TOWARDS FEDERALIZATION OF NIGERIAN UNITARIZED JUDICIARY

Abstract

This paper examines federalism as a concept, its adoption to governance in Nigeria through the constitution. The constitution is examined with a view of showing elements of unitarism instead of the federalism the constitution proclaims for Nigeria. In this regard, we examined the creation of federation account, statutory allocation of revenue to states and local government and what it portends for a federation. Conduct of general Election on a date for the central government and all the states of the federation is observed as an aberration in a federal state, so also is the creation of a National electoral commission for both the central and state governments. Creation of central judiciary for both the National and state government with institutions like Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is also an aberration in a federation. The paper is concluded by contrasting Nigerian federation with American federation with a recommendation for true federation modeled along American system so as to ensure peace, order, good governance and security of the nation. This will be a form of devolution of power which can ensure Nigeria’s unity and erase agitation for balkanisation of Nigeria.