CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The traditional ruler ship in the early era of Nigeria ruler which keep to the laws and norms of the society and the governance of the traditional rulers created mutual relationship between the citizen and the leaders. Expressing strong concern for ruler development and mandating sanitation, meet the government as regard to ruler development project and citizen well being.
Looking at the position and intensive key responsibility of traditional rulers in Nigeria ruler development has change. The role of traditional rulers in Nigeria as it concern to ruler development, in view of the fact of the introduction of local government reforms of 1976 in the said reforms, leadership roles were clearly expressed, which states that it is not the purpose of government to destroy the organic unity of the traditional Rulerss. The traditional emirate and chiefdom will remain, although their functions will be changed to accord with the present day circumstances.
Although the paramount of chiefs was undone by colonial rule, traditional rulers have served as important adjuncts in the administration of post-colonial government in both Nigeria and Africa (William F.S. Miles, 2007).
This in effect rationalized the process for the selection, acknowledgment and roles of traditional rulers, therefore, formed the constitutional framework for traditional democracy, by a ruler selection of an satisfactory ruler.
There were the warrant chiefs during the indirect rule system, and the then colonial government recognized local chiefs, who performed as native court judges. The first class chiefs were recognized in the middle belt of Nigeria during the colonial era. All these sets of traditional rulers contributed in no small measure, to the upliftment of ruler development (ojo, 1976).
The role of traditional rulers has been undergoing change as the democratic dispensation within the country develops. It has therefore become necessary that they redefine their role as heads of their polities within the framework of developmental efforts by the central government and its adjuncts; as well as, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) (Wilhelmina. J. Donkoh, 2002: 105-114).
Traditional rulers Of Nkanu, remain for a variety of reasons, important to the plan and realization of development projects within his area of control. Their core functions include recruitment of their communities for developmental purposes. This includes the provision of infrastructure for enhanced standard of living within the ruler. Sometimes, traditional rulers initiate development projects and secure the support of both internal and external development agents for the execution of these projects (Wilhelmina. J. Donkoh, 2002:105-114).
Traditional rulers work in conjunction with their subjects and therefore carry the whole ruler along to accomplish development projects that will be of benefit to the entire ruler. Thus, this study is aimed at finding out the role of traditional rulers in Nkanu West local government area of, Enugu State.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Traditional rulers over the years from the pre-colonial society were the custodian of the people’s culture and tradition. They were also involved in the western government as introduced then from colonial days. Records had it that some traditional rulers were members of the house of Chiefs in the Northern part of the country during the period of 1944 –1951.
Traditional Rulers also legislated along side with the Regional Houses of Assembly.
The situation gradually changed as independence approached. It was worsened after independence. It became confusing that many issues were raised after the enactment of the 1979, 1989 and the 1999 constitutions. Some of the envisaged problems facing the traditional Rulerss are:
- The constitution of Nigeria made little or no provision for traditional rulers. b. Traditional rulers in the country are not well funded. c. Corruption among traditional rulers had weakened their powers. d. Many traditional rulers are easily manipulated by political and military leaders for their selfish purposes.
1.3 Research Questions
In order to have a thorough grasp of the understanding of this research, certain questions need to be asked. These are:
- What are their traditional ruler roles in ruler development?
- How has the constitution enhanced the roles of traditional rulers in the country?
- What are the problems of Traditional rulers in Nkanu west, Enugu State?
1.4 Purpose of the Study
The research is aimed at unveiling the traditional rulers and ruler development in Nkanu, Enugu State , their impact in government and how they can contribute to a more viable united Nigeria.
In this effort, the researcher shall delve into the past and shall critically examine the present to enable him project into the future.
To be concise, these objectives are:
- To examine carefully the roles of traditional rulers in ruler development in Nkanu west, Enugu State
- To ascertain how the constitution has enhanced the roles of traditional rulers in the country
- To examine the problems of Traditional Rulers in Nkanu west, Enugu State
1.5 Significance of the Study
The research work is directed at contributing to knowledge of the Nigerian politics. These are:
It is aimed at knowing the relevance of the traditional Rulers, roles and contribution to the ruler development in Nigeria. It is also significant in knowing the extent of involvement of traditional rulers in this democratic dispensation. The study is also of great importance since it shall reveal the connectivity or relationship that exists among traditional rulers and ruler development government. It shall also indicate the area of weakness so that improvement and adjustment can be made so as to improve the Nigerian state.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The essence of this research work is to study Traditional Rulers and Rural Development In Enugu State.
The research intends to focus on Nkanu West Local Government Area.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
In the course of writing and carrying out this project work, the research encountered many difficulties; some errors in the results of the research and from external sources of data collection. These are factors standing as constraints thereby limiting the effect of the research result.
Among these are, time finance , scope and use of wrong statistics in data analysis, due to time limit, the research work is a time consuming one. A lot of time is taken to observe the subjects.
Most times the behaviour of the staff changes even when they are aware that they are being observed by the researcher, this is by taking their behavior. The researcher also observed that these senior staff some time give true and false information in order to cover their branches.
At sometime the research work lasted over two months due to large scope of area of the study.
1.8 Operationization/Definition of Terms
Local Government: The government at the grassroots level in a Federal system like Nigeria and headed by a democratically elected chairman or sole administrator appointed by the governor of the state.
Local Administration: This is the system of administration controlled by chiefs
Relevance: The importance or necessity, usefulness, etc. It could be operationalised as power or vote, etc.
Traditional Ruler: Any head or representative of a traditional Rulers. It could also mean the paramount ruler of a kingdom, emirate or locality.
policy-making
the formulation of ideas or plans that are used by an organization or government as a basis for making decisions
Votes of traditional rulers: The power and influence of traditional rulers.
1.9 Organization of the Study
This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows. Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (background of the study), statement of the problem, purpose of the study, research questions, significance of the study, scope of the study etc. Chapter two being the review of the related literature presents the theoretical framework, conceptual framework and other areas concerning the subject matter. Chapter three is a research methodology covers deals on the research design, area of the study, population of the study, sample and sampling techniques, methods of data collection, instruments for data collection, reliability of the instruments, validity of the instruments, distribution and retrieval of instruments and methods of data analysis. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding. Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study
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