Historical Dynamics of the Anti- Corruption War in Nigeria

This paper deals with the discourse on historical dynamics of the anti- corruption war in Nigeria. The culture of corruption has been the major problem of governance in Nigeria and this has negatively affected the external image of the country as the nation has consistently remained one of the most corrupt nations in the world. Methodologically, the paper adopted a qualitative research technique of data collection through the content analysis of various studies conducted by scholars who have made outstanding contributions on the practice of governance and anti-corruption policy within and outside Nigeria. The findings from the study reveals that, despite the establishment of various anti-graft agencies, incidences of corruption continue to abound in Nigeria and various efforts by individual and different stakeholders in anti-corruption campaigns has not achieved any meaningful results. The study therefore, recommends that, in combating corruption at all levels of government and institutions, the government must amend the Penal and Criminal Code (law) which were outdated and drafted over fifty year ago when the country faced lesser crime. The sanctions contained in these laws are insufficient to the offence committed. These laws must be amended in line with the Chinese legal system which lay emphasis on stiffer sanction on corrupt practices. Life imprisonment should melted out on any official who steal above N15 million naira and death penalty for N100 million above. Key words: Corruption, Anti-graft, Governance, Bribery, Penal Code, Criminal Code. DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/9-9-08 Publication date:September 30th 201

Impact of Traditional Rulers on Peace Sustenance in Local Communities of Ekiti State

Local communities in Nigeria and other parts of the world still experience one form of conflict or the other despite peace-building techniques to maintain peace. The peaceful cohabitation of the Nigerian people has been repeatedly disrupted by some operations, which have constituted a serious security danger to the people, especially in the local communities. The traditional leaders in the communities frequently exert great effort through various channels to promote dispute resolution and guarantee peaceful coexistence among the tribes in their separate spheres of influence. This study assessed the impact of traditional rulers in sustaining peace in the local governments of Ekiti State. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design, gathering data through questionnaire administration and published works. The study revealed that traditional rulers have a significant role in maintaining security for sustainable development in the local communities in Nigeria. It was discovered that traditional rulers played significant roles in maintaining and sustaining peace in Ekiti State Local Governments by settling conflicts among their subjects in their domains. The study concluded that traditional institutions, mainly traditional rulership, remained a reliable force to be reckoned with in maintaining peace. This has been made possible by the Yoruba traditions and spiritualities' immense strength and tenacity, which have significantly impacted their lives and actions. Keywords: Traditional Rulers, Conflicts, Peace Keeping, Local Communities DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/13-4-02 Publication date:May 31st 202

Controversies and Intrigues Behind the Introduction of Development Areas by Some State Governments in Nigeria: Matters Arising

It is known fact that various school of thought exists on whether the State government has the constitutional right to create development areas or not. Some are of the view that the creation of development areas is a way of bringing government closer to the people at the grassroots level while others considered such move as a way of siphoning public fund into private pockets   Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the necessity or otherwise of introducing development areas within the existing constitutionally recognized local government councils at the State levels in Nigeria .  In efforts to achieving the objective of this study, a qualitative technique of data collection and analysis of existing documents, reports, bulletin, records and official publications was adopted. At the end of the study, it was discovered that most States that created development areas are not faring better in terms of revenue generation, infrastructure development and provision of social amenities to citizens despites the supposedly benefits drivable from such decisions. In most cases, such initiative only succeeded in increasing the cost of governance through astronomical rise in the recurrent expenditures. In other words, statutory allocations meant for existing local councils are now being shared to development areas without any form of returns thereafter. Therefore, this study recommended for the scraping of development areas in order to channel available resources at the local councils to the implementation of viable projects that have direct bearing on improved standard of living for rural dwellers. DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/9-5-06 Publication date:May 31st 201

Violent Conflict and National Development in Nigeria

Conflict is inevitable in any organization, however, the dimension at which violent conflicts are being perpetrated in Nigeria is unprecedented. It is to this extent that this study examines the causes, the perpetrators, and the effects of violent conflict on the people and national development in Nigeria. This is with a view to establishing development challenges in Nigeria and proffer pragmatic solutions. The data for the study were gathered from primary and secondary sources. The study revealed that violent conflict in Nigeria could not be dissociated from bad governance manifesting in inequality, injustice, unemployment, and poverty among others. Furthermore, the study revealed that violent conflict has become economic activities, and people provoke it, in other to have food on their tables and keep their bodies and souls together. The perpetrator of violent conflict as revealed by the study included – the pastoralists, insurgents, bandits, and extremists, the majority of whom are youth. The effects of violent conflict in Nigeria included – dispossession of people off the necessities of life; displacement of people; losses of vital parts of their bodies; while many lost their lives. Furthermore, violent conflict has led to the destruction of few infrastructural facilities in Nigeria; ruined many economic businesses; and chased away foreign investors. The study further revealed that violent conflict brought about an increase in crime rates, and consequently an increase in security spending. The study concluded that violent conflict is a clog to national development, beyond this, it is capable of jeopardising the corporate existence of the nation. The study recommends that the government and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s governance and administration should first of all address the issue of poverty and inequality