African Journal of Political Science and International Relations 

About: African Journal of Political Science and International Relations is an academic journal published by Academic Journals. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Politics & Democracy. It has an ISSN identifier of 1996-0832. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 376 publications have been published receiving 2952 citations. The journal is also known as: AJPSIR.

Democracy and good governance: Nigerias dilemma

Abstract: Despite its enormous resources and huge potentialities, Nigeria remains grossly undeveloped. Consequently, political instability, abject poverty, acute youth unemployment, heightened crime rate, poor health prospects and widespread malnourishment have been the main features of Nigeria’s political economy. The development tragedy in Nigeria fits into the trends of political instability for which Africa has become infamous for in the past three decades. This further lends credence to the arguments by some students of African politics that governance is one of the major problems in Africa. This paper argues that the problem of development in Nigeria is a problem of governance; when defined in term of the proper, fair and equitable allocation of resources for the achievement of the end or purposes of the state, which is the promotion of the common good. The paper submits that for good governance to be feasible in Nigeria, sound anti-corruption policies devoid of mere speeches must be put in place. Furthermore, the paper recommends a functional legislature, a viable and independent judiciary, and the attitudinal transformation on the part of the political elite, the absence of which good governance and development will continue to be a mirage. Key words: Corruption, instability, underdevelopment, democracy, good governance.

Corruption, Governance and Political Instability in Nigeria

Abstract: The Nigerian State is a victim of high-level corruption, bad governance, political instability and a cyclical legitimacy crisis. Consequently, national development is retarded, and the political environment uncertain. The country’s authoritarian leadership faced a legitimacy crisis, political intrigues, in an ethnically - differentiated polity, where ethnic competition for resources drove much of the pervasive corruption and profligacy. While the political gladiators constantly manipulated the people and the political processes to advance their own selfish agenda, the society remained pauperized, and the people wallowed in abject poverty. This invariably led to weak legitimacy, as the citizens lacked faith in their political leaders and by extension, the political system. Participation in government was low because citizens perceived it as irrelevant to their lives. In the absence of support from civil society, the effective power of government was eroded. Patron - client relationships took a prime role over the formal aspects of politics, such as the rule of law, well-functioning political parties, and a credible electoral system. In order to break this cycle and ensure good governance, accountability and transparency must be guaranteed. Key words: Corruption, legitimacy, patron – client relations, political stability, oil revenue, accountability, transparency.

The Niger Delta crisis: Issues, challenges and prospects

Abstract: Nigeria’s Niger Delta region is not only home to the greater part of Africa’s largest mangrove forest, but also the source of Nigeria’s oil wealth. Here, in this amazing network of creeks, and an aquatic splendor comprising marine, brackish and freshwater ecosystems, lie the operational bases of a kaleidoscope of ethnic militia and insurgent organizations dedicated to the socio-economic emancipation of the Niger Delta peoples. These have culminated in the Niger Delta Crisis. Thus, the area has become a hot bed of violence, insurgency, kidnapping, hostage-taking, oil pipeline sabotage, crude oil theft, gang wars, internecine struggles and so much else by way of anarchy and chaos. Making use of library research and content analysis methodologies, the paper detailed in a systematic manner the real issues involved in the struggle, from the perspectives of the Nigerian State, the Niger Delta communities, and the oil Companies. The paper identified and analysed the major challenges posed by this crisis to the Nigerian State. It concluded that in spite of the continuing deterioration of the crisis into anarchy, terror and a revolving criminality, and the militarization of the region by the Nigerian state, the conflict can still be amicably resolved. It recommended among other things that the commitment of government to infrastructural development of the region and corporate social responsibility would bring enduring peace and stability. Key words: Niger Delta, oil wealth, ethnic militia, content analysis, corporate social responsibility.

Womens participation and the political process in Nigeria: Problems and prospects

Abstract: Nigerian women constitute about half of the population of the country and are known to play vital roles as mother, producer, time manager, community organizer and social and political activist. But despite the major roles they play and their population, the society has not given recognition to these and to the fact that they are discriminated against. This is due to some cultural stereotype, abuse of religion, traditional practices and patriarchal societal structures. Nigerian women have therefore over the years become target of violence of diverse form based on their positions in promoting transformative politics. The research methodology is termed qualitative research and with the use of secondary data gathered from university libraries, news print and journals. This paper will therefore examine the theoretical perspective of the discrimination and inequality suffered by women; secondly, access the current status of women in politics and the various efforts made by them for their political empowerment; thirdly, identify problems women face in their quest to participate in politics and lastly suggest possible measures for their political empowerment. Key words: Women’s participation, political participation, political process, patriarchy.

Economic development and change in Tanzania since independence: The political leadership factor

Abstract: The author makes a critical examination of the contribution of political leadership in the economic development and change of Tanzania since her 1961 political independence from Britain. He divides the country’s economic development and change into three more or less discrete time epochs. The first epoch is the period from independence to 1967; the second is from the 1967 Arusha Declaration to the mid-1980s and the third is from the mid-1980s reforms to the present time (2007). The outstanding general economic developments and change in each epoch are identified. A critical analysis on the extent to which the developments and change in each epoch can be attributed to the political leadership of the time or even of the past is made. It is found in the work that, the economic developments and change in Tanzania can be highly attributed to political leadership. Interestingly and contrary to the orthodox understanding and narrow scope of some analyses, both the political leadership of the day and that of the past are found to be responsible for economic developments and change in a particular epoch. Interestingly also, it is found that political leadership outside Tanzania, especially among its neighbours, trade partners and the donor community, has far-reaching impacts in the country’s economic development and change. It is concluded in the paper that political leadership is an important factor in a country’s development and change. It is recommended that policy and decision makers should facilitate a process where adequate political leadership for good development and change is established, improved and maintained. Recommendations for further studies include the need to review this work over time and conduct similar ones in other countries for the purpose of, inter-alia, comparisons and learning lessons. Key words: Economic development and change, Tanzania, political factor.