Theory question 108
Nigerian FederalismSection B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
Give six reasons for political instability in any one West African country after independence.
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(Nigeria as example; any six) Ethnic rivalry and tribalism.
Struggle for power among the political elite; winner-takes-all politics.
Rigging and violence in elections (e.g. 1964 federal and 1965 Western Region elections).
Defective federal structure: Northern Region larger than the others together.
Census disputes (1962/63).
Corruption and mismanagement.
Military coups (January and July 1966) and the civil war.
Religious differences.
Economic problems: unemployment, poverty and unequal development.
Weak national leadership and lack of a national ideology.
Six reasons for one named country.