POLITICAL INSTABILITY AND POOR GOVERNANCE, A CHALLENGE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The problem of political instability in Africa will remain a prominent topic of discussion among both scholars and non-scholars. Africa, the second most expansive continent globally, has experienced and continues to experience numerous periods of instability. The political leadership dynamics in numerous African nations, along with the actual and perceived outcomes of acquiring and retaining power, are significant factors contributing to poor governance and political instability throughout the continent.  Arriola, (2019) asserts that political triumph sometimes results in a situation where the winner receives all the income and resources, patronage, and the status and privileges of holding power.

Currently, the country continues to be affected by historical injustices and oppressive systems that were passed down to the post-colonial leaders. This aspect highlights the impact of weak state institutions, flawed legislative systems, and ongoing political power struggles on the well-being of many nations. However, these factors hinder the progress of these nations towards development as part of modern societies. Ake (2020) portrayed a bleak image of the African continent, asserting that the majority of Africa is not experiencing progress. This accurate portrayal of the deterioration in almost all African nations highlights the extent of the lack of development that is devastating the population despite the presence of ample natural resources. Although the majority of these nations achieved independence during the 1960s, their efforts to achieve national progress and political stability were ultimately unsuccessful. Ake (2020) attributes the origin of this issue to the unfavourable political and social circumstances in the developing nations. These issues are evident in inadequate strategic planning and execution, a lack of entrepreneurial skills, the suppression of market dynamics, declining commodity prices and unfavourable trade conditions, a lack of innovative ideas, a reliance on external support, corruption, and a lack of discipline.

The Nigerian State is afflicted by poor governance, political instability, and a recurring crisis of legitimacy. As a result, the progress of the nation is hindered, and the political situation becomes unpredictable.  The competition among different ethnic groups for resources was a major driver of the widespread corruption and wastefulness in the country (Fagbadebo, 2019). Nigeria's political instability is commonly attributed to the way leaders maintain their hold on power.

Moreover, leaders throughout the nation maintain their positions of power by acquiring support through the allocation of state resources. Consequently, any dispute regarding the distribution of these resources is believed to deteriorate into a condition of chaos or decline to the economic growth and development of the nation. Nigeria's capacity to accomplish the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is hindered by the mix of political instability and inadequate governance. Goals pertaining to poverty alleviation, high-quality education, access to clean water and sanitation, and economic advancement are specifically impacted (Kew & Oshita, 2018). 

The presence of instability and governance concerns hinders the development of sustainable policies and their effective implementation, resulting in sluggish progress or even setbacks in these domains (UNDP, 2020). For instance, the objective of eliminating extreme poverty (SDG 1) is consistently hindered by economic mismanagement and corruption, which restrict economic prospects and fair allocation of resources. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess the effect of political instability and poor governance on the sustainable development in Nigeria.

 1.2 Statement of the Problem

The failure of the political leaders to adequately uphold the fundamental principles of democracy and constitutionalism is a significant element contributing to political instability (Kew, 2018). According to Harriman (2022), this condition has led to the misuse of authority, blatant corruption, lack of respect for legal procedures and the principles of justice, intolerance towards political opposition, manipulation of the election system, and the deterioration of institutions. 

Political instability, which is marked by frequent government transitions, electoral violence, and civil discontent, hampers the consistency and execution of long-term development goals. However, Amundsen (2020) asserts that inadequate governance, characterized by corruption, absence of responsibility, and inefficient public institutions, intensifies these difficulties, weakening endeavours towards sustainable development. The occurrence of political instability in Nigeria frequently results in policy inconsistency and a deficiency of persistent emphasis on developmental objectives. Similarly, Alesina et al., (2019) states that regular shifts in government leadership hinder the execution of enduring initiatives and initiatives that are crucial for achieving sustainable development. 

In Nigeria, sustainable development is greatly hindered by inadequate governance, specifically corruption. Corruption redirects resources intended for public goods and services into the possession of individuals, resulting in insufficient support for vital areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure (Transparency International, 2020). Poor governance of public finances and resources leads to inadequate public services, hindering the development of human potential and perpetuating poverty and inequality. This situation is clearly demonstrated by the deteriorated condition of infrastructure and the substandard quality of public education and healthcare systems in Nigeria (Nwokoma, 2019). Moreover, inefficient public institutions and inadequate enforcement of laws impede endeavours towards achieving sustainable development. The absence of accountability and transparency in public institutions often results in inefficiencies and the ineffectiveness of policy enforcement. Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to assess the effect of political instability and poor governance on the sustainable development in Nigeria.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess the effect of political instability and poor governance on the sustainable development in Nigeria. Specifically, the study will;

1. Investigate the causes of political instability and poor governance in Nigeria.

2. Ascertain the effect of political instability and poor governance on infrastructural development in Nigeria

3. Ascertain the effect of political instability and poor governance on the provision of adequate social amenities.

4. Ascertain the effect of political instability and poor governance on the creation of employment opportunities in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What are the causes of political instability and poor governance in Nigeria?

Does political instability and poor governance have an impact on infrastructural development in Nigeria?

Does political instability and poor governance have an impact on the provision of adequate social amenities?

Does political instability and poor governance affect the creation of employment opportunities in Nigeria?

1.5  Research Hypotheses

H0: Political instability and poor governance have no significant effect on sustainable development in Nigeria.

Ha: Political instability and poor governance have a significant effect on sustainable development in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

Policymakers will use this study findings to design and implement strategies that promote political stability and good governance practices, which are essential for sustainable development. Moreover, the study will empower citizens to demand better governance and accountability from their leaders. Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to the effect of political instability and poor governance on the sustainable development in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the effect of political instability and poor governance on the sustainable development in Nigeria. Geographically, the study will be delimited to resident of Port Harcourt.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Poor governance: entails systemic corruption and a lack of openness and accountability, arbitrary policy making, and the deception of those who are ruled. It occurs when governing entities refuse to listen to the voices of those they manage and are not willing to take responsibility for their conduct.

Sustainable development: a holistic approach to growth and progress that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Political instability: a situation where there is significant uncertainty, unrest, or conflict within a political system, often characterized by frequent changes in government, widespread corruption, civil unrest, or violence.