The Roots of Political Instability in Nigeria : Political Evolution and Development in the Niger Basin

The constant drumbeat of headlines about Darfur, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Somalia, as well as the other states in Africa that are beleaguered by political instability have made the causes of failed states and intra-state political conflicts a major issue, both academic and practical. Using Harry Eckstein and Ted R. Gurr's congruence-consonance theoretical framework of regime classification, E.C. Ejiogu examines the internal variations of society evident in the Nigerian state to explain why the country experiences political conflict and instability. The first time this theoretical framework has been applied to an African country; E.C. Ejiogu offers a balanced and interdisciplinary analysis of the evolution in the Nigerian political system and the role played by evolved social traits in society. Exploring themes such as colonial rule and legacies, economic development, political authority and religion, Ejiogu insists that it is critical to examine Africa's diverse nationalities in terms of their geography, social, economic and authority patterns as critical elements that are disregarded in accounts of their political development. At a time when the question of state building in Africa is still unresolved, this timely book is a major contribution to the literature on transition processes in African politics and is particularly relevant to scholars and policy makers wanting to grapple with the issues associated with Africa's political disorder and the other social problems it spawns. Cover -- Contents -- List of Maps and Figures -- List of Tables -- Maps -- Preface -- Part I: Issues, the Land, the Inhabitants and History -- 1 Introduction: A Chronology of Continuing Instability -- 2 Colonial Heritage and State Instability in Nigeria: A Theoretical Consideration -- 3 The Niger Basin and its Inhabitants -- Part II: The Nationalities -- 4 The Igbo and their Authority Patterns -- 5 The Yoruba and their Authority Patterns -- 6 The Hausa-Fulani and their Authority Patterns -- Part III: Advent and Prospects of a Beleaguered Supra-National State -- 7 Authority Patterns and Governance in Colonial Nigeria -- 8 Forms of Colonial Authority in Other Parts of the Niger Basin -- 9 Colonial State Building Strategies in the Niger Basin -- 10 Military Coups d'État in Nigeria -- 11 Conclusion -- Appendices -- Postscript: Patterns of State Instability in Africa -- Bibliography -- Index At a time when the question of state building in Africa is still unresolved, this book makes a timely and valuable contribution to the literature on transition processes in African politics. It is particularly relevant to scholars and policy makers concerned with Africa's political disorder, and the social problems which it has created.