Cross-Cultural Communication
Causes, Cost and Possible Benefits of Inter and Intra Governmental Conflict in the Nigerian Federation
Abstract
As a federation of 774 local governments, 36 states and a federal government, inter and intra governmental conflict is an inherent characteristic of Nigeria’s federal system. Thus, this paper examines the dynamics of inter and intra governmental conflict in Nigeria with a specific focus on its causes, cost and possible benefits. It provides a review of selected cases of inter and intra governmental conflict within the country with a view to draw out the causes, cost and benefits of these conflicts to the Nigerian federation. It employs the qualitative research method and makes use of primary and secondary data sources for its analysis. Also, the paper adopts the decentralisation theory and the cooperation and competition theory, both of which provide theoretical grounds for a comprehensive analysis of the subject under focus. The paper reveals that constitutional ambiguity, inter-party conflict and personal interest of political actors are major causes of inter and intra governmental conflict in Nigeria. It further reveals that political instability, discrimination in the distribution of resources, delay in policy formulation and lack of collaboration among governmental levels are the cost of intergovernmental conflict in the country. The paper argues that despite the aforementioned costs, intergovernmental conflict has been instrumental to consolidating Nigeria’s nascent democracy as it prevents arbitrariness and promotes checks and balances as well as an active judicial system. The paper concludes that intergovernmental conflict is not only natural but equally necessary for democratic development in Nigeria. However, intergovernmental conflict must be meticulously managed to prevent an outright breakdown of law and order.
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Abidoye, S. H. (2015). The nature of governmental relationship (Inter and Intra) in Nigeria’s Fifteen-Year-Old Democratisation. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 20(7), 54-58.
Adamolekun, L. (1983). Public administration: A Nigeria and comparative perspective. Lagos: Longman Books.
Adem, K. A. (2013). Umpiring federalism in Africa: Institutional mosaic and innovations. African Studies Quarterly, 13, 53-79.
Ahovi, I. A. (2021). Open grazing not sustainable, say northern governors. https://guardian.ng/news/open-grazing-not-sustainable-say-northern-governors/. Last accessed December 16, 2021
Amaechi, I. (2021). Between Ortom and the president. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/between-ortom-and-the-president/. Last accessed December 16, 2021.
Anderson, W. (1974). Intergovernmental relations in review (No. 10). Greenwood.
Anyakaoha, M. W. (1998). Sources of conflicts in university libraries. Journal of Liberal Studies (JOLS), 16(1 & 2), Mark.
Arinze, O. M., & Oliver, N. (2016). Politics of impeachment in Nigeria; A discourse on causes and implications for democratic consolidation. Journal of Policy and Development Studies, 10(1), 48-56.
Axt, H. J., Milososki, A., & Schwarz, O. (2006). Conflict–a literature review. Duisburg, Universitat Duisburg-Essen.
Bailey, F., & Dolan, A. (2019). The meaning of partnership in development: Lessons in development education. Policy & Practice: A Development Education Review, 3(6), 30-48.
Birhanu, H., & Kebu, Z. (2019). Inter-federal-regional conflict resolution mechanisms in Ethiopian federacy: A comparative appraisal on the legal and institutional frameworks. Beijing L. Rev., 10, 1374.
Blindenbacher, R., & Watts, R. L. (2003). Federalism in a changing world: A conceptual framework. In Federalism in a changing world: Learning from each other, 7-25.
Channels Television (2021). Fight breaks out at reps as lawmakers debate electronic transmission of results. https://www.channelstv.com/2021/07/15/fight-breaks-out-at-reps-as-lawmakers-debate-electronic-transmission-of-results/. Last accessed December 16, 2021.
Chiamogu, A. P., Onwughalu, V. C., & Chiamogu, U. P. (2012). Politics of inter-governmental relations in Nigeria: An appraisal of current issues. International Journal of Asian Social Science, 2(11), 1892-1905.
Chima, E., Bello, M. B., Okoroafor, F. O., & Obilor, O. I. (2018). Conflict management in inter-governmental relations in Nigeria: Issues and prospects. GNOSI: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Human Theory and Praxis, 1(1), 17-24.
Chukwuemeka, E., & Aniche, A. (2016). Inter-governmental relations and the performance of local government in Nigeria: Diagnosing the elephantine problems. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review (Oman Chapter), 6(3), 17.
Coleman, I. (1998). Intimate relation in marriage and family. New York: The Macmillan Company and the Free Press.
Daka T. (2021). Buhari flays Southern governor’s open grazing ban, says it’s power show. https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-flays-southern-governors-open-grazing-ban-says-its-power-show/. Last accessed December 16, 2021
Davies, J. C. (1973). Aggression, violence, revolution and war. Handbook of Political Psychology (pp.234-60). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Deutsch M. (2000). Cooperation and competition. M. Deutsch and P.T. Coleman (Eds.), The handbook of conflict resolution: Theory and practice (pp. 21-40). San Francisco: Jossey-Bas Publishers.
Deutsch, M. (1948). The effects of cooperation and competition upon group process (Doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
Deutsch, M. (1973). The resolution of conflict: Constructive and destructive processes. Yale University Press.
Deutsch, M., Coleman, P. T., & Marcus, E. C. (Eds.). (2011). The handbook of conflict resolution: Theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Falana, F. (2021). Northern and Southern Governors have banned open grazing in Nigeria. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/08/northern-and-southern-governors-have-banned-open-grazing-in-nigeria/. Last accessed December 16, 2021.
Falleti, T. G. (2004). A sequential theory of decentralization and its effects on the intergovernmental balance of power. Latin American cases in comparative perspective.
Fatile, J. O., & Adejuwon, K. D. (2017). The Place of Local Government in Intergovernmental Relations: South Africa and Nigeria in Comparative Perspective. US-China L. Rev., 14, 780.
Fatile, J. O., & Ejalonibu, G. L. (2015). Decentralization and local government autonomy: Quest for quality service delivery in Nigeria. Journal of Economics, Management and Trade, 1-21.
George, T. (2014). PDP lawmakers suspend speaker of Edo assembly. https://www.thecable.ng/pdp-lawmakers-suspend-speaker-of-edo-assembly. Last accessed December 16, 2021.
George, T. (2014). PDP, APC Edo lawmakers hold separate sittings https://www.thecable.ng/pdp-apc-edo-lawmakers-hold-separate-sittings Last accessed December 16, 2021.
Guardian (2021). 17 Southern governors ban open cattle grazing. https://guardian.ng/news/17-southern-governors-ban-open-cattle-grazing/. Last accessed November 17, 2021.
Ibeogu, A. S., & Nwusulor, J. C. (2020). Electoral violence, political participation and democratic consolidation in nigeria: 2019 general election in ebonyi state in focus. South East Journal of Political Science, 6(1).
Ijimakinwa, S. O., Zinsu, E. S., & Osakede, K. O. (2015). Local government and intergovernmental relations in Nigeria fourth republic (1999 to date). International Journal of Development and Management Review, 10(1), 146-155.
Ikechukwu O. (2021). Wike and the VAT Controversy. https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/10/04/wike-and-the-vat-controversy/. Last accessed December 14, 2021.
Inyang, B. (2014). Contending issues in the management of intergovernmental relations in the Nigerian federal administration system. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5(3), 226.
Johnson D., & Ndujihe C. (2021). Southern, Northern govs at war over VAT, power shift. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/southern-northern-govs-at-war-over-vat-power-shift/. Last accessed December 16, 2021
Kahn, S., Madue, S. M., & Kalema, R. (2011). Intergovernmental Relations in South Africa. Pretoria: Van Schaick.
Kelly, J. (1969). Organizational Behaviour. Homewood: Irwim- Doysey.
Mack, R. W., & Snyder, R.C. (1957), The analysis of social conflict – toward an overview and synthesis. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 1, 212-48.
Maduabuchi, E., Akinsuyi, T., & Opesetan, T. (2014). Tenure: Local governments’ Triumph over governors. Sunday Independent, 27th July, 2014, pp.15-17.
Nnochiri, I. (2021). Oyo LG dissolution: S-Court orders payment of salaries, allowances of sacked chairmen, councillors. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/05/oyo-lg-dissolution-s-court-orders-payment-of-salaries-allowances-of-sacked-chairmen-councillors/. Last accessed December 16, 2021.
Nwanegbo, C. J. (2005a). Internal conflict African Development: An overview of Nigerian situation. Awka: Pond Academic Publishers.
Nwanegbo, C. J. (2008). Conflict resolution and management techniques in post traditional Nigeria.
Oates, W. E. (1972). Fiscal federalism, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. New York, 35.
Oche, O. (2000). Contemporary conflict in Africa and other roles of the OAU and sub-regional organisation in conflict management. Nigerian Journal of International Affairs, 26 (1).
Ofoeze, H. A. T. (2002). Local Government Administration, A historical perspective. Enugu: John Jacob’s Classical Publishers.
Ogbuishi, A. D. (2007). Fundamentals of inter-governmental relations. Enugu: Academic Publishing Company.
Ogunnubi, O. O. (2021). Constitutional politics and reform in the Nigerian federation: The way forward. Mazedan State Policies and Legal Review, 1(4), 1-9.
Ojo, J. S. (2014). An X-ray of inter-governmental relation conflicts and resource control in the fourth republic in Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Administration and Policy Studies, 6(3), 43-52.
Okoli, M.U. (2005). Local administrative system: An introductory and comparative approach. Onitsha: Abbot Hooks Ltd.
Olopade, O. (1984). Management of intergovernmental relations in Nigeria. Problems and Prospect ASCON Journal of Management, 3(4), 41-50.
Oluwafemi A. (2021). Malami: Banning open grazing is like banning sale of spare parts. https://www.thecable.ng/malami-banning-open-grazing-is-like-banning-sale-of-spare-parts. Last accessed December 16, 2021.
Onyekwere, J., & Ochojila, A. (2021). Interrogating the constitutionality of retracing old grazing routes. https://guardian.ng/features/law/interrogating-the-constitutionality-of-retracing-old-grazing-routes/. Last accessed December 16, 2021.
Osaghae, E. E. (1998). Crippled giant: Nigeria since independence. Indiana University Press.
Pfetsch, F. R. (1994). Internationale politik. Stuttgart, Berlin U.
Premium Times (2013). NEW VIDEO: Rivers Lawmakers beat up one another with assembly mace. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/140618-new-video-rivers-lawmakers-beat-up-one-another-with-assembly-mace.html.Last accessed December 16, 2021.
Premium Times. (2021). VAT controversy: We’re awaiting Supreme Court verdict – NGF. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/487123-vat-controversy-were-awaiting-supreme-court-verdict-ngf.html. Last accessed November 17, 2021.
Rahim, M. A. (2011). Managing conflict in organizations (4th ed., ISBN 978-1-4128-1456-0.). New Jersey: Transaction Publishers.
Roloff, M. E. (1987). Communication and conflict. In handbook of communication science (C. R. Berger & S. H. Chaffee, Eds., pp. 484-534). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Rubin, J. Z., Pruitt, D. G., & Kim, S. H. (1994). Social conflict: escalation, stalemate, and settlement (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill, New York, NY.
Salawudeen, S. (2014). Fayose seals off speaker’s office. https://thenationonlineng.net/fayose-seals-off-speakers-office/. Last accessed December 16, 2021.
Sandole, D. J. (1998). A comprehensive mapping of conflict and conflict resolution: A three pillar approach. Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(2), 4.
Schmidt, S. M., & Kochan, T. A. (1972). Conflict: Toward conceptual clarity. Administrative Science Quarterly, 17, 359-71.
Sills, D. (1975). Modernization: Political aspects. The International Encyclopedia of Social Sciences, IV. New York: The Macmillan Company and Free Press.
Smith, D. (2004). Trends and causes of armed conflict. transforming ethnopolitical conflict (pp.111-127). VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden.
Taleat, B. A. (2017). Governance and the rule of law in Nigeria’s fourth republic: A retrospect of local government creation in Lagos State. Canadian Social Science, 13(10), 4-8.
Thakore, D. (2013). Conflict and conflict management. IOSR Journal of Business and Management (IOSR-JBM), 8(6), 07-16.
This Day (2019). Oshiomhole: Once you join APC, your sins are forgiven. https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/18/oshiomhole-once-you-join-apc-your-sins-are-forgiven/. Last accessed December 16, 2021.
Tjosvold, D. (2006). Defining conflict and making choices about its management: Lighting the dark side of organizational life. International Journal of Conflict Management.
Tjosvold, D., Wong, A. S., & Feng Chen, N. Y. (2014). Constructively managing conflicts in organizations. Annu. Rev. Organ. Psychol. Organ. Behav., 1(1), 545-568.
Udegbunam O. (2021). NES27: Akeredolu, El-rufai disagree on open grazing ban. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/491785-nes27-akeredolu-el-rufai-disagree-on-open-grazing-ban.html. Last accessed December 16, 2021.
Van der Waldt, G., Waldt, V. D. G., & Du Toit, D. F. P. (1999). Managing for excellence in the public sector. Juta and Company Ltd.
Watts, R. L. (1998). Federalism, federal political systems, and federations. Annual Review of political science, 1(1), 117-137.
Watts, R. L. (2008). Comparing federal systems (3rd ed.). Institute of Intergovernmental Relation, Queen‘s University Montreal-Kingston: McGill-Queen‘s University Press.
Wheare, K. C. (1964). Federal government (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3968/12616
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2022 Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Share us to: 
Reminder
- How to do online submission to another Journal?
- If you have already registered in Journal A, then how can you submit another article to Journal B? It takes two steps to make it happen:
1. Register yourself in Journal B as an Author
- Find the journal you want to submit to in CATEGORIES, click on “VIEW JOURNAL”, “Online Submissions”, “GO TO LOGIN” and “Edit My Profile”. Check “Author” on the “Edit Profile” page, then “Save”.
2. Submission
Online Submission: http://cscanada.org/index.php/ccc/submission/wizard
- Go to “User Home”, and click on “Author” under the name of Journal B. You may start a New Submission by clicking on “CLICK HERE”.
- We only use four mailboxes as follows to deal with issues about paper acceptance, payment and submission of electronic versions of our journals to databases: caooc@hotmail.com; office@cscanada.net; ccc@cscanada.net; ccc@cscanada.org
Articles published in Cross-Cultural Communication are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY).
CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION Editorial Office
Address: 1055 Rue Lucien-L'Allier, Unit #772, Montreal, QC H3G 3C4, Canada.
Telephone: 1-514-558 6138
Website: Http://www.cscanada.net; Http://www.cscanada.org
E-mail:caooc@hotmail.com; office@cscanada.net
Copyright © Canadian Academy of Oriental and Occidental Culture 
