CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY

The history of Nigeria’s democratization began at independence with the adoption of democratic institutions modeled on the British Westminster parliamentary system. Under this system, the prime minister who was the leader of the party with majority seats in the parliament was the substantive Head of government at the centre (federal) while the President was a mere ceremonial Head. From independence onwards, Nigeria has been grappling with the task of entrenching the culture of democracy in governance through its provisions in the independence constitution of 1960; and the Republican constitution of 1963. These constitutions have prescribed the British-modeled Westminster parliamentary system for the country.

The universal acceptance of democracy as the best system of governance is incontestable. This is premised on the participatory opportunity democracy affords the citizenry in the selection and election of their leaders and representatives. It guaranteed some recipe for good governance and the fundamental human rights of all law abiding citizens. These enviable attractions coupled with the global urge precipitated the return of the country (Nigeria) to democracy on May 29, 1999 after a prolonged heinous military dictatorship. Upon the return, Nigerians heaped a sigh of relief that at last they are liberated from the shackles of unilateralism and arbitrariness that characterized military rule.

However, the envisaged opportunities and hope seem to have given way for illusion and bewilderment 10 years after the experimentation (with democracy). This is accounted for by crude politics, corruption, selfishness and greed of the political leadership. For instance, despite her energy wealth, Nigeria is often mired in the dark; and despite her abundance human resource her economic and political affairs cannot be effectively managed. This is reflective in the on-going political cannibalism that is crippling the economy in deference to the unhindered citizen participation, tolerance of opposing views, abhorrence of arbitrary rule and unilateral decision making that political democracy involves. Since 1999, the polity has witnessed an increasing build-up of authoritarian structures and institutions and human rights abuses. The resultant unstable political atmosphere has combined with poor social infrastructure to frighten off local and foreign investors

1.2 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

The Nigerian political system is one of the strongest the west Africa but her citizen is not satisfied with the approach to democracy and governance in Nigeria. Some of the problems faced in Nigeria today as a result of poor governance are:

• Breakdown of the rules of the game of politics, which profusely polluted the political stadium and made politics as dangerous for players as well as spectators;
• Gross misuse of political power;
• Among public officers including impudent political and economic decisions in allocation of scarce but a locatable resources;
• Erosion of the rights of individuals;
• Disenfranchisement of the Nigerian populace through blatant rigging of elections;
• Conspicuous consumption of politicians amidst the abject poverty of the masses; and
• Excessively powerful regional governments, which threatened the relatively weak federal centre with want on abandon (Elaigwu, 2011).

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The study came up with research questions so as to ascertain the above stated objectives of the study. The research questions for the study are:

1. What is relationship between democracy and good governance in Nigeria?
2. What is the effect of misuse of power on democracy and good governance in Nigeria fourth republic?
3. What is the effect of erosion of the rights of individuals on the perception of democracy and good governance among the citizens in Nigeria?
4. What is the way forward to the issues of democracy and governance in the fourth republic in Nigeria?

1.4 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The main aim of the study is to examine democracy and good governance. Other specific objectives of the study are:

1. to determine relationship between democracy and good governance in Nigeria
2. to determine the effect of misused of power on democracy and good governance in Nigeria fourth republic
3. to determine the effect of erosion of the rights of individuals on the perception of democracy and good governance among the citizens in Nigeria
4. to proffer solution to the issues of democracy and governance in the fourth republic in Nigeria

1.5 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0: Governance in the Nigerian Fourth Republic is not symptomatic of the corruption, economic and Infrastructural Decay

H1: Governance in the Nigerian Fourth Republic is not symptomatic of the corruption, economic and Infrastructural Decay

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The study on democracy and governance will be of immense benefit to the political system in Nigeria as the findings of the study will educate the leaders on the democracy and good governance. The study will also determine the effect of democracy and good governance on socio-political development in Nigeria. Finally the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge in this field of study and provide a basis for further research; thus a repository of information to other researchers that desire to carry out similar research on the above topic.

1.7 SCOPE OF STUDY

The study on democracy and governance will focus on the fourth republic in Nigeria. The study will cover the concept of democracy, good governance, and the factors affecting democracy and good governance and the way forward in Nigeria.

1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Democracy: Generically, democracy involves the opportunity to participate in decision making in the political process. It repudiates arbitrariness and authoritarianism.

Good Governance: According to UNDP (1997), good governance is “… participatory, transparent and accountable, effective and equitable, and it promotes the rule of law. It ensures that political, social and economic priorities are based on broad consensus in society and that the voices of the poorest and the most vulnerable are heard in decision-making over the allocation of development resources.