Values: Intellectuals and Policy Process in Nigeria: A Theoretical Cum Ideological Explanation

This work studies the intellectuals in Nigeria and their roles in the policy process. After a careful identification of the roles which have been played by Nigeria’s intellectuals since Nigeria’s independence, the paper adopts the belief system framework of public policy analysis together with three ideological categorization of individual personalities. It provides a theoretical cum ideological explanation for the different roles played by these intellectuals in different areas of the political system. These ideological linings of Nigeria’s intellectuals were also seen as contributing both positively and negatively to the actions and inactions of intellectuals in particular and the policy process in general. The paper finally sees the policy process as a rational enterprise which has to be seen as such by intellectuals and the government for meaningful development of Nigeria. Keywords: Values, Intellectuals, Beliefs, Policy, Developmen

Text Messaging and the Dilemma of Digital Panic Creation in Africa: Nigeria in Focus

Since the introduction of the mobile phone in Nigeria in 2003, a lot has been experienced in its usage; some positive and others, negative. Among the negative experiences is the use of its SMS to spread messages capable of creating unnecessary tension and panic among the populace. This situation has, in the past, generated lots of fear, troubles, hate, vengeance and violence in the country to the extent that, at times, not only that innocent lives were lost but even the corporate existence of the Nigeria state was touched.  This paper therefore, examines the incidence of panic-creating SMS in Nigeria. It pinpoints as the case may be, specific instances just as it explores their implications in a volatile entity like Nigeria. With the strong theoretical formula provided by the Multi-Agent Model for Panic Behaviour in Crowds, it argues that panic-creating SMS is a serious and dangerous pastime capable of tearing the nation apart. This is because it is so easy to engage in or generate, trouble-free to circulate widely just as it has overwhelming devastating impact: it touches the sensibilities of men. It concludes that SMS is really good but when abused, as is the case in Nigeria, it could be an inescapable time-bomb on which the corporate existence of the Nigerian nation relaxes on. It also proffers solution believing that it is the responsibility of all, including the relevant government agencies to fight this kind of abuse which must be done as a matter of urgency. Keywords: Text Message, Digital Panic, Communication, Nigeria

INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS IN QUASI-FEDERALISM: THE PLACE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA

Intergovernmental relation is so essential for the smooth operation of a state. Thus, the constitution of Nigeria provides for three tiers of government which include: federal, state and local government with the nature of the relationships that exist within their interaction with one another. The essence is to effectively provide services for the masses especially, the grassroots. This paper identified the impact of intergovernmental relations on grassroots service delivery in Nigeria, using some selected local government areas in Anambra State as a study focus. The research adopted Systems Theory as framework of analysis and a survey study method as its methodology. It reveals the constitutional lacuna and quagmire in intergovernmental relations which has affected the quality of services delivered by the three arms of governments especially, the local government. The paper points out that provision of effective services especially by local government requires cordial relationships among the three tiers of government as well as good legal framework to guide this relationship. To achieve this, the constitutional status of local government in Nigeria must be clearly spelt out, and the issue of joint-state-local government account must be discarded. Again, election rather than appointment should be the means of choosing leaders at the local level, while the eradication of state ministry for local government is important