JAMB UTME - Government - 2005

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Nigeria is rated in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries as the sixth largest oil producer

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In the present local government structure, traditional rulers generally play an advisory role. They are recognized as important figures in their communities and are often consulted by local government officials when making decisions that affect their communities. While traditional rulers may not have direct executive, judicial, or legislative power, their influence can be significant in shaping the opinions and perspectives of their communities. In some cases, traditional rulers may also be involved in mediating disputes or serving as arbitrators in conflicts that arise within their communities.

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Under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the appointment of ministers and ambassadors must be ratified by the Senate. This means that the President, who has the power to appoint ministers and ambassadors, must submit the names of his nominees to the Senate for confirmation. The Senate then conducts a screening exercise to evaluate the nominees' qualifications and suitability for the positions. If the Senate is satisfied with the nominees' credentials, it will confirm their appointments. However, if the Senate finds any issues or discrepancies in the nominees' records or qualifications, it may reject their appointments. Therefore, the Senate has the constitutional responsibility to ratify the appointments of ministers and ambassadors in Nigeria.

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In a first-past-the-post electoral system, a candidate is declared when he or she records the highest number of votes cast. This means that the candidate who receives the most votes, even if it is not an absolute majority, is declared the winner of the election. This system is used in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and India. The aim is to ensure that the candidate with the most popular support wins the election, but it can lead to situations where a candidate who is not supported by the majority of voters still wins the election.

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The method used to determine the possible outcome of an electoral contest is an "opinion poll". Opinion polls are surveys conducted by polling organizations to estimate the likely voting intentions of the electorate. They ask a representative sample of people for their opinions on the candidates or parties standing for election, and use statistical methods to estimate the likely result of the election based on the responses received. Opinion polls are an important tool for political parties, candidates, and voters to gauge the public mood and adjust their strategies accordingly.

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A Security Council resolution requires the concurrence of all of the 5 permanent members.

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Australia is the member of Commonwealth that still recognizes the British monarch as its Head of State.

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The study of government essentially facilitates the understanding of the observance of fundamental human rights

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K.C. Wheare was one of the foremost theorists of federalism. He was a British political scientist and author of the book "Federal Government" which is considered a classic in the study of federalism. He defined federalism as "the method of dividing powers so that the general and regional governments are each within a sphere co-ordinate and independent."

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One of the organizational weaknesses of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries is its inability to punish erring members.

Some member countries exceed the production quotas while some do not mind the fixed prices. Such defaulters always go unpunished.

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Citizenship acquired through marriage is referred to as registration.

This is a method by which women acquire citizenship through marriage. For example, a Cameroonian woman married to a Nigerian may register as a Nigerian and should take the oath of alliance and renounce her Cameroonian citizenship.

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The principle of checks and balances in government ensures that no single arm of government becomes too powerful by providing a system of shared powers among the three arms of government. The judiciary is empowered to interpret the law and ensure that the other two arms of government, the legislative and executive branches, abide by the law. Specifically, the judiciary can invalidate the actions of the other arms of government if they are found to be unconstitutional, which helps to prevent abuse of power and maintain the rule of law. Therefore, the answer is "invalidate the actions of the other arms".

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The failure of the assimilation policy necessitated the introduction of association. Assimilation policy is a policy in which the culture and traditions of a colonized people are replaced with those of the colonizers. The French adopted this policy in their colonies, particularly in Africa, with the aim of creating a French-African identity. However, the policy failed to achieve its objectives as it faced resistance from the African people. As a result of this resistance, the French introduced a new policy known as association, which recognized and respected the cultural and social differences of the colonized people. The policy allowed the colonized people to maintain their cultural identities and traditions, while still being part of the French empire. Under the association policy, the French provided limited self-government to the colonies and allowed the Africans to participate in local administration. They also provided education and training to the local people, which helped in the development of a new class of African elites. The association policy was seen as a more humane and pragmatic approach to colonization, and it marked a significant departure from the earlier assimilation policy. It helped to ease tensions between the colonizers and the colonized, and it paved the way for the eventual independence of the colonies. Therefore, the failure of the assimilation policy necessitated the introduction of the association policy, which recognized and respected the cultural differences of the colonized people, and allowed for limited self-government and local participation.

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Nigeria's voting at the United Nations is guided primarily by her national interests. Nigeria is a sovereign nation and a member of the United Nations, with its unique set of priorities and goals. The country's foreign policy objectives are focused on promoting its national interests, such as protecting its sovereignty, promoting economic development, and enhancing its international reputation. When it comes to voting at the United Nations, Nigeria's position is determined by the extent to which it aligns with the country's national interests. Nigeria considers the potential impact of a particular resolution or decision on its economy, security, and overall national interest before deciding on how to vote. While Nigeria's concern for Africa and the promotion of world peace may also influence its voting at the United Nations, these factors are secondary to the country's national interests. Nigeria's foreign policy is driven by its desire to secure its national interests, and this guides its voting decisions at the United Nations. Therefore, Nigeria's voting at the United Nations is primarily guided by its national interests.

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The first successful disengagement of the military from politics in Nigeria was carried out by the government of Murtala/Obasanjo .

On the 1st day of October 1979, General Olusegun Obasanjo handed power over to Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the 1st Executive President of Nigeria. This Shagari's regime which is known as the Second Republic came to an end on the 31st day of December 1983.

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An unwritten constitution is partially written and based on conventions.

F. Adigwe (1974) defined unwritten constitution as that made up of several enactments and conventions like the British constitution. He also pointed out that an attempt was made to codify some of, but not all, the rules and principles, during the regime of Cromwell.

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A distinctive feature of the Richards Constitution was its provision for a Legislative Council for the whole of Nigeria.

Northern and Southern Niger were brought together under one Legislative Council. That is, the same laws were made for the whole country by the same legislature.

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The political party formed in 1923 by Herbert Macaulay was the Nigerian National Democratic Party.

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During the Second Republic, the Great Nigerian People's Party won the governorship election in Gongola and Sokoto States. The Second Republic in Nigeria lasted from 1979 to 1983, and it was characterized by a return to civilian rule after several years of military dictatorship. During this period, the country was divided into several states, and political parties were allowed to participate in elections. The Great Nigerian People's Party (GNPP) was one of the political parties that participated in the governorship elections held in various states. In the 1979 elections, the GNPP won the governorship seats in Gongola and Sokoto States. Gongola State was created in 1976, and it comprised the present-day Adamawa and Taraba States. The GNPP candidate, Abubakar Barde, won the governorship election in the state. Sokoto State, on the other hand, was one of the states created after the division of the old North-Western State. The GNPP candidate, Shehu Kangiwa, won the governorship election in the state. Therefore, during the Second Republic, the Great Nigerian People's Party won the governorship election in Gongola and Sokoto States.

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In Nigeria, the promotion of judges is the responsibility of the Judicial Service Commission. The Judicial Service Commission is an independent body responsible for overseeing the recruitment, appointment, and promotion of judges in Nigeria. The commission is established by the Nigerian Constitution and operates at both the federal and state levels. The commission is responsible for assessing and evaluating the performance of judges and recommending their promotion based on merit, seniority, and other criteria set out in the constitution. The commission also ensures that appointments and promotions are made in compliance with the due process of law and the principles of fairness and transparency. The Chief Justice of the Federation and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice are also key players in the Nigerian judiciary, but they are not directly responsible for the promotion of judges. The Council of Legal Education, on the other hand, is responsible for the regulation of legal education in Nigeria and is not involved in the promotion of judges. Therefore, in Nigeria, the responsibility for the promotion of judges lies with the Judicial Service Commission.

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The major function of civil service is advising the government and implementing its policies. Civil service is a body of professional administrators and officials that work in government agencies and departments to ensure effective and efficient delivery of government services to the public. The civil service plays a crucial role in governance by providing advice, support, and expertise to the government in the formulation and implementation of policies, laws, and regulations. One of the key functions of civil service is to advise the government on the feasibility and implications of policies, based on their knowledge, experience, and expertise. Civil servants are expected to provide objective and impartial advice to the government, irrespective of their personal views or interests. Another major function of civil service is to implement government policies and programs. Civil servants are responsible for translating policies and programs into action by coordinating, planning, budgeting, and executing various government activities. Therefore, the major function of civil service is advising the government and implementing its policies.

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In the judicial administration, the term "bench" refers to the judges. The "bench" in a courtroom typically refers to the raised platform where the judge or panel of judges sits during a trial or hearing. The term "bench" is also used to refer to the judges themselves, especially in the context of a higher court or appellate court. When a case is heard "before the bench," it means that it is being heard by the judges, who will make the final decision based on the facts and the law. The term "bar," on the other hand, is used to refer to the lawyers who practice before the court.

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A non-monarchical state can best be described as a republic. A republic is a form of government in which the head of state is usually an elected president, rather than a hereditary monarch. In a republic, the people have a say in who governs them, either through direct democracy or by electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf. In contrast, a monarchical state is one in which the head of state is a monarch, such as a king, queen, or emperor, who inherits the position from their family. Therefore, a non-monarchical state, which is a state that does not have a monarch as its head of state, is best described as a republic.

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The most important aspect of political participation in a democracy is voting in elections. Voting is a crucial aspect of democracy as it allows citizens to have a say in who governs them and what policies are implemented. It ensures that those who hold power are accountable to the people and that the will of the majority is reflected in decision-making. While attending political rallies, observing electoral processes, and registering with a political party are also important, they are secondary to the act of voting. Without the ability to vote, citizens cannot fully participate in the democratic process.

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The commission established to handle the electoral activities in the Second Republic of Nigeria was the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO). FEDECO was established in 1978 under the military government of General Olusegun Obasanjo, to oversee the general elections that ushered in the Second Republic of Nigeria in 1979. FEDECO was responsible for conducting free and fair elections, voter education, voter registration, and the announcement of election results. FEDECO was composed of a Chairman and ten other members, who were appointed by the President. The Commission had the power to conduct investigations into electoral malpractices, and to disqualify candidates found to have engaged in electoral misconduct. FEDECO conducted two general elections in 1979 and 1983 before it was dissolved by the military government of General Muhammadu Buhari, which took over power in a coup in December 1983. Therefore, FEDECO was the commission established to handle the electoral activities in the Second Republic of Nigeria.

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The major function of the State Independent Electoral Commission in Nigeria is the conduct of elections into local government offices. The Commission is responsible for organizing, conducting, and supervising all elections into local government offices within the state. This includes the preparation of voter registers, the recruitment and training of election officials, and the announcement of election results. The State Independent Electoral Commission is a critical institution in the democratic process of Nigeria, as it ensures that elections at the grassroots level are free, fair, and transparent.

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A political party can be classified as indirect on the basis of its structure if its membership is acquired through other groups. This means that the party does not directly enroll members, but rather members are recruited through other groups or organizations. An example of such groups could be labor unions, religious organizations or interest groups. These groups serve as intermediaries between the political party and its members. In this type of party, the leadership is not elected by the members, but by a select few individuals who are considered to be the party's elites. Indirect parties are common in countries where democracy is still emerging and political parties are not yet fully established.

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The Emir performed the legislative functions under the emirate system. It should be understood that the laws of emirate were the Islamic or Sharia laws. Where the laws were clear they were to be enforced. But where the Islamic laws were silent. Emirs had power to make laws to provide for peace, orderliness and good government.

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Serfs are the dominated class under Feudalism. Feudalism was a social and economic system that was dominant in medieval Europe from the 9th to the 15th century. Under feudalism, a lord or a monarch granted land to vassals in exchange for their loyalty and military service. The vassals were usually knights or nobles who had their own vassals, and the lowest class in this social hierarchy were the serfs, who were tied to the land and had to work for their lord or vassal in exchange for protection and a portion of the crops they produced. The serfs were not slaves, but they were not free either, as they were bound to the land and their lord. They had limited rights and were unable to leave the land without permission. Feudalism was gradually replaced by other economic and social systems such as capitalism and socialism, which emerged in the modern era.

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The power to exercise overall control of the executive functions of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) is vested in the Authority of Heads of State and Government. The Authority is the highest decision-making body of ECOWAS and is composed of the heads of state and government of the member countries. It is responsible for the overall control and direction of the policies and programs of ECOWAS and has the power to take any action necessary to achieve the objectives of the organization. The Authority meets at least once a year to review the activities of the organization and to make decisions on any matter that affects the region. The Secretary-General, Council of Ministers, and Technical and Special Commissions all play important roles in the operation of ECOWAS, but ultimate decision-making power rests with the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

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A pressure group that resorts to unconventional methods to achieve its objectives is called an "anomic group". These groups use extreme or violent tactics such as riots, protests, or even terrorism to push for their demands. This is different from institutional groups, which use conventional and legal means such as lobbying, litigation, and electoral campaigns to achieve their goals. Similarly, promotional groups seek to promote a particular cause or idea, while interest groups advocate for specific economic or social interests.

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The atomic bomb tests carried out around the Sahara Desert were conducted by France. These tests caused radioactive fallout, which posed a significant risk to public health and the environment. Nigeria, along with many other African countries, protested against these tests and eventually severed diplomatic relations with France in 1976.

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The final stage in the process of enacting legislation is "assent". This is the stage where the bill that has passed through all the necessary readings in the parliament is presented to the head of state (in a presidential system) or the governor (in a parliamentary system) for signature. The head of state or governor can either give their assent or refuse to sign the bill. If the bill is given assent, it becomes law and is implemented as such. If the bill is not assented to, it does not become law and may be returned to the parliament for further deliberation or amendment.

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In local government administration, Chief and Council' implies that the chief is a member of the local council but he does not exercise veto power. In this system, the chief and council must agree on decisions before such could be upheld as binding

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The ultimate authority in a state is sovereignty. Sovereignty is the supreme power and authority of a state over its people and territory. It is the foundation of the modern state system and represents the highest form of political power. Sovereignty encompasses the right to make laws, levy taxes, maintain order and security, and defend against external threats. Sovereignty is an important concept because it establishes the legitimacy of the state and its political institutions. Legitimate authority is the right to exercise power and control over a given territory and its people. The legitimacy of the state derives from the recognition and acceptance of its authority by its citizens and other states in the international system. Therefore, the ultimate authority in a state is sovereignty, which confers the power and legitimacy necessary for the state to exercise its authority over its people and territory.

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In a presidential system, an elected legislator can lose his seat by recall. Recall is a process where voters in a particular constituency can sign a petition to request for the removal of their representative before the expiration of his term in office. If the number of valid signatures meets the required threshold, a recall election will be held, and if the majority of the voters vote in favor of the recall, the legislator will lose his seat. This process is used to hold elected officials accountable and ensure that they are responsive to the needs and demands of their constituents.

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The head of the Nigerian judiciary is the Chief Justice of the Federation. The Chief Justice of Nigeria is the highest judicial officer in Nigeria and the head of the Nigerian judiciary, which is one of the three branches of government in the country. The Chief Justice of Nigeria presides over the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which is the highest court in the land and has final authority on legal matters.

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Javier Perez de Cuellar served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Javier Perez de Cuellar was a Peruvian diplomat and served as the fifth Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1982 to 1991. He was the first Secretary-General from a developing country, and he oversaw several key events during his tenure, including the Iran-Iraq War, the Soviet war in Afghanistan, and the end of the Cold War. As Secretary-General, Perez de Cuellar worked to promote peace and security in various parts of the world, including Central America, the Middle East, and Africa. He also played a crucial role in resolving conflicts in Namibia and Cambodia. After leaving the United Nations, Perez de Cuellar continued to be involved in international diplomacy and conflict resolution, and he was recognized for his contributions to world peace and security. Therefore, Javier Perez de Cuellar served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

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A major achievement of the OAU (Organization of African Unity) was the decolonization of Africa. The OAU was founded in 1963 with the aim of promoting unity and cooperation among African countries and supporting the decolonization of Africa. At the time of its establishment, many African countries were still under colonial rule and the OAU played a significant role in helping them gain independence. The OAU supported liberation movements and provided assistance to newly independent countries in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development. Through its efforts, the OAU was able to help the majority of African countries gain independence from their colonial powers, which was a significant achievement in the history of Africa. While the OAU was later replaced by the African Union (AU) in 2002, its legacy and achievements continue to shape the political, social, and economic landscape of Africa today.

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The first federal constitution in Nigeria was the Macpherson Constitution. It was introduced in 1951 during the colonial period and provided for the establishment of a federal system of government in Nigeria. The constitution was named after the then Governor-General, Sir Alan Burns Macpherson. It granted regional autonomy to the three regions in the country - Northern, Western, and Eastern regions - and allowed for a central government to manage issues of common interest. The Macpherson Constitution was replaced by the Lyttleton Constitution in 1954.

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The pre-colonial Tiv society can best be described as republican. This means that the society was organized in such a way that the people had the power to govern themselves through a system of councils and assemblies, without a monarch or central authority. The Tiv people were able to maintain their independence and resist external influence due to their system of decentralized authority and participatory decision-making. They had a strong sense of communalism and placed a high value on consensus-building and social harmony.

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In a presidential system of government, the president has the power to relieve a minister of his appointment by unilateral action. This means that the president can remove a minister from office without needing the approval of the legislature or the judiciary. However, there may be certain constitutional provisions or legal requirements that the president must follow in order to remove a minister from office. For example, the constitution may require the president to provide a valid reason for the removal or to give the minister an opportunity to be heard before being removed.

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A major flaw in a liberal democracy is political instability.

Aristotle even maintained that the real democracy at time give rise to mob rule. It was also breeds constant disagreement in state matters. Such disagreements often result to instability in government.

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The legislative branch in Nigeria under the 1999 Constitution is composed of 109 senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives. The Senate has 3 senators from each of the 36 states in Nigeria and 1 senator from the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). The House of Representatives has 360 members who represent constituencies across the country based on population. Together, the Senate and the House of Representatives make up the National Assembly, which is responsible for making laws for the country.

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Under a parliamentary system of government,the cabinet holds office at the pleasure of the legislature.

Under the parliamentary system of government, the Prime Minister is the Head of government while the King, Queen or ceremonial President is the Head of State.

The Chairman or leader of the party that won the highest number of seats in the legislature becomes the Prime Minister. He, the Prime Minister forms the government according to the constitution.

The Prime Minister can only choose his ministers from his party men in the legislature. The executive can be removed from office by the legislature. This could happen if the legislature passes a vote of no confidence in the executive.

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An indication that Africa is still the center-peice of Nigeria's foreign policy was the creation of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies

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Nigeria supports the South-South cooperation as a foreign policy objective for mutual understanding among Asian and sub-Saharan African countries

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The official opposition party during the First Republic in Nigeria was the Action Group.

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The Nigerian-Cameroon crisis over the Bakassi Peninsula occurred due to a dispute over the interpretation of the Treaty of 1913 and the delimitation of the maritime boundary between the two countries. In 1994, the issue was referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for resolution. In 2002, the ICJ ruled in favor of Cameroon, awarding it sovereignty over the Bakassi Peninsula. However, Nigeria initially rejected the decision, leading to tensions and conflicts between the two countries until the dispute was finally resolved through the implementation of the Greentree Agreement in 2006.

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Under the umbrella of the OAU (Organization of African Unity), Nigeria mediated the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia. In the 1970s, Ethiopia and Somalia were engaged in a territorial dispute over the Ogaden region. This led to a conflict between the two countries, which continued until the 1980s. As a result, the OAU intervened and appointed Nigeria as the mediator to help resolve the conflict. Nigeria, under the leadership of General Olusegun Obasanjo, successfully brokered a peace agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia in 1978. The agreement was known as the "Igad Agreement" and it provided for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops from the disputed region. The OAU's intervention in the Ethiopia-Somalia conflict and Nigeria's mediation efforts were seen as a significant achievement in promoting peace and stability in Africa. The success of the Igad Agreement helped to improve relations between Ethiopia and Somalia and contributed to the peaceful resolution of other conflicts in the region.