THE AFRICAN UNION AND PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS, UNDER THE NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT (NEPAD)’S AFRICAN PAIR-REVIEWED MECHANISM

Odeh M.A. and Mailafia M.D.
Department of Political Science,
University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
E-mail: veemsm@yahoo.com
Abstract:

This paper examined the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)’s African Pair-reviewed Mechanism (APRM), which has been touted as a panacea for the
continent’s governance woes. The APRM, as a reform tool is one of the most innovative initiatives established under the auspices of the NEPAD. The main objective of the APRM is to foster the adoption of standard and best practices for political stability, sustainable
development and economic integration through experience sharing between member states. It was designed to improve the quality of life of Africans, establish efficient and effective management systems, promote accelerated growth and ensure responsiveness
and increased accountability, as well as reposition the continent in the international arena. However, despite the tremendous efforts and resources allocated, the results have remained unimpressive. The concepts of public sector reforms and APRM were examined.
Data collected through secondary sources were critically analyzed, using indicators such as; level of awareness created, availability of human and material resources, etc. The findings
showed that certain factors had negated the impact of the reform. The paper argues that if the APRM reform tool is to be effective, those factors must be removed. It proffered some solutions, to fill the gaps.

COMPARISON OF LABORATORY ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN THE MEDICAL

LABORATORY SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
Udeajah, V.N., Ibiam, G.A., Azi, S.O, Okereke, E.C., Nworie, A. and Oti-Wilberforce, R.
Medical Laboratory Science Department,
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
E-Mail: vakadujah45@yahoo.com,vakadujah45@gmail.com,

IMPLEMENTING AFRICAN UNION CHARTER AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN NIGERIA

Christie, O. O
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences,
University of Jos, Jos.
Email: okoyechristie@yahoo.com

Abstract:

The paper examines the implementation of African Union (A.U) Charter and its effects on poverty reduction in Nigeria. One of the aims of African Union is to coordinate efforts for the purpose of achieving “better life and higher standard of living” for the purpose
of Africa. The main reason behind this was to make sure that poverty is reduced to the barest minimum and people of Nigerian state enjoy better life and good governance. However, till
date, reducing poverty is the greatest challenge facing Nigeria as a country. Despite various efforts made, millions of people still struggle in absolute poverty. This becomes a problem
and hence the study. The paper argues that the implementation of A.U. Charter, in the area of achieving better life and higher standards of living has not been effective. It examines in
details the aspect of the Charter that deals with “better life and higher standard of living”. It also examines NEPAD, MDGs and NEEDS as programmes used by A.U. to achieve the
objective of poverty reduction. Theoretical postulations on the right approach to poverty alleviation were examined. Data collected through secondary sources were critically analyzed
and findings show that Charter defect, corrupt practices, bad governance, poor economic policies, lack of commitment to poverty reduction programmes in Nigeria are major causes
of sustained poverty. The paper therefore made appropriate recommendations, based on the above findings. Among them are effective monitoring of implementation of A.U. Charter,
reduction of corrupt practices, commitment to implementing poverty eradication programmes and formulation of implementable economic policies in Nigeria.

THE DIASPORA QUESTION AND NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

Nwogbaga, D.M.E.
Department of Political Science,
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.
E-mail: nevarelent4sure@yahoo.com

Abstract:

The Diaspora question which focuses on matters relating to citizens abroad has raised a lot of contentious issues that demand greater attention in Nigeria’s foreign policy. The contentious issues border on: first, the roles of the Nigerian Diaspora in
advancing the country’s foreign policy, and; second, how Nigeria’s foreign policy affects the lives and interests of the citizens abroad. So far, the arguments which dominated existing literatures favour more or less the legal migrants who also engage in legitimate
activities; while little or inadequate attention is given to the illegal migrants and those who allegedly engage in illegitimate activities in their countries of abode. As a consequence, many Nigerians abroad suffer a lot of incarcerations which ordinarily they
wouldn’t have suffered if they were given adequate diplomatic attention. In contribution to existing views, this paper is poised to (i) identify the contentious issues in the Diaspora
question which demand more serious attention in Nigeria’s foreign policy (ii) examine the roles of the Nigerian Diaspora in advancing the country’s foreign policy, and (iii) explain why Nigeria’s foreign policy should serve the legitimate interests and diplomatic needs of all Nigerians abroad even if they are illegal migrants or allegedly engage in illegitimate activities.

IS BAD GOVERNANCE/CORRUPTION THE MAJOR SOURCE OF CONFLICT IN NIGERIA?

*Usman I.,1Kyari G.A., 2Hajja A.M.S. and 3Goni U.A.
*&2Department of Liberal and Languages Studies, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Borno State
1Dept of Political Science, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
3Dept of Sharia Law, University of Maiduguri
Email: usmansherifam@gmail.com.

Abstract:

Today, Africa, and Nigeria in particular is seen as one of the richest and at the same time among the poorest countries of the world-with its economy far-fetched from making any headways. Rapid population growth, coupled with high rate of poverty, illiteracy,
conflict, diseases, and worst of all-bad leadership and corruption exacerbated this endemic problems. While this factors are prominent, this study argues that corruption and bad
leadership are byproduct of colonialism-which laid the basis for ethno religious and political conflict that has threatened the unity of Nigeria.

GOVERNMENT’S LEGITIMACY A CATALYST TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Hongie G.N.
Department of History
University of Douala, Cameroon
Email nhongiegodlove@yahoo.com

Abstract:

The transition from nationalism to nationism in post-colonial Africa is fraught with many challenges, among which is the question of sustainable development. Inheriting
states created for colonial convenience and not meant for self-propulsion orchestrated the problem of development in Africa, talk less of sustainable development. Statistical data in the
domains of development rank her the underdog in the global stride toward sustainable development. Colonial legacies and the tumultuous international context might have
contributed in no small way to this seemingly irreversible underdevelopment of Africa, but this finger-pointing and victim-image cannot certainly be a panacea to this anathema
particularly as the best help is self-help. In this perspective, more than six decades after independence, most African governments are eyesores to their citizens. This is of course the
fallout of constant military takeovers, electoral fraud, political apathy, rampant corruption and hereditary successions. All these have tremendously tampered not only with their
credibility, but have withal rendered Africa an agglomeration of failed states. Really, most African governments have lost legitimacy and have become threats to their own sustainable
development. This paper therefore hypothesizes that government’s legitimacy is a sine qua non of development and the legitimating of African governments can therefore be catalytic
to sustainable development. It contends that illegitimate governments devoid of general acceptability jeopardize their very stride for sustainable development given that sustainable
development, ipso facto, is people-focused and the participation of the citizens is indispensable for it success. In the main, where such willful participation is perpetually compromised because the government is not legitimate, then the whole concept of
sustainable development in the realm of such social construct becomes a farce.

INDIVIDUALISM AS A PREDICTOR OF WORKPLACE COOPERATION

Ejike O.
Department of Psychology
Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
Email: aejyke@yahoo.com

Abstract:

This study examined individualism as a predictor of workplace cooperation.Participants comprised 214 male and 103 female employees of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, Ikeja, Lagos between the ages of 26 – 57 years, with mean age of 40.37 and
standard deviation of 5.80. They were drawn from 9 Departments in the organization using Multi-stage sampling technique. 7-item individualism scale drawn from Singelis, Triandis,
Bhawuk and Gelfand (1995) 16-item individualism–collectivism scale and Okonkwo (2003) 9-item workplace cooperation scale were administered. Correlational design was used. Results
from regression analysis revealed that individualism did not predict workplace cooperation at p >.05. It was concluded that individualism was not a predictor of workplace cooperation

HARMFUL TAX PRACTICES AND REFORMS IN AFRICA

Umeora C.E.
Department of Banking and Finance,
Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus
E-mail:ceumeora@yahoo.com

Abstract:

The Paper is on harmful tax practices and Tax Reforms in Africa. It has adopted theoretical approach to examine the problems associated with tax practices and tax reforms
in the African continent. It has examined such practices as Tax Evasion, Tax avoidance, tax havens and double taxation. It examines Tax Reforms and offers reasons why tax reforms
are necessary. Governments in the continent have to adopt good tax best practices and may need to learn from Mozambique whose tax system conforms to international standards. The activities of international Audit Firms need to be checked because of the
reported cases of their collusion in developed countries. They may be doing same if not worse things here.