim is to **coordinate and unify the petroleum policies** of its member countries. This coordination ensures that the oil market is stable, prices are reasonable, and there is a consistent supply of oil to consumers.

OPEC achieves this by determining the **production levels** of its member countries. By doing so, it can either increase or decrease oil production to influence oil prices. For instance, if there is too much oil in the market, leading to falling prices, OPEC may choose to lower production to stabilize or increase prices.

This function is not a direct objective of organizations such as the **United Nations (UN)**, which focuses on maintaining international peace and security, or the **World Trade Organization (WTO)**, which addresses trade rules between countries. Similarly, the **African Union (AU)** concentrates on regional integration and development within Africa.

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A major instrument designed to promote the workings of Nigerian federalism is the Federal Character Commission.

The Federal Character Commission (FCC) is tasked with ensuring that there is equal representation and diversity across all sectors of the Nigerian government, which is crucial for maintaining balance in a federal system like Nigeria's. Nigeria is a multicultural and multi-ethnic nation, and federalism here demands that every ethnic group feels represented and included in government affairs.

The FCC works to ensure that appointments and the distribution of resources reflect the geographic diversity of the country. It aims to eliminate any form of dominance by a particular region or group over others, thus promoting fairness and inclusivity. This is key to fostering national unity and stability, as it helps to prevent regional and ethnic tensions by giving all groups a sense of participation in the federation.

By focusing on equitable inclusion, the Federal Character Commission plays a vital role in enhancing social cohesion, which is essential for the effective functioning of Nigerian federalism.

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The famous Italian Fascist leader was Benito Mussolini.

Benito Mussolini was an influential figure in early 20th-century Europe and the founder of Italian Fascism. He was born on July 29, 1883, in Predappio, Italy, and became the Prime Minister of Italy in 1922. Mussolini’s governance was characterized by the establishment of a dictatorship, as he dismantled democratic institutions and promoted a totalitarian state. Under Fascism, Mussolini sought to create a centralized autocratic government, where the nation-state and its values were held above individual rights.

Mussolini aligned with Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany before and during World War II, which ultimately led to Italy's involvement in the war. His reign ended in 1943, and he was eventually captured and executed by Italian partisans in 1945. Benito Mussolini remains a significant figure in history for his role in the development and spread of Fascist ideologies.

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One of the primary functions of a political party is the organisation of elections. Political parties are crucial in the democratic process, as they **help to organize and manage election campaigns** to ensure that their candidates have the best opportunity to be elected. This involves several steps, including candidate selection, organizing rallies, preparing campaign materials, and mobilizing voters to participate in the election. By effectively organizing elections, political parties can present their policies and candidates to the electorate, which allows citizens to make informed decisions about who they want to represent them in government. This process is essential for the functioning of democratic systems as it provides a structured way for citizens to engage politically and express their preferences.

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The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) played a significant role in advocating for the rights and interests of Nigerians during the colonial period. They pursued their objectives through a mix of **protest**, **newspapers**, and **strike actions**. Here’s a simple explanation:

• Protest: The NYM organized and engaged in peaceful protests to voice their grievances against colonial policies. These protests were aimed at drawing attention to unjust practices and demanding reforms in governance and civil rights.


• Newspapers: The movement made effective use of newspapers to spread their ideas and rally support. Through editorials, articles, and opinion pieces, they communicated their messages and informed the public about the need for change, thereby reaching a wider audience beyond their immediate members.


• Strike Actions: The NYM also engaged in or supported strike actions, which were powerful tools to disrupt colonial economic activities and demand better working conditions and policies. Strikes were a way to exert pressure on the authorities to address their concerns.

The combination of these strategies helped the Nigerian Youth Movement to effectively pursue their objectives and lay the groundwork for future political activism in Nigeria. They demonstrated the power of organized advocacy in challenging unjust systems.

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The **Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)** was established on 28 May 1975. This establishment happened when a treaty was signed in Lagos, Nigeria, by the Heads of State and Government of 15 West African countries. The primary goal of ECOWAS is to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states, which includes the free movement of goods, capital, and people, as well as the harmonization of policies and development of a unified economic space in the West African region.

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The term "bipolar world" is often associated with the period during the Cold War, where the world was primarily divided into two major power blocs: the United States and its allies, representing the capitalist Western bloc, and the Soviet Union along with its allies, representing the communist Eastern bloc. This division created a tension-filled global environment where countries felt pressured to align with one of these superpowers.

The formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was significantly influenced by this bipolar world order. NAM emerged during the Cold War as countries, primarily from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, sought to maintain their independence and resist becoming pawns in the geopolitical power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. These countries desired to avoid being directly involved in the conflict between these two superpowers and instead focus on their own sovereignty, economic development, and social progress.

The philosophy of non-alignment promoted political and economic cooperation, peace, and mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. It provided a platform that allowed member countries to stand united on certain issues without being categorized as belonging to either the Western or Eastern bloc. Thus, the bipolar dynamics of the global order encouraged these countries to form a movement where they could pursue a path free from the direct influence of the two superpowers.

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The rule of law is a fundamental concept in legal and political theory that ensures that all individuals and entities are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced. Among the features listed, a basic feature of the rule of law is the concept of Equality before the law.

Equality before the law means that every person, regardless of status, wealth, ethnicity, or power, is subject to the same laws and entitled to the same legal protections. This feature ensures that the laws are applied uniformly, providing a foundation for fairness and justice in society. It contrasts with practices or systems where certain individuals or groups may be above the law or treated differently based on arbitrary distinctions.

In comparison, the other features mentioned, such as secret trials of offenders, unlimited power of the executive, and a dependent judiciary, do not align with the principles of the rule of law. Secret trials undermine transparency and accountability, unlimited power of the executive leads to tyranny, and a dependent judiciary erodes justice by compromising independence and impartiality.

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Lawyers recruited into the civil service belong to the professional class.

The reason for this is quite straightforward. In any organization, whether in the civil service or elsewhere, the term "professional class" often refers to positions that require specialized knowledge and qualifications. Lawyers are individuals who have undergone extensive education and training in the field of law, resulting in a professional degree (such as a Juris Doctor) and often the passing of a bar examination to practice law.

Within the civil service, professions like medicine, accountancy, and law fall under the "professional class" because these roles depend on a specific set of skills and deep knowledge in a regulated field. Lawyers contribute their expertise in legal matters such as policy formulation, compliance, and legislative processes.

In contrast, the other classes you mentioned serve different roles within the civil service:

• The administrative class typically involves positions that deal with the management and administration of public policy and government operations.
• The executive class may refer to senior-level officials who are responsible for leading departments and making significant decisions.
• The clerical class usually consists of positions that involve routine office tasks, record-keeping, and support duties.

Given the requirement for specialized legal expertise, lawyers are most suitably classified under the professional class in the civil service.

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To answer the question about which constitution first introduced a presidential system, it is important to understand that a presidential system is a form of government where the president is the head of state as well as the head of government, and there is a distinct separation between the executive and legislative branches.

The constitution that introduced the presidential system for the first time in Nigeria was the 1979 Constitution. This constitution marked a significant departure from the previously used parliamentary system, adopting a system more similar to that of the United States. In the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria, the president was given executive powers, separating this role from the legislature, which was a distinct shift in governance structure. This move aimed to enhance checks and balances, and prevent the concentration of power in a single branch of government.

In conclusion, the 1979 Constitution was pivotal in introducing the presidential system to Nigeria.

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The fundamental objective guiding a nation's foreign policy is primarily its own national interest. Understanding a nation’s foreign policy involves comprehending the actions and decisions made by a country in its relations with other countries. Let's break this down in a simple way:

National Interest: This refers to the goals or ambitions of a nation. Each nation prioritizes its own security, economic well-being, and cultural values above all else. The foreign policy is crafted to promote the stability, prosperity, and welfare of its citizens. For instance, they might form alliances for security, engage in trade deals to boost their economy, or participate in international agreements that benefit their environment or public health.

Other interests like foreign interest, African interest, or colonial interest, while they may play a role in particular contexts or historical periods, are secondary concerns. Foreign interest might involve strategic diplomacy with other nations for mutual benefits, African interest may relate to regional partnerships or alliances within the continent for advanced cooperation, and colonial interest might pertain to historical ties or responsibilities resulting from a colonial past.

In conclusion, while a nation may consider external factors, the driving force of its foreign policy remains the national interest, which is principally focused on ensuring the best outcomes for its own country and people.

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Delegated legislation refers to laws or regulations that are created by an individual or body under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament. It is an essential part of the legislative process as it allows for laws to be made without having to pass a new Act through Parliament.

There are several ways in which delegated legislation can be regulated effectively:

1. Ministerial Control: This involves the supervision and management of delegated legislation by the ministers who have been given the authority to create these laws. Ministers often have the power to approve, amend, or annul delegated legislation, ensuring that it aligns with the broader legislative intentions of the government.

2. Legislative Control: Parliament retains some degree of control over delegated legislation through various mechanisms. For example, delegated legislation may be subject to an affirmative resolution, requiring explicit approval by Parliament. Alternatively, there might be a negative resolution procedure, where the legislation automatically becomes law unless Parliament explicitly rejects it within a certain timeframe.

3. Executive Control: This refers to the oversight exercised by the executive branch, which includes government departments and agencies. They ensure that delegated legislation is consistent with existing policies and does not overstep the boundaries set by the parent Act. The executive may also conduct reviews and update the delegated legislation as necessary.

4. Judicial Control: The judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring that delegated legislation is within the limits of the authority granted by the enabling Act. Courts can conduct judicial reviews to determine whether delegated legislation is valid. If a court finds that the legislation goes beyond the powers given or is unreasonable or oppressive, it can declare it invalid.

In conclusion, the regulation of delegated legislation is ensured through the combined efforts of ministerial, legislative, executive, and judicial controls, each serving as checks and balances to maintain proper legal and administrative order.

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Pressure groups are different from political parties in the sense that while political parties analyse and contest elections and aggregate interests (i.e. bring together people who have differing interests together), pressure groups articulate the interest of people how share a common goal. 

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Shehu Shagari won the 1979 Presidential Election under the political party known as the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). This was a significant event in Nigerian history as it marked the transition from military rule to a civilian government. The NPN was known for its appeal across various regions of Nigeria and promoted a message of national unity. It was a dominant political force during the Second Republic of Nigeria, which began in 1979 after the military handed over power to the civilian government. The election of Shehu Shagari as President reflected the support and influence the NPN had at that time.

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The adoption of a federal system of government in Nigeria is primarily motivated by the need to promote autonomy of states and promote unity in diversity.

Promote the Autonomy of States:
Nigeria is a country with various ethnic groups and cultures. The federal system allows each state, which may represent a particular ethnic or cultural group, to have some degree of self-governance. This means that states can make decisions best suited to their local circumstances, as they have control over certain areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. By fostering autonomy, the federal system helps prevent dominance by a single ethnic group and allows for more nuanced governance that can address the specific needs and aspirations of different regions.

Promote Unity in Diversity:
Nigerian society is highly diverse, with over 250 ethnic groups. A federal system accommodates this diversity by ensuring that different groups have representation and participation in governance. This system helps in managing diversity by allowing various ethnic groups to coexist peacefully under a central government while maintaining their unique identities and rights. It encourages cooperation and collaboration amongst the states, which contributes to national unity. By integrating diverse groups into a single political framework, the federal system helps to strengthen national identity and cohesion, thus promoting unity.

Ultimately, the federal system in Nigeria seeks to balance the need for a strong central government while respecting the cultural and ethnic diversity that characterizes its population. This balance helps maintain peace, stability, and development across the nation.

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An economic system that encourages state ownership and control of the means of production is socialism. In socialism, the government takes charge of operating and managing industries, businesses, and resources. The core idea is to distribute wealth and resources more equally among all members of society. The belief is that by having the state own and manage the means of production, rather than private individuals or corporations, resources can be used for the common good and help reduce economic inequality. While both socialism and communism involve government control, socialism is generally less extreme and allows for some level of private ownership and individual economic choice.

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One of the internal factors that contributed significantly to the rise and growth of nationalism in Nigeria was the return of ex-service men after World War II. These men had served alongside soldiers from other nations, gaining exposure to international ideas and practices. Here is a simple explanation:

• During World War II, many Nigerians served in the British military forces. This gave them the opportunity to travel overseas, interact with people from different countries, and witness a broader perspective on governance and rights.
• Upon returning home, these ex-servicemen were often faced with a lack of opportunities and poor economic conditions, despite their sacrifices during the war.
• This dissatisfaction led them to become more vocal and proactive in demanding better rights, conditions, and ultimately, self-governance for Nigerians. They played a crucial role in political mobilization and organization.
• Their experiences and discontent became a shared sentiment among many educated Nigerians, paving the way for a united nationalist movement aimed at ending colonial rule.

In summary, the return of ex-service men was a catalyst in fostering a stronger sense of national identity and solidarity among Nigerians, fueling the desire for independence and self-governance.

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In a representative government, the electoral process is fundamentally about ensuring that citizens have a clear path to select their representatives. This includes conducting free and fair elections where all eligible voters can participate without undue influence or barriers. An independent electoral commission is also essential as it ensures that the process is managed fairly, transparently, and impartially.

Additionally, a free press plays a pivotal role in keeping the electorate informed. It allows for the dissemination of information and offers a platform for public discussion, ensuring voters understand the choices available to them.

However, registration of birth is not a direct part of the electoral process. While birth registration is important for documenting an individual's existence and identity, it is not a step in the process of organizing or conducting elections. It is more of a civil registration system that helps in establishing the identity for various purposes, which can indirectly relate to voter identification, but it is not an electoral activity in itself.

Thus, registration of birth is the element that does not directly belong to the electoral process in a representative government.

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of countries located in West Africa. This organization was established to foster economic integration and collective self-sufficiency among its member states.

The ECOWAS Secretariat is essentially the administrative headquarters of the organization, where its day-to-day operations are managed, and where meetings and decision-making processes often occur. The location of this Secretariat plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and coordination among member states.

The ECOWAS Secretariat is located in Abuja, Nigeria. Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria, and it serves as an important political center in West Africa. Having the Secretariat in Abuja positions ECOWAS strategically in the region, considering Nigeria's significant influence and central location in West Africa. This choice also reflects the goal of the organization to ensure close coordination and collaboration among its member states.

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The term you are looking for is a federal system. In a federal system, a group of states, regions, or provinces come together to form a union under a common, central government that has authority over the entire nation. However, each state maintains its own government and has certain powers that are not overridden by the central authority. This system allows for a balance of power between the central government and the individual states. Examples of countries with a federal system include the United States, Canada, and Germany.

In contrast, a unitary system is one where a single central government holds most of the power, and any administrative divisions benefit from devolved powers that can be revoked by the central authority.

A representative system is a form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, but it does not inherently describe the relationship between a central authority and regions or states.

A confederal system is a loose alliance of independent states where the central authority has limited power, and the individual states retain the majority of governmental power. It is essentially the opposite of a unitary system.

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The principle of civil service that guarantees the employment of public workers is permanence.

Permanence refers to the idea that civil servants have stable and long-term employment. Once they are appointed to a civil service position, they usually remain in that position or within the civil service system for most of their working life, provided they perform satisfactorily and comply with the rules and regulations of public service. This stability means they are not subject to frequent job changes, political transitions, or arbitrary dismissals.

The concept of permanence helps maintain a professional and efficient bureaucracy. Civil servants can focus on implementing policies and serving the public rather than worrying about job security. It also helps to ensure that the institution retains skilled and experienced personnel over time.

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A naturalized citizen is someone who has obtained citizenship by fulfilling the legal criteria set by a country. However, even after becoming a citizen, certain serious offenses can lead to the revocation of one's citizenship.

The offense that can lead to the loss of citizenship for a naturalized citizen is treason. Treason is defined as the act of betraying one's own country by attempting to overthrow the government or harming the nation's sovereignty.

This is because treason signifies a fundamental betrayal of the nation's trust and security. Countries take this offense very seriously, as it poses a direct threat to national security and the well-being of its citizens.

On the other hand, offenses such as evading taxes, electoral violence, or loitering, although potentially serious, do not typically result in the loss of citizenship. These crimes are usually addressed through other legal penalties like fines, imprisonment, or other corrective measures.

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Nigeria operated a two-party system during the aborted Third Republic. This system involves having only two major political parties that dominate the political landscape, often leading to simpler choices for voters. In the case of Nigeria's Third Republic, the government officially sanctioned and recognized two political parties:

• Social Democratic Party (SDP)
• National Republican Convention (NRC)

In this system, both parties competed for political power, emulating a structure seen in several Western democracies, such as the United States. The goal was to create a more stable and efficient political environment by reducing the complexities and conflicts that can arise from multiple parties. Unfortunately, this attempt was short-lived because the Third Republic was prematurely ended by a military coup before the system could become entrenched.

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The pre-colonial Igbo political system is often described as acephalous in nature. This is because it lacked a centralized authority or head such as a king or chief, which is common in centralized political systems. Instead, the Igbo society was organized around individual communities or villages, each of which had its own set of rules and governance structures. These communities were largely independent and operated through a system of direct democracy.

In the Igbo culture, governance was conducted through a council of elders, age grades, and other traditional institutions. Decisions were made collectively, often through consensus, rather than by a single ruler. This decentralized and balanced approach to governance can also be described as fragmented because power and authority were spread out over various age groups and societal institutions, rather than being concentrated in one central figure or body.

Overall, the Igbo political system exemplified a grassroots and community-centered approach to decision-making, which allowed for a high degree of autonomy and flexibility within each village or community.

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The power of prerogative of mercy is vested in the executive branch of government. This power allows the head of the executive, usually the president or governor, to exercise mercy in the case of criminal offenders. This can include granting pardons, reducing sentences, or commuting penalties. The purpose is to provide a means to achieve justice or compassion beyond the scope of the judiciary.

Key Points:

• The prerogative of mercy is primarily exercised by figures such as the president or governors.
• It is a discretionary power that can be used to correct judicial errors, provide relief in exceptional situations, or reward rehabilitation and good behavior.
• This power is part of the executive functions and is often included in the constitution or statutes of a country.

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ECOWAS, which stands for the Economic Community of West African States, is a regional group established to promote economic integration in all fields of economic activity among the West African countries. The organization has several principal organs through which it implements its functions and responsibilities. Here’s a breakdown to clarify which one does not belong:

1. Council of Ministers: This is an organ of ECOWAS, comprising ministers from the member states. It is responsible for taking decisions on matters under the direction of the Heads of State and Government, and for implementing policies.

2. Secretariat: Initially, ECOWAS had a Secretariat, but it has been transformed into the ECOWAS Commission. This change emphasizes greater efficiency and the improvement of ECOWAS's functions. The Commission serves as the executive arm, implementing policies, fostering economic integration, and driving development programs.

3. Conference: There is no organ named “Conference” in ECOWAS. The highest decision-making body within ECOWAS is the Conference of Heads of State and Government. This body sets major priorities and policies, providing direction for the organization.

4. Community Tribunal: ECOWAS has a Community Court of Justice, commonly referred to as the ECOWAS Court of Justice. It ensures the observance of law and justice in the interpretation and application of ECOWAS Treaty provisions.

Based on the information provided, "Conference" is not formally referred to as an organ. Instead, it might refer to the gathering of the Heads of State and Government, which is formally organized but not labeled as an organ.

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Nigeria has played significant roles in the creation and sustenance of some key international organizations. Let's discuss these contributions in simple terms.

ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States):
Nigeria was a major architect in the formation of ECOWAS, which was established in 1975. The country recognized the need for economic cooperation among West African countries to foster regional development, stability, and to improve living standards. Nigeria's leadership and dedication were crucial in bringing together sixteen West African countries to create ECOWAS. It aimed to promote economic integration, free trade, and cooperation in various fields such as agriculture, culture, and industry.

OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries):
Although Nigeria was not one of the founding members of OPEC when it was formed in 1960, Nigeria joined OPEC in 1971. Nigeria's role has since become essential due to its position as one of Africa's largest oil producers. Through OPEC, Nigeria has been involved in decisions affecting global oil prices and oil policies, reflecting the interests of oil-exporting countries.

UN (United Nations):
Nigeria became a member of the United Nations in 1960, shortly after gaining independence. While Nigeria was not involved in the founding of the UN, it has played an active role as a member. Nigeria has contributed to peacekeeping missions, provided diplomatic support, and worked within the UN framework to address global issues such as poverty, health, and security. Nigeria’s participation is vital, given its status as a significant nation on the African continent.

Commonwealth:
Nigeria joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1960 following its independence from British colonial rule. As a member, Nigeria participates in activities to foster cooperation among member states in areas such as democracy, human rights, and development. It has also hosted Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings. Although it didn't play a role in the creation, Nigeria has been an active and influential member.

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In the context of Nigeria during the 1960s, the **most effective instrument** adopted by the country against the East-West Cold War was the **Non-alignment policy**. This policy aimed to maintain Nigeria's independence and neutrality by avoiding formal alliances with either of the two superpower blocs, the United States-led Western bloc or the Soviet Union-led Eastern bloc.

The **Non-alignment policy** provided several key benefits that contributed to its effectiveness:

Independence and Sovereignty: By not aligning with either superpower, Nigeria was able to maintain its sovereignty and make independent foreign policy decisions without the pressure or influence from either side.

Flexibility in Diplomacy: The policy allowed Nigeria to engage diplomatically with various nations, regardless of their ideological leanings. This enabled Nigeria to pursue bilateral relationships that were beneficial for its own national interest without being confined to a specific bloc.

Focus on Development: By adopting a stance of non-alignment, Nigeria could focus more on its domestic economic development and regional leadership within Africa, rather than getting entangled in the Cold War conflicts.

Overall, the **Non-alignment policy** effectively allowed Nigeria to navigate the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War while preserving its independence and focusing on its national interests and development goals.

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A major challenge of public corporations in Nigeria is political interference. Public corporations in Nigeria often face significant challenges due to political interference for several reasons:

• Decision Making: Politicians sometimes influence decisions in public corporations to align with their political interests rather than focusing on efficiency or profitability. This can lead to misallocation of resources and hinder the corporation's ability to achieve its objectives.
• Appointment of Personnel: Political interventions can lead to appointments based on favoritism rather than merit. This results in having unqualified personnel in leadership positions, which can negatively affect the management and operations of the corporation.
• Lack of Autonomy: Due to continuous political interference, public corporations often lack the autonomy needed to execute their mandates effectively. This can lead to delays and inefficiencies in service delivery.
• Policy Inconsistency: Frequent changes in government can bring about policy shifts that disrupt the operations of public corporations. This instability can affect long-term planning and development.

In conclusion, political interference poses a significant challenge because it undermines the ability of public corporations to operate efficiently, make strategic decisions, and focus on their core missions, leading to poor service delivery and financial performance.

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The responsibility for the recruitment and promotion of civil servants in Nigeria falls under the **Civil Service Commission**. This Commission is an essential governmental body specifically tasked with overseeing and managing the employment lifecycle of civil servants within the public sector. This includes their **recruitment**, **promotion**, **disciplinary actions**, and **retirement**.

The **Civil Service Commission** is designed to ensure that there is a **fair and transparent** process in the management of civil servants, which is crucial for upholding the principles of **meritocracy** and **efficiency** in public service. They are responsible for setting **guidelines**, conducting **interviews**, administering **exams**, and executing **promotional reviews** to ensure that the principles of a **professional and accountable civil service** are maintained.

In summary, while there are other commissions for specific sectors such as the **Federal Character Commission**, **National Universities Commission**, and the **Federal Judicial Commission**, it is the **Civil Service Commission** that is primarily concerned with the affairs of civil servants in terms of recruitment and promotion. Their work plays a critical role in maintaining a **competent and equitable** public service system in Nigeria.

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In Hausa pre-colonial administration, the office of the Prime Minister was usually occupied by the Waziri. The Hausa societies during pre-colonial times had a well-structured and organized system of governance similar to a centralized form of government.

The Sarki, or king, was the head of the administration, but he had a council of officials to help with governance. Among these officials, the Waziri was considered the most important after the king. He played a significant role in administration, acting as the chief advisor and assistant to the Sarki. The Waziri was responsible for advising the Sarki on state matters and often managed day-to-day administrative duties, making him equivalent to what we might think of as a Prime Minister today.

The Galadima was usually responsible for the affairs of the city, and the Madawaki typically handled military matters, specifically relating to cavalry. Thus, the role of the Waziri was more aligned with the duties of a Prime Minister.

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The **1999 Constitution** of Nigeria is often criticized primarily because it was **imposed by the military**. Here is a simple explanation of this argument:

Imposed by the Military:

One of the primary criticisms of the 1999 Constitution is that it was crafted and enacted under the military regime of **General Abdulsalami Abubakar** without broad-based public participation or input. This means that it was not derived from a comprehensive democratic consensus but rather from a top-down decree format. Many critics argue that because it was imposed by the military, it lacks **legitimacy** and does not truly reflect the aspirations and desires of the Nigerian people.

Other points of argument can be discussed for a comprehensive understanding:

The Executive Have Immunity Clause:

This clause provides certain immunities for the president, vice president, governors, and deputy governors from civil or criminal prosecutions while in office. Critics argue that this provision grants too much protection to these officeholders and can be a shield against accountability.

It is Expensive to Operate:

The constitution provides for a large and complex government structure, with a **bicameral legislature, multiple layers of political offices**, and robust financial allocations for running these structures. Maintaining such a system is considered costly and may divert essential resources from pressing national developmental needs.

It Did Not Create Additional States:

Another argument is its failure to create additional states to correct perceived imbalances or foster further decentralization. Some groups feel underrepresented and believe that creating more states could enhance political representation and economic distribution.

In summary, while the most significant argument remains its military origin, other structural issues and ramifications inherent in the constitution contribute to the critiques it faces.

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The right to vote and be voted for is commonly referred to as a franchise or electoral right. This right is a vital aspect of a democratic society, allowing citizens to participate in choosing their government representatives and leaders. It ensures that the government reflects the will of the people. By voting, individuals express their preferences and influence the decision-making process within their country.

The terms franchise and electoral right can be used interchangeably in this context; however, the term "franchise" traditionally emphasizes the right to vote specifically, while "electoral right" may encompass broader participation in the electoral process, including being a candidate in elections.

While it is a form of freedom of expression, because through voting you express your choices, and it can be considered a fundamental human right in democratic societies, the specific term that directly identifies the right to vote and be elected is franchise.

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Before a treaty can be binding on a country, it typically has to be approved by the legislature. This is because the legislative branch of government is usually responsible for making laws and approving international agreements. The process involves a few key steps. First, the treaty is negotiated and signed by members of the executive branch, such as the president or prime minister and other officials. However, signature alone does not mean the treaty is fully accepted. To ensure that the treaty is consistent with the country's laws and policies, the legislature must review and ratify it.

Once the legislature has examined the treaty, they may hold debates and discussions to assess its implications. They need to ensure that the treaty aligns with the country's national interest and legal framework. If the legislature agrees, they will give their consent, thereby making the treaty legally binding. This legislative approval process allows for checks and balances in government, ensuring that the treaty undergoes thorough scrutiny by representatives of the people.

The judiciary is not directly involved in the treaty approval process; instead, they interpret laws and may address any legal disputes regarding treaties. The military does not play a role in approving treaties; their role is more about implementing defense-related strategies and policies that may arise from such treaties once they are enacted.

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The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was fought during the military regime of Yakubu Gowon. This war lasted from 1967 to 1970. It began due to ethnic, political, economic, and religious tensions among the various regions of Nigeria.

Yakubu Gowon became the head of state after Major General Aguiyi Ironsi was assassinated in 1966. Gowon was tasked with keeping Nigeria united during a period of intense upheaval. When the Southeastern region, led by Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, declared independence as the Republic of Biafra in 1967, it led to a brutal and devastating conflict.

Gowon's administration focused on reunifying the country through military action, which eventually led to the surrender of Biafra in 1970. Under his leadership, efforts were made to rebuild and reconcile the nation following the end of hostilities. Thus, the Nigerian Civil War is closely associated with Yakubu Gowon's regime.

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The Aburi Accord was a popular phrase during the administration of General Yakubu Gowon. This accord refers to a series of negotiations and agreements that took place in January 1967 at Aburi, Ghana, involving representatives of the military government of Nigeria and regional leaders to address the growing political tensions in Nigeria.

The primary aim of the Aburi Accord was to resolve disagreements about the country's governance and to prevent a looming civil war. Key issues discussed included the decentralization of power, the military structure, and resource control. Unfortunately, the agreements made at Aburi were not fully implemented upon return to Nigeria, leading to further tensions.

The failure to adhere to the Aburi Accord was one of the factors that contributed to the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, in 1967. Therefore, the Aburi Accord is closely associated with General Yakubu Gowon's leadership during that critical time in Nigeria's history.

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State Management Interference is one of the major problems affecting local government in Nigeria today.

The local government system was established as the third tier of government in Nigeria, meant to bring governance closer to the people and cater to their immediate needs. However, the reality on the ground often depicts a situation where the state's interference in local affairs hampers this purpose. This interference can manifest in several ways:

• Control Over Finances: In many cases, state governments exert control over the finances of local governments. This control can be through the allocation of federal funds, which are sent to the states before they are disbursed to local governments. State governments might divert these funds for their use or delay transfers, limiting the local governments' financial independence.
• Appointment of Key Officials: Often, state governors have significant influence over the selection of local government chairpersons and councillors. This influence can result in appointing individuals who serve the interests of the state government rather than those of the local community.
• Policy Directives: State governments sometimes impose policies on local governments without considering local peculiarities. This top-down approach can create a disconnect between local government actions and the actual needs of the local populace.
• Political Pressure: Local governments might face pressure to align with the political interests of the state government, which can lead to a lack of autonomy in making decisions that are beneficial to local residents.

The result of state management interference is that it often undermines the ability of local governments to function effectively and address local issues, rendering them less responsive to the needs of their communities.