Kashere Journal of Politics and International Relations

Religious Diversity, APC 2023 Same Faith Presidential Ticket and Social Cohesion in Nigeria

2025-02-15T18:11:57+00:00

Nigeria is a pluralistic and multicultural society with people of diverse ethnic origins and different religions. The nation grapples with social upheavals that have threatened it existence. Religious divide in the country has also been seen to cause political tensions between Christians and Muslims in the country. Using secondary method of data collection, the paper found that, though during the 1993 presidential election, SDP presidential candidate and the running mate were both Muslims but, since the beginning of the fourth republic in 1999, the major political parties have been careful in the nomination of their presidential candidates and running mates coming from the same faith, given the polarization of religion in the country. However, during the 2023 presidential election, the ruling All Progressive Congress presented Ahmed Bola Tinubu a Muslim from the south and Kashim Shettima a Muslim from the north. This arrangement sparked lots of agitations among the Christian APC members and the Christian community in the country at large. Though the ruling APC disclosed that it was not an intentional act to demean the Christian population in the country but a strategy towards winning the election. This implication equally reflected on the pattern of vote. It was found that, some states that were controlled by APC governors with dominant Christians, voted for other political parties with mix ticket than APC hence, the citizens are more divided on the basis of religion than ever before.

Agricultural Policies in Underdeveloped World Economies: A Study of Nigeria

2025-02-08T22:22:55+00:00

The primary challenge facing the underdeveloped world today is the pervasive menace of poverty. It stems from the apparent incapacity of certain Third World Countries to harness the agricultural resources bestowed by nature for the collective benefit of humanity. Conversely, post-colonial African countries, particularly Nigeria, have forsaken agricultural production over the past decade in favor of crude oil exploration, driven possibly by the allure of quick profits from oil sales. Consequently, many underdeveloped nations find themselves in significant socio-economic turmoil, exacerbated by the plummeting prices of crude oil in the international market. Beyond the economic downturn resulting from dwindling oil fortunes, leadership conflicts present another challenge. Policies are formulated without the necessary political will for execution, contributing to a general downward spiral of the system. This study reveals that the root cause of poverty in Africa, especially in Nigeria, lies in the mismanagement of the nation's political economy. The high expectations accompanying political independence have given way to escalating frustration, with the populace bearing the brunt of such misrule. The study serves as a theoretical exploration of poverty studies, relying on secondary materials for investigation. It emphasizes that overcoming these challenges, particularly in Nigeria, requires a renewed focus on agricultural production—a reliable strategy to effectively combat poverty and enhance overall agricultural productivity.

Artificial Intelligence and Election in Nigeria: An Assessment of the Possible Impact on the Country’s Electioneering Process

2025-02-20T08:59:48+00:00

The advancement in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly affected the electioneering process. This is true in terms of, for example, voters’ education and electoral debates. But also true is the fact that the adoption of artificial intelligence has the potential to derail the country's democratic achievement in terms of relatively free and fair elections. It is against this background that the study examines the possible impact of AI on elections in Nigeria. The framework of analysis adopted for this study is the innovation diffusion theory. Based on the analysis thereof, the study concluded that the adoption of AI into the electoral process has the potential to either play a positive or negative role depending on its utilization by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and the regulations set by authorities to guide its adoption. The study recommended, among others, that the electoral management bodies, both at the national and state levels, should embark on public awareness campaigns to educate the electorates on the workings and capabilities of artificial intelligence as regards elections and electioneering process so as to curtail the possible impacts of artificial intelligence-generated misinformation and disinformation.

Perspectives on the Origin and Essence of the Modern State

2025-02-13T06:59:49+00:00

The State is the dominant form of political organisation and rules the world today. It has become a consistent presence that affects daily lives almost constantly. The modern State has become a complex outfit for meeting all sorts of needs of the citizens. Over the years, fundamental and critical questions were raised on the origin and essence of the State. These have produced generations of remarkable scholarship in the discipline of social sciences. This study, relying on extant literature, crystallises the various perspectives of the modern State, explaining the liberal and radical ideas of the State. The Social Contract Theory and the Marxist Theory were examined. More so, the essence of the State, a subject of endless debate among political theorists was presented. The study also related the essence of the State to citizens’ obligations. It concluded that the essence of the State is a complex and multifaceted theme, yet, one way to understand the essence of the State is to examine its functions concerning the citizens. The study recommends that for the State to be worth its salt, it must demonstrate its capacity, maintain law and order, protect citizens from external threats, provide public goods and services, and promote the general welfare of its citizens. The State should also regulate the economy, redistribute wealth, and enforce social norms.

Leadership Recklessness and Resource Wastefulness: Reflections on Two Decades of Democracy in Nigeria

2025-02-19T07:35:56+00:00

Over the past two decades, Nigeria has undergone significant political transitions, marking its evolution into a democratic state. However, amidst these advancements, the nation grapples with a recurring dilemma: leadership recklessness and resource wastefulness. This paper examines the nexus between democratic governance and the persistent challenges of Nigeria's mismanagement and squandering of resources. Drawing on an extensive literature review and empirical evidence, this paper explores the historical context and contemporary manifestations of leadership recklessness, characterised by corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability among public officials. Additionally, it investigates the systemic flaws and structural deficiencies within Nigeria's governance framework that perpetuate resource wastefulness, hindering the nation's socio-economic progress and development. Through critical analysis and comparative perspectives, this paper offers insights into the underlying factors fuelling leadership recklessness and resource misallocation, including political patronage, institutional weaknesses, and weak regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, it assesses the implications of these challenges on Nigeria's democracy, governance effectiveness, and prospects for sustainable development. Finally, the paper proposes policy recommendations and interventions to foster transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership to mitigate the adverse effects of recklessness and wastefulness, thus steering Nigeria towards inclusive growth and prosperity.

Public Sector Reform and Citizenship Welfare in Post-Colonial Nigeria: A Case Study of Oil Subsidy Regime

2025-02-11T09:15:51+00:00

The trajectory of public sector reform in Nigeria from state led to market economy directed by the law of demand and supply has increased the justification for profit maximization in service delivery. This has created serious consequences to the welfare of her citizens in provision of essential services. The public sector reform was organized to delegitimize the state involvement in the management of production and exchange of goods and service. The philosophy behind this reform connotes the global triumph of capitalism over socialism and the attendant invocation of market principles to determine the provision of service delivery. Nigeria, being a post-colonial integrated economy into the global capitalism has adopted the logic of neoliberalism in pricing of her petroleum product by the elimination of subsidy from fuel by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government. The removal of the petroleum subsidy (fuel) bears severe impact on the affordability, security of supply and accessibility of the product on the citizens’ welfare. The studies intend to utilize qualitative research approach in its data gathering and analysis. This study articulates that maintaining the principles of public sector in the distribution and pricing of petroleum products contribute to major ingredients of social stability and equilibrium in the provision of development and security in Nigeria. The logic of maintaining subsidy in petroleum product cannot be conceived as a burden but a stabilizer and stimulator of the welfare of people.

Assessment of the Implementation of Central Bank of Nigeria Foreign Exchange Policy in Promoting Economic Growth in Nigeria

2025-02-16T12:47:59+00:00

This study examines the implementation of the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) foreign exchange policy and its effectiveness in promoting economic growth in Nigeria. Through qualitative research combining content and document analysis, the study evaluates policy documents, economic reports, and institutional data from 2015 to 2023. The research particularly focuses on assessing the effectiveness of CBN's foreign exchange policies in promoting sustainable economic growth and analyzing the impact of forex market distortions on investment patterns and overall economic performance. Findings reveal that while the introduction of the Investors' and Exporters' (I&E) window in 2017 initially attracted significant foreign investment (approximately $20 billion in its first year), the overall effectiveness of forex policies has been mixed. The agricultural sector demonstrated resilience with 3.2% average annual growth, while the manufacturing sector experienced volatility, contracting by 1.5% during periods of significant exchange rate fluctuations. Foreign exchange reserves fluctuated considerably, peaking at $45.1 billion in June 2019 before declining to $33.8 billion by December 2020, affecting the CBN's capacity to maintain exchange rate stability.The study concludes that while CBN's forex policies achieved some success in maintaining exchange rate stability and supporting key economic sectors, their effectiveness in promoting sustainable economic growth was limited by external shocks, structural economic constraints, and implementation challenges. Recommendations include implementing targeted sector-specific support measures and enhancing coordination between monetary policy and fiscal initiatives to create a more coherent framework for sustainable economic growth

The Roles of Nigeria in Democratising Member States of ECOWAS

2025-02-09T13:16:50+00:00

Nigeria pivotal role in the democratisation of West Africa through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) illuminates its enduring commitment to regional stability and democratic governance. Against this backdrop, Nigeria is determined to ensure democratic rules over military dictatorship in all countries of West Africa. The article aimed at explaining the role of Nigeria in democratising member states of ECOWAS sub-region. The article employs qualitative research design in data collection with a comprehensive content analysis approach. The results show that Nigeria has actively engaged in diplomatic mediation and conflict resolution while also leveraging coercive measures and peacekeeping efforts to support countries like Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Gambia in their democratic journeys. Furthermore, Nigeria's provision of technical assistance underscores its leadership as a stabilising force within ECOWAS. Collectively, these initiatives not only reflect Nigeria’s strategic foreign policy objectives but also highlight its responsibility as a key regional actor dedicated to fostering democracy and peace across West Africa.

Crude Oil Pipeline Vandalism and its Effects on Crude-Oil Terminals Operations in Nigeria: A Study of Bonny Crude Oil Terminal Operations

2025-03-03T17:34:49+00:00

The Nigerian Oil sector being the major source of revenue to the nation has over the years suffered series of challenges as a result of frequent pipeline vandalism by thieves, thereby affected the volume of quantity of crude oil exploration. This paper examines the menace of crude oil vandalism in one of the major crude oil terminals in Nigeria, the Bonny Terminal. It adopts a qualitative methodology through the use of both primary and secondary sources of data collection. Primary data were generated through Key Informant Interview (KII) and secondary data were utilized through books, journals, articles, conferences papers, government documents, among others. It also uses frustration–aggression theory to analyze reasons for people of the area engaging in these criminal acts. The findings reveal that, there is significant relationship between the pipeline vandalism and effective functioning of bonny terminal. Equally, part of the modes of operation by the vandals is the use of equipment to puncture the pipelines. They have experts who are engineers that use a hose to link the oil from underground. They cover it so that it will not be detected, and then connect the hose to a far place where the refining takes place. They also have a big boat that is solely used for transporting oil to its selling destination, among other modus operandi. Consequently, it is recommended that, a robust community policing should be established with local residents in maintaining safety of pipelines which would complement the patrol-works of the security agencies and oil companies

Gender Inequality on Women’s Access to Health in Developed and Developing Countries with Reference to Nigeria

2025-02-15T22:07:56+00:00

The research is a comparative study of Gender Inequality on Women’s Access to Health in developed and developing countries. The researcher indicated his interest on the topic because of the vital role women play in the overall development of the society in the world. The researcher employed the use of secondary data in his data collection technique in order to carry out this work. In the process of the work, the researcher mentioned indicators and measures of inequality generally in the developed and the developing countries. These measures are: Poverty, Health, Access to Resources, Education, Globalization, Governance, Conflict and Emergencies and Human Right. The above were discussed in order to assess the Human Development Index (HDI), the Gender Empowerment Measures (GEM) and the Gender Development Index (GDI) of developed and developing countries. Attention was then focused on the factors of inequality in the access to health services which is the main concern of the paper. These factors that were discussed in the comparative analysis were; Maternal Mortality, Life Expectancy, HIV/AIDS, Nutritional Status and Anaemia. The research work reveals that the disparity in maternal mortality ratios between the developed and the developing countries is greater than any other indicator. It is therefore suggested among others that global health service emergency should be declared by the WHO and compel both developed and developing countries to respond not only by initiating policies that take into consideration the Health of women as the vital partners of sustainable development but by acting on the policies.

Safeguarding Nigerian Youths from Cybercrime: Exploring the Challenges and Potential Solutions

2025-02-09T06:04:02+00:00

It remains an undeniable fact that the rapid growth of internet and digital technology has transformed the way Nigerians live, work and interact. However, this digital revolution has also introduces new challenges, particularly among the youths. It is on this background that this paper is set to critically identify and examine ways of safeguarding Nigerian youths from the menace of cybercrime by examining the challenges of mitigating cybercrime among Nigerian youths and prospering potential solutions. To achieve this, Human Needs Theory propounded by John Burton and his associates was used. The study employed content analysis to x-ray the existing documented literatures. The findings show that a dialectical relationship exists between economic crises and youths’ involvement in cybercrime. The relationship is however negative symbiosis where economic crises disempowers and incapacitates the Nigerian youths from meeting their basic needs hence they resort to criminal activities such as phishing, hacking, cracking, cyber stalking among others. The paper also found that although there are regulatory agencies on the ground to curtail the menaces of cybercrime, the performance of such agencies leaves much to be desired. The paper therefore concludes that unless governmental policies and actions are consciously geared towards the achievement of effective, transparent and accountable leadership that will in turn guarantee good governance, safeguarding Nigerian youths from cybercrime will continue to be a mirage. The paper recommends concerted efforts should be made to promote good governance thereby providing job opportunities and improved leaving standard of Nigerians in general and the youths in particular.

Counter-Terrorism Laws: Analysis of Selected International and Regional Frameworks

2025-02-21T21:28:45+00:00

Robust legal frameworks are essential in the global struggle against terrorism, as they facilitate international cooperation, protect human rights, and enhance security. This article analyses the counterterrorism legislative frameworks established by four key international organisations: the United Nations (UN), the Organization of African Unity (OAU)/African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and the Organisation of American States (OAS). It discusses the development and importance of these frameworks, emphasising their definitions of terrorism, strategies for addressing terrorism financing, and measures to uphold human rights. The paper reviews the significant legal documents ratified by each organisation, including OAS treaties, AU conventions, EU directives, and UN Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, it explores the relationships between these frameworks and their impact on national counterterrorism laws within member states. Despite their strengths, these frameworks encounter challenges such as jurisdictional disputes, enforcement limitations, and the evolving nature of terrorist threats. The study concludes that successful counter-terrorism efforts depend on strengthened multilateral cooperation and compliance with international legal standards.

Global Economic and Political Ramifications of the Russian-Ukrainian War

2025-02-13T07:42:04+00:00

The ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, which began in February 2014, has escalated into a full-scale conflict, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis, tens of thousands of deaths, and a substantial impact on the global economy. This paper uses a documentary data collection method to examine the economic consequences of the war on the world economy. Furthermore, it investigates the effects of the conflict on international politics, highlighting the tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The findings of this study suggest that the war has far-reaching implications for global stability, trade, and economic development. To mitigate these effects, this paper recommends that NATO adopt a more democratic approach to resolving the conflict and those mediation efforts by the United Nations and European Union be employed to end the war and prevent further bloodshed and economic consequences. Ultimately, this study contributes to our understanding of the complex relationships between conflict, economy, and international politics, and provides insights into the need for a multilateral approach to resolving the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Redistributive Policy: A Panacea for Tertiary Education Reform in Nigeria

2025-02-19T08:58:50+00:00

The Tertiary Education in Nigeria has faced a lot of challenges over the years, ranging from poor funding, weak infrastructure and the perennial cum incessant ASUU strike. Since 1960 till date, there has been low allocation to the sector as government is allowed to fund education as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The authors look at possible ways to seek alternative funding to tertiary education, to enable the ivory towers lived up to their expectations. It was argued that based on current global reality of paucity of funds, government alone can’t fund tertiary education without intervention of wealthy citizens. This postulation is birth out of the necessity to expunged strikes out of the system and brings willing partners in to reduce the burden on government. The paper relied on Secondary source of data collection which focused on sourcing information from library, internet, books, and journals. The article made use of systems theory as theoretical framework to explain how education if properly funded by government and stakeholders would lead to progress and advancement in tertiary sector. It was recommended that, unity of purpose, oneness and collective intervention through redistribution will bring lasting lights in the sector completely.

Addressing the Cosmetic Approach to Rising Poverty Levels in Nigeria

2025-02-12T06:55:31+00:00

In recent times, Nigeria has been plunged into an unprecedented economic crisis characterised by an increase in the inflationary level, decreased economic growth, the loss of jobs, and an increase in the poverty rate. These incidents were occasioned by the negative impact of the removal of fuel subsidies, as announced by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, and subsequently the floating of the currency. This situation led to widespread dissatisfaction among the population, calling for decisive action by the government to address the various shades of economic issues being faced by the country. This paper sought to evaluate the efficacy of the measures implemented by the Nigerian government aimed at addressing increasing poverty levels as a result of the stern economic measures pursued by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The paper adopts a qualitative approach in its data collection, and analysis of the findings was done through content analysis. The findings of this paper revealed that despite the numerous interventions, poverty levels continue to rise, suggesting a probable mismatch between the policies and the potential strategies to mitigate poverty. The paper concludes that the various policies and strategies aimed at addressing poverty in the country, which appear to focus only on the short term, are cosmetic measures that have led to a cycle of ineffective poverty alleviation outcomes. The paper suggests providing measurable palliatives to vulnerable groups, promoting agricultural incentives, encouraging manufacturing and resuscitating local refineries to reduce fuel dependency.

Effect of Central Bank of Nigeria Daily Cash Withdrawal Policy on Small and Medium Enterprises in FCT, Nigeria

2025-02-16T14:12:57+00:00

The study examines the effects of the central bank of Nigeria daily cash withdrawal policy on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and analyzes their adaptation strategies. Following the Central Bank of Nigeria's implementation of cash withdrawal limits in December 2022, SMEs have faced significant operational challenges in transitioning from cash-based transactions to digital payment systems. Using a descriptive survey research design, the study collected data from 357 SMEs selected through simple random sampling from a population of 4,829 registered SMEs in FCT. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire based on a four-point Likert scale, and analysis was conducted using mean scores and standard deviations. The findings reveal that the policy has significantly impacted SME operations, with increased operational costs emerging as the most significant effect (mean=3.68, SD=0.76). Customer transactions showed substantial reduction (mean=3.55, SD=0.89), and transaction efficiency was notably affected (mean=3.42, SD=0.82). In response, SMEs have implemented various adaptation strategies, with digital payment solutions showing the highest adoption rate (mean=3.75, SD=0.68), followed by investment in POS and electronic payment systems (mean=3.58, SD=0.77). The study concludes that while the cash withdrawal policy has created operational challenges for SMEs, it has also accelerated their adoption of digital payment solutions. The research recommends implementing a tiered cash withdrawal limit system and developing targeted support programs to assist SMEs in their digital transformation process.

Accessing the Role of Party Politics in the Nigerian Elections

2025-02-11T08:02:04+00:00

The Political parties are one of the most important aspects of electioneering. They serve as a platform where qualified citizenship representation can be processed and the aspiration of governmental positions can be achieved. Political parties under a liberal democratic system are expected to deepen democracy by ensuring credible, free, and fair primaries in selecting their various candidates for elective positions that would advance public welfare in line with party manifestos. However, politics within different political parties are intriguing. Politics within and among the various political parties in Nigeria can determine the mood of the electioneering period which can affect the election's winner, leading to either good or bad governance. Adopting a qualitative research approach and the group theory as a theoretical framework the study finds that unavailability and lack of adherence to procedure, nepotism, godfatherism, ethnicity, disrespect for the rule of law, oppression, manipulation, abuse of the electoral system can throw some doubt as to whether political parties can promote credible, free and fair electoral process in Nigeria. The study concludes that the mechanism for a candidate’s emergence in Nigeria is to a great extent exclusive of the input of the masses. The study recommends that the Nigerian political system needs to be demonetized, political education needs to be improved through functional basic education, and the economy needs to be strengthened so that individuals are less inclined to enter politics out of laziness or the belief that it is a quick way to get rich.

An Overview of Nigeria and Morocco Bilateral Relations under Buhari’s Administration

2025-02-16T10:14:27+00:00

The Bilateral relationship between states has remained a pathway to national development over the years. Nigeria and Morocco has a lot of things in common ranging from religion to economic frontiers. Trade between states is central to fostering of relationships. This paper examine the conceived trade relationship of the Buhari administration (2015-2023) which is in line with it Foreign Policy path between the Kingdom of Morocco and Nigeria in an attempt to make gas scarcity in Africa a thing of the past and create job opportunities to youths across the continent. The authors investigate the relevance of the project and advised government of the states involved to complete it despite all odds for the benefit of their citizens and for the growth off their state’s economy. The paper makes use of secondary methods of data collection to sort materials from books, writings, newspapers and journals. Elite theory was adopted to show how elites will carry out any policy they feel will be beneficiary to their states. The conclusion was, since the Buhari administration left office without concluding the pact; the Tinubu led administration should complete the project in earnest for the good of the nation.

NEPAD and Development in Africa: An Analysis

2025-02-09T10:23:44+00:00

This paper examines the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), a significant initiative aimed at transforming Africa’s socio-economic landscape since its launch in 2001. NEPAD was conceived to reposition Africa in global development discourse by addressing key issues such as poverty, governance, infrastructure deficits, and economic integration. This study explores the historical evolution of NEPAD, its objectives, and the strategies employed to achieve sustainable development across the continent. It evaluates NEPAD's achievements, including the promotion of intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the establishment of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) for governance, and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) for agricultural advancement. However, the paper also highlights significant challenges faced by NEPAD, including dependency on external funding, limited enforcement of governance reforms, infrastructural inefficiencies, and conflicts overshadowing its development agenda. Through a comprehensive analysis, this study underscores the necessity for continuous adaptation and the implementation of practical recommendations aimed at enhancing NEPAD’s effectiveness. By strengthening domestic resource mobilization, enhancing governance mechanisms, prioritizing conflict resolution, facilitating regional cooperation, and investing in capacity building, NEPAD can significantly improve its impact on Africa's development trajectory. Ultimately, this paper contributes to the discourse on regional development strategies in Africa, providing insights into the potential for NEPAD to foster a more integrated, resilient, and prosperous continent.

Assessment of socioeconomic vulnerabilities in communities surrounding Kolmani oil field, Bauchi State, Nigeria

2025-03-03T17:10:27+00:00

The communities around Kolmani River basin have come to limelight since the discovery of huge deposits of hydrocarbon estimated to be over one billion barrels and over 500 billion cubic feet of gas around the basin. The discovery has led to the exposure of communities around Kolmani oil field, thereby making them vulnerable to various socioeconomic threats kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, loss of fertile farmlands, and destruction of vital ecosystem. This paper adopts Human security theory which is centered on the wellbeing of persons amidst prevailing threat(s) and social constructivism theory which postulates that identities and interests of purposive actors are constructed by shared ideas, and not given by nature to understand the causal relationship between presence of valuable natural resource and the perceptions/demands of communities therein, as espoused by Alexander Wendt’s tenets of social constructivism. This paper utilized both primary and secondary sources of data, primary data was obtained through KII from community leaders/stakeholders, and secondary data was obtained qualitatively via extant literatures, Newspaper Publications particularly Wikki-Times (A local Newspaper with interests in happenings within Bauchi State). Data obtained was analyzed thematically. Findings reveals that activities of oil exploration has exposed these communities to various forms of insecurity, further finding reveals that the exploration activities have had a significant effects on the fragile ecosystem of the Yankari Games Reserve which is 16km away from the field , amongst other vulnerabilities.