OYO STATE LECTURE NOTES (GOVERNMENT)

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SSS ONE TERM: 1ST TERM COURSE

WEEK 1: Topic: a. Government as a process or an art of governing

b. Government as an academic field of study
c. Government as an institution of state
Sub. Topic: Structure, Function, Features of state and why study government
Government as a process or an act of governing
The term “Government” is ambiguous which lies in the fact that government
has no one universally or generally acceptable definition, in this case, it depends,
essentially on the angle from which one is looking at it. Thus, government can be
defined from three different ways.
a. Government as an institution (Machinery or Agent) of the state
This is a machinery or agent through which the affairs and interests of the state
are formulated, expressed, pursued and attained or realized. b. Government as a
process or art of governing
This is the sum total of all the processes that involves government policies;
formulation, implementation, enforcement and interpretation. c. Government as an
academic field of study
It is a social science subject learnt in secondary schools and higher institution of
learning. At the secondary school level, it is called ‘Government’ while in the
University and other institutions of learning it is study as political science.
Structure
Structurally, for effective performance, government is divided into the three main
organs, namely, legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
- The Judiciary interprets the law and also settles disputes among the people of
the state or between the government
- The Legislature is given the major duty of law making
- While the executive enforces and implement laws made by the legislature
Functions of Government i. Law making
ii. Provision of Social Amenities iii.
Ensure the maintenance of law and order iv.
Defence and security
v. Provision of employment

Features of State
A state is a country viewed as a political entity with the entire body of people,
government institution and form of rule of a country. The world is organized

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according to state formalized in the treaty of Westphalia in 1648. Four identified
elements of a State are; [i] People or population [ii] Defined territory [iii];
sovereignty [iv] Government
Acquisition of government
i. Through the institution: the constitution especially in democracy stipulate
how political power should be acquired;
ii. Through inheritance: a traditionally process where powers are transferred
from person to another through inheritances;
iii. Through occupation of a position of authority. Why we study government
1. It gives awareness about the rights, duties and freedom of individuals
2. It promotes the spirit of nationalism and patriotism among the citizens of the
state which eventually strengthen national unity.
3. It also helps to show the relationship among the organs of government i.e.
the relationship between the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary.

WEEK: 2 BASIC CONCEPTS OF GOVERNMENT i.

Power
ii. Authority
1. Definition
2. The acquisition and exercise of power
3. Form of Power
4. Sources of political authority
5. Differences between power and authority

- Power is the ability to overcome an event. Power is the capacity of an action to

command obedience from others which they would not have done ordinarily. It is
the ability to command obedience without expecting resistance because of the
possibility of threat of compulsion or coercion.
Authority is a legitimate power or right to give orders or command to others
who see it as a duty to obey. According to Max Weber, it is the right to command. 2
The acquisition and exercise of power: It is involved in a relationship, be it in a
love relationship, family relationships between (parents and children), in the school
(between the authorities and the students) and at the state level (between the state
and the citizens)
3 Forms of power
i. Economic power
ii. Political power
iii. Military right

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4. Sources of political authority
i. Legal rational
authority ii. Traditional
authority iii. Charismatic
authority
4. Differences between Power and Authority
1. Power is based on the possession of coercive means to impose sanction while
Authority is based on people’s attachment or allegiance to the office of the
person exercising the power.
2. Power is dictated by the fear of sanctions while authority is anchored on
legitimacy of the other rules, customs and tradition.
3. While authority basically suggests legitimacy or seen as legitimate rule, power
on the other rules, customs and tradition.
4. Power cannot be delegated the same way authority is delegated.

WEEK 3: LEGITIMACY AND SOVEREIGNTY

Legitimacy as a political concept refers to the acceptance by the citizens of the right
of their ruler to govern them. It is always backed by law. A government is legitimate
if it comes to power through constitution means.
Sovereignty is the most important attribute of the state in which there is no other
supreme and final legal authority that can be exercise on the state. Factors that
determine legitimacy i. Resources ii. Electorates iii. Constitution
Factors that can limit the Sovereignty of a state
i. The system of government being practiced
by the state ii. Electorates
ii. Customs and traditions of the state
Problems Associated with Locating Sovereignty
i. Location in the parliament
ii. Location in federation state
iii. Location in the amending power of the constitution
Limitations of Sovereignty
i. The limitations on the power which is a state can exercise ii.
The increase in scope and activities of the state
iii. The vast powers actually exercised by other organizations [International
Organizations: UNO, A.U, ECOWAS] iv.
Public opinion;
v. International law

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WEEK 4 DEMOCRACY
Democracy is one of the most difficult concepts to define because it was perceived
differently by different people.
But, the most popular definition of democracy is that put forward by
Abraham Lincoln (1863) as “government of the people by the people and for the
people”.

Type of Democracy
There are two (2) types of Democracy:
Direct Democracy and Indirect Democracy
1. Direct Democracy: This was a government practiced in the Ancient Greek
City states (Athens). It is such in which all the people directly ruled, made and
implement government policies.

2. Indirect Democracy: This is a government in which elected representatives

are chosen by the citizens to govern on their behalf and in accordance to the wish of
the people.
Main features of democracy
i. Periodic Elections: There should/must be free and fair elections at regular
intervals say at least every four years
ii. Political Equality: Every citizen must be given equal opportunity under the
principle of “One man, one vote”.
iii. Rule of Law: The law of the land must be supreme i.e. no one is above the
law
iv. Popular sovereignty: The will of the people is expressed by their vote and
they have control over government decisions
v. Multi-party competition: More than one political party must compete for
power in any election.

WEEK 5: POLITICAL CULTURE

Political culture in any society is made up of the beliefs, emotions, values
and attitudes of its population expressed in their political system
The components of political culture i. Cognitive orientation ii.
Attentive orientation iii. Evaluation orientation
Political Socialization: This is the process by which individuals acquire political
culture, ideas, norms, values, attitudes that are related to political system.

Agents of political Socialization

i. The family- This is the first point of learning for a child

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ii. The school- The students is directly taught and trained to obey the rules of the
society
iii. Peer groups/play mate- This consists of children of the same age who come
together to play. This group influences each other when they are playing
together. iv. Religions institution- Churches and Mosques can teach their
followers
political ideas
v. Mass media- It is made up of the newspaper, radio, television, magazines,
cinemas and books. Through them, the child acquires knowledge of events or
happenings in every places of the world.
vi. Political parties- these are also agents of socialization that have influence on
their political beliefs and values and activities of the citizen.

WEEK 6: COMMUNALISM AND FEUDALISM

Communalism is a political principle or arrangement that embraces joint or
community ownership of resources.
FEUDALISM
Feudalism is a socio-political and economy system whereby land ownership
determines individual’s political rights and duties.
Features of Communalism
i. All the means of production and distribution belong to the community
(collective ownership) ii. There is full participation of
members in decision making iii. It is a classless society;
everybody is equal

Merits of Communalism
i. It brings more cooperation among members in the community.
ii. The community members pursue a common goal collectively
iii. It also brings equality among its members

Demerits of Communalism
i. It is very difficult to practice in a society where there are different cultures and
identities.
ii. It was successfully practiced in pre-colonial era
iii. It also brings violence among the society because two members is allowed to
own private lands

Features of Feudalism

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i. The landlord had important government rights over freeman who was a tenant
ii. Sovereignty was identified units landlord property
iii. The tenant had no privileges except the one confirmed on him by the landlord
Merits of Feudalism
i. There is self sufficiency in the feudal system as feudalism brought about self-
reliance among the land owners
ii. Self sufficiency among the feudal lords encourages personal independence
among people/them.

Demerits of Feudalism
i. Governments under the feudal system were quite temporary and unstable.
ii. Obedience to the common laws was less important than personal
achievement and property (especially land) ownership

WEEK 7: CAPITALISM
Capitalism is an economic and political system which allows private ownership and
control of means of production for profit motives.
Features
i. Private ownership of the means of production is allowed ii. The
main motive of ensuring or establishing business is for profit making iii.
There is high exploitation of the poor
Advantages of Capitalism
i. It encourages competition among individuals and organizations
ii. The level of economy growth is faster in Capitalism than in other forms of
economic system
iii. It also encourages private initiative in the ownership and control of industries

WEEK 8 Difference between Capitalism and Socialism

i. Capitalism as an economic and political system allows for private or
individual ownership and control of production for profit motives while in
Socialism ownership of the means of production is owned and controlled by
the government
ii. Main purpose of Capitalism is for profit purpose while socialism is mainly
designed to meet the social needs or welfare of the people and for profit
motive.

SOCIALISM

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Socialism can be traced to the work of such philosophers as Plato in his work, the
Republic as the economy and political system in which the means of production,
distribution of goods and services and management of law and capital are
controlled by the state.
Features
i. There is equal opportunity for all in the sharing of resources; ii. The means or
factors of production are publicly owned and controlled by the state
iii. Socialism states usually operates single-party system
Merits of Socialism
i. Private monopoly of the production and distribution of goods and services is
prevented
ii. There are full employment opportunities and job security
iii. Goods are produced and service rendered for public good and not for
personal aggrandizement and profit making motive
Demerits of Socialism
i. The government monopolizes the state economic activities.
ii. The consumers ‘free choice’ of goods or products is limited since private
Competition which can lead qualitative products is not allowed iii. The
existence of only one-party makes the government of socialist states to
become oppressive and dictatorial.

WEEK 9: OLIGARCHY AND COMMISSION

Oligarchy is a government by few over the majority. Oligarchy is described as a
form of government controlled by a few elite groups or ruling clique.

Features of Oligarchy
i. There is no rule of law ii. The mass media-radio, television and newspaper are
brought under the control of the ruling minority class
iii. The judiciary is not independent, but placed under the control of those governing
i.e. executive organs
Types of Oligarchy
i. Monocracy- This is the government by the rich or nobles ii. Autocracy-
Government where the best citizens rule iii. Military Government- where minority
military controls the instrument of warfare and exercises the supreme powers of the
state at the expense of the majority.

COMMUNISM

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Communism is an economic and political concept in which all the means of

production, distribution and exchange are owned, managed and controlled by the
state. Communism is a political and economic system in which the means of
production, distribution and controlling are commonly owned and equally
distributed.
Principles of Communism
i. The state owns and controls all the factors of production
ii. The total disappearance of class and property
differences iii. The political power of the state is highly
centralized iv. The materialistic interpretation of history.
Relationship between Socialism and Communism
Both Socialism and Communism are closely related ideologically, and are based on
the collective ownership of the means production.

WEEK 10: FASCISM AND TOTALITARIANISM

Fascism is a system of government based on the dictatorship of the rules or form of
authoritarianism and totalitarianism introduced in Italy by Benito Mussolini between
1922 and 1933. The variant of fascism that was practiced in Germany by Adolf
Hitler between 1933 and 1945, Argentina [1943 -1955] under the leadership of
General Person and Spain [1936 – 1966] under General Francisco Franco.
Characteristics of Fascism
i. It condemns both Capitalism and Socialism ii. It stands for an entrance forum of
Nationalism iii. Fascism governments believe in war as a viable means of settling
dispute between nations and for the attainment of international peace.
TOTALITARIANISM
Totalitarianism is a form of government in which all or total aspect of lives of
citizens and industries are controlled by the government without any trace of
disobedience and where only political party is allowed to exist.
Characteristics of Totalitarianism
i. It operates a one party system and does not allow the existence of opposition
groups such as political parties, students union’s etc. ii. The judiciary system is
subject to the state control iii. The state is supreme over the individual and
determines the goals and objectives of the citizens.

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SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SSS ONE TERM: 2nd TERM COURSE

WEEK 1: TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF GOVERNMENT

Unitary Government: Is a system of government in which all governmental
powers of a state are concentrated in a single or one level of government. Examples
are Britain, France, Ghana, etc.
Features
i. There is one tier of government

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ii. The legislative or parliament is supreme iii.
There is usually flexible or unwritten constitution
iv. Feasible in a Small country
v. Concentration of powers in centralized vi.
No conflicts of authority
.Advantages
i. The administration is very simple to operate
ii. It is not expensive to operate
iii. There is also a uniform Civil Service in the whole nation to operate iv. It
promotes unity
v. It operates a flexible constitution
Disadvantages
i. There is little attention for local authority.
ii. There is also an ethnic domination iii. Breeds Dictatorship. Iv High
burden of functions. v. There is unemployment
Factors responsible for the success of Unitary System i.
Common and uniform language ii. No ethnic rivalry
iii. Low income of the government
Resource Control
i. There is debate on oil producing states ii. The
monitoring and sharing of resources to development.

WEEK 2: FEDERAL AND PRESIDENTIAL GOVERNMENT

Federal system of government is a type of government in which government power of a
state are constitutionally shared between the central (federal) authority and the
component units.

Reasons for Federalism

i. Protection of the interest of majority group ii. The size of the
country in terms of population iii. For rapid and even development of a
country iv. Powers are derive from the constitution; written and rigid
constitution.

Characteristics of Federalism
i. Existence of bi-cameral legislature
ii. Supremacy of constitution
iii. Supremacy of central government
Resources control
i. Sharing of Federal allocation

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ii. Accountability of the federal government
Merits of Federalism i. It brings
about unity ii. It brings government nearer
to the people. iii. It ensures political
unity. iv. It eliminates arbitrary
authority. v. Supremacy of the
constitution.
Demerits of Federating
i. Problematic or coordinating power of federal
states.
ii. Fear of one ethnic group dominating others .
iii. It leads to rigging and violence of
election. iv. Boundary disputes.

PRESIDENTIAL
Presidential system is a system of government in which the head of state is also the head
of president. It is system in which executive powers are vested in one person referred to
as the executive president.
Features of Presidential System
i. The Head of State is also the Head of
Government ii. Official opposition is not allowed
iii. Fixed term or tenure usually four years.
Merits of Presidential System
i. The system is democratic since it allows the president to be elects under a general
election
ii. There is no fusion of political powers and function iii. The system gives the
president the free hand or liberty to appoint the ministers even outside the political
party. Demerits of Presidential System i. It is too expensive to operate ii. There
is delay in action taken
iii. The principle empowers the president to sack any minister of his cabinet without
impunity
Resource control
i. Sharing of federal allocation ii.
Sharing of resources to the states
iii. Debating in the producing and non-on producing states

WEEK 3: PARLIAMENTARY OR CABINET SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

Parliamentary system is a system of government in which the Head of State is different
from the Head of Government.
Characteristics
i. The Head of State is different from Head of
Government ii. The Head of State performs ceremonial

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functions iii. There is vote of no confidence. Merits of
Parliamentary System
i. It prevents dictatorship due to concentration of workload, powers and function of
government
ii. Checks and balances of executive encourage ministers to be accountable,
responsible and efficient iii. Close monitoring of the ruling party by the opposition
party.
Demerits of Parliamentary System
i. The system is prone to indecisions and delay ii. There is insecurity to tenure
because the government can be voted out of office iii. The system makes the post of
Head of State insignificant and unattractive.

Differences between Parliamentary and Presidential

i. Constitution is supreme in presidential while the parliament or legislature is
supreme in the parliamentary system.
ii. There is a fixed term like two (2) terms of four (4) years each in presidential
system while in parliamentary system; the prime minister stays in office as long as his
party controls majority seats in the parliamentary.

WEEK 4: CONFEDERATION GOVERNMENT

Confederation is a league of sovereign or independent states with a loose political union
in which autonomous states come together to form a union for mutual benefit, is also known
as loose federalism. E.g. Senegal and Gambia to form senegaGambia, United
States of America [1781 – 1789] and Switzerland
Main features
i. It has weak centrally government
ii. It is a union of Sovereign states
iii. Loose union iv.
Right of secession
v. Each component state retains their sovereignty
Resources control
i. It brings small and weak together to become strong ii. It
promotes mutual cooperation

MERITS
i. The union is voluntary ii.
Equality of states
iii. There is consensus

Demerits
i. No encouragement for national unity ii. Flexible
nature of constitution bring easy break up iii. Absence
of national Armed forces

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Comparison of Federalism and confederation

i. In a con-federal state, there exists the right to secede while federal state has no
right to break away.
ii. Federal system of government provides the establishment and existence of a
supreme court of law where con-federal has no such judicial body but each
sovereignty member state of the union maintains its own supreme court of law.

WEEK 5: MONARCH
Monarch or monarchism can be defined as a form of government under the
leadership of a king or queen or an emperor.

Forms of Monarchy
i. Absolute monarchy
ii. Constitutional monarchy
Resource control
Its concern with the provision of control resource, provide cheap labour markets
and opportunities for investments.

Main features

i. It is headed by a king or
Queen/emperor ii. There is no fixed term of
tenure iii. Rule of law is not followed
Merits of Monarchy
i. It provides continuity and stability ii.
It encourages national pride
Demerits of Monarchy
i. It is undemocratic in nature
ii. It leads to absence of good governance

WEEK 6: REPUBLICANISM
Republicanism is a type of government which the head of state (president) is
democratically elected for a fixed term or tenure. Examples are US.S, Canada,
Nigeria etc.
Features
i. The head of state is elected by the people ii.
Rulers are accountable to the people iii. There

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is periodic election of political leaders iv. There
is separation of powers
v. There must be existence of the Rule of law vi.
Public offices are elective by hereditary vii.
Succession to office is through popular election.
Resource controls of Republicanism
i. Redistribution of revenue allocation formula
ii. The practice of five federalism in order to make some efforts to stimulate
healthy competition among regions
Differences between republicanism and Monarchy
i. In a republican state, the head of state is addressed as president while a monarchy,
the head of state is known and addressed as Monarchy or
Queen/king ii. Principle of rule of law is strictly addressed is a republican state
while it does not exist in a Monarchy especially absolute Monarchy.
iii. In a republic, the constitution is entirely home-made while in the constitution
may have some alien influence
iv. All members of the legislature in a republic is elected by the people while the
Monarch in monarchy comes to political power through hereditary right.
v. In the monarchy, the monarch is believed to possess the divine right to rule
while in a republic the principle of popular sovereignty which rests the
ultimate political power of the country.

WEEK 7
CONSTITUTION AND CONSTITUTIONALISM
Constitution: According to J. Austin Ronney (1920-2006) was an American
political scientist and expert on political parties in the United States “a constitution
is the whole body of fundamental rules, written and unwritten legal and extra legal
according to which a particular government operates.

Sources of Constitution i.
By decree
ii. Constitutional conferences
iii. Judiciary review Scope of
Constitution i. The preamble
ii. The structure of
government iii. Fundamental
Human Right

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Features of Constitution
i. It constitute state on how government should operate
ii. It contains one document
Type of Constitution
i. Written and unwritten
constitution ii. Rigid and flexible
constitution iii. Unitary and Federal
constitution

CONSTITUTIONALISM
Constitutionalism can be defined as the practice and readiness of government to
show the supremacy of the constitution and also look at the people in public officer
as agents or servants of the constitution.

WEEK 8: THE STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION OF GOVERNMENT

EXECUTIVE
Executive is the branch that formulates and executive policies. It ensures that
laws made in a country are administered and obeyed. Members of the executive are
the president, governors, ministers, commissioners and civilservants.
Composition of the Executive
i. Federal level – president, vice-president, secretary to the government,
ministers, head of government, Permanent Secretary etc.
ii. State level- governor, deputy-governor, head of service, secretary to the
governor, commissioners, Permanent Secretary etc.
Functions of Executive
i. Formulation and implementation of polities ii.
Preparation of the budget
iii. Implementation of budget
Control of Executive
i. In a parliamentary system, the executive can be removed by the legislature
through a vote of no confidence.
ii. The people can also criticize the government constructively through writeups
in newspapers, radio and television.

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WEEK 9: LEGISLATURES
Legislature is another organ of government responsible for law making. The
primary duty of the legislatures is law making and also known as the
parliamentary.
Function of Legislature i.
Law making
ii. The constitution- “The legislature has the power to amend the constitution”
iii. Executive control
Types of Legislature i.
Unicameral ii.
Bicameral
Stages of passing a bill into law
A bill is a policy proposals presented before the legislature for legislature
deliberations and considerations for it to become a law. i. First reading ii. Second
reading iii. Committee stage iv. Report stage

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SSS ONE TERM: 3RD TERM

WEEK 1: BASIC PRINCIPLE OF

GOVERNMENT RULE OF LAW
Rule of Law – According to professor A.O Divcey in 1885 (a professor of
English Law) defined the phrase “Rule of Law” as equality before the law, the
principle of impartiality and rights to personal liberty.
a. Equality before the law: This principles implies that everybody both the rule
and rulers are equal before the law
b. Supremacy of the law: This implies that law is supreme above everybody
either rich or poor, government official or citizen
c. Right to personal liberty: It states that, all Citizens are entitle to certain
rights or freedom as stated in the constitution.
Problems of Application i.
State of emergency
ii. Types of government
iii. Diplomatic immunity

WEEK 2: FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS

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Fundamental Human Rights: It can be defined as those basic inalienable rights and
priviledges to which citizens their existence and recognition as human beings.
Means of Safeguarding (FHR) i.
An established constitution ii.
Independent judiciary
iii. Democratic system of government
LIMITATION
a. During emergencies, the rule of law is set aside. When there is crisis in a place,
government does impose a state of emergency to maintain peace. Government
could impose dusk to dawn curfew and restrictions of persons and properties
b. Citizens may also be deprived their rights to life when they are sentenced to
death as a result of criminal offence committed such as murder, assassination
etc.
c. Also citizens who are serving prison terms in jail will equally be restricted
from free movement.

WEEK 3: SEPERATION OF POWER

Separation of power can be defined as a political doctrine in which the government
powers that exist in a state are shared and distributed among the arms of government
and are distinctly kept separation from one another to prevent the abuse of power.
Relationship between Separation of Power
i. To ensure that each arm of government works within the limits of its ii. Protecting
the rights and liberties of the individual in the course of governance.
Checks and Balance: The principle of checks and balances emphasized the need
for one arm of government to act as a check or control on the other, acting as a
watching to the others to prevent abuse of power, tyranny and oppression.

WEEK 4: REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

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Representative government can be defined as choosing voluntarily by the majority

of the electorate in the free and fair election in order to prevent their interest both in
the government and the house of Assembly.
Merits of Representative Government
i. Allow the people to take part in the government ii.
It promotes democracy in our society/community
iii. People are identified with the ruling party
Demerits of Representative Government
i. Some representatives are there for their own selfish interests
ii. Election rigging- To get elected, some individuals and parties use all means-
bribing, rigging and violence to get power
iii. At times, government may be too slow to make wide decisions.

WEEK 5: POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

Political Participation is a process of voluntary investment of the people in the
political activities in their country (i.e people take part in choosing and involvement
of the people in decision making in the government of their country) Forms of
Political Participation i. Belonging to political parties ii. Contesting election
iii. Sponsoring of political parties
Purposes of Political Participation i.
To take part in decision making ii. For
equitable distribution of resources
iii. It allows for individual development, those in government develops by acquiring
more leadership qualities.

WEEK 6: CENTRALIZATION AND DECENTRALIZATION

Centralization: Is the concentration of political power of governmental
administration at the centre or in a single authority.
Decentralization: It is a system of governmental administration in which powers
are not concentrated in a single authority but shared among component regional and
local units or states.
Forms of Decentralization
i. Devolution and deconcentration
Advantages of Centralization
i. Stronger and stable government
ii. Not expensive (reduction in cost)
iii. It also promotes natural unity (Oness)
Disadvantages of Centralization

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i. It leads to conflict leads to conflict of powers between the central government
and local authorities
ii. It creates personnel and resource problems
iii. It can also lead to dual loyalty
Merits of Decentralization
i. It allows for grass roots participation- people in the local areas should
participate in government. This goes to foster family, confidence and trust in
them.
ii. It gives opportunity for leadership training from the Grassroots- The people
from the grassroots elected into government acquires their training from the
local areas or grassroots levels.
iii. It is very expensive to operate

Demerits of Decentralization
i. Decision making may be slow since other units are to be consulted.
ii. There could be conflicts of power between two levels.

WEEK 7: DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Delegation is a body of rules enacted by person, group of person, institutions,
organizations of cooperation other than the legislative.
The forms of Delegated Legislation
There are various forms of delegated legislation- They include the following i.
By-laws
ii. Statutory order iii.
Provincial orders iv.
Special procedure orders v.
Orders in council
vi. Executive jurisdiction of the
court The control of Delegated i.
Parliamentary control ii. Judicial
control
iii. Public criticism

Advantages of Delegated Legislation i.

Time saving

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ii. Reduces parliamentary work load iii.
Gives room for expert knowledge
Disadvantages of Delegated Legislation
i. Weakness in the principles of separation of power ii.
Subject to abuse
iii. Difficult to control

WEEK 8: CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship means the status of being a legal member of a country or state
Acquisition of Citizenship i. By Birth ii. By Descent iii. By Marriage iv. By
Naturalization
v. By Honorary Conferment
vi. By Conquest
The Rights, Duties and Obligations of a Citizen
The rights can be divided into three. These are i. Social
and economic rights ii. Civic rights of citizens iii.
Political rights of citizens
The Duties and Obligations of Citizen
It is against the law of natural justice that people should enjoy rights without
reciprocating. A citizen needs to reciprocate what she/he is enjoying under the
government by carrying out certain duties and obligations. They include the
following:
i. Paying of taxes ii.
Voting during election iii.
Obeying lawful authority
iv. Helping to prevent criminate acts etc
Difference between Citizens and Non-Citizens
i. Citizens are the real owners of the land but ahier are staying with resident
parents
ii. Citizens can work anywhere in the country, but non-citizens require work
permit
iii. Citizens owe allegiance to the state but aliens do not. An alien may refuse to
defend the country where he lives.

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WEEK 9: POLITICAL PARTIES AND PARTY SYSTEM
Political parties is an organized group of people who share common beliefs, values
and interest with the motive of contesting and winning election, so as to control the
machinery of government.
Examples of Political Parties
i. National Party of Nigeria
(NPN) ii. Unity Party of Nigeria
(UPN) iii. Nigeria Peoples Party
(NPN)
Organizational Structure of Political Parties i.
National level
a. National compress
b. The National executive council
c. The National secretary Functions of Political Parties
i. It provides jobs and recreational facilities for their members ii. It
helps the voters to know who to vote and to be voted for Types of
Political Parties i. Elite parties ii. Mass parties
iii. Charismatic parties iv.
Missionary or Religions party v.
Ideological parties vi. Brokers
parties
PARTY SYSTEM
Party system is refers to the matter of political parties operational in a country.
Types of Party System i.
One party system ii.
Two party system
iii. Multi-party system
Merits of Party System
i. It promotes unity in the country
ii. It creates strong and dedicated leadership
Demerits of Party System
i. It is prove to dictatorship ii. It encourages unfair
denomination of one sector in the country

WEEK 10: PRESSURE GROUP

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Pressure Groups: It is also known as “Lobby” or interest group. It is an association

organization to influence government policies in favour of its members.
Types of Pressure Group
i. Attitude or promotional Groups ii.
Interest Groups iii. Economic or
Business Groups iv. Occupational or
Professional Group e.t.c
Characteristics
i. The members are perform with similar interest
ii. They are voluntary and permanent bodies due to self interest of the members
and they are very stable
iii. It has a code of conduct for its members
Mode of Operation i.
Election campaigns ii.
Dragting legislation iii.
Parliamentary lobbying
iv. Evidence given to selected committee v. Civil disobedience etc
Functions of Pressure Groups
i. They instill disciplines in their members through their code of conduct ii. They
provide government with technical information and advice in making policies
iii. They also educate their members on their rights
Differences between Political Parties and Pressure Groups
i. Pressure groups defined the interests of the individuals and groups in the society,
while political parties promote the interest and principles of the people. ii.
Membership of Pressure Groups is limited fovarious professional, religious and
occupational groups, while the membership of .political parties is wide and open to
all interested members of the public to join the party.

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SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SSS TWO TERM: 1st TERM
ELECTORAL PROCESS
WEEK 1: ELECTION
An election is an act o f choosing or selecting candidate who will represent the people of
a country in the parliament and other position in the government. It is also known as an
Electoral system
Purpose of Elections
i) Choosing of representative
ii) Makes ruler accountable iii)
For changing of Government
Type of Election
1) General Election
- Direct Election
- Indirect Election
2) Shadow / Primary Election
3) Bye Election
4) Plebiscite/ Referendum
SUFFRAGE: - This is the right to vote and voted for in an Election
Type of Suffrage
a) Limited or restricted
b) Unlimited or universal franchise
Purpose of Holding Elections
1) Enable the people to choose their representative
2) Make government accountable
3) Allow the people to participate in decision making of a state

WEEK 2
Types of Electoral system
i) Characteristics
a) There must be free and fair Election
b) There must be an Independent Electoral Commission
c) Individual should be allowed to vote without bias and intimidation ii) Advantages
of Electoral System a) It enables us to choose our leader
b) It enables us to change our leader
c) It also provide means of peaceful succession
Disadvantages of Electoral System
a) Many voters are wasted during the Election due to absence of adequate security
b) There is problem of rigging, election results are changed, voters vote many times
c) There are bias and intimidation in some voting station iii) Type of Electoral /
Voting System a) Simple majority/ plurality system
b) Absolute majority system
c) Double or second ballot system
d) Alternative voting system

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e) Proportional representation system
f) Electoral college

WEEK 3
Organization of Elections
Features of free and fair Election
1) There must be independent Electoral body/ commission
2) There should be adequate security
3) There should be enough funds for the election
Stages of Election
1) The establishment of an independent electoral commission
2) Delineation of constituencies (i.e geographical area or district which will be represented
in the parliament)
3) Registration of political parties which will be participating in the election
4) Nomination of candidate by naming political parties
5) Also, there should be voters registration or a review (voter update)
Free and Fair Election/ Transparency in the

1) Transparency or free and fair promotes public confident and trust on the electoral system
2) There must be participating government in order to allow peace elect their representative
3) The election system should adopt secret ballot

WEEK 4
Electoral Commission
Roles or duties of electoral commission
Electoral commission: - it is an independent and important body responsible for
organizing and conducing a free and fair election. It has a chairman and other members:-
The roles or duties/functions g electoral commission are as follow:
1) It organize and conduct elections into elective position
2) It screen and repute candidates for election
3) It also recruit, trains, deploys electoral officer and official
Problem of Electoral Commission
1) Several names of voters may be omitted in the voters list
2) Rigging of election by various parties
Various Electoral Officials
1) Electoral officer
2) Electoral supervisor
3) Presiding officer
4) Polling clerk
5) Polling agents
WEEK 5
Electoral Officials
Organization of Electoral commission 1)
The chairman- Is the head of the electoral Commission.

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2) Electoral commissioner-He is responsible for the organization and suspension of all
elections in a state. He also cordinates the activities of electoral officers within the state.
3) Electoral officer- He oversees the election and make sure the election is hitch-free.
4) Electoral supervisor- He supervises the presiding officer.
5) Presiding officer- He takes charge of polling booths.
6) Poll clerks- They assist the presiding officer at the polling booths
7) Polling Agents- They represent the candidates or political parties at the polling booths
8) Retiring Officer- He announces the election results
9) Security Men- They maintain peace and order and makes sure people obey laid
downrules for the elections
10) Recruitment of Ad-hoc workers/staff- These are the recruitment of clerks and the Youth
Corps members

WEEK 6
Public Opinion
Public opinion is mainly based on permanent policy being proposed or already taken
action also by the government.
Formation of public opinion
1) Through the pressure groups 2)
Through opinion polls and election 3)
Through press, radio or television.
Measurement /determination public opinion
1) Mass media
2) Election, referendum of saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’
3) Random sampling
Merit of Public Opinion
1) It helps as a checks and balances of government activities
2) For decision making

Demerit of Public Opinion

1) It may mis-direct the government
2) It waste time and money
WEEK 7
Mass Media
Mass media can be defined as the channel in which government and general semi their
information to the general public.
Type of Mass Media
1) Electronic media
2) Print media
Role of Mass Media

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a.
To send useful information
b. To enlight
2) To entertain
Impact of Mass Media
1) It enlight the masses
2) Promotion of peace world wide

WEEK 8
CIVIL SERVICE
Civil service is an organization or group of people employed by the government to carry
day to day activities of the government at a particular period of time.
FEATURES OF CIVIL SERVICE
1) Impartiality
2) Neutrality
3) Bureaucracy/red-tapism
Functions of Civil Service
1) P olicy formation
2) Policy implementation
3) Law enforcement

WEEK 9
STRUCTURES OF CIVIL SERVICE
The civil service of Nigeria, Ghana, Seiria leone and Gambia are structured in Line with
the British Civil Service into the following five(5) main Classes
1) The administrative
2) The professional or technical classes
3) The clerical class
4) The Executive class
5) And the messengrial /manipulative and miscellaneous class
WEEK 10
Personal Administration in Civil Service
Civil service commission: - it can be define as the body charge with the responsibility of
controlling the activities of civil servant in terms of discipline, transfer, promotion,
appointment and charity of civil service commission
FUNCTIONS OF CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

1) The commission appoints people (workers) to different ministries and departments of

government. This is done through the conduct of written examinations and interviews
2) They transfer the civil servants from one ministry to another
3) The commission retires civil servants who have put in the required working i.e 35 years
in Nigria

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4) It also promotes civil servants from one grade level to the other. However, this is not
automative, only those who excel in their work get promoted.
5) The civil service commission disciplines civil servants who misbehave i.e/ either by
suspension or withholding the promotion of the workers involved.

Relationship between civil service and political executives

1) Administration- Both pokliticians and the civil servants especially those at
the topmost level of the civil service hierarchy, are said to be involved in
public administration and for this reason, are working for common goal
2) Delegated Legislation- Civil servants implement or execute rules that are
made by the political classes of the executives (politicians) but such rules
are done under the strict guidance and proffessional advice of the
permanent officials
3) The civil service-
4) This is regarded as permanent administration unit of the executive organ
of government whose job and tenure of office is not determined and
affected by the party or government in power

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SSS TWO TERM: 2ND TERM
Public Corporation
WEEK 1
Public corporations are governmental owned and financed organization and enterprises
established by an act of parliament to provide essential service like electricity, pipe borne
water etc for the people at moderate prices.
Reason for setting up public corporations
1) To provide employment
2) To generate revenue
3) To provide essential service
Function of public corporations
1) To underrate strategies project for security
2) To provide such service which cannot be provided by individuals
Examples of public corporation
1) Nigeria National petroleum corporation (NNPC)
2) Nigeria railway corporation (NRC)
3) Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)
WEEK 2
Structure and Organization of Public corporation
Organization / Structure of public Corporation

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Each public corporation is being establish by the federal or state government and is
placed under the ministries attached to the corporation under the direct control of
minister or commissioners. They are placed under the supervision of the board of Deaton
headed by the chairman of the corporation which oversees the day-to-day activities of the
organization.
Comparism of public corporation
1) It is owned and financed by the government
2) It is headed by the chairman
3) It is also controlled by board of directors
WEEK 3
Control and problem of public opinion
Difference between public corporation and civil service Control
of public corporation
1) Parliamentary control
2) Ministerial control
3) motivation
4) Judicial control
5) Financial control
Problem of public corporation
1) Financial problem
2) Over staff
3) Favoritism and Nepotism
4) Bribery, Corruption and Embezzlement
Solution to public corporation
1) Privatization and commercialization
2) Better condition of staff
3) Over staffing

WEEK 4
Commercialization, Privatization and Deregulation of public corporation
Privatization: - Is the transfer of management and control of business owned by the
government to promote individual to allow competition and efficiency
Commercialization: -Is the act whereby government sells shares to the general public
holden to control the economy for efficiency and profit oriented.
Deregulation: -The gradual or systematic removal of regulatory controls and those
structures imposed by the government which prevent the growth and development of
public corporations Reason for deregulation
1) The desire to manage public corporations like other enterprises in the private
sector may prompt the government to deregulation
2) Public enterprises are deregulated in order to set them loose from stiff and often
times, restrain policies of government that prevented them from performing more
efficiently and effectively
Reason for Privatization
1) Generation low investment 2)
Profit orientation

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Reason for Commercialization
1) Efficiency management
2) Participation of private individual
Merits of Privatization
1) Imposed maintenance
2) Increase efficiency DEMERITS
of Privatization
1) It leads to insecurity of job faced by staff and management
2) It may worsen income and wealth distribution in the society
Merits of Commercialization
1) Generation of more revenue 2)
To promote efficiency Demerits of
Commercialization
1) Poor standard of living
2) High cost of production
WEEK 5
Local Government Administration
Local Government
Local government is a semi- autonomous or third tiers of government creates by an act of
parliament to provide essential or social amenities for the people at the grass root level
Reason for creating Local Government
1) To create employment
2) To provide essential services like pipe-borne water, hospitals etc
3) To avoid too much concentration of power in one authority
Function of Local Government
1) Collection of taxes and rates
2) It serves as link between local people, federal and state government 3)
Construction of modern market and shops
WEEK 6
The system of Local Government
There four different types of local government system in Nigeria, namely
1) The French/commune system of local government
2) The British/ anglo-saxon system
3) The communist system
4) The Nigeria system

WEEK 7
Evolution of Local Government
The evolution of local government in Nigeria can rightly be traced to the introduction and
practice of Native Authority System caused indirectly rule system in the Northern part of
Nigeria by Lord Fredrick Luggard as high commissioner. He had a lot of problems to
contend with and that is why he introduced indirect rule system to solve the problems and
called it ‘claw of necessity’

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Structure of Local Government
The administration of local government in Nigeria is placed under the supervision of the
vice president office, and commissioners of local government in each state of the
federation
Local government at the comic level headed by the chairman together with his vice
chairman. We also have four supervisory counselors in each local government ie
supervisory counselor for workers, Agric, Health, Education or information
Roles of Traditional Rulers in Pre-Colonial era
Though , traditional rulers do not have any executives roles they play in local
government, yet their functions are discussed as follows:
1) They have power to cordinate developmental programmes of local government
areas
2) Traditional rulers are the royal fathers of their respective communities
3) They are custodians of culture and tradion of people, therefore government
understands a group of people better by constant interaction with them
4) They are also equally expected discuss issues affectingn their people with the
gevernment.

WEEK 8
Source of Finance
1) Grant from federal and state government
2) Investment
3) Loans
4) Taxes and Rates
5) Licenses
Relationship between Local, State and Federal governments
1) Establishment of Local government
2) Supervision of Local government
3) Approval of annual estimate/budget
WEEK 9
Local government reforms
Roles of traditional rulers in local government
Sir Lord Fredrick Luggard became the first Governor General of Nigeria around 1906
before the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914. Some of the functions of traditional
rulers are:
1) They settle the dispute between one person and the other and community
2) They serve as an intermediary between the government and the people
3) They are also monitoring the tax collector
1976 Local government reforms
Before 1976, local governments in Nigeria faced many problems. The Muritala/
Obasanjo administration embark on a series of activities aimed at correcting some of the
problems confronting local government in Nigeria. These gave birth to what has become
known as the 1976 local government reform
WEEK 10
Problems of local government

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1) Lack of adequate fund
2) Political interference
3) Bribery and corruption
Measure to improve local government administration
1) Employment of trained personnel
2) There should be enough/sufficient fund
3) Creation of avenue for revenue collection

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SSS two TERM: 3RD TERM COURSE
WEEK 1: PRE COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION HAUSA\FULANI
(1) System of government of Hausa\Fulani : There was a centralized
administration headed by an emir who presided over the emirate council and
was assisted by district heads, chiefs, and judicial function.
(2) Roles of the components: It depends on their different roles in their
administration, like the (a)madawaki: is the calvary or army commander
(b) Waziri : The chief minister who also acted as the prime minister of the
emirate.
(c) Galadima: The head administration of the capital city of the emirate.
(d) Sarkin Ruwa: Chief officers in charge of fisheries.
(e) Sarkin Fada: Head of palace officials etc.
(3) Structure: Before the effective take off of colonialism in Nigeria ,the hausa ethnic
group had their own traditional political system before the Usman Dan-Fodio
led Jihad head defeated the king and instituted an Islamic empire with
headquarters in Sokoto.

WEEK 2: SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN IGBO:

Decentralized – with the exception of onisha and igbo speaking communities
of Delta state, who were governed by traditional rulers known as obi. Most igbo
communities lacked centralized administration . By implication ,a typical igbo town
was divided into autonomous communities headed by traditional rulers known as
Igwe .
(1) Structure :Their structures or organizations are categorized into different sections
-
(i) The extend family
(ii) The kindred (umunna)
(iii) The village group also known as ohanaeze (General assembly)
(iv) The ofo title societies
(v) The ozo titles society
(vi) The people assembly (Ohanaeze)etc.

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(2) Roles of the component :
(i) The extended family was headed by it’s oldest man who held the ofo as a
symbol of his authority .
(ii) The kindred (umunna)
(iii) The village group or ohanaeze or general Assembly was the largest political
organization in a traditional igbo society .
(iv) The ofo title societies were made of ofo title holders, basic qualification for
membership of ofo society was age.
WEEK 3: SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
(i) Centralized –There was centralized administration headed by the oba
who was assited by chiefs , cabinet members (oyomesi) and secret
societies (ogboni).
(ii) Structure – Yoruba tradition al policies institution were made of the obas,
oyomesi , Baales ,The ogboni,The Eso and the age grade.
(iii) Roles of the component –
Their roles are based on their different offices or positions being appointed
them for:
(a) The oba –As said earlier ,was the political and spiritual head of his kingdom
.
(b) The oyomesi – Is a very important policies institution in a typical Yoruba
kingdom due to their numerous functions and was made up of the prominent
chiefs in the kingdom .
(c) The ogboni - This was a religious cult . For example , any decision by the
oyomesi to remove an oba could not fake effect until approved by the ogboni.

WEEK4: PRINCIPLE AND STRUCTURE OF BRITISH COLONIAL

ADMINISTRATION
Colonialism is a process whereby a country is under the control of another country.
Hierarchically, the british political institutions that existed while colonialism lasted
in Nigeria are as follows .
(1) The secretary of states for the colonies
(2) The governor or governor- general (3)
The legislature council
(4) The executive council.
The principle of British colonial administration in Nigeria and west Africa The
major guiding principles adopted by the British government in course of her
hyperialistic design and colonial drive that casted more than a century in Nigeria
were:
(1) The principle of indirect rule or child of necessity

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(2) Imperial domination
(3) Devolution of power
(4) The principle of Empericism- This principle revealed that the British
government had no rigid administration system, rather, she ruled her colonies
based on observation or experimentation of prevailing situations in those
colonies
Impact of colonial administration in Nigeria and West Africa
The colonial administration had long – lasting effects in Nigeria and west Africa.
(1) First, there was the distribution of the traditional rulers of government of the
various parts of Nigeria and the West Africa sub region.
(2) Orientation of the economics changed from the emphasis in food crops like
cocoa and coffee, which serve as raw materials for European factories
(3) Political reason
(4) Adoption of a foreign language and culture
(5) Religion reasons
Advantage of colonial rule
(1) Education of African children
(2) Establishment of education institution from the primary to the university level
(The universities college, Ibadan was established in 1948)
(3) Spliting of people of the same ethnic group bt European powers to become
new nations made of former petty states
(4) Common language and legal system
(5) Development of modern transport and communication systems
Disadvantages of colonial rule
(1) Total condemnation of the African way of life
(2) Distortion of the socio-economic life of the people
(3) Neglection of moral areas on account of the concentration on the urban
centres for the purpose of trade
Comparism 0f british and French colonial policies of administration
(1) The French tried a policy called assimilation while the British too had a form
of direct rule , but it’s was not as elaborate as the French .
(2) For the French , indirect rule because an inevitable outcome known as
association while the British considered indirect rule for adoption from the
very beginning and it was adopted much earlier in 1900 in southern Nigeria
and 1914 on northern Nigeria.

WEEK5: NATIONALISM
(i) Meaning of nationalism:

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Is the opposite of to foreign rule and domination. It may also mean as the
activities of black people in order to gain independence from their colonial
master.
(ii) Factors that led to the use and growth of nationalization in Nigeria
(1) Western education
(2) Social segregation
(3) Poor price of agricultural product
(4) Formation of political parties
(5) Deposition of chief\obas
(iii) Effect of nationalism in Nigeria
(1) Constitutional changes that opened up more opportunities for Nigerians
to participate in the governing of the country.
(2) Training of the leaders
(3) The formation of political parties to articulate the views of the elite and
the establishment of newspaper to give these views the widest possible
spread.
(iv) Contributions of key Nationalist leader s in Nigeria
Under Herbert Macauley- He was born in Lagos on November 14,1864. He
was trained both in Nigeria and in Britain and return from Britain after
receiving training in surveying and civil engineering. He died in 1946.

Contributions:
(1) He tried to resist a British law that put all laws in southern Nigeria
(2) He formed Nigeria national democratic party in 1923
(3) “Herbert Macaulay also founded the lagos Daily News for the sake of
informing the masses
(1) Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe – He was born on November 16,1904 in zungeru in what is
now Nigers state . He also receive education both in Nigeria and the United state of
America after which he returned to nigeria in 1934. He died in 1996.
Contributions
(i) He was a co-founder and the editor of the west Africa pilot from 1973 to 1940
(ii) He also led a delegation of the NCNC to London in 1946 demand the
nullification the Richards constitution (1946)
(iii) He became the premier of the Eastern region after the election of 1954. He was
sworn in as the Governor-General of Nigeria in 1960 and president in 1963.
Others are late chief Obafemi Awolowo and sir Ahmadu Bello. They all contributed
Immensely to the nationalism in Nigeria.

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WEEK 6
THE NIGERIA COUNCIL OF 1914
Sir Lord Lugard become the first Government of Nigeria in 1914 after the successful
amagamation of the Northern and Southern protectorate. He proceeded to institute
the Nigerian Council which served as the base in which Nigerian preindependence
constitutions originated. The council laid the foundation in which Constitutional
development started in Nigeria. The council was a purely advisory council with no
executive powers Features :
(1) It amalgamated the protectorates into one unit
(2) The Governor-General was the head of the government and a governor headed
each of the province
(3) The indirect rule policy was extended to the entire country

THE CLIFFORD CONSTITUTION (1922)

The constitution arose for a new constitution in order to make room for an
expanded legislature council.
Main features :
(1)
The legislature council was composed of the following members
(i) The Governor
(ii) 26 officials members
(iii) 15 un-officials members (nine European and six Nigerians)
(iv) Four (4) elected members (three for Lagos and one for calabar)
(2) It introduce the elective principle and expended the legislature council.
(3) There was also a provision for local government by the native authorities.

THE RICHARD CONSTITUTION (1946)

The Richards constitution was mainly based on the nationalist calls for
independence became wonder.
Main features:
(1) The country was divided into region with separate legislature assemblies
(2) The central legislature law the following:
(i) The governor
(ii) Ex-officio member
(iii) Nominated official members
(iv) Nominated in-official members

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Elected members
(3) The executive council of the Clifford constitution type was retained.
ADVANTAGE OF CLIFFORD CONSTITUTION
(1) It was the first written constitution in Nigeria
(2) More seats were given to African that of 1914 Nigeria council
(3) It introduces the elective principles. The electorates in Lagos and Calabar
were able to vote.

WEEK7: THE MACPHERSON CONSTITUTION

This constitution sought to address what has been a some point in the
promulgation of the other non-consultation of Nigerians
Main features
1. Council of minister : was a policy making body composed of the governor,
ex-official members (six) and members from each of the regions (these were
appointed by the governor)
2. The establishment of regional legislatures and regional executive councils
3. The establishment of the revenue allocation commission charged with
advising the governor regarding revenue sharing between the various level of
government.
Strength of Macpherson constitution (1951)
1. It establish a central legislature and central executive for the whole country
2. Nigeria were made ministers and assigned duties
3. It established the justice service commission
WEAKNESSES OF MACPHERSON (1951)
1. There was no country wide political party that command majority opinion
2. It made no provision for the post of a federal minister or for the post of a
regional premier in the regions
3. The constitution did not provide for responsible government at the centre

LITTLETON CONSTITUTION (1954)

The problem generated by the demand for independence by Chief Anthony
Enahoro a member of the action group was one of the defects in the Macpherson
constitution.
Main features
1. Establishment of the federal system of government whereby matters that could
be handled separately by the different level of government were spelt out.
2. Anthony for the regions
3. An expansion house of representatives.

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STRENGTHS OF LITTLETON 1954 CONSTITUTION

1. The pests of speaker and deputy speaker were created both at federal and
regional assemblies.
2. A federal supreme court was establish for the whole country
3. Ministers were now given portfolio, they become effective heads of
department

WEEK 8: THE INDEPENDENCE OF CONSTITUTION OF 1960

The 1960 independence as the outcome of a long struggle for freedom before the
granting of the constitution. There were two (2) conferences;
1. The London conference of 1951
2. Lagos conference of October, 1958 under Mr. Alan Lennox, the chairman of
the conference who also doubled as secretary of state for the colonies. Main
Features
1. Preservation of the federal and regional levels of government
2. Establishment of a bicameral (two chamber) legislature. The senate and house
of representatives
3. Introduction of the parliamentary system of government.
Strengths of 1960 constitution
1. It granted independence to the country
2. Nigerians had greater autonomy over the control of the affairs of the country
3. It provided for state creation Weaknesses of 1960 constitution
1. The supreme court was not the highest in the land until 1963
2. Inspite of an so called independence, the queen of England was still the
political head of Nigeria, the governor-general was the representative of the
queen of England
3. Being parliamentary system of government there was no separation of power
i.e between the executive, judiciary and the law-making body.

The First Republic On 1963 Republican Constitution

Under the 1960 constitution, the governor-general represented the queen of
England as the ceremonial head of government and the constitution brought to an
end the dominance of the British
Features of the constitution
1. Creation of office of the president
2. The declaration of the supreme court as the final court of appeal in Nigeria
3. The provision of an executive council made up of the president, prime
minister and council of ministers.

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WEEK 9: THE 1979 CONSTITUTION OF THE SECOND REPUBLIC
Origin: it came into effect on October1, 1979, and ushered in the second republic.
The first republic had ended with the coup of 1966.
Main Features
1. It was federal, written and rigid
2. Direct election of the president
3. The constitution provided for a president with real executive power
4. Minimum age requirement for public office
(i) President – 35 years
(ii) State governor – 30 years
(iii) Senator – 30 years
(iv) Member house of representatives – 21 years (v) Member state house of
assembly – 21 years
Strengths of the 1979 constitution
1. It brought in a new system of government i.e presidential system of
government to the country
2. It created the local government as the third tier of government in order to bring
development into the rural areas
3. It also provided for separation of powers among the organs of government
Weaknesses
1. Misuse of power by the president i.e he has the power to appoint the chief
justice of the federation and inspector general of police e.t.c.
2. The writing pattern of the pantries formed in 1979 were still on ethnic or
regional basis i.e UPW for the Yoruba, NPP for the Igbo and NPN for the
Hausa/Fulani.
3. Local government allocation given to them through the state not allow
government to perform creditably

WEEK 10: The 1999 Constitution Of Fourth Republic

Origin: The 1999 constitution of the fourth republic started to be aspired from May
29, 1999, when the military head of state handed over power to the elected president
of Nigeria , chief Olusegun Obasanjo. The 1999 constitution is a reversed version of
both the 1979 and 1989 constitution. After the demise of Gen. Sanni Abacha in 1998,
the Abdulsalam government which succeeded him, mindful of the disenchantment
of the people with military rule, hurriedly set up a committee to draft a new
constitution for the country
Features of 1999 constitution
1. Federal system of government with 36 states and 774 local government

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2. Presidential system of government
3. The national assembly comprises of two houses (the upper-the senate and the
lower-the house of representatives)
Strengths of 1999 constitution
1. Promotion makes it possible for dual citizenship
2. Conduct of legislative business in Nigeria languages
3. State creation process
Weaknesses of 1999 constitution
1. The immunity clause ensures that corrupt officers fully enjoy their loot, even
use the money to prosecute the court cases they will face after leaving office
2. Concentration of power on the president
3. Rigid and time consuming

Procedure For Constitutional Amendment

According to a section of 1999 constitution, an act for the alteration of any promotion
of the constitution (exception is the matter of new states and boundary adjustment
,e.t.c.) begin as a proposal. The proposal has to be approved by the votes of not less
than fourth-fifth majority of all the members of each house of national assembly and
also approved by resolution of the house of assembly of less than two-third of all the
states. It can now be prepared as a bill. Notwithstanding any vacancy, all
360members of the house of representatives and 109 senators shall be present for all
these deliberations.
Process of law making in the states and national assemblies
1. A first reading
2. A second reading
3. The committee stage
4. General principle of staff
5. A third reading
6. President assent

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SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SSS THREE TERM: 1st TERM
WEEK 1: FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA
Federalism: it is a system of government in which power is divided between the central
authority and member of regions with delimited self-governing authority, so that each
government is legally and constitutionally independent and autonomous.

Factors that Recessitated the formation of federalism are as follow

1) For easy and effective Government 2)
For Security Reason
Features of Nigeria federalism
There are many features but to mention few: - 1)
The division of Nigeria into equal region & states.
2) Adoption of a written and rigid
constitution.

WEEK 2
Problem of Nigeria Federalism
There are many problems fronting Nigeria federalism, they are as follows: 1)
Inter- State Friction
2) Problem of Coordination
The need for revenue allocation in Nigeria
1) The Phillipson Commission (1946)
2) The chicks commission of 1953
Conflicts over each adopted revenue allocation formular
As we all aware that there are three tiers of government namely, federal, state and local
government, there is no how that conflict will not occur and some of the conflicts are as
follows:
1) Revenue allocation
2) Boundary dispute component unit

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WEEK 3
Minority Issues and Creation of States
One of the problems against the development of the country and has constituted a lot
because of the issues of minorities in which Nigeria has three (3) major ethnic groups of
Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba and multiplicity of minor ethnic.
CREATION OF MORE STATES
More states creation occurred after independence
1) Mid- Western region in August 1963 out of the western Region.
2) Lt Col Gowon created 12 (twelve) states out of four (4) regions on May 27, 1967.
Reasons for the demand of more states, there are many reason that demand for more
states such as:
1) Population
2) Inter- ethnic Rivalry
Recommendation of the Willinks Commission
The commission in its recommendation commission to the 1958 inLagos constitutional
conference agreed on the under listed points.
i) Bill of right of the minority to be entrenched in the constitution
ii) Problem can’t be solved by creation of more new regions.
Solution to the minority problem in Nigeria
i) The minority groups claim that Government services and amenities should be distributed
equally on ethnic grouping.
ii) That, there should be no discrimination on religions and ethnic groups.

WEEK 4
Inter Ethnic Rivalry and Issue of Succession
Inter- ethnic rivalry in Nigeria dated back to the period of colonialism. This occurred during
various constitution conferences attended by different ethnic groups that constitute present
day Nigeria. The inter -ethnic rivalry emanates from fear of domination by one ethnic
group.
Problem of succession in Nigeria
i) The three ethnic groups derived from the northern regions first attempt was in 1950 during
the Ibadan conference in which they demanded 50% of the seats in central parliament.
ii) Again, on April 1st, 1953, when Autonomy enhance introduced private members will be
demanding self- government in 1956 on the co, the northern members did not support the
motion.

Suggestions /Measures to Avoid Succession in Nigeria

The only way out to cud the pressure of succession in Nigeria is creation of more states
thereby increased the regions to sub- regions.

WEEK 5
Development of Political Parties in Nigeria NNDP
1) To establish branches in other parts of the country with Lagos as the
headquarters 2) To provide facilities for the development of higher education in
Nigeria 3) To provide compulsory education at the primary school levels.

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NYM
1) To seek a change in the policy of recruitment into civil service in order to avoid filling of
white African in the post
2) To gain independence for Nigeria
3) To fight for Yaba Higher College. Status to get aflation to any British university.
EVALUATION
The teacher asks the following questions
i) Explain the origin of NNDP, NYM and NCNC ii) How is
the organizational structure of NNDP, NYM and NCNC iii) Mention
the objectives of the parties.

WEEK 6
ACTION GROUP
The action Group (AG) was formally med in March 1951 through the conversion of the
‘EGBE OMO ODUDUA’ a Yoruba organization founded in 1945 in London by some
Yoruba student studying there. Also, Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the founder and
leader of AG.
Further more, other prominent members were Cief Shonibare, Yoruba traditional rulers
including the Late Ooni of Ife, Sir Adegiji Aderemi northern people congress (NPC)
NEPU: - The northern Elements profession union
Was formed in 1950 by Alhaji Aminu Kano, saadu zurgar and some nof their supporters
who were also expelled from Northern people congress.
Their aims are to provide better economic opportunities for people, to eliminate poverty
and to restructure the Northern cities.

WEEK 7
Development of Political Parties in Continuation
Formation of NPN, UPN, and NPP. After the collapse of the first Republic in
Nigeria, Nigeria are under military rule for a period of thirteen (13) years ie from (15 th
January, 1996 to 18th October 1979) Inn which, there were no political parties in Nigeria
until when General Obasanjo became the Head of state in 1976.
UPN (Unity Party of Nigeria)
The party was formed when the military government lifted the ban in political activities
and emerged as the first political association in 1978
NPN (The National Party of Nigeria)
NPN was the third (3rd) party to be formed in 1978. Was largely regarded as an offshoot of
the northern people congress, party was launched in September, 1978 in Lagos after the
lying of a ban on Party politics. NPP (Nigeria People’s Party)
The Nigeria People’s Party (NPP) was formed in 1978 after the lifting of the ban on party
politics by the General Obasanjo regime. Many people believed that the party was an
offshoot of the former NCNC.
The Aim and Objectives of the party:
1. To promote the unity of the Country
2. To work for the equality of the people of the Country
3. Provision of full employment for all

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4. Promotion of the nation’s resources
5. To fight against poverty, disease and ignorance.
Organization Structure
The party had its National state and Local government and ward level forms of
organization with the National Secretariat in Lagos.
Sources of finance
The sources of finance of the party are understated below:
i) Federal government grant
ii) Party lerles
iii) Sales of party materials

WEEK 8
Development of Political Parties
Objectives of the parties (UPN, NPM and NPP)
UPN
The aim and objectives of UPN never embodred in its four cardinal point programmes
which were:
i) Free education at all levels ii) Free health
services for all citizen iii) Full and great full employment for
all the able bodred.
NPM
i) To work towards making Nigeria a nation ii)
To build a prosperous and self reliant Nigeria
NPP
i) To promote and sustain the unity of Nigeria
ii) To work towards five employment for all Nigeria

WEEK 9
Development of political parties and performance of the parties
NPN
i) The party won in eight states of the 19 states in 1979 election and also won the presidential
seats to form federal government in the election 1983 in which the party won in 12 of the
19 states.
iii) The party won 36 out of the 95 seats in the senate, 168 out of 449 members in the house of
representative.
NPP
i) The party won the cubemational election in plateau and Anambra states it controlled
3states.
ii) It also won 16 seats in the senate and it seats in the House of Representatives in 1979.

Source of Finance
UPN
1) Grants from the government

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2) Money realized from the sale party material
3) Money donated by Chief Awolowo organization
NPN
1) Party level on its members.
2) Federal government grant.
3) Membership annual dues.

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SSS THREE TERM: 2ND TERM COURSE

WEEK 1: Military Rules in Nigeria

Military can be defined as forceful taken over of government from the civilian
democratic elected government by the soldiers.
Historical development of military rule in Nigeria
The first military coup de’tat took place in January 15th 1966 by group of young
Major headed by late major Kaduna Chukunma Nzeoyion; Late Major General (army
leader) Agonyi Ironsi hijacked the government from them.
Another military coup de’tat took place in July 29th 1966 barely six (6) month later
headed by Late Col Yakubu Gowon which terminated in 1975 by General Muritala
Muhammed. He too was killed in Feb 13th 1976, General Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo took

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over from him and niled till October 1st 1979; when he handed over to President Sheu
Shagari in 1979.
General Muhammed Buhari took power by in December 31st 1983 and niled till
1985 when major General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida seized power from General
Buhari.
Also, General Ibrahim Babagida ruled till 1993 when he step aside for Chief
Ernest Sonekan (who acted as interior president)
In 1993, General Abacha took over the seat of power from the interim national
government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan.
Thereafter, General Abdul-salami Abubarkar replaced General Sanni Abacha after
the latter’s demise or death. It was General Abdul-salami who handed over power to
President (Chief) Olusegun Obasanjo, the leader of the new democratic setting of the 4th
republic May 29th, 1999.
Features of Military Rule in Nigeria
1) Rule by force
2) Make use of civilians
3) Rule by decree

Structure of military ruled in Nigeria

The army is headed by the General who is also the head of state and commander of
armed forces. In 1966 to 1985, we had supreme military council the legislative body
ruled the nation and headed by the head of state.
Achievement of Military in Nigeria
1) Maintain law and orders.
2) Provided political stability throughout the country.
3) Good roads and bridges were constructed by the soldiers.
4) Schools and hospitals were provided by the soldiers.
Shortcoming /disadvantages of military rule in Nigeria
1) No fundamental human right
2) Bribery and corruption also in place
3) Ruled by force without following the laid down proceeding 4) Civil war was brought by
the military rule

WEEK 2
Conflict Resolution and Management
Conflict is a situation or period in which there is war or conflict or disagreement
between people, groups, communities, states, two countries or many countries.
Resolution is the way or manner in which dispute or disagreement are being settle
Conflict resolution can be define as the situation in which conflict or disagreement are
being solved amicably without resulting to violence or war.
Types of Conflict
1) Intra- personal conflicts
2) Inter- personal conflicts
3) Intra- group conflicts

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4) Inter- group conflicts
5) Intra- national conflicts
6) Inter- national conflicts
Causes of Conflict
1) Inadequate distribution of resources
2) Religion intolerance
3) Poor and absence of communication
4) Natural resources /disagreement between countries
Consequences of Conflicts and conflicts resolution
Consequences
i) Lead to war ii)
Loss of life and property iii)
Vandalization iv) Mass
destruction v) Enemity
Resolution
i) Agreement between oneself, between nor among the nation
ii) Religion tolerance
iii) Smooth and regular communication iv)
Amicable settlement
v) Contentment on many things

WEEK 3
PEACE EDUCATION
Peace is a period or situation when there is no war or violence in the society within or
between two (2) countries.
Education :
1. Is the act or process of impacting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the
powers of reforming and judgement, and generally of preparing oneself or others
intellectually of mature life.
2. The act or process of impacting or acquiring a particular knowledge or skills, as
for a profession.
3. The result produced by instructions or studies.
4. Or the science or act of teaching, pedagogics (caring teaching methods) Peace
Education is the process of acquiring the values, knowledge, attitude, skill and
behavior to peace peacefully in society.
OR
Peace education is behavior and attitude change mechanism which aims at performing the
following function.
a) Preventing conflicts
b) Resolving conflicts
c) Promoting conflicts
WHY DO WE NEED PEACE
i) For development of the
society ii) For promoting of

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friendship iii) For progress of the
society
MECHANISM FOR PROMOTING PEACE
i) Promotion of friendship ii. Justice iii. Good leader

WEEK 4
The Inter-dependence of Nations and Globalization
Globalization- is the process by which state become inter dependence on each other on
all spherery life. Also where countries go global by adapting universal characteristic
involving human right.
There are four reasons why the worlds relate with one another.
i) Political reason for interaction
ii) Economic reason for interaction
iii) Security reason
iv) Social/cultural reason for interaction
Merit of the interaction
i) It promotes peace and security.
Demerit of the interaction
i) Cultural/ social problem

WEEK 5
Nigeria Foreign Policy
Nigerian foreign policy can be defined as the totally of a nationals interaction with other
parts of the world
Factor affecting the Nigeria foreign policy
1) Historical linkage
2) Geographical location
3) Military might / strength
4) Nigeria membership of interaction leadership organization such as UNO, AU, ECOWAS
etc

Formation of Nigeria’s foreign policy

Government leaded by the president to be assisted by the ministry of External affairs
who posted Nigeria Ambassadors and envoys to represent Nigeria abroad. We also have
minister of foreign affairs together into the permanent secretary and other professional
who work hard to project well their country abroad.
Aim and Objective of Foreign Affairs
i) To promote unity and solidity especially with the people of foreign
affairs ii) To promote Nigeria national interest on the interaction scene iii)
To promote global peace under the supervision of UNO
Nigeria Foreign Policy since Independence

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Nigeria attained her independence on October 1st, 1960. With this attainment of
independence, Nigeria was able to apply for membership of International Organizations
like the United Nations (UN).
Historical Background of Non- Alignment
Immediately after the Second World War i.e the America and Russia took and control
world the two countries fractionalized the world into two (capitalist countries were under
the control of America while the socialist state were under the control super power
leader)
Effectiveness of Non Alignment in Foreign Policy
i) It serves as an effective opposition to the two powerful sloes in the world
ii) It gives opportunity for the third world countries to come together to discus world affairs
and beneficial decisions

WEEK 6
International Organization
Five international Organization
a) Non aligned movement
b) United nation organization(UNO)
c) Common wealth of Nation
d) African union (AU)
e) Economic Community of West African State

i) The non alignment means neutrality in the cold war between power neutrality in the
ideological conflicts between the super power of the world [i.e United State of America,
USA and the former Union of Sonnet Socialist Republic (USSR)] ii)
United Nation Organization (UNO)
It can be define as an association of independent council with their aims and
objectives is to promote world peace and bring peace to the world wide.
iii) Common wealth of Nation
It can be defined as association of countries who were formerly under the control
of British government before they grant independent from the colonial masters
iv) African Union
It is formation of another organization of African independence countries to
replace the organization of African unity (OAU) which has outline/overspread its
usefulness.
v) Economic Community of West Africa State (ECOWAS)
It was establish on May 28th, 1975 in Lagos, the idea of establishing the organization was
headed by Nigeria and Togo under major General Yakubu Gowon and President
Oyadema of Togo respectively.

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WEEK 7
Millennium Development Goals
Millennium Goals can be defined as a programme put in place by the united State of
America (USA) third world country particularly in Africa and Asia.
Aim and Objectives of Millennium Goals
i) Eradication of poverty and hunger in Africa and the whole
world ii) Universal free primary education for children iii) To
promote gender equality particularly women iv) Total eradication or
combat of HIV/AIDS
v) Improvement of material Health in order to reduce three quarters of the maternal
mortality ratio.
vi) Addressing the special needs of land locked and small island developing states.
vii) Adhere significant improvement in lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers by 2020,
The Adoption of MDG
Millennium Declaration was adopted by 189 nations and signed by 147 head of states and
governments during the United Nations Millennium submit in September 2000 The
millennium submit agreed in eight (8) goals called then Millennium
Development Goals (MDG’s) and the goals were signed basically to promote global
development and to breath the gap between the less Develop Countries (LDC’s) and the
advanced capitalist of the west.
These include
i) Eradicating Extreme Poverty and Hunger
ii) Acquire Universal primary Education
iii) Promote Gender Equality and Empower women iv)

WEEK 8
New Economic Partnership for Economic Development (NEPAD)
ORIGINS OF NEPAD
NEPAD was adopted at the 37th session of the Assembly of Heads of state and
Government in July 2001 in Lusaka, Zambia.
It is a merger of two plans for the economic regeneration of Africa. The millennium
partnership for the African recovery programme (MAP) led by former president Thabo
Mbeki of south in conjunction with President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and
President Abdulazis Boutefheks of Algeria.
Aim and Objective of NEPAD
i) To eradicate poverty ii) To promote
sustainable growth and development iii) To integrate
Africa in the world economy

Achievement of NEPAD
i) The first noticeable achievement of NEPAD is peace and security in Africa that
is prevalent with the exception of domestic problems in some member state ii)
There is promotion for inter African Economic corporation

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WEEK 9
Electronic Government
E – Government can be defined as a system of Government in which government use
information technology to send information about their activities to the public at large.
When to use E- Government
i) We can use it to pay or receive or collect money via E-
Government ii) To pass useful information to the general public iii)
We can use electronic government to pay government purse iv) We can
view activities of the government via E- government.
Advantages of E- Government
1) You can easily get information about government from electronic government.
2) Activities of the government can easily view through satellite, website
3) Natural resources of the state which can attract both local and foreign investment through
E- Government
4) You can easily know how government control or direct the affairs of a state
5) People can advise the government through E-government
6) Excesses of the government can easily be seen by the general public
7) Activities of the government can easily be criticized by the general public Disadvantages
of E- Government
1) E- government in the area of fraud, the computer can be fed with false information
especially in matters relating to financial interactions”
2) Government propaganda can be easily sent via E-government
3) People of doubtful character can easily sent wrong signal to the government
4) Another negative part of E- government is the issue of viruses. The data in the computer
can be adversely affected as a result of viruses that can harm the system which may result
to lose of memory.

WEEK 10
Leadership and Followership
A leader is a person who gives directive to the follower.
A follower is a person who receive or take directive for the leader and ready to carry out
that directive
Types of Leader
1) Democratic leader
2) Autocratic leader
3) Charismatic leader
4) Servant leader
5) People-oriented leader
Qualities of a Good Leader
1) A good leader must be honest and trust worthy
2) A good leader must be a man of integrity

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3) A good leader must have foresight that is predict future 4) A good leader must be a
peace living person
Qualities of a Good follower
1) A good follower should give constructive advice
2) A good follower must be hardworking
3) He should be friendly
4) A good follower should obey instruction from the leader

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