DEVOLUTION OF POWERS CONTROVERSY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER 1----INTRODUCTION

1.1      BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

 

The concept of devolution is the delegation of powers statutorily between the federal, state and the local government. It is a form of decentralization of administration of government and exercise of power by various levels of government. This is to ensure the each level of government operates within the law and avoid the presence of conflict of the use of power and authority over another. According to Okotie (2010:15), devolution enhances the independence of the local government administration which is essential to foster development at the local level and improve the participation of local people in governmental activities. Devolution gives the local government the powers to source for their revenue control and manage their resources. It creates a fair level of political participation, eliminate conflict and provides for checks and balances among the various level of government. The study seeks to appraise Devolution of powers, controversy and national development.

1.2       STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The need for development at the local level informs the need for the decentralization of powers from the federal level, state down to the local   government level. The concept of devolution is the delegation of powers statutorily between the federal, state and the local government. It is a form of decentralization of administration of government and exercise of power by various levels of government. This is to ensure the each level of government operates within the law and avoid the presence of conflict of the use of power and authority over another. But, the present situation shows that the local government are operating under the full dominating authority and dictates of the state government .There are  numerous problems facing the local government administration  in Nigeria due to the usurp of their powers by the state government. Many corrupt politicians prefer the setting up of caretaker committees which they control maximally to carry out their intentions in government, thereby eluding the very essence of the local government autonomy to operate. Consequently there is no functionality of legislative organ in many local governments in Nigeria. (Kehinde 2012:1). The implication is the excessive misappropriation of fund and lack of development at the grass root. The people are disconnected from the very essence of government programs and disenfranchised from the democratic institution of the state.

   1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objectives of the study is to appraise Devolution of powers, controversy and national development. The specific objectives of the study include;

  1. To determine the relevance and significance of Devolution of powers.
  2. To appraise the controversy surrounding the devolution of power in Nigeria.
  3. To determine role of Devolution of powers in national development.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

  1. What is the relevance and significance of Devolution of powers?
  2. What is the controversy surrounding the devolution of power in Nigeria?
  3. What is the role of Devolution of powers in national development?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Ho1: There is no significant relationship between devolution of powers and national development in Nigeria.

 

1.6     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study shall provide relevant information on the relevance and significance of Devolution of powers in national development.

It shall serve useful purpose to policy makers in government.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study focuses on the appraisal of the Devolution of powers, controversy and national development.

1.8     LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The researcher confronted both logistics and geographical constraints.

1.9     DEFINITION OF TERMS

DEVOLUTION DEFINED

Devolution is the delegation of powers statutorily between the federal, state and the local government. It is a form of decentralization of administration of government and exercise of power by various levels of government.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEFINED

This is a unit of government formed by law under the federal or state governments within a defined area to exercise political authority through a representative council”