FEDERAL CHARACTER PRINCIPLE AS A STRATEGY OF ACHIEVING NATIONAL INTEGRATION IN NIGERIA

A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Federal character principle is one of the strategies in use by the Nigeria state to achieve national integration of her citizens. This paper discusses the ontological variables that necessitated this provision. The modus operandi were examined, before its associated challenges were discussed. The Dependency theory as advanced by Dos Santos was used as the theoretical framework. Data used were sourced from secondary sources. Content analysis adopted in reconstructing data collected, emphasized observed exclusion of ethnic minorities in allocation of values even when the federal character principle is in place. The provision is seen as policy wise ineffective. This is attributed to the tendency of a dependent capitalist economy to thrive on the splitting of collectives that make up a plural society. A political system that emphasized responsible governance is seen as reducing the objective condition that necessitated the federal character principle.