Select Currency
Translate this page

POLITICAL ELITES AND DEVELOPMENT CRISIS IN NIGERIA.A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN IJAW LGA OF BAYELSA STATE

Format: MS WORD  |  Chapter: 1-5  |  Pages: 75  |  1998 Users found this project useful  |  Price NGN5,000

  DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROJECT

POLITICAL ELITES AND DEVELOPMENT CRISIS IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN IJAW LGA OF BAYELSA STATE

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Presently, the crisis of development is the most serious problem facing Nigeria and Africa as a whole. This is because the country has remained largely underdeveloped despite the presence of huge mineral and human resources. Several decades after the end of colonialism, most parts of Africa with Nigeria inclusive is still fighting with problems such as high poverty rate, lack of basic infrastructural facilities in all sectors of the economy, unemployment, high mortality rate, political instability and insecurity of lives and property. For example, Nigeria the most populous African country, according to the United Nations human development report (2005), out of 177 countries, ranked 158 in human development index,165 in life expectancy at birth,121 in combined primary, secondary and tertiary gross enrolment and 155 in GDP per capital. Recently, Suberu (2007) also had said of Nigeria that “it earned around US$500 billion in oil revenues since the 1970s, yet remains mired in poverty, unemployment, a bourgeoning domestic debt, infrastructural squalor, abysmal health and educational services, and attendant social frustration and unrest’’.         
Against the background of Nigeria’s development crisis, emanated the debate on how to solve the crisis of development in Nigeria. The political elites constitute the majority of the stakeholders that can facilitate state development leading to resolution of any crisis of development. According to Wikipedia (2015), the political elite is a small group of people who control a disproportionate amount of wealth or political power. In general, political elite means the more powerful group of people. It can be otherwise described as a selected part of a group that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities or has more privilege than the rest.         
Political elite are the most influential and prestigious stratum in a society. The elite are those persons who are recognized as outstanding leaders in a given field. Thus, there are political, religious, scientific, busi­ness, and artistic elite. Ekeh (1983) has defined elite as small minorities who play an exceptionally influential part in the affairs of society in specific fields. He further described political elite as decision-makers whose power is not subject to control by any other body in the society. Nnoli (1981) maintains that political elite are those who have an influence over the fate of the society because of their supe­riority. The members of an political elite group have important influence in shaping the values and attitudes held by their segment of society. Falola (2005) has described them as those who make decisions having ma­jor consequences, who are able to realize their will even if others resist, and who have the most of what there is to have-money, power and pres­tige. However, the term does not apply to any one person but refers to a plurality, a collec­tivity of persons, however small it may be. This identifiable collectivity has certain attributes and skills which give it not only a cer­tain superiority but also power of decision-making and influencing others.         
The term political elite may also be defined as a group of high stratum decision-makers in political culture or concrete political structure which monopolizes political power, influences major political policies and occupies all important posts of political command. The main duty of political elite to the public as a whole is to reconstruct society by attempting to mobilise and tap available resources and political energies. Their attack on economic backwardness, in order to achieve ma­terial advancement, is through change in institutions and attitudes. The political party or governmental apparatus serves for them as the central instrument for modernization. However, the elite class in Nigeria seems to assumed dimension that is unusual of realistic functions in development context. Analysis of contemporary situations in Nigeria reveals that the country political elite class has no consistent and significant linkage to its national exploit. The formation and conduct of Nigerian’s political elite group have not been translated into a source of national development, despite the fact well observed by American political scientists John Purcell(1974) that powerful initiatives from within the political elite groups is critically important for national development (Ojo, 2006). However, the researcher seeks to identify the relationship between the political elites and the development crises in Nigeria. Southern Ijaw whose political elite are directly under study in this research work is a Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Oporoma (or Osokoma) in the north of the area at4°48′17″N 6°04′44″E. The area has a coastline of approximately 60 km on the Bight of Benin. It is the second largest Local Government in Nigeria (Landscape) after Toro Local Government of Bauchi State. The people and their language are known as Izon. It has Institutions like The Niger Delta University(NDU) and the states airport in Amassoma and Federal Polytechnic Ekowe in Ekowe, it is the home of Kolu United FC of Koluama II. the first democratic governor chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (DSP) and the former deputy surveyor general/director for urban development in Bayelsa state capital Mr C.B Ingibina is also from the Southern Ijaw LGA. It has an area of 2,682 km² and a population of 319,413 at the 2006 census (Wikipedia, 2015). 
1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM         
Almond (1960) has used the term ‘power elite’ for the political elite who monopolies power and rule the country. Blanda (2001) has called them ‘governing elite’, Marx, referred to them as ‘ruling class’, Riesman as ‘veto group’, and Floyd Hunter as ‘top leaders’. The Nigeria political elite class had little disposition to contemplate the positive use of elite advantage as strategic instrument for engineering national development. Nigeria has realized very little of her potentials because of in effective mobilization of these potentials by the political elites.
Today the people (masses) have limited access to education, lack of good drinking water and adequate medical care. Millions of Nigerians are said to be suffering from various deadly diseases. There is a prevalence of poor income and unemployment, street trading by children, hazardous reproductive behaviours. However, the researcher will analyze the development related crises in Nigeria considering the role of political elites (Ake, 1995).   
1.3   OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 
The general objective of this study is to examine the relationship between the political elites and development crisis in Nigeria while the following are the specific objectives: 
1.  To examine the relationship between the political elites and development crisis in Nigeria.
2.  To identify the developmental challenges and crisis in Nigeria. 
3.  To examine the role of Nigeria political elites in the national development process 
1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS 
1.  What is the relationship between the political elites and development crisis in Nigeria? 
2.  What are the developmental challenges and crisis in Nigeria? 
3.  What are the roles of Nigeria political elites in the national development process? 
1.5   HYPOTHESIS 
HO: There is no significant relationship between the political elites and development crisis in Nigeria 
HA: There is significant relationship between the political elites and development crisis in Nigeria 
1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 
The following are considered to be the significance of this study: 
1.  This research will be a useful guide for political elite in Nigeria in identifying their roles and actively participating in the process of national development using their political power as the development facilitation tool. 
2.  This study will educate the general public on how political influences of some small group of people in the society can be used in resolving the developmental challenges faced in the society. 
3.  This research will be a contribution to the body of literature in the area of political elite and development crisis in Nigeria, thereby constituting the empirical literature for future research in the subject area. 
1.7   SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY         
This study on political elites and development crises in Nigeria will cover the relationship between the political elites and process of development in Nigeria. It will also examine the role of political bigwigs in facilitation of developmental projects in Nigeria.   
LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8   DEFINITION OF TERMS 

Political elite: Is a small group of people who control a disproportionate amount of wealth or political power. In general, political elite means the more powerful group of people within the political structure.

Development: the act or process of growing or causing something to grow or become larger or more advanced.

Infrastructure: the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.   

REFERENCES
 
Ake C (1995) Democracy and Development in AfricaSpectrum Books Limited; Ibadan.
Almond G, James C (1960). (eds.) The Politics Of Developing Area, Princeton University Press, Princeton 
Blanda,W. (2001) The Struggle for development in Africa. Sanata Press. Lagos 
Ekeh P (1983). Colonialism and Social StructureInaugural Lecture, University of Ibadan.
Falola T (2005). (ed), The Dark Webs: Perspectives on Colonialism in AfricaCarolina Academic Press. 
Nnoli O (1981). “Development/ Underdevelopment: Is Nigeria Developing?” in Okwudiba Nnoli (ed) Path to Nigerian DevelopmentCODERSIA, Senegal. 
Ojo, E.O (2006) Challenges of Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria. Ibadan: John Archives African Experiences” Ibadan J. Soc. Sci. (2)1 
Suberu R (2007). ‘’Nigeria’s Muddled Elections ‘’ J. Democracy 18(4). 
United Nations Development Programme (2005). International Cooperation at a Crossroads: Aid, trade and security in an equal world (Human Development Report) New York.

  DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROJECT

POLITICAL ELITES AND DEVELOPMENT CRISIS IN NIGERIA.A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN IJAW LGA OF BAYELSA STATE

Not The Topic You Are Looking For?



For Quick Help Chat with Us Now!

+234 813 292 6373

+233 55 397 8005


HOW TO GET THE COMPLETE PROJECT ON POLITICAL ELITES AND DEVELOPMENT CRISIS IN NIGERIA.A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN IJAW LGA OF BAYELSA STATE INSTANTLY

  • Click on the Download Button above.
  • Select any option to get the complete project immediately.
  • Chat with Our Instant Help Desk on +234 813 292 6373 for further assistance.
  • All projects on our website are well researched by professionals with high level of professionalism.

Here's what our amazing customers are saying

Abdul Mateen Iddrisu
UDS
At first I taught is a site full of fraudsters until I saw my project in my Gmail after my payment.. THANK YOU IPROJECTMASTER and May God the almighty bless u guys abundantly
Excellent
Abraham Ogbanje
NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
At first I was afraid.. But I discovered they are legit. I will bring more patronize
Very Good
Azeez Abiodun
Moshood Abiola polytechnic
I actually googled and saw about iproject master, copied the number and contacted them through WhatsApp to ask for the availability of the material and to my luck they have it. So there was a delay with the project due to the covid19 pandemic. I was really scared before making the payment cause I’ve been scammed twice, they attended so well to me and that made me trust the process and made the payment and provided them with proof, I got my material in less than 10minutes
Very Good
Uduak From Uniuyo
IProjectMaster is the best project site for students. Their works are unique and free of plagiarism!
Excellent
Oluchi From Michael Opara University
If you are a student and you have not used iprojectmaster materials, you are missing big time! iprojectmaster is the BEST
Excellent
JONNAH EHIS
Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo
I was scared at first when I saw your website but I decided to risk my last 3k and surprisingly I got my complete project in my email box instantly. This is so nice!!!
Excellent
Abdulrahman Jibrin
Nti Abaji
Nice one work prompt delivery tanx
Very Good
Musa From Ahmadu Bello University
Thank you iprojectmaster for saving my life, please keep it up and may God continue to bless you people.
Excellent
MATTHEW NGBEDE
Ahmadu Bello University
I wish I knew you guys when I wrote my first degree project, it took so much time and effort then. Now, with just a click of a button, I got my complete project in less than 15 minutes. You guys are too amazing!
Excellent
Gbadamosi Solomon Oluwabunmi
Lasu
Swift delivery within 9 minutes of payment. Thank you project master
Excellent

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I get this complete project on POLITICAL ELITES AND DEVELOPMENT CRISIS IN NIGERIA.A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN IJAW LGA OF BAYELSA STATE?

Simply click on the Download button above and follow the procedure stated.

I have a fresh topic that is not on your website. How do I go about it?

How fast can I get this complete project on POLITICAL ELITES AND DEVELOPMENT CRISIS IN NIGERIA.A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN IJAW LGA OF BAYELSA STATE?

Within 15 minutes if you want this exact project topic without adjustment

Is it a complete research project or just materials?

It is a Complete Research Project i.e Chapters 1-5, Abstract, Table of Contents, Full References, Questionnaires / Secondary Data

What if I want to change the case study for POLITICAL ELITES AND DEVELOPMENT CRISIS IN NIGERIA.A CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN IJAW LGA OF BAYELSA STATE, What do i do?

Chat with Our Instant Help Desk Now: +234 813 292 6373 and you will be responded to immediately

How will I get my complete project?

Your Complete Project Material will be sent to your Email Address in Ms Word document format

Can I get my Complete Project through WhatsApp?

Yes! We can send your Complete Research Project to your WhatsApp Number

What if my Project Supervisor made some changes to a topic i picked from your website?

Call Our Instant Help Desk Now: +234 813 292 6373 and you will be responded to immediately

Do you assist students with Assignment and Project Proposal?

Yes! Call Our Instant Help Desk Now: +234 813 292 6373 and you will be responded to immediately

What if i do not have any project topic idea at all?

Smiles! We've Got You Covered. Chat with us on WhatsApp Now to Get Instant Help: +234 813 292 6373

How can i trust this site?

We are well aware of fraudulent activities that have been happening on the internet. It is regrettable, but hopefully declining. However, we wish to reinstate to our esteemed clients that we are genuine and duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission as "PRIMEDGE TECHNOLOGY". This site runs on Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), therefore all transactions on this site are HIGHLY secure and safe!