Federal Character Principles, Nation Building and National Integration in Nigeria: Issues and Options

Abstract

Nigeria remains a product of British political experiment of social cloning. There are about 250 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. Prior to 1914 amalgamation, each of the 250 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria existed independently and distinctively in culture and tradition. The amalgamation midwifed birth of a country which is a replica of catholic marriage which may not be palatable but cannot be separated easily. By 1954, British government further displayed their political dexterity by introducing federalism. Yet it did not provide the desired unity. Giving the problems inherent with federalism, federal character principles were introduced along with national integration and nation building as a palliative measure in the 1979 and 1999 constitutions respectively. The extent to which the principles and policies have achieved its fundamental objectives in terms of nation building and integration demands scholarly excursion. Significance of this work lies in the understanding of why in spite rich content of the principles; national integration and nation building have not been fully achieved. Are there some issues with their application? The crux of this paper was to identify issues with the principle as well as options that would facilitate attainment of a desired nationhood. Central issues identified among others include, ethnocentrism, mutual suspicion, elitism, and mediocrity. The paper adopted content analysis of scholarly inputs. In conclusion, the paper opted for value orientation, patriotism, honesty and fairness which would seemingly enthrone confidence among Nigerians and facilitate the attainment of the desired peaceful co-existence.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n16p33