FIRST TERM LESSON NOTE

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT CLASS: SS2

SCHEME OF WORK

WEEK TITLE
1. Elections: Meaning, Functions, Demerits and Types of Elections, Merits and Demerits of
Types
2. Types of Voting: Merits and Demerits of each Type of Voting- Free and Fair Election-
Meaning, Conditions Necessary for the Conduct of a Free and Fair Elections
3. Electoral Commission- Meaning Features and Functions.
4. Public Administration- The Civil Service: Meaning, Features, Structures/Classes,
Functions, Problems and Control: The Civil Service Commission- Meaning, Functions,
Ombudsman, Meaning and Functions
5. Public Corporation- Meaning, Characteristics, Reasons for Setting up Public
Corporations, Functions, Organizational Structure, Differences between Public and Civil
Service, Control of Public Corporation.
6. Local Government: Definition, Powers and Functions, Reasons for the Creation of
Local Government, Control of Local Government, Control, Problems and Suggested
Solutions to Problems of Local Government.
7. Pre-Colonial Political System in Nigeria; Hausa/Fulani Political System, Igbo Political
System.
8. Pre-Colonial Political System: Yoruba Political System- Pre-colonial Political
Institutions with their Functions-Traditional Rulers, Council of Elders, Secret Societies,
Age Grade etc.
9. Colonial Administration: Historical background, Meaning, Reasons, Features and
Classification.
10.British Colonial Policy: Indirect Rule System-North, West and East- Merits and
Demerits of Indirect Rule.

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WEEK ONE
TOPIC: ELECTIONS
CONTENT
• Meaning, Functions and Demerits
• Types of Elections
• Merits and Demerits of types

MEANING OF ELECTIONS
An election may be defined as an act of choosing or selecting candidates into different offices in
government. The candidates are to represent the people of a country in the parliament or in
other positions of government. It is a contest between competing political parties or groups to
acquire political power through the ballot i.e. electorate’s mandate.

FUNCTIONS/ADVANTAGES OF ELECTIONS
Elections are held to serve the following functions;
• Choosing of Representatives; Elections makes it possible for the citizens to choose those
that will represent their interest and opinions in the government.
• Elections are used to change a government smoothly and orderly.
• Elections confer legitimacy on the government as representatives of the people
• Election makes the government responsive to the needs of the people since it can be
voted out
• Elections give the political parties the opportunity to educate the people on national
issues.
• Elections are used to test the popularity of the government or a member of parliament.
• Elections help to integrate the different societies.
• Elections help to socialize the people.

DEMERITS OF ELECTIONS
• Elections bring about polarization of the people of a country into antagonistic groups.
• The division of people in a country caused by election brings about disunity in a country.
• Elections are too expensive to conduct.
• Minority groups are usually not favored during elections.
• Elections cause uneven development as a result of neglect of areas that failed to vote for
the party in power.
• Elections breeds nepotism, divisionism and ethnocentrism.
• Elections enthrone politicians who deceive the people with their fake manifestoes and
sugar-coated tongue.
Evaluation Questions
• What is election?
• Identify five functions of election

TYPES OF ELECTION

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Direct Election
This is the method by which the electorate cast their votes directly in choosing people to
represent them in the legislature and other offices in government. Only the qualified voters are
allowed to carry out this political exercise.

ADVANTAGES OF DIRECT ELECTIONS

• It gives voters the freedom of electing members of the legislature without
interference
• It is a necessary requirement of representative government.
• It guarantees political equality of the citizens i.e. one man one vote.
• Voters would show more interest in government and will know their representatives.
• Elected representatives are usually the popular choice of the people.

DEMERITS OF DIRECT ELECTION

• Several voters may not be able to vote intelligently due to lack of proper political
education.
• Direct voting may cause hatred and embarrassment.
• It encourages violence during polling as a result of the number of people involved.
• A lot of rigging is involved in direct election because it is final election to elect
representatives.
• Corrupt-minded candidates may use their wealthy position to buy the votes of the
electorates particularly in poor societies.

INDIRECT ELECTION
This is election into the legislature by two or more stages i.e. through Electoral College who
will now vote on behalf of the people.

MERITS OF INDIRECT ELECTION

• There is competence on the part of the electors who finally select the members of the
legislature.
• It is less violent than direct election.
• The candidates elected through indirect elections are more qualified going by the
intelligent level of the people that elected them.
• It is less expensive and with little opportunity of rigging elections and electoral
malpractices.
• It increases quality of legislation and administration in a country owing to the candidate’s
qualification.

DEMERITS OF INDIRECT ELECTIONS

• The Electoral College can be easily influenced and bribed with money.
• Some interest may not be adequately represented in the legislature.

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 • The electorate does not know their representatives and this form of election do not reflect
popular choice.
• Government policies are not in line with the masses as they did not have the opportunity
to choose manifestoes of their choice.
• It does not encourage equality of votes and it is less democratic since they did not vote.

EVALUATION QUESTION
• List 5 merits of direct election.
• What do you understand by indirect elections?

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTION

1. Define direct election.
2. State 4 merits of direct election.
3. What are the limitations of direct election?
4. Explain government as an institution of the state.
5. State 5 reasons why we study government

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The following are types of elections except----- (a) direct election (b) indirect election
(c)run-off election
2. One of the merits of direct election is [a] it allows rigging [b] it is undemocratic [c]
equality of votes.
3. The major functions of elections is that it [a] allows victimization [b] facilitates change of
government [c] engenders hunger
4. One of the demerits of indirect elections is [a] bribery and corruption [b] popular
candidate [c] it is less violent.
5. A system where people elect their representatives is called (a) electoral college (b)
election (c) electoral district.

WEEK TWO
TOPIC: TYPES OF VOTING
CONTENT
 Public or Open Ballot and Secret Ballot System of Voting.
 Merits and Demerits of each Types of Voting.
 Free and Fair Election-Meaning, Condition Necessary for the Conduct of a Free and Fair
Election.

TYPES OF VOTING
PUBLIC OR OPEN BALLOT SYSTEM
This is a system of voting in which voters vote at an open place in the clear view of candidates
and the electorate. Under this system, the voters at election indicate their support for a candidate
by a show of hands or queuing behind the candidate of their choice or his poster. In an open
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ballot, there are no pooling booths; ballot papers etc. This system of voting became popular
during the Babangida’s regime in Nigeria.

MERITS OF OPEN BALLOT

• Open ballot is cost effective in the sense that a lot of money that would have been used in
building polling booths, printing ballot papers will be saved.
• The open ballot system is very simple and easy to understand
• Open ballot system helps to prevent rigging vices such as illegal printing of ballot papers,
voters cards, thumb-printing of ballot papers etc
• The results of open ballot system are easy to ascertain because everything is done openly,
not secretly.
• It helps to avoid double-voting, unlike in secret balloting where one person can vote as
many times as possible
• It makes election results to be known in a very short period of time.

DEMERITS OF OPEN BALLOT SYSTEM

• Open ballot system is often associated with intimidation and victimization of opponents,
hence; is highly susceptible to manipulation.
• It is difficult to guarantee maximum security, adopting the open ballot system.
• It will disenfranchise influential people. It will not be possible for people like the
president, governors, and traditional rulers to queue up openly with the masses.
• It is difficult to control the crowd during election when the open ballot system is adopted.
• The system is time consuming.
• The system can create enmity.
• Many voters will be discouraged from voting in elections where open ballot system is
adopted.

SECRET BALLOT SYSTEM

This is the method by which voters indicate support for a candidate through the ballot under
complete secrecy. At the polling booth, he collects a ballot paper which bears the names and
symbols of all the contesting political parties or candidates. He enters into an enclosure or
moves away from public view to thumb print his candidate of choice and then drop ballot into
the ballot box.

MERITS OF SECRET BALLOT SYSTEM

• The voter is free to cast his vote according to his choice without any fear of
intimidation or embarrassment from anybody.
• The system is democratic.
• The system is more popular and more widely accepted than any other type of voting
system.
• Voters are given the freedom of choice to vote for candidate of their choice alone.
• The system encourages political participation.

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DEMERITS OF SECRET BALLOT SYSTEM
• It is very expensive to operate. The cost of the materials needed for the election like
the ballot box, ballot papers e.t.c may be too costly.
• The system encourages electoral malpractices.
• The electorates may not be able to handle the ballot papers well thereby spoiling their
own votes.
• The system is time consuming.
• The whole system of voting is very tedious and difficult to understand.

COMPULSORY VOTING
This is a system of voting in which it is made compulsory for all eligible voters to do.
Proponents of this system argue that since voting is a civic duty of a citizen. Failure to vote is
regarded as a criminal offence and punishable under the law.

OPTIONAL VOTING
In this type of voting, an eligible voter is not compelled to vote. He has the choice whether or
not to vote.

VOTING BY POST
This system entails a registered voter voting from outside his registered area. The vote is sent
through post, this is in the case of a person traveling outside his area or country.

VOTING BY PROXY
If a voter is absent owing to certain excuses, he or she could be voted for in absentia through an
authorized representative.

SECRET OPEN VOTING

This system of voting combines both the elements of open and secret voting system. Voters are
gathered at an open place, then they are counted to know their total number. When the actual
voting starts, each voter casts his or her vote at a place where nobody sees whom he/she votes
for in turns.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. What is open ballot voting?
2. Define secret ballot system.

FREE AND FAIR ELECTION

A free and fair election refers to one conducted in an atmosphere devoid of harassment,
intimidation and other coercive means. It can also be seen as one conducted according to the
principles and practices of democracy.

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CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR THE CONDUCT OF FREE AND FAIR ELECTION
1. There must be the establishment of an electoral commission, which must be impartial and
must not allow interference from outside.
2. There must be political parties to contest elections.
3. The country should be divided into constituencies on equal basis to ensure equal
representation.
4. The legislature must enact electoral laws to be carefully followed by the commission, the
candidates and the electorates.
5. There should be public counting of votes. This should be done under strict security.
6. Announcement of election results should not be delayed after counting.
7. There must be equality of campaigning conditions.
8. There should be adequate remuneration for election officials.
9. Election officials should be given adequate training.
10.Secret voting should be adopted.
11.Provision should be made for the challenge of election results in the court of law.

ORGANISATION OF ELECTION
For an election to be conducted, it has to follow an organized pattern. This is known as the
stages of election.

STAGES OF ELECTION
1. The electoral acts and rules governing the elections are formed.
2. The electoral commission which is a body that conducts the election is set up by the
government.
3. Electoral districts are created and delimitation of constituencies is carried out.
4. Political parties are registered by the government.
5. The names of eligible and qualified voters are registered. The voters register must be
displayed before election so that each voter can know his polling booth.
6. Candidates are nominated by the parties. Where there are two or more candidates
contesting, a primary election is held to determine who represent the party at the general
election.
7. A campaign kicks off. This is a period of time set aside for political parties to tour the
country with their manifestoes to the electorates.
8. The Election Day is the day the electorate are allowed to cast their votes for the
candidates of their choice.
9. The electoral commission declares the result of the election stating the winner. An
aggrieved candidate can go to the electoral tribunal to contest the validity of an election.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. What is free and fair election?
2. Explain the following terms; (i) Voting by Post (ii) Voting by
3. Explain the stages of election.

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GENERAL EVALUATION
1. What are the conditions necessary for the conduct of free?
2. Explain the following (i) Voting by post (ii) voting by proxy (iii) Compulsory Voting (iv)
Optional Voting.
3. List and explain the features of government.
4. Discuss 5 functions of government.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The term electorate refers to ……..
(a) citizens who vote candidates to power (b) electoral college (c) electoral commission
2. The Electoral College is usually seen as……
(a) democratic (b) undemocratic (c) the best option
3. Electoral constituency refers to as……
(a) polling booth (b) electoral district (c) plebiscite
4. In public or open ballot system, the system used is ….
(a) ballot paper (b) manifesto card (c) counting
5. If I vote on behalf of my uncle, the method of vote is ….
(a) proxy vote (b) post vote (c) secret ballot.

WEEK THREE
TOPIC: ELECTORAL COMMISSION
CONTENT
 Meaning
 Features
 Functions

MEANING OF ELECTORAL COMMISSION

An electoral commission is defined as a body responsible for organizing and conduction of
elections in a political system. It is an independent and impartial body charged with the
responsibility of conducting and organizing elections in a country.
The commission usually has a head that is referred to as the Chairman of the Commission.
There are other members of the commission that help in the smooth running of the affairs of the
body.

FEATURES OF ELECTORAL COMMISSION

1. Organizing and Conducting Elections: The Electoral commission has the sole
responsibility of organizing and conducting all elections in a political system.
2. Ensuring free and fair elections: It is also the specific duty of the commission to conduct
Free and Fair Elections in a country.

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 3. Announcement of Election Results: The body only, is permitted by law to announce
election results.
4. Independent Body: The commission is an independent and impartial electoral body.
5. Headed by a Chairman: The commission is controlled by the chairman, while other
members are appointed.
6. Fixed Tenure of Office: The composition of the electoral commission has a stipulated
tenure of office.
7. Resident Commissioner: Each state of the federation has a resident commissioner who
works for the body in the state.
8. Constitutionally Guided: In all its actions, the commission is strongly backed by law in
all its dealings.
9. Honesty and Fair Play: An electoral commission is expected to be honest and just in
decision making especially with the conduct of the elections.
10.A Neutral Body: The commission should be neutral and should not be partisan in out-
look.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. What is Electoral Commission?
2. List 5 features of electoral commission.

FUNCTIONS OF ELECTORAL COMMISSION

1. Registration of Political Parties: The commission registers political parties according to
the stipulated rules and regulations. Parties that meet the requirements are duly registered.
2. Registration of Voters: Eligible voters in a country are registered by the commission.
3. Provision of Electoral Materials: During an election, it is the duty of the commission to
provide electoral materials like ballot votes, pooling booth etc.
4. Free and Fair Elections: The major function of an electoral commission is to organize and
conduct credible free and fair elections in a country.
5. Delimitation (division) of the Country. The commission divides the country into
constituencies or electoral districts for easy conduct of elections.
6. Appointment and Training: It appoints electoral officers and organizes training for adhoc
staff, presiding officers, clerks, pooling orderlies etc.
7. Counting of Votes: The commission is responsible for the counting of votes and the
release of the results of elections conducted.
8. Financial Grants to Parties: Part of the functions of the commission is to give financial
grants to political parties to aid their campaigns and election actions.
9. Enlightenment: The electorate is properly educated by the commission about the
necessary issues in the elections.
10.Types of Voting: It is also the function of the electoral commission to inform the
electorates about the types of voting system to be adopted in an election, whether secret
or open (public) vote system etc.

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 11.Screening of Candidates: Candidates for election are properly screened and their
eligibility is confirmed before elections are held.
12.Security at the Pooling Stations: Since elections sometimes may prove to be rowdy, the
commission provides adequate security at the polling stations so that the lives and
properties of the commission’s staff and that of the voters are safe guarded to prevent
unwarranted attacks.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTION

1. What is electoral commission?
2. Discuss the features of electoral commission.
3. Explain the concept of Power.
4. List and explain the forms of power.
5. Differentiate between power and authority.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. An electoral commission is headed by a (a) Director (b) Chairman (c) Secretary.
2. A resident commissioner is an electoral officer in a (a) Local Government (b) State (c)
District
3. A form of rigging in electoral districts is (a) lobbying (b) gerrymandering (c) ramping
4. In a plurality system of votes, the highest number of vote (a) wins (b) has a second ballot
(c)none
5. Absolute majority requires_____ percent (a)50 (b)40 (c)10

WEEK FOUR
TOPIC: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
CONTENT
• The Civil Service: Meaning
• Characteristics and Structures
• Functions

MEANING OF THE CIVIL SERVICE

The civil service is an essential department in the executive arm of government through which
the government implements its policies and programmes. It transmits government policies and
programmes into services to the people. It is divided into departments called ministries. The
political head of a ministry is called a Minister or Commissioner, while the administrative head
is called Director General or Permanent Secretary.

CHARACTERISTICS
1. Permanence in Office: Civil servants are career government employees who are
employed under a merit system in which federal characters is applied. They enjoy a
permanent tenure of office. Government comes and goes but the civil service remains.
This enables them to carry out their functions.
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 2. Political Neutrality: This means that they are to remain loyal and dedicated to the ruling
party or government of a country. They are not allowed to engage in partisan politics,
although they may belong to a political party and vote in elections, their views are private
and should not affect their loyalty to the government of the country.
3. Impartiality: This means that the civil servants should discharge their duties with
maximum considerations.
4. Anonymity: This means that credit or failure of any administration on any issues does not
go to the civil servants. They are also not allowed to speak to the press on issues except
that their minister or directors authorize them.
5. Merit: This means that recruitment into government offices is based on merit and not
favoritism. This enhances efficiency.
6. Expertise: They are expected to be experts in their fields and offices, which they occupy.
7. Framework of law: This checks the use of arbitrary powers.
8. Hierarchy: This refers to the organization of the system in different levels of importance,
from the highest to the lowest

STRUCTURE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE

The civil service is classified into the following.
1. Administrative Class: This is the highest class of the civil service. They consist mainly of
the Director General, Deputy Director General, and Principal Officers etc. They are
mostly graduates and they co-ordinate the activities of their ministry by policy making
and advising ministers and commissioners.
2. Executive Class: They deal with the day-to-day conduct of administration following lay
down policies. They also implement government policies. They consist of Assistant
Executive -Officers, Semi-Executive Officers and Executive Officers.
3. Professional Class: They are trained specially for their jobs. Examples include the
lawyers, doctors, engineers etc.
4. Clerical Class: They are involved in the routine jobs of the service. Their jobs include
keeping of records, movement of files, preparation of vouchers, statistics etc. They are
mostly young school leavers with SSCE, GCE, and NECO etc.
5. Auxiliary Class: Recruitment into this class of workers may not require any formal
education or high technical skills. However, such skills might be required to do their jobs.
Such jobs include, drivers, cleaners, gardeners, messengers etc

FUNCTIONS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE

1. Formation of Policy: The administrative and professional class of the civil service
formulates policies owing to their wealth of experience. They present these policies to the
ministers for final decision and implementation.
2. Implementation of Public Policies: The implementation of public oriented policies results
in the execution of services to the public like good roads, electricity schools, hospitals
etc.

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 3. Preparation of Budget: It prepares the government yearly budget of statement of expected
revenue and expenditure.
4. They Make Byelaws: They perform sub-legislative functions. A senior civil servant has
the power to draw up rules and regulations.
5. Archival Function: Civil servant document government policies and information and
keep them safe for future references in public decisions.
PROBLEMS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
1. Low Incentives: Poor conditions of service reduce the moral of the workers. This is
further worsened by slow promotion process.
2. An issue that needs urgent attention may not be met at the needed time.
3. Negative attitude to work: Most civil servants feel that government work does not
deserve the best. They do their work half-heartedly.
4. Political Interference: Most government always interferes by not giving the civil service
a free hand to run its affairs. Most politicians equally interfere with the planning and
implementation of government policies.
5. Tribalism/nepotism and favoritism: Most unqualified persons are employed based on
ethnic affiliations.
6. Political Instability: Frequent military interventions affect policy making and
implementation as director generals, permanent secretaries, ministers and commissioners
are changed.
7. Bribery and Corruption: Most civil servants receive bribes and undue gratification for
most works done.
8. Lack of qualified personnel: The civil service is always hit by the exodus of workers who
seek greener pasture in private companies which offer attractive working conditions.
9. Unfriendliness of the staff: Most civil servants are arrogant and arrogate power to
themselves. They are unfriendly to the public and most times are impatient to listen to
complains from the public.

CONTROL OF THE CIVIL SERVICE

The civil service and the civil servants can be controlled through the following ways:
1. Legislative Control: Ministers or commissioners can be asked to appear before the
legislature and explain their activities.
2. Public Service Commission Control: This body has the power to appoint, promote,
transfer, discipline or dismiss civil servants.
3. Control of Ministries: Ministries of finance and establishments have control over the
ministries under the civil service. They control the expenditure, conditions of service,
salaries and persons.
4. Press control: The press also helps to control the activities of the civil service. They
criticize erring officers and this keeps them on check.
5. Judicial control: The court can try anybody for criminal charges. The public officers also
have this in mind.

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 6. Hierarchical Control: The civil service is structure in a way that one cannot carry out the
actions without letting his superior know.
7. Pressure Groups: They help to mount pressure on public officer to the line of other
ministries.
8. Public Complaint Commission (Ombudsman): The function of this body is to receive and
investigate complaint from the public about a public officer who has not performed
according to laid down rules.
9. The General Order: This is the regulation which outline the condition of service and
responsibilities of the civil servants.

REFORMS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE (1988)

The government of Ibrahim Babangida embarked on the reform of the civil service commission
in 1988 in line with the Dotun Philip’s review panel established in 1985. The major elements of
the reform were:-
1. The ministers and not the permanent secretary is responsible for the policy and
programmes of the ministry. He is accountable for his ministry’s actions.
2. The permanent secretary becomes Director General and his appointment is political. His
tenure ends with the government that appointed him.
3. The civil service is professionally oriented with each civil servant spending his career in
the ministry.
4. Each ministry is responsible for the appointment, discipline and promotion of civil
servants under it, under the federal services guidelines.
5. The civil service is now empowered with various responsibilities.
6. The central bank and the ministry of budget and national planning will be under the
office of the presidency.
7. The officer of the head of service ceases to exist.
8. Each ministry has the power to set up its personnel management board.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. List three factors that hinder the effectiveness of the civil service.
2. List five ways by which the civil service can be controlled

THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

The civil service commission is an independent body set up by the government with the
responsibility of remitting workers into the service based on merit. The body also is in charge of
the discipline, promotion and dismissal of workers. Either the president or governor appoints
the chairman and members.

COMPOSITION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

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The 1989 constitution of Nigeria provides for the establishment of the federal civil service
commission. Section 51 states that its composition should consist of a president or chairman
and maximum of 9 members.

FUNCTIONS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

1. Employment: The commission is empower to remit highly qualified personnel into the
civil service either by competitive examination or oral interview.
2. Promotion: The body is responsible for promotion of workers from one salary scale to
another when they are due to it.
3. Transfer: The transfer of civil servants from one ministry to another within the civil
service is done by the commission.
4. Discipline: The commission is empower to take actions against any civil servant who
goes against the rules of the general order.
5. Retirement: The civil servants who have reached the stipulated retirement age are retired
by the commission.
6. Dismissal: the commission dismisses civil servants who are found to be corrupt.
7. Condition of Service: The commission states the terms and condition of service,
allowances and salaries of civil servants.
8. Advice: The commission offers advice to the government in the appointment of senior
officers in departments and ministries.
9. Efficiency: Efficiency and integrity are the watch word of the civil service and the
commission works towards it realization.

PUBLIC COMPLAINT COMMISSION (PCC)

This is government institution established to investigate and examine cases of injustice,
corruption and unfair treatment by public officers against citizens. The Ombudsman, which is
known as public complaint commission, was first introduced in Sweden in 1809. It was
introduced in Nigeria in October, 1975 by the military administration of General Murtala
Mohammed.

FUNCTIONS AND IMPORTANT OF THE COMMISSION

1. To ensure that public officers discharge their duties in line with the laid down rules of the
commission.
2. The body protects the rights and liberties of the citizens.
3. The body investigates cases of maladministration by any public officer.
4. The Ombudsman has the power to suggest some changes in the laws of the land.
5. It investigates cases of undesirable conditions and practices in public places like hospitals
and prisons.
6. It is empowered to investigate any acts of corruption and nepotism.
7. It presents public officers and authorities that have violated the law and neglected their
duties.
8. Cases of lost of documents and papers are investigated by the commission.

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 9. The commission offers help to citizens whose rights have been infringed upon to seek
redress.

LIMITATIONS TO THE POWERS OF THE OMBUDSMAN

1. The ombudsman does not have the power to enforce its investigations. It can only
investigate and recommend.
2. It cannot investigate top government officials like Director-General, State Governor etc.
It can only be involve in matters affecting junior workers.
3. It lacks the power to reverse court decisions.
4. The need to preserve state security and vital national interests hinders the commission
access information and documents.
5. Lack of confidentiality of ombudsman constitutes a limitation.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. Explain 5 functions of the civil service commission.
2. What are the limitations to the powers of the ombudsman?

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTION

1. Discuss five problems of the civil service.
2. State five functions of the Ombudsman.
3. List four major elements of civil service reforms.
4. Define Legitimacy.
5. Discuss 5 factors affecting legitimacy.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Who among the following is a civil servant? (a) Bank manager (b) Medical Doctor (c)
Commissioner of Police.
2. Neutrality of civil servants means that they (a) do what they like (b) cannot accept
government appointment (c) should not take part in politics.
3. In a civil service commission, the boss is usually the (a) Minister (b) Chairman (c)
Permanent Secretary.
4. Red-tapism in the civil service simply means (a) too much emphasis on protocol (b)
delegated power (c) using red tape to measure objects
5. Those who work under the civil service are called (a) public servants (b) civil servants (c)
political leaders.

WEEK FIVE
TOPIC: PUBLIC CORPORATION
CONTENT
 Meaning, Characteristics and Reasons for setting up Public Corporations
 Functions and Organizational Structure
 Differences between Public and Civil Service and the Control of Public Corporation
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PUBLIC CORPORATION
A public corporation may be defined as a business organization, owned, managed and financed
with tax payer’s money by the government of a country. The aim is not to make profit but to
render essential services to the members of the public. It is established by acts of parliament and
they determine their functions.

Public corporations are owned by the government but are managed by boards of directors
appointed by the government. Such corporations include, the National Port Authority (N.P.A.)
Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (N.N.P.C.) Power Holding Company of Nigeria
(P.H.C.N.) etc

FEATURES OF PUBLIC CORPORATION

1. It is wholly owned by the government.
2. Being created by special laws incorporating them makes it a legal entity.
3. It enjoys monopoly as it does not compete with another organization in the provision of
those essential services.
4. Those who work under public corporation are not civil servants, they are known as
contract men.
5. A huge amount of capital is involved in the establishment of public corporation.
6. Profit making is not the main motive of its establishment but to render essential services
to members of the public.
7. It is set up by an act of parliament.

REASONS FOR SETTING UP PUBLIC CORPORATION

1. Because of the huge amount of capital that is involve in the provision of these essential
services, the government therefore provide such services at minimum cost to all citizens
to enjoy.
2. Public corporations provide employment for people since human labour is required in
running the various services.
3. Such social services usually involve initial losses and as a result no private individual will
be willing to bear such risk.
4. To avoid duplication of service.
5. To ensure government control of sectors of the economy.
6. To ensure rapid economic development.
7. To ensure a constant and regular supply of those services.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. What is public corporation?
2. List 5 features of public corporation.

1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 16

FUNCTIONS OF THE PUBLIC CORPORATION
1. They provide essential services to the people for instance, transport, electricity etc
2. They are established to provide employment to the people.
3. They prevent exploitation of the people by few individuals.
4. They generate revenue for the government.
5. They promote economic development in the country.
6. Public corporation control basic essential industries which are life wires of the nation for
example, P.H.C.N., N.R.C.
7. They help to raise the standard of living of the people through the regular provision of
these services.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF PUBLIC CORPORATION

The Board of Directors is appointed by the government. There are also managing directors who
are also appointed by the government. Others are appointed by the board of directors, the
chairman and the deputy chairman are appointed by the minister concerned. The above
mentioned people get on with the organization of the corporation.
A corporation has the following branches; finance section, sales section, production section,
administrative section, and transport and public relations divisions etc, all work towards the
ultimate goal of the corporation for which it is set up.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. List 5 functions of public corporation.
2. Explain the organizational structure of public corporation.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PUBLIC CORPORATION AND CIVIL SERVICE

1. Government ministries render services without profit motive, while a public corporation
is established to provide services.
2. A public corporation is managed by members of board of directors, while the civil
service is managed by a minister advised by the Director General (Permanent Secretary).
3. The political head of a public corporation is the chairman, while the political head of a
ministry is a minister.
4. Those who work in public corporation are called public servants while those who work in
civil service are known as civil servants.
5. The administrative head of a public corporation is the General Manager, while that of the
civil service is known as Director General or permanent secretary.
6. Public corporations are set up to provide essential services like water, electricity for the
comfort of the people, while government ministries are set up to formulate and execute
government policies.
7. A public corporation takes decision quicker than a ministry.
8. Public corporation can still perform without the annual budgetary allocation, while
government ministries fully depend on the annual budgetary allocation to perform.

1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 17

 9. Workers in public corporations enjoy better conditions of service, while workers in
government ministries do not enjoy much conditions of service.

CONTROL OF PUBLIC CORPORATION

The public corporation can be controlled through the following ways;
1. Legislative Control: Public corporations are set up through acts of parliament. The
legislature can control them through the following ways;
a. The laws stipulated in their acts.
b. Auditing their accounts.
c. Summoning their officials to explain any act not understood.
d. Budget allocation and approval.
2. Ministerial control: This is done by :
a. Appointment and dissolution of board of directors if they are not performing.
b. Approval of loans and expenditure.
c. Auditing of accounts
d. Issuing of directives.
3. Judicial Control: The court can declare the activities of any public corporations illegal if they
go contrary to the laws establishing them.
4. Financial Control: Senior officials of the corporation can be made to appear before the
legislature to explain their budget. Also annual reports of public corporation are presented to
the legislature for verification.
5. Public Control: Members of the public who consume goods and services of the public
corporations exercise some form of control through criticisms they level against these
corporations.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. Differentiate between public and civil service.
2. How are public corporations controlled?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. A public corporation is headed by a ---- (a) minister (b) permanent secretary (c)
chairman.
2. Those who work in public corporation are called --- (a) civil servants (b) public servants
(c) political head.
3. Public corporation is set up by ---- (a) the minister (b) act of parliament (c) chairman.
4. Public corporations are owned by the (a) director (b) government (c) minister.
5. All but one of the following are examples of public corporation (a) NIPOST (b) NITEL
(c) Ray Power
WEEK SIX
TOPIC: LOCAL GOVERNMENT
CONTENT

1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 18

 • Definition and Types of Local Government, Reasons for the Creation of Local
Government,
• Powers and Functions of Local Government, Sources of Local Government Revenue and
Control of Local Government
• Problems and Suggested Solutions to Problems of Local Government.

MEANING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

A local government can be defined as government at the local level established by law to
perform specific functions within defined area. It has the power to take charge of local political
affairs. They are created by acts of parliament as avenues by which the federal government
reaches the locality. They are usually the third tier of government. In Nigeria, they were created
under the 1963 Republican constitution.

TYPES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Professor Harold Anderfer classified local government into 4 basic types. They are:
1. French Type: This type of local government is an extension of the central government.
In other words, the staffs of local governments are also staff of the federal government.
2. English Type: This type of local government has a feature of autonomy. Though federal
government has some measure of control over it. Nigeria adopts this system. There is no
local economy.
3. Traditional Type: This system is entirely indigenous. It is neither western nor eastern. It
is based on leadership of a traditional ruler.
4. Communist Type: Most communist countries practice this system. There is no local
economy. Every local government works in conformity with the socialist ideology and
values.

REASONS FOR THE CREATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

1. The local governments are established in order to bring government closer to the people
at the grassroots.
2. They allow the indigenes of the different local areas to govern themselves according to
their culture and traditions.
3. They serve as a link between the people and the state and federal government.
4. The creation of local government gives room for even development in parts of the
country.
5. They act as representatives of the federal and state government in the implementation of
policies and in the maintaining of law and order etc.
6. They can also provide employment at the local level.
7. They provide the essential services to the people in areas like electricity, roads, water,
health care centers etc.
8. They are created to avoid the concentration of power in one authority.
9. They are created to give the people in the rural areas a sense of belonging and
participation in the government.

1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 19

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1. Local government constructs and maintains public roads, water ways, bridges, gutters,
sidewalks and drainages.
2. Establishment and maintenance of markets, motor parks and public conveniences and
refuse disposal.
3. Collection of taxes, radio and television licenses, rents etc.
4. The provision and maintenance of primary schools.
5. They register deaths, births, marriages etc.
6. Maintenance of forests.
7. Naming of roads and streets and numbering of houses.
8. Establishment and maintenance of cemeteries, burial grounds and homes for destitute.
9. Development of agricultural and natural resources.
10.They make bye laws for the maintenance of law and order. They also set up customary
courts as directed by the state government.

SOURCES OF REVENUE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

1. Federal Government Grants: Local government gets their fund from federal government.
This is the major source of local government revenue. In Nigeria, local government is
entitled by law to receive 10 percent of federally derived revenue
2. Grants from state government
3. Loans from financial institutions
4. Taxes from non-salary earners residing within their areas of jurisdiction.
5. Local rates like water, market stalls, motor parks etc.
6. License fees such as bicycle, dogs, radio, television, canoe etc.
7. Court fees: These are fines imposed on offenders in customary courts which also help to
generate revenue to local governments.
8. Commercial ventures such as transport services, plantation farms, guest houses, holiday
resorts, poultry farms etc.

CONTROL OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

1. Amendment of law: The national assembly through the federal government can amend
the law establishing the local government.
2. Withholding of grants: The federal government may for one reason or the other withhold
the grant allocated to local government. It may be on the grounds of mismanagement of
fund.
3. Judicial control: The law courts can declare bye-laws made by the local government as
null and void if they are not in conformity with the provisions of the country’s
constitution.
4. Ministerial control: Ministers or commissioners and government officials controls the
activities of local councils from time to time.

1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 20

 5. Audit control: The government officials audit the account book of council at least once a
year.
6. Public control: Members of the public whom the local government are meant to serve,
use constructive criticisms to control the activities of the councils.

PROBLEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

1. Bribery and corruption: Bribery and corruption are common in some council as well as
embezzlement and misappropriation of funds.
2. Financial problem or poverty of local government bodies.
3. Shortage of personnel: Some council officials are untrained or ill-trained and so
inefficient.
4. The machinery for or rate collections is grossly inadequate and inefficient.
5. Lack of infrastructure such as electricity, pipe borne water, good roads etc.
6. The size of local government councils: A council should not be too large as to create
problems.
7. Favoritism and nepotism.
8. Illiteracy among councilors.
9. Interference from central government.

SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

1. Control of the central government should be reduced.
2. Honest and capable hands should be used in the collection of rates and levies.
3. Qualified personnel should be employed to local governments.
4. Local government accounts should be audited regularly and any official found guilty on
misappropriation of funds should be prosecuted by E.F.C.C. or I.C.P.C.
5. More money should be allocated to local governments from the federation account to
enable them carry out their functions.
6. Access to loan should not be made difficult for the local government.
7. Regular in-service training and seminars should be given or organized for local
government workers.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. Mention 5 problems of local government.
2. List five suggested solutions to the problems of local government.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. All the following are sources of revenue of local government except (a)rate (b) motor
parks and market fees (c) duties on exportation of local products.
2. An electoral district for local government election is----- (a) senatorial district (b) ward
(C) constituency.
3. One of the problems facing local government in Nigeria is the (a) withdrawal of grants
by the central government (b) lack of qualified personnel (c) collection of taxes.
1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 21
 4. Local government imposes rates because (a) the government wants the rich to become
richer (b) the people are expected to finance political parties (c) of the need to provide
fund for public corporation.
5. Representatives of the people in the local government areas are called (a)
parliamentarians (b) congressmen (c) councilors.

WEEK SEVEN
TOPIC: PRE-COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION/POLITICAL SYSTEM IN NIGERIA
CONTENT
 Hausa/Fulani Political System.
 Igbo Political System.

PRE-COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION IN HAUSA/FULANI LAND

Historical background of the Hausa
The Fulani assumed the political leadership of the Habe (Hausa) states in the 19 th century after
the jihad war led by Othman Dan Fodio. He established the Sokoto caliphate, which was highly
politically centralized.

He introduced a new system of selecting rulers known as Emirs to rule the caliphate. Sokoto
and Gwandu were made two headquarters for all emirates as each Emir owed allegiance to
Othman Dan Fodio and his representatives at Sokoto and Gwandu.

POLITICAL ADMINISTRATION
1. The Emirate: The caliphate was divided into emirates headed by an Emir possessing
almost all powers. He was an authoritarian ruler. He made laws and maintained law and
order according to Islamic rules. He was assisted by a number of advisers. These are:
 The Waziri- he was the head of all the officials.
 The Galadima- He is in charge of the capital.
 The Madawaki- He was the commander of the army.
 The Dogari- He was in charge of treasury
 Sarkin-Ruwa- the River fishing official.
 Sarkin-Fada- The head of the palace workers.
 Sarkin-Pawa- The head of all butchers.
 Yari- Official in charge of the prisons.
2. The legislative organ: The Muslim law known as Sharia was applied throughout the
emirate. The law was regarded as the law of God and supreme.
3. The Executive organ: The Emir was authoritarian in nature. Though he had a council of
adviser, he could accept or reject their advice.
4. Judicial organ: The laws were based on sharia laws and the Alkali judges administered
them. Some minor cases were passed to the village heads to settle. Criminal and land
cases were for the Emir to decide as long as Sharia laws dealt with civil cases.
1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 22
 5. District administration: Each emirate was divided into district headed by an official
appointed by the Emir called Hakimi.

PRE-COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION IN IGBO LAND

The Igbo system had no central authority like the Yoruba and Hausa. Different groups shared
power and it involved the general participation of people in governance. They practice a form of
direct democracy.

FEATURES OF IGBO POLITICAL SYSTEM

1. It was a decentralized and segmented system.
2. It was republican. No individual had hereditary rights to political office.
3. The system was democratic as there was the principle of equality and social justice.
4. There was no centralized power. No one was a political ruler.
5. Women played a significant role in government through, the Umuada (daughters of the
kindred)

STRUCTURAL ORGANISATION OF THE IGBO POLITICAL SYSTEM

1. The Village Administration: The Igbo political system was based on the village as a
political unit. Each village was made up of families. Each family head held the Ofor title
and they all formed the council of elders, which govern the village. The oldest Ofor title
holder was referred to as the Okpara and presided over the council of elders meeting
where decisions affecting the people are taking. During village meetings, every adult was
expected to participate.
2. The Executive: The affairs of the village were discussed by the heads (council of elders).
Every adult had the power to contribute.
3. The Legislature: The villagers made laws themselves. The age grade could make laws,
which the elders accepted.
4. The Judiciary: Family heads settle dispute between families. Serious cases were referred
to the council of elders and the Okpara.
5. The Age Grade: There were young men who belonged to the same age group. They were
involved in the administration of the village and perform public duties like clearing of
parts, road etc, they maintained security and helped in the implementation of policies
made by the council of elders.
6. The Ozor Titleholders: Some wealthy and influential men took the Ozor title, which was
very expensive. The society respected such men and they could join the council of elders
to debate on issues affecting the people.
7. Women Association: They participated in settling disputes as they served as a powerful
pressure group. They socialized with their young ones by inculcating in them good
morals, political values and norms. They stood against corruption and oppression.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 23

 1. The arm of government responsible for implementing laws in Igbo pre-colonial system
is? (a) The village assembly (b) Age grade (c) Ozor holder.
2. An institution which seeks to redress people’s grievances against abuse of administrative
power is called (a) judicial commission (b) Ombudsman (c) civil service.
3. The body of officials who help the executive to formulate and implement policies is (a)
the legislature (b) civil service (c) public corporation.
4. Legitimacy of government simply means (a) the ability to control others (b) the rights to
inherit power (c) popular acceptance of a political system.
5. In the pre-colonial political system, which of these societies practiced a form of
democracy? (a) Yoruba (b) Hausa (c) Igbo

WEEK EIGHT
TOPIC: PRE-COLONIAL POLITICAL SYSTEM
CONTENT
 Pre-colonial Administration in Yoruba Land
 Functions of Traditional Rulers, Council of Elders, Secret Societies and Age Grade

PRE-COLONIAL POLITICAL SYSTEM IN YORUBA LAND

Oyo was a very large empire divided into different provinces. The system of government in the
Old Oyo Empire was like most other kingdoms and empires that existed in Africa. It was
monarchical in nature and was headed by a king called Alafin.
Features of Yoruba Pre-colonial Political System
1. The size of the political system was a very large one.
2. The system was a constitutional monarch, the system was decentralized, and the Oba was
not an autocratic ruler.
3. There was a system of checks and balances so that the Oba did not abuse the power.
4. The Oba only ratified the decisions taken by the chiefs.
5. There was no system of taxation.

POLITICAL ADMINISTRATION
1. Political head: The Alafin was the political head of the empire. He was chosen by the
Oyomesi and seven hereditary king makers of the empire. It was claimed that the Alafin
only appear to the public three times a year during historic festivals. The administration
of the empire involved the Alafin assisted by the Aremo, the, Bashorun, Oyomesi and
others. The Bashorun (prime minister) and the Oyomesi played a key role in the
administration.
2. The Aremo: He is the eldest son of the Alafin but cannot succeed the father at his
demise. He only assisted the Alafin in the administration of the empire.
3. The Oyomesi: They were the seven hereditary kingmakers in the empire headed by the
Bashorun. Their duty was to install a new Alafin when the ruling one dies or to remove
the Alafin. They also assisted the Alafin in the administration of the empire.

1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 24

 4. Provincial Governors: (Bale or Oba) each province was ruled by Ajele or Oba. They
were responsible for the collection of tributes and the payment of homage to the Alafin.
5. The Army: The Are-ona kankafo was the head of the army. It was claimed that if the
army suffers a defeat, the kankafo will commit suicide.
6. The Ogboni Society: This was a secret society made up of prominent diviners headed by
the Oluwo. They were the third organ of government in the Old Oyo Empire. They
checked the excesses of the Oyomesi such as their rejection of an Alafin. They performed
judicial functions. They maintained and preserved the cultural duties of the people.
7. The three Eunuchs: They were also involved in the administration of the empire. They
included.
 The Osi Efa- He was in charge of political affairs and customary, he had to die
with the Alafin.
 The Oni Efa- for the judiciary
 The Otun Efa- performs religious duties for the Alafin.
8. The Empty Calabash: If the Alafin begins to act unconstitutionally, the Oyomesi could
authorize the Bashorun to send an empty calabash to the king which signifies his
rejection. The Alafin was expected to commit suicide afterwards.
9. Kingship: The ascension to the throne of Alafin was not hereditary but the Oyomesi was
free to choose a new ruler from the royal families.

FUNCTIONS OF THE TRADITIONAL RULERS IN THE PRE-COLONIAL

POLITICAL SYSTEM
1. They acted as the supreme rulers in their various communities.
2. They performed legislative functions of law making in their communities.
3. They ensured the defense of their communities.
4. They performed religious functions as high priest of some religious cults.
5. They were the head of administration in their various communities.
6. They safeguarded the lives of people in their communities.
7. They were involved in the sharing of communal wealth.
8. They served as political symbols of unity.
9. They were involved in the maintenance of law and order in the communities.
10.They planned for the progress and development of their communities.

FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF COUNCIL OF ELDERS

1. The council advised the paramount chiefs.
2. The council of elders was responsible for the maintenance of law and order.
3. The council acted as decision making body.
4. It performed religious functions.
5. The council helped to install and deposed paramount chiefs.
6. The council checked the activities of the paramount chiefs.
7. The council decided whether the community would go to war or not.

1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 25

FUNCTIONS OF SECRET SOCIETIES
1. They helped to enforce law and order.
2. They performed both military and police functions.
3. They served as link between the members of the communities and their ancestors.
4. They protected their members.
5. They helped to educate their members and other members of the community.
6. They performed rituals to drive away evil spirits.
7. They acted as agents of socialization.

FUNCTIONS OF AGE GRADE

1. The prosecution of warfare was done by the age grade.
2. They undertook social labor like construction of roads, bridges etc.
3. They performed socialization functions.
4. They performed ceremonial functions during important occasions in their communities.
5. They helped to defend their communities against both internal and external aggression.
6. They checked wrong use of powers by permanent chiefs.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. What were the functions of the age grade in pre-colonial political system?
2. List 5 functions of the council of elders.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The head of Oyomesi in the old Oyo Empire was (a) Aremo (b) Oba (c) Bashorun.
2. The Yoruba pre-colonial political system was ---- in nature
(a) Hierarchical (b) Monarchical (c) Republican.
3. The eldest son of the Alafin was called (a) Aremo (b) Oluwo (c) Baale
4. Which of the following titles among the Igbos in the pre-colonial era required substantial
wealth before one could acquire it? (a) Ofor (b) ozor (c) Eze.
5. In the Hausa pre-colonial political system, sovereignty was located in the
(a)Emir (b) Galadima (c) Waziri.

WEEK NINE
TOPIC: COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION
CONTENT
 Historical Perspective (Definition)
 Reasons for Colonialism and Features of Colonial Rule
 Classification of Colonial Rule

DEFINITION OF COLONIALISM IN AFRICA

Colonialism may be defined as an imposition of a more developed culture over a less developed
one backed up by expansionist and economic adventure.
1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 26
It may also be defined as the forceful ruling of one country by another. It is the extension of
political control of one powerful nation over a weaker nation. This means the weaker nation is
politically dominated and economically exploited by the stronger one. Colonialism is
sometimes called imperialism.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The first attempt made by Britain to set up a formal government in Nigeria was in 1900. Before
1880’s, Europe had what is known as the industrial revolution. This brought the desire to source
for finished goods. Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal were involved
in the colonies in Africa. So, the competition led to the scramble and partition of Africa. At the
Berlin West Africa conference of 1884-1885, African lands were shared to European countries
as colonies.

The first British attempt to set up a formal government in Nigeria was in 1900. By 1900, what is
known as Nigeria today was made up of 3 separate administrative areas or units namely:
1. Colony of Lagos
2. Protectorate of Northern Nigeria
3. Protectorate of Southern Nigeria

In May 1906, Lagos colony and southern protectorate were joined together and renamed the
colony and protectorate of Southern Nigeria. In 1914, Lord Frederick Luggard amalgamated
Lagos and Southern Protectorate with the Northern Protectorate to form a single colony called
Nigeria.

REASONS FOR COLONIALISM

1. Economic reasons:
• Raw materials for industries: Following the industrial revolution in Europe between 18 th
and 19th century, the European industrialists needed a large quantity of raw materials to
feed their industries. This brought them to Africa (Nigeria).
• Market: The Europeans were also looking for market outside Europe to sell their excess
product. Africa was seen as a new market to be utilized.

2. Social Reasons: The colonies were seen as a place to settle their surplus population
3. Cultural Reasons: Colonialism was also seen as a means of civilizing the blacks who were
wrongly believed to be primitive.
4. Humanitarian Reasons: The Colonizers also explained that it was a means of stopping slave
trade and inter-ethnic wars in West Africa.
5. Religious Reasons: The Europeans adventures to the West African coast had the motive to
win souls for God and convert Africans to Christianity.
6. Prestige motive; Colonialism was seen as a means of enhancing the prestige of metropolitan
centers like Britain and France.

1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 27

7. Political Reasons: The Europeans wanted to extend their spheres of influence and rule the
territories in Africa.
8. Explorative Motive: Many Europeans explorers came to Africa to explore various parts of
Africa so as to discover various human and natural resources.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. What do you understand by colonialism?
2. Give four reasons for colonialism in Africa.

FEATURES OF COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION

1. Central Administration: This was headed by the Government. He was appointed by the
Secretary General of state for colonies. The Governor is the president of both the
legislative and executive council.
2. Native administration: The colonial administration instituted a system of native
administration in the protectorate, provinces and districts through the indirect rule
system.

CLASSIFICATION OF BRITISH COLONIES IN WEST AFRICA

1. Crown colony: This is established by military conquest. The geographical territory is
owned by the British crowns as property e.g. Lagos colony.
2. Protectorate: This refers to a territory under the protection of British government. It was
protected against other European conquest e.g. Northern and Southern protectorate of
Nigeria.
3. Trust territory: These were the colonies under the control of Germany before it was
defeated by the allied powers e.g. Cameroun, Togo and Tanzania.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. Briefly explain the features of colonial administration.
2. What is trust territory?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Nigeria was colonized by (a) Britain (b) France (c) Germany.
2. The Northern and Southern Protectorate were amalgamated by (a) Sir Lord Luggard (b)
Sir Clifford (c) Sir Richards.
3. The following were reasons for colonialism except (a) prestige (b) religion (c) slave
trade.
4. Africa lands were shared to Europeans countries in the year (a) 1885-1886 (b) 1883-1884
(c) 1884-1885.
5. The name Nigeria was formed by (a) Flora Shaw (b) Lord Luggard (c) Queen Elizabeth.

1ST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS2 Page 28

WEEK TEN
TOPIC: INDIRECT RULE
CONTENT
 Meaning and Reasons
 Indirect Rule System in Nigeria-North West and East
 Merits and Demerits of Indirect rule.

INDIRECT RULE
Indirect rule may be defined as a British system of ruling her colonies with the use of local
chiefs and other intermediaries and traditional laws and customs with British officials merely
supervising the administration. Indirect rule was first introduced in Nigeria by Sir, Lord
Frederick Luggard who described the system as a child of necessity. Lord Luggard is also
referred to as the ‘father of indirect rule’.

FEATURES OF INDIRECT RULE

1. Indirect rule used the existing traditional system of administration.
2. It recognized the status of traditional rulers.
3. Traditional laws and customs were used in the administration.
4. It was supervised by British officials.
5. It was not an expensive system of administration.
6. Taxes were collected.
7. Native courts were used for administration of justice.
8. Native police and prisons were utilized in the system.

REASONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF INDIRECT RULE

1. Lack of personnel: Few Europeans were prepared to come to West Africa which was
described as a white man’s grave due to the poor climate and presence of deadly insects
and tsetse flies.
2. Inadequate Fund: Britain’s reluctance to involve heavily in the financing of her colonies
forced Luggard to adopt the system.
3. In countries like Indian and Uganda, the system worked effectively. Luggard felt it could
work in Nigeria.
4. It was economically cheap as Britain as Britain was saved the huge cost of maintaining
officials in Nigeria.
5. To preserve existing traditions and customs.
6. Due to the vast areas involved.
7. Language difficulty.
8. Poor transportation and communication.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. What is indirect rule?
2. Give 5 reasons for its introduction in West Africa.

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INDIRECT RULE IN THE NORTHERN NIGERIA
Northern Nigeria at this point was made up of the centralized Sokoto caliphate and Borno
Empire in addition to smaller pagan areas.

WHY INDIRECT RULE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN NORTHERN NIGERIA.

1. The system preserved their existing culture.
2. Centralization of power: Most of the Emirs were authoritarian as nobody challenged their
authority.
3. Illiteracy: Most of them were illiterates and this explained why they could not challenge
imposition of foreign culture.
4. Religion: They believe that their rulers are divinely sent and so obedience to rulers is
necessary as true believers.
5. Taxation system: They already practiced tax payment before colonial administration. The
system was only improved
6. The British officials promoted the position of traditional rulers.

INDIRECT RULE IN THE WESTERN NIGERIA

The Obas were used in the Western Nigeria. The system did not prove 100 percent successful
but it was a partial success.
1. The Limited Powers of Obas: The Obas unlike the emirs had limited powers and did not
command total respect like the emirs in Northern Nigeria.
2. Education: The majority of the Yoruba’s were highly educated and that put them in the
position to question indirect rule. They kicked against the system because there was no
morality in colonialism.
3. Religion: Majority of the Yorubas were Christians and Christianity is not as conservative
as Islam. They questioned the reasons for the introduction of indirect rule system.
4. Absence of Highly Centralized Administration: The Yorubas did not have a centralized
system of administration like the Hausas. This caused the partial success of the indirect
rule.
5. Boycott by Educated Elite: The educated elites in the Western region rejected the system
because they were not allowed to participate in the administration. This got them angry as
they were not valued.
6. Restoring Authority in the Alafin of Oyo: Lord Luggard tried to restore authority in
Yoruba land to the Alafin of Oyo instead of the Ooni of Ife, and this led to his failure.
The Yoruba’s believed that IIe-Ife was their ancestral home and the Ooni was their head.
7. Imposition of Tax: A new system of taxation that was introduced sparked off riots in
every part of Yoruba land like Abeokuta, Ikire, Iseyin etc.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS
1. Explain any three reasons given for the success of indirect rule system in the northern
Nigeria.

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 2. Compare the indirect rule system in northern and western Nigeria.

INDIRECT RULE SYSTEM IN THE EASTERN NIGERIA

The indirect rule system succeeded in the north met partial success in the west and failed
completely in the eastern Nigeria. This was because the easterners never developed monarchies
and the people appointed by Luggard as warrant chiefs were rejected. Also the system of
taxation in an effort to raise funds to sustain the indirect rule led to series of disturbances like
the famous Aba women riot of 1929.

REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF INDIRECT RULE SYSTEM IN EASTERN

NIGERIA
1. Absence of Traditional Rulers: The Igbos never developed a monarchical system. The
absence of chiefs made the system impracticable as the people they imposed were
rejected by the people.
2. Appointment of Warrant Chiefs: The British were forced to appoint warrant chiefs, not
minding their characters and family background. They were out rightly rejected by the
people and this was a cause of the 1929 Aba women’s riot.
3. The Type of Political Administration Practiced: The Igbo political system of
administration was decentralized without a central authority and decision making body.
This led to the failure of indirect rule system.
4. Absence of a System of Taxation: The Igbo unlike the Hausa did not pay tax and this
made the system to fail woefully as there was no generation of funds. To make matter
worse, the British government refused to get involved financially.
5. Religion: the Igbos were mainly Christians and they were not conservative and
submissive like the northerners. Their lack of submissiveness was caused by absence of
chiefs and their decentralized system.
6. Education: During this period, majority of the Igbos were educated and this put them in
the position to protest against the system.
7. Boycott of the Educated Elites: The British preferred half educated people or illiterates as
warrant chiefs. The educated ones therefore rejected the system.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. Why did the indirect rule fail in eastern Nigeria?
2. How did education contribute to the failure of the indirect rule system in eastern Nigeria?

MERITS OF INDIRECT RULE

1. The indirect rule system was less expensive.
2. It preserved native laws, customs and cultures.
3. It developed political activities.
4. It reduced the administrative cost on the part of the colonial government.
5. It made the collection of taxes, rates and levies very easy.

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 6. It trained traditional rulers in the act of government and infused in the rulers personal
responsibility, self reliance and probity.
7. It helped to put a stop to some evil practices like human sacrifice and killing of twins that
were before now going before the advent of the Europeans.

DEMERITS OF INDIRECT RULE

1. The native rulers were puppets of the British officers. They were used for the selfish ends
of the white masters.
2. The system alienated the educated elites.
3. Most of the traditional rulers were involved in evil practices and the system could not
prosecute them.
4. There were bribery and corruption because of the poor condition of service for the native
rulers.
5. Democratic rights of the people were abused
6. The system encouraged tribalism and sectionalism.
7. The system was an imposition.

EVALUATION QUESTION
1. List 5 merits of indirect rule.
2. What are the weaknesses of indirect rule?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Indirect rule was introduced by ____ (a) Sir Clifford (b) Sir Lord Luggard (c) Sir
Richards.
2. ALL the following were the reasons for introducing indirect rule except
(a) poverty (b) language difficulty (c) lack of personnel.
3. The indirect rule system was successful in the north because of all the following but (a)
illiteracy (b) religion (c) decentralization.
4. Indirect rule system was introduced in Nigeria in the year (a) 1906 (b) 1900 (c) 1914.
5. Indirect rule was successful in the east? yes/no

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