THE PROLEGOMENON TO THE 2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE -THE FEAR OF NIGERIA AS A FAILED STATE

Abstract

Nigeria right from its inception in 1914, at the instance of the then colonial master, (Britain) has been experiencing a lot of challenges despite the introduction of federal system of government around 1954 which, it is believed, -will integrate the diverse nature of the polity. So many national conferences under different names which were constituted to look into some of the teething problems facing Nigeria and to proffer solutions did not succeed. At present from many ills in the polity, ranging from economic meltdown, political crises, social problems like insurgency, kidnapping to unemployment, there is presumed failed system tilting towards eventual anarchy. This came to the fore in the prefatory speech made by the immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan on the inauguration of the 2014 National Conference Committee to look into the numerous challenges facing Nigeria, with point of references ranging from social, economic, political to religious instabilities. These problems have made Nigeria powerful more in name than in fact. With almost all the aspects of the polity touched, one wonders what is left. Nigeria is incontrovertibly therefore a failed state. The paper uses historical and comparative methodologies supported with primary and secondary sources of information to examine the fact in issue. Primary source of information included interviews, case law, law reports and    statute,     while     secondary     sources     include constitution, journals,   internet materials, books and newspapers. Albeit, in the course of examining more, the fear of Nigeria as a failed state, it is discovered that lack of consensus to corporate existence of Nigeria, poor leadership' and power tussle,   lack of observance of principles of federalism -which led to over centralization of powers to the center, use of single constitution and other   challenges   such   as   poor   relation    among federal/state/ local government,   corruption,   electoral fraud, problem of the Land Use Act, indigeneship and recently insecurity, are the causes of Nigeria's failure as a nation Stale. However, the paper focuses on four main problems   namely:   lack   of consensus   to   corporate existence     of    Nigeria,     poor     leadership,      over centralization of powers to the center .and corruption. The paper suggests ways forward to these challenges. These ways out if adhered to, will help to avert the calamity that is sure to ensue "disintegration of polity".1