COMR. PEACE.O

INTRODUCTION This paper explores the nitty-gritty of federal systems through comparison and contrast. Scholars have long argued that without comparison, true knowledge remains incomplete. Therefore, this study examines the similarities and differences among federal states to determine which can truly be said to practice federalism. The analysis is guided by the ideas of Kenneth Clinton Wheare, a foremost classical scholar who developed the concept of the coordinated federal system. This paper specifically compares Nigerian federalism with that of the United States in order to determine which country more closely practices the principles of a true federation through the lens of Wheare’s theory. Furthermore, the study evaluates which of these systems particularly Nigeria’s quasifederal structure that requires restructuring to achieve a truly coordinated and independent federal arrangement. This assessment is based on Wheare’s five key principles of federalism: the principle of balance, t...

  INTRODUCTION Democracy is meant to ensure that government reflects the will of the people, protects citizens’ rights, and promotes accountability, with the Constitution serving as the guardian of a democratic state. In Nigeria, however, the principles of genuine democracy are often undermined by factors such as electoral fraud, vote-buying, corruption, weak institutions, political violence, and limited civic participation. These challenges contribute to the erosion of democracy in the country and suggest that Nigeria does not fully uphold the Constitution as the foremost guardian of democratic governance, as cases of discrimination still occur. As a result, the democratic system has deviated from its true purpose and core tenets, weakening public trust and hindering national development.  This discussion examines the causes, effects, and broader implications of the erosion of genuine democracy in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for reforms that will strengthen democr...

                                      INTRODUCTION The paper explores the challenge of balancing security and liberty, particularly in developing democracies like Nigeria, where the military plays a dual role as both a protector of the state and, at times, a suppressor of dissent. This dual role raises important questions about how to ensure a cordial and harmonious relationship between civilians and the military within a democratic system. It highlights how military involvement in politics, especially through coups, has weakened democratic institutions and civilian authority in Africa.  Using Nigeria as a key example, the paper examines the lasting impact of military rule and ongoing challenges such as ethnic bias and politicized recruitment. It concludes that strong civilian control, merit-based systems, and robust democratic institutions are essential to ensure the military supports ...

  INTRODUCTION This paper explores the ways in which Africa and other parts of the world have remained underdeveloped while Western countries have become developed. It does this by comparing the similarities and differences between developed and underdeveloped countries.  Babatunde and Iwu (2023) argue that without comparison, true knowledge is hanging. Similarly, Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–1859) noted that without making comparisons, the mind does not know how to proceed. Therefore, this study examines how the African continent can liberate itself and break away from the chains of underdevelopment physically, psychologically, and ideologically. Dependency theorists such as Claude Ake, Theotonio Dos Santos, Andre Gunder Frank, and Walter Rodney, among others, argue that many African countries remain poor because their economies depend heavily on developed countries for finance, technology, trade, and policy direction.  According to them, this dependency relationship ha...