2024 WAEC GCE SECOND SERIES (NOV.) GOVERNMENT: 2025 WAEC GCE Second Series (Nov.) Government (Govt) Verified Answers (8409)

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(i) Historical experience: Nigeria has had negative experiences with one-party systems in the past, leading to political instability and authoritarian rule. This history has pushed the country towards embracing a more democratic system to avoid repeating past mistakes.

(ii) Pressure from civil society: Over the years, civil society organizations in Nigeria have advocated for democratic principles and the importance of multiple political parties to ensure representation and accountability. This pressure has influenced the country’s move away from a one-party system.

(iii) International norms and pressure: Nigeria’s participation in the global community has exposed it to international norms that prioritize democracy and multi-party systems. Pressure from international organizations and other countries has encouraged Nigeria to adopt more democratic forms of government.

(iv) Ethnic and religious diversity: Nigeria’s diverse population includes various ethnic and religious groups with differing interests and perspectives. A one-party system would not adequately represent these diverse groups, leading to tensions and conflicts. Embracing multi-party democracy allows for better representation and accommodation of these differences.

(v) Economic factors: Nigeria’s economic growth and development have been influenced by political stability and good governance. A multi-party system with checks and 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' balances can contribute to a more stable political environment, which in turn fosters economic growth. This economic consideration has been a factor in Nigeria’s move towards democratic governance.

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(i) Individual Freedom: Liberalism prioritizes individual rights and personal freedoms, supporting the belief that each person should be able to make choices about their life with minimal government interference, which can lead to a greater sense of personal autonomy.

(ii) Economic Efficiency: Liberalism’s support for free-market capitalism is argued to drive economic growth and innovation through competition, which can create wealth and improve living standards more rapidly than state-controlled economies often associated with socialism.

(iii) Personal Responsibility: Liberalism encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and livelihoods, fostering self-reliance and personal accountability, which can lead to more motivated and driven individuals.

(iv) Political Pluralism: Liberalism supports a multi-party democratic system, encouraging diverse political views and opposition, which can foster a more vibrant, balanced political environment and prevent authoritarianism.

(v) Rule of Law: Liberalism emphasizes the rule of law and equal justice, ensuring that laws protect individual rights and that everyone, including the government, is held accountable, enhancing social stability and fairness.

(vi) Flexibility in Governance: Liberalism often allows for a more adaptable government that can implement policies quickly in response to changing 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' societal needs, as it doesn’t require adherence to a single, rigid ideological structure.

(vii) Encouragement of Innovation: With its focus on market freedom and private enterprise, liberalism often promotes technological advancement and innovation by rewarding creativity and initiative, which can drive societal progress.

(viii) Global Openness and Cooperation: Liberalism generally supports open borders, free trade, and international cooperation, which can foster peaceful relations and mutual economic benefits between countries, as opposed to socialism’s emphasis on centralized control.

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(i) Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Building and protecting democratic institutions like an independent judiciary, electoral commissions, and a free press would empower citizens by ensuring transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

(ii) Improving Civic Education: Implementing widespread civic education programs would help citizens understand their rights and responsibilities, making them more informed about how to participate meaningfully in the political process.

(iii) Enhancing Electoral Processes: Reforming the electoral system to ensure free, fair, and credible elections would increase citizens’ trust in the process, making them more likely to engage and influence political outcomes.

(iv) Encouraging Political Participation: Creating platforms for citizen engagement, such as town halls, community forums, and social media discussions, would allow citizens to voice their concerns and have a direct influence on decision-making.

(v) Promoting Decentralization: Delegating more power and resources to local governments 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' would allow for more responsive governance and increase citizens’ ability to influence policies at the local level, where their voices are most impactful.

(vi) Accountability and Anti-Corruption Measures: Enforcing strong anti-corruption policies and holding leaders accountable would build public trust, motivating citizens to engage more actively, knowing that their efforts can lead to positive change.

(vii) Protection of Civil Rights and Freedoms: Ensuring freedom of speech, assembly, and association would enable citizens to express dissent and organize around issues, empowering them to demand better governance.

(viii) Supporting Youth and Women’s Involvement: Implementing policies that encourage youth and women to participate in politics would broaden the representation within the system, ensuring a more inclusive and influential citizenry.

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(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Legitimacy and Accountability: Elections provide the electorate with the opportunity to hold their representatives accountable and legitimize their authority through the consent of the governed.

(ii) Peaceful Power Transfer: Periodic elections facilitate a smooth and peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another, preventing the concentration of power in the hands of a single group.

(iii) Political Competition and Diversity: Elections foster political competition and encourage the emergence of diverse perspectives and ideologies, ensuring that the government represents a broad range of societal views.

(iv) Representation and Inclusiveness: Elections promote the principle of representation, allowing marginalized and underrepresented groups to participate in decision-making and hold leaders accountable for their needs.

(v) Democratic Engagement and Empowerment: Voting rights empower citizens and foster a sense of ownership over their political system, encouraging civic engagement and participation.

(vi) Validation of Popular Mandates: Periodic elections validate the popular mandate given to the elected officials and serve as a measure of the government’s performance and public confidence.

(vii) Avoidance of Stagnation and Tyranny: Regular elections prevent political stagnation and the potential for authoritarian rule by 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' providing the public with a mechanism to challenge incumbents and renew their support for different leaders or policies.

(5)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Increased Efficiency and Profitability: Private ownership incentivizes profit maximization, leading to improved efficiency in operations and increased returns on investment.

(ii) Reduction of Government Spending: Privatization reduces the financial burden on the government, freeing up funds for essential public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

(iii) Access to Capital and Expertise: Private investors often have access to greater capital and expertise, which can accelerate the growth and expansion of former state-owned enterprises.

(iv) Improved Customer Service: Private companies are driven by the need to satisfy customer demands, leading to improved service quality and responsiveness.

(v) Competition and Innovation: Privatization introduces competition into markets, encouraging innovation and improved product or service offerings.

(vi) Creation of Job Opportunities: The growth and expansion of privatized enterprises can create new job opportunities in various sectors of the economy.

(vii) Transparency and Accountability: Private companies are generally subject to greater financial transparency and accountability, reducing corruption and enhancing public trust.

(viii) Reduction of Monopoly Power: Privatization can break up state monopolies, promoting competition and preventing market distortions 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' caused by government intervention.

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(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Political Leadership: Emirs held the highest political authority in their emirates, acting as the head of government. They oversaw the administration of their regions, appointed district and village heads, and managed local affairs to maintain stability and cohesion. They enforced decisions made by councils and ensured loyalty among subordinates.

(ii) Judicial Authority: As judges, Emirs were responsible for settling disputes and administering justice based on Islamic law (Sharia) and customary law. They presided over cases involving civil, criminal, and family matters, offering a structured legal system that provided fairness within the community. This judicial role helped maintain law and order.

(iii) Religious Leadership: Emirs were regarded as religious leaders who upheld and spread Islamic teachings. They led Friday prayers, oversaw the building of mosques, and encouraged Islamic education. Their role as custodians of Islam helped unify the people under a shared belief system, fostering peace and order.

(iv) Military Leadership: Emirs commanded the local military forces, organizing defense efforts and maintaining security against external attacks or internal rebellions. They had a personal guard and could mobilize warriors when needed. This role also extended to protecting trade routes from raiders, ensuring economic stability.

(v) Economic Management: Emirs managed 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' the economic resources of their emirates by regulating markets, controlling trade, and collecting taxes (like the Zakat, Jizya, and Kharaj). They supervised agriculture and local industries, and ensured equitable distribution of resources. This helped stimulate growth and meet the people’s needs.

(vi) Tax Collection: Emirs were responsible for collecting taxes, including Zakat (a religious tax) and other levies, which they used to fund public works and support the less privileged.

(vii) Diplomatic Representation: Emirs represented their emirates in diplomatic matters, forging alliances with neighboring regions to secure peace and foster tr

ade relations.

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(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Advocacy for Federalism: Awolowo believed that Nigeria’s ethnic diversity required a federal system to allow each region autonomy in managing its affairs. He strongly advocated for a federal structure, which ultimately became the adopted system. His ideas on federalism helped prevent centralization and enabled regions to develop independently.

(ii) Development of Education: Awolowo prioritized education as a tool for empowerment and initiated free primary education in the Western Region. This policy enabled thousands of Nigerians to gain an education, producing a generation of skilled professionals. His educational initiatives contributed to social mobility and intellectual growth, key factors in the independence movement.

(iii) Formation of Political Parties: Awolowo founded the Action Group (AG) in 1951, a party that represented the Yoruba people and championed regional autonomy. His party emphasized rapid modernization, economic growth, and self-government, thereby shaping Nigeria’s political landscape. Through AG, Awolowo voiced demands for independence and inspired others to join the struggle.

(iv) Promotion of Regional Autonomy: Awolowo argued that each region should control its resources and manage its economy, a stance that appealed to his supporters and the Western Region. His push for regional autonomy allowed each area to pursue its developmental goals without 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' interference, an idea that gained widespread support among nationalist leaders.

(v) Opposition to Colonial Policies: Awolowo was a vocal critic of colonial policies that marginalized Nigerians. He challenged British rule, calling for an end to racial discrimination and inequality. His activism included participating in constitutional conferences and demanding policies that favored Nigerians, motivating others to resist colonial rule.

(vi) Promotion of Economic Self-reliance: Awolowo advocated for economic policies that promoted self-reliance, including support for local industries and opposition to over-dependence on colonial economies.

(vii) Advocacy for Social Welfare: He introduced policies to improve the welfare of the people, including healthcare reforms and housing programs, which garnered public support and raised awareness of nationalist goals.

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(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Enhanced Security: By cooperating with neighboring countries, Nigeria can combat cross-border issues like terrorism, human trafficking, and arms smuggling. Collaborative efforts with countries like Chad, Niger, and Cameroon in the fight against Boko Haram are vital for regional security and reducing the risk of attacks.

(ii) Economic Benefits: A stable relationship with neighboring states opens doors to regional trade agreements and economic zones, such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS). Nigeria can increase exports, import essential goods at reduced tariffs, and benefit from a larger market for Nigerian goods and services.

(iii) Access to Regional Resources: Nigeria shares rivers, lakes, and natural resources (like the River Niger) with neighboring countries. Maintaining good relations ensures Nigeria can utilize shared resources effectively without disputes. Joint development of resources, like oil and gas, can lead to mutually beneficial projects and improved resource management.

(iv) Regional Stability: A collaborative foreign policy promotes peace and prevents conflicts that could destabilize West Africa. Nigeria’s involvement in ECOWAS peacekeeping missions in countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone underscores its commitment to a stable region, which is essential for development and attracts foreign investment.

(v) Cultural Exchange: Good 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' relations encourage cultural diplomacy, promoting tourism, arts, and shared cultural heritage with countries like Benin, Ghana, and Togo. Increased cultural exchange can foster unity, improve Nigeria’s image abroad, and build goodwill that can translate into support in international forums.

(vi) Joint Environmental Protection: Nigeria can collaborate with neighbors on environmental issues such as desertification, drought management, and sustainable water usage.

(vii) Enhanced Tourism Opportunities: Friendly relations encourage cross-border tourism, bringing in revenue and strengthening cultural bonds between Nigeria and its neighbors

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(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Removal of British Monarchy: The 1963 constitution marked Nigeria’s shift from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, removing the British monarch as head of state. This severed official ties to the British crown, symbolizing Nigeria’s full independence and ending external influence over its governance.

(ii) Creation of the President’s Role: The Governor-General, who represented the British monarch, was replaced by a Nigerian President as the ceremonial head of state. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria’s first President, marking a significant step in national pride and internal control over executive authority.

(iii) Strengthened Federal Structure: The 1963 constitution reinforced Nigeria’s federal system, giving regions greater control over their own affairs. This system allowed each region to operate autonomously in areas such as agriculture and education, supporting regional development and addressing local needs effectively.

(iv) Legal Independence: Under the 1963 constitution, the Nigerian Supreme Court became the highest court of appeal, replacing the British Privy Council. This change allowed Nigerians to have the final say in legal matters, enhancing judicial independence and national sovereignty.

(v) Symbol of Full Sovereignty: By adopting the republican constitution, Nigeria completed its journey to self-governance. This constitution represented 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' Nigeria’s sovereignty in the eyes of the world, enabling the country to fully control its political destiny without foreign oversight.

(vi) Abolition of the Privy Council Appeals: The 1963 constitution removed the British Privy Council as the final court of appeal, solidifying Nigeria’s judiciary independence.

(vii) Strengthening National Identity: The shift to a republic fostered a stronger sense of national pride and identity, as Nigerians could now see themselves as fully independent citizens.

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(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Promoting Regional Integration: ECOWAS can facilitate economic integration through free trade agreements, infrastructure projects (like the Lagos-Abidjan highway), and financial policies that ease business across borders. This integration strengthens economic ties and makes member states more interdependent, deterring exit by enhancing shared benefits.

(ii) Enhancing Peacekeeping Initiatives: ECOWAS can increase its peacekeeping capabilities, intervening in conflicts and maintaining stability in member countries. By enhancing its standby force, ECOWAS can quickly respond to crises, thereby strengthening its role as a peacebuilder and gaining the trust of member states.

(iii) Encouraging Economic Development: ECOWAS could focus on programs to improve agriculture, industry, and technology. Initiatives that boost job creation and economic stability help member states see the value of remaining in ECOWAS, as a more prosperous region is more attractive for trade and investment.

(iv) Improving Political Unity: ECOWAS can enhance political unity by supporting democratic 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' governance and opposing coups or authoritarian regimes. Through sanctions and diplomatic pressure, it can uphold democratic principles, ensuring that member countries share similar values and are more likely to cooperate.

(v) Strengthening Border Security Cooperation: ECOWAS can work on comprehensive strategies for border security, addressing challenges like illegal migration, smuggling, and human trafficking. By providing joint training programs and sharing intelligence, ECOWAS can help secure borders, making the region safer and reinforcing unity.

(vi) Development of a Common Currency: ECOWAS can work toward establishing a common currency to simplify trade and enhance economic stability within the region.

(vii) Building Infrastructure for Connectivity: ECOWAS could invest in transnational infrastructure, such as roads and railways, to improve connectivity and ease movement of goods and people