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Article Title:
Federal Character Principle: A Road Block to National Integration and the Bane of Nation Building
by Babatola, Adeleye Marcus (Ph.D) and Dimang, Ratokang Roselyn

Abstract:
This work examines politics behind the implementation of the Federal Character Principle with a view to discussing the impacts on National Integration otherwise known as National Unity of Nigeria. Every policy of government is expected to display high sense of indices of acceptable governance such as: transparency, accountability, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness, popular participation, service delivery and so on. Paradoxically, the reverse has always been the case with Federal Character Principle. The impacts of this have indeed pervaded the political landscape of Nigeria as majority of school leavers are found roaming the streets in search of employment. Verily, every Nigerian is adversely affected by Nigerian factors which are predicated on corruption, greed, selfishness among others. As a corollary, the much expected dividends of democracy is nothing but a ruse. The work relies on both primary and secondary sources of information. The data sources were complemented with the administration of questionnaires and oral interview with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to elicit more information about the performance of both the Federal Character Principle. Data were also sourced from the internet, governmental organizations and other related agencies with the objective of assessment and comparison. The study raises critical question about the desirability ofFederal Character Principle so as to ensure corruption free society via its job creation as far as Nigerian political system is concerned. It noted that the aims of establishing the Federal Character Principle have not been fully realized rather it has disintegrated nation building. The study therefore concludes that for the attainment of good governance, Nation building, societal development, corruption free society and putting in the round peg in round hole, emphasis should be placed on how both the Commissions operate and to actualize these, there must be conscious efforts on the part of the government to ensure that credible people are employed to work in the Commissions in order to engender promotion of accountability, transparency and probity. This will serve as model for others to be on their toes so as to institute good governance in the land.

Keywords: Federal Character Principle, Politics, Good Governance and National Integration

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