CHAPTER 1----INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
There have been an ongoing debates on restructuring the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, as a means to resolves the growing agitations and tension emanating from different parts of the country on diverse issue affecting the peaceful existence unity and progress of the nation. It is believed that the concept of federalism has concentrated much power and responsibility on the federal government to the detriment of the states and local governments. Consequently, it is viewed that there is marginalization of certain ethnic groups and the neglect of certain communities as well as the non-release of adequate resources to communities believed to contributing sufficiently to the federal government. Consequently, the call for restructuring is from ethnic and religious perspectives and largely from the south east and south south regions of the country while the northern region seems to be on the opposing side to restructuring. According to Dr. Arthur Nwankwo (2008), restructuring constitute the process of giving recognition through a constitutional provision to the six geo-political zones as federating units and giving considerable powers to the regions. Restructuring relieves the central government of certain powers and limits its area of functionality to issues as fiscal policies, defence, national elections, immigration and foreign policy. It is not the merging of states as conceived by some quarters but the process of giving each region the powers to control its resources and pay royalties to the central government. The agitation is that the present structure is not fair and just.
According to Nwosu (2016), restructuring involves the devolution of powers to the regions than regionalization of Nigeria. The study seeks to investigate the perception and acceptance of restructuring of Nigeria across the six geo-political zone.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The current structure it is believed is responsible for the political and economic challenges facing the country as well as the marginalization and agitation for resource control being experienced in some part of the country. The high level of unemployment, militancy and communal conflicts, terrorism are link to the inadequacy of the federal government to address the challenges confronting the regions. The issue of marginalization in the South-east is contributing to the growing agitation for Biafra and cases of injustices. But, there is also the belief that many politicians are calling for new patterns of power sharing for personal interest and not for the representation of their communities. It is believed that the concept of federalism has concentrated much power and responsibility on the federal government to the detriment of the states and local governments. Consequently, it is viewed that there is marginalization of certain ethnic groups and the neglect of certain communities as well as the non-release of adequate resources to communities believed to contributing sufficiently to the federal government. Consequently, the problem confronting the study is to investigate the perception and acceptance of restructuring of Nigeria across the six geo-political zone.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main objective of the study is to investigate the perception and acceptance of restructuring of Nigeria across the six geo-political zones. The specific objectives of the study include;
1 To appraise the concept and deficiencies of Federalism.
2 To appraise the concept and relevance of restructuring.
3 To determine the perception and acceptance of restructuring of Nigeria across the six geo-political zone.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1 What is concept and deficiencies of Federalism?
2 What is concept and relevance of restructuring?
3 What is the perception and acceptance of restructuring of Nigeria across the six geo-political zones?
1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Ho1: There is no significant relationship between perception and restructuring across the six geo political zones.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study shall proffer relevant information on the perception and acceptance of restructuring of Nigeria across the six geo-political zones.
It shall serve useful purpose to government.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study focuses on the appraisal of the perception and acceptance of restructuring of Nigeria across the six geo-political zone.
1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study was confronted with both, logistics and financial constraints.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
RE-STRUCTURING DEFINED
Restructuring constitute the process of giving recognition through a constitutional provision to the six geo-political zones as federating units and giving considerable powers to the regions. Restructuring relieves the central government of certain powers and limits its area of functionality to issues as fiscal policies, defence, national elections, immigration and foreign policy.
GOVERNANCE DEFINED
The administration of the country’s economic and social resources for development through the exercise of political power.
FEDERALISM DEFINED
It can be viewed as a form of government in which the two levels of government divide the powers of governance equally .The Federal system of government is a mixture of the central government with the regional governments.
CONFLICT DEFINED
Conflict constitute the state of disagreement involving opposing community or nation , individuals, opinion, needs,
