Zoning of Public Offices, Liberal Democracy and Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

In the face of extreme political distrust among the different ethnic groups in

Separatist Threat, Militarization and Voter Turnout: Exploring the Dynamics of the 2017 Governorship Election in Anambra State, Nigeria

“…In Nigeria, political marginalization undermines political participation and by extension hampers political participation and democratic consolidation (Ezeibe et al, 2016; Omodia, 2009). Nwankwo (2017) observes that undemocratic tendencies in Nigeria such as electoral malpractice, corruption and violence discourage mass participation in elections.…”

Hate Speech and Election Violence in Nigeria

“…Hence, the major candidates often record the highest votes in their respective ethnic regions as well as the administrative regions, where they have formed political alliances (Independent National Electoral Commission, 2015). To secure votes from different religious and ethnic groups, the PDP, which was the ruling political party in Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, adopted the principle of rotational presidency between the Muslim-and Hausa-Fulani-dominated northern region and the Christiandominated southern region, which is comprised mainly of Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups (Ezeibe et al, 2016).…”

The Effect of Democratic Zoning System on Nigeria Economy: Evidence of Niger State

“…Ethnicity appears to have played a more dominant role than political ideology in the choice of political leaders, and this had dire consequences on her economic development (Terna, 2014). Seemingly, the disruption of the zoning system due to the death of Umar Yar'Adua from North-west which led to Goodluck Jonathan (a southerner) becoming the president, and the lopsided political appointment under the present North-West led administration had generate serious crises, riots, vandalisation and terrorism in regions of the country thus crippling the nation's economy (Ezeibe, et al, 2016).…”

“…Although the zoning democratic system in Nigeria had been in existence for decades, no empirical study had been raised to ascertain its influence or effect on the economy. Most of the scholars in the country based their study on the theoretical perspective of the subject matter while ignoring its empirical implication (see Kabuk, 2015;Ayo et al, 2012;Ezeibe, et al, 2016). The only handy empirically studies were based on the link between democracy and economy growth.…”

“…When there is no perceived injustice in resource distribution and appointment, economic agents from different zones will work towards the growth of the economy, since there is a sense of belonging and one of their own is in the government representing them. Overall, as in Ezeibe, et al (2016), the exile of the zoning system in the current central government by way of sideling a region in the federal government affairs have been fingered as the main reason for vadalisation and militancy in the oil rich region of the economy which is also the mainstay of the economy, and consequent decline in oil production which have led to drastic fall in the nation's economy.…”