THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF FEDERALISM AND MARGINALIZATION IN NIGERIA: A REFLECTION ON NORTH AND SOUTH ORIGINAL COPY 2024 APRIL

Abstract

The study explored the interface between the political economy of federalism and marginalization in Nigeria. We posit that the notion of marginalization was introduced into Nigeria by the nature of British colonial rule which saw the Hausa / Fulani as the most pliable people in Nigeria and handed over power to them after independence, which they have continued to use as a tool for marginalizing the southern part of the country. We relied on the documentary and survey method for data collection, content analysis and percentages for data analysis, rentier state theory was adopted for theoretical framework. We discovered that Nigeria federal system has continuously been used as a tool for marginalization but that it became rampant under the present administration as reflected in its lopsided appointments. The study recommended among others, that the idea of zoning and rotational presidency be enshrined in Nigerian constitution including the development of strong political institution that is independent and neutral Nigeria should develop strong political institution that will not be easily manipulated especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, to achieve this, the exclusive power of appointing INEC Chairman and Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN) must be remove from the President by way of constitutional amendment. If this is done, the incredible and kangaroo manner in which the former CJN justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onoghen was removed would have been avoided.