2003 - JAMB Government Past Questions and Answers - page 3

One of the reasons advanced for the overthrow of the Gowon Regime was its failure to honour the promise to hand over power.

The regime could not keep to the proposed date for return to civil rule.

Other reasons were as follows:

1. Mismanagement

2. Disillusionment with the government

3. Disregard of public opinion

4. Port congestion

5. Indecision of the part of the government

6. Issue of 1973 census

7. High rate of corruption.

The 1976 Reforms have been most beneficial to local government.

Some of the important features of the reform are:

1. Introduction of uniform system

2. Federal government became directly involved in the running of local government

3. Introduction of local government service commission.

4. Special functions of local government eg Primary education.

5. Full time chairmen and supervisory Councillors.

6. Exclusion of traditional rulers from local government councils

7. Grants

8. Election of chairmen and Councillors

9. Establishment of traditional/Emirate council

10. The committee system.

The dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon is over territory.

The people of Cameroun have been calming that Bakasi pennisula belongs to them. But Nigeria strongly maintains that the pennisula is one of her territories.

Nigeria's influence in OPEC is determined by volume of oil revenue.

Nigeria has its own trust fund which is estimated at about ninety million naria in the African Development Bank (ADB). From this aid is given to needy countries. This marvelous achievement is due to the volume of Nigeria's oil revenues. This in no small measure boosts the economy of Nigeria.

The activities of Nigeria in the international community are primarily influenced by national interest.

National interest should be said to be the basis of Nigeria's foreign policy while others revolve around it.

Other factors that influence Nigeria's foreign policy are:

1. Size of the country

2. Population

3. Geographical location

4. Type of government/previous government.

5. Historical background

6. Public opinion

7. Ideology

8. Industrial/Technological strength

9. Military strength

10. Economic factor

Nigeria's relations with Britain was at a very low ebb under the Buhari Regime.

The attempt to kidnap Alhaji Umaru Dikko and bring him back to Nigeria to answer charges brought against him was foiled by the British police. This strained the relationship between Nigeria and Britain in such a way that both countries recalled their ambassadors even though relations were normalized later.

Nigeria's high standing in the UN General Assembly is underscored by the contributions to global peace.

Nigeria has been contributing much financially, morally, etc, to the liberation movements which is one of the main principles of the United Nations Organization. For instance, Michael Olisa et el (1991) pointed out that the prominent role which Nigeria played in the United Nations from the 1970s brought about its permanent representation in the UN. In addition, Leslie Harriman was appointed the chairman of the special committee against apartheid.

Nigeria has also played prominent and satisfactory roles in conflict resolution.

Nigeria's Non-Alignment Policy is constrained by her strong ties with Western powers.

The strong grip on world economy by western nations through their control of International Monetary Fund (IMF)and World Bank has made members of non-aligned movement of which Nigeria is one of them to abandon their policy of neutrality to become more aligned than ever.

The main constraint on Nigeria-Francophone West African cooperation is cultural differences

The majority of the OPEC members are The Middle East Countries.

The countries include:

1. Iran

2. Iraq

3. Kuwait

4. Saudi Arabia

5. Quatar

6. UAE