Benue State University, Makurdi

Decentralization and Constitutionalism in Nigeria: An Exploration of Rousseau's Idea of Administration

Aborisade Olasunkanmi, Ph.D and Olabode John Omotosho, PhD

Abstract

The issue of administrative decentralization and constitutionalism has remained a topical issue in Nigeria; that is the reason why this work tries to do a theoretical exploration of Rousseau idea of administrative decentralization. Rousseau idea of administrative decentralization is a perfect example of what a progressive nation desired. Decentralization as a concept reveals that political stability would be possible when the basic structure of the society can guarantee autonomy as power will be distributed to sub-national unit. This worked in advanced country because constitutionalism is known and accepted as a form of political thought and action that seeks to prevent tyranny and guarantees the liberty and rights of individuals on which free society depends. The work discovered that despite the fact that Nigeria have the constitution and claim to follow and accepted the condition of constitutionalism but things are not working. This paper therefore, will employ the conceptual, analytical and reconstructive research methods. While the conceptual method will focus on clarifying key concepts such as administrative, decentralization, constitutionalism, constitution and Government; the analytical method will examine the administrative decentralization in Nigeria. The reconstructive method will establish the need for the government and people of Nigeria to have a rethink about the type of government they really want and at the same time adhere strictly to the tenet of constitutionalism. It is only when this is done that administrative decentralization can work in Nigeria.

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