Federal Character and Political Integration in Nigeria
Olorungbemi Simeon Toyin

Abstract
Given the complexity of Nigeria's political formation, and the federal character as well as its chequered political history before independence and after, it became increasingly necessary for Nigerians to define the processes whereby the corporate existence of the nation-state and the peaceful co-existence of its people could be ensured. Thus, the quota system as a national policy was reviewed in 1967 and adopted for filling vacancies into federally owned schools and institutions. Ironically, the policy was carried out without having in place a body constitutionally designed with the responsibility of implementing it. By 1975, the issue of "Federal Character" had become a serious political issue. The setting up of a Constitutional Drafting Committee in 1977 by late General Murtala Muhammed's government was part of the efforts to resolve the problems of inequality and marginalization that were expressed by many Nigerians. Thus, as part of is proposals, the Constitution Drafting Committee adopted "Federal Character" in discussing issues of marginalization. The extent to which this federal character principle has resolved or impacted on political integration in Nigeria is the main focus of this presentation. In addition the study examines the necessity for affirmative action in Nigeria and the effectiveness of the federal character principle on political integration of the country.

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