EXAMINE THE ROLE OF THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION IN PROMOTION AND SUSTAINING POLITICAL STABILITY IN AKWA IBOM STATE
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The administration of any state, society requires certain individuals to manage its affairs. The state realizes its objectives through the government which performs several functions which include: maintenance of law and order, protection of the people’s lives and their property, defence of the territorial integrity of the state (Olu, 2006). However, the birth of democracy in Nigeria allows for the development of an equality driven society which the political ideals and right of all citizens have legitimate voice and are guaranteed by the constitution. There are however, several of critical issues which have stemmed from the democratization and liberalization of the Akwa Ibom State Political System, in particular, the Practice of traditional institution in general.
The traditional authority is one of the oldest systems of government to the people of Nigeria (Essen, 1982). Traditional institution has survived the onslaught of colonialism, the intrigues of democracy and the autocratic antics of the military. Traditional institution is always perceived as a threat to the stability of any other form of government. Attempts therefore have always been made to reform traditional institution to conform with any other form of government which may be considered modern and superior.
In recent time, the traditional institution in Nigeria has performed vital role in democratic stability ranging from the use of traditional mechanism to resolve communal conflicts. These mechanisms include palm frond “Eyei” oath taking and pouring of libation. Traditional institution also helps in the area of security, community development, cohesion and unity among the people in the society. Nevertheless, Egwunebe 1982 argued that traditional institution have no role in modern Nigeria’s politics, this is because the traditional institution is patently undemocratic. Succession to the throne is done through ascription rather than popular election, achievement nor ability.
In colonial administration, the system concentrated too much power on the traditional rulers which made some of them to be dictatorial or become absolute monarchs rather than the constitutional monarch which they were before indirect rule was introduced. The traditional institution encouraged corruption and illegal wealth acquisition among some of the chiefs in the colonial period. Some warrant chiefs in the colonial rule were known to have abused their powers, extorting money from members of their community.
It is against this background this research is organized to find out whether traditional institution has roles to play within Akwa Ibom State politics and the development of sustainable and transparent democracy or whether the incorporation of traditional institution into the political system have caused more damages than before.
EXAMINE THE ROLE OF THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION IN PROMOTION AND SUSTAINING POLITICAL STABILITY IN AKWA IBOM STATE
