The Governmental Structure of Nigeria

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The Governmental Structure of Nigeria

The Nigerian government has gone through both tough and good times. Though there were many trying times for this nation they have seemed to prevail, and continue to be doing fine with their new democratic system. The Nigerian Governmental structure is branched into three major sections, a federal level, a regional level, and a local level. The three branches are very similar to that of the United States, but still must be discussed and understood more completely.

Even though it was not till the early 1960’s that they gained their freedom from Britain. At first they tried civilian rule but unfortunately it was clouded by the trial of two leading politicians, which led to widespread political abuse and corruption. “Cause of a very low voting rate and increasing violence that led to the death of as many as two thousand persons”(“Nigerian Nation”). It was after this that the military took over and Federal Military Government was formed. Even after this formation there was still trouble to be had in the Republic of Nigeria. The government from this point on switched back and forth from civilian rule to military government. “It was not until 1999 after sixteen years of straight military rule that Nigeria adopted a new constitution”(“CIA”), a lot like the one of the United States. Since then things seem to be moving smoothly with a growing economy.

The constitutional framework of the of the Federal government of Nigeria starts off with “We the people of Nigeria, by our representatives here in Parliament assembled, do hereby declare, enact, and give to ourselves the following Constitution”(“The Politics and Administration of Nigerian Government”). The idea of this democracy is powe...

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... peoples outlook being better than it ever has.

Works Cited

Blitz, Franklin L. The Politics and Administration of Nigerian Government.

New York: Washington, 1965.

Nayenga, Peter Contemporary Africa.

Thomson Learning Custom Publishing, 2001.

Falola, Toyin. The History of Nigeria

West Port Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1999

CIA-The World Fact Book. August 1, 2003. November 12, 2003.

<http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ni.html>

Jody L. Hamilton Washington File Staff Writer. Washington File. August 25, 2000. December 9, 2003. <http://usembassy.state.gov/nigeria/wwwhcf48.html>

Nigerian Nation Inc. Nigerian Nation. November 12, 2003

<http://www.aghadiuno.atfreeweb.com/government/PoliticalHistory.asp>

Online Nigeria. December 9, 2003 November 12, 2003

<http://www.onlinenigeria.com/links/adv.asp?blurb=138>

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