2015 JAMB GOVERNMENT PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The tenure of an elected chairman of local government is determined by the State House of Assembly. This is because local government structures are established under state laws, and the state legislature sets the duration for which a local government chairman serves. For example, in many Nigerian states, the tenure is typically four years. Other options like the Federal Executive Council or the National Assembly do not have direct jurisdiction over local government tenure.

The 1976 Reforms elevated the local government to the third-tier of government in Nigeria. Prior to these reforms, local governments were considered second-tier entities. The reclassification aimed to enhance administrative efficiency and bring governance closer to the grassroots. Options like first-tier or fourth-tier are incorrect as the reforms specifically positioned local governments below the state and federal levels.

Decision-making in the traditional Igbo political system was primarily based on age. Elders and older men held significant authority and were responsible for making communal decisions. This system valued experience and wisdom that come with age. Other options like privilege, gender, and status were less central compared to the age-based hierarchy that structured Igbo governance.

The political party that originated from Jamiyyar Mutanem Arewa was the Nigerian People’s Congress (NPC). Jamiyyar Mutanem Arewa was a Northern Nigeria-based political organization that later evolved into the NPC, playing a significant role in the politics of Nigeria’s First Republic. Other options like UMBC, BYM, and NEPU were separate political parties with different origins and ideologies, not directly stemming from Jamiyyar Mutanem Arewa.

A major consequence of colonialism on Nigeria is the suppression of state structures. Colonial rule disrupted and often dismantled traditional governance systems, replacing them with colonial administrative frameworks. This led to long-term impacts on Nigeria’s political and administrative systems. Other options like economic dependence and the up-liftment of its image are also consequences, but the suppression of indigenous state structures is particularly significant.

The judiciary contributes to the development of constitutions through judicial review. Judicial review allows courts to interpret the constitution and ensure that laws and government actions comply with constitutional provisions. This process helps in shaping and evolving the constitution over time. Other options like historical records, bye-laws, and acts of parliament are related to governance but do not directly involve constitutional development by the judiciary.

The upper house of the legislature is responsible for the passage of appropriation bills. This involves reviewing and approving budgets and expenditures proposed by the government. The upper house plays a crucial role in ensuring that public funds are allocated appropriately. Other options like assent to bills, signing of treaties, and approval declarations are typically functions of the executive branch or the lower house.

The political parties that contested the 1993 Presidential Election were NRC and SDP. These parties were part of the transitional process towards democracy in Nigeria during that period. Other options listed different party combinations that were not involved in the 1993 elections. NRC (National Republican Convention) and SDP (Social Democratic Party) were the two major parties that emerged during that election cycle.

A mode of production where the resources of a community are pooled together for the general well-being of the people is called Communism. Communism advocates for the collective ownership of the means of production, aiming to eliminate class distinctions and ensure equitable distribution of resources. Other options like communalism, socialism, and capitalism have different principles regarding ownership and distribution of resources.

Nigeria was a founding member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS was established to promote economic integration and cooperation among West African countries. Other organizations like UNO (United Nations Organization), NATO, and the Commonwealth have different founding members and purposes. Nigeria’s significant role in regional integration is exemplified by its foundational membership in ECOWAS.

Nigeria played a significant role in dispute resolution in Liberia through ECOWAS. During periods of conflict in Liberia, Nigeria, as a leading member of ECOWAS, was instrumental in mediating and facilitating peace agreements. This highlights Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and conflict resolution within West Africa. Other options like the Gambia and Senegal were not the primary focus of Nigeria’s dispute resolution efforts within ECOWAS.

An example of a civil right of a citizen is the right to Vote. Civil rights are protections and privileges granted to individuals to ensure their participation in the civil and political life of the society without discrimination. The right to vote is fundamental in a democratic society, allowing citizens to influence government and policy decisions. Other options like property and justice, peaceful assembly are also civil rights, but the correct answer aligns directly with voting rights.

In judicial parlance, a writ means a Restraining order. A writ is a formal written order issued by a court commanding the person to whom it is addressed to perform or refrain from performing a specific action. A restraining order is a common type of writ used to prohibit certain activities or actions. Other options like prohibitive order, acquitting order, and sentencing order do not accurately capture the general meaning of a writ in legal terms.

Public corporations are controlled by the legislature through the approval of their annual budgets. The legislature oversees public corporations by reviewing and approving their financial plans, ensuring that funds are allocated appropriately and that the corporations operate within their financial means. Other options like daily monitoring, discipline of staff, and recruitment of staff are typically handled by the executive branch or the corporations themselves.

One of the reasons for adopting Africa as the centerpiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy is to protect her domestic environment. By focusing on African unity and cooperation, Nigeria aims to create a stable and secure regional environment, which in turn safeguards its own national interests and development. Other options like encouraging rivalry, monopolizing economies, or challenging major powers do not align with the cooperative and protective objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy towards Africa.

The elective principle was first introduced in Nigeria by the Clifford Constitution. This constitution, enacted in 1922, was one of the earliest attempts to introduce elective elements into the governance structure of Nigeria, allowing for limited participation of Nigerians in the legislative process. Earlier constitutions like the Lyttleton and Richards did not fully implement the elective principle.

The type of pressure group that champions the interest and rights of the underprivileged is known as promotional interest groups. These groups advocate for social justice, equality, and the upliftment of marginalized communities. They work to influence public policy and opinion to benefit those who are disadvantaged. Other options like professional, economic, and educational pressure groups focus on specific sectors or interests rather than general underprivileged populations.

A major innovation of the 1979 Constitution was the introduction of the presidential system. This system established a clear separation of powers between the executive and the legislature, with the President serving as both the head of state and government. This was a significant shift from previous constitutions that had different structures. Other options like increasing constitutional power of elected officials or prohibiting cross-carpeting were not the primary innovations of the 1979 Constitution.

The organ of the African Union (AU) that prepares for the meeting of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government is the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers is responsible for coordinating policies and preparing agendas for the Assembly, ensuring that member states are well-prepared for discussions and decision-making processes. Other options like the Commission of Mediation, Conciliation and Arbitration, African Parliament, and General Secretariat have different roles within the AU framework.

One of the features of a fascist government is that the state defines the rights of individuals. In fascist regimes, individual rights are often subordinated to the interests of the state, and the government exerts extensive control over many aspects of life. This contrasts with other forms of government where individual rights may be more protected or where sovereignty is identified with landed property. Other options like decentralization of power and allowing opposition are not characteristic of fascist systems.

Promotion and discipline of civil servants is the responsibility of the Civil Service Commission. This commission oversees the management, advancement, and disciplinary actions within the civil service to ensure efficiency, integrity, and accountability. Other options like the Federal Character Commission, Ministry of Labour, and Public Complaints Commission have different roles related to civil service but do not specifically handle promotion and discipline.

Under the unitary arrangement, the centre is vested with absolute power. In a unitary system of government, the central authority holds the majority of the power, and any administrative divisions (if they exist) have limited or no autonomy. This contrasts with federal systems where power is shared between central and regional governments. Other options like limited, equal, or insignificant power do not accurately describe the centralization characteristic of unitary systems.

Nigeria is a major member of the Organization of the Economic Community (OEC). Nigeria’s participation in OEC is driven by its economic interests, including trade, investment, and regional economic integration. Being part of OEC allows Nigeria to influence economic policies and collaborate with other member states to promote economic growth and development. Other organizations like the UN, Commonwealth, and AU have broader focuses beyond solely economic interests.

The abolition of civil liberty is an attribute of military government. Military regimes often suspend constitutional rights and civil liberties to maintain control and suppress dissent. This contrasts with other forms of government like presidential, parliamentary, or republican systems, where civil liberties are typically upheld and protected under the constitution.

One of the agencies introduced by the military to promote national interest was the Directorate of Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Reconstruction (DEMOSER). DEMOSER was established to drive national development projects and mobilize resources for social and economic reconstruction during military rule. Other options like the National Youth Service Corps, Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure, and National Directorate for Employment were either existing institutions or established for different purposes.

One of the main objectives of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is to fix and allocate production to member nations. OPEC seeks to coordinate petroleum policies among member countries to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers, ensure an efficient supply, and provide a steady income to member states. Other options like assisting multinational companies or stabilizing income are secondary to the primary goal of managing oil production and pricing.

Nigeria’s foreign relations with Britain were strained during the Buhari Regime because Nigeria wanted to forcefully extradite Alhaji Umar Dikko from Britain. This incident created diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Other options like Britain testing atomic bombs in the Sahara Desert or Nigeria refusing to export crude oil to Britain are not historically accurate reasons for the strained relations during Buhari’s regime.

The Babangida Regime differed from the Buhari Regime because in the former, the post of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff was created. This position was part of Babangida’s efforts to reorganize the military leadership and improve coordination among the armed forces. Other options like governors being assisted by commissioners or ministers executing government policies do not specifically highlight the key differences between the two regimes.

A feature of the presidential system is that there is a separate election for the executive and the legislature. In a presidential system, the President is elected independently of the legislative body, ensuring a clear separation of powers and preventing the executive from being directly accountable to the legislature. This differs from parliamentary systems where the executive is typically drawn from the legislature and dependent on its confidence. Other options like indefinite terms or the president being part of the legislature are incorrect.

The Chairman of the Federal Character Commission is appointed by the President. The Federal Character Commission is responsible for ensuring fair representation of different ethnic groups in public institutions, and the President’s appointment of its chairman underscores the commission’s importance in national governance. Other options like the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, National Assembly, or Minister of Labour and Productivity are not responsible for this appointment.

A form of government in which the sovereign power to rule is vested in a small number of people considered as the best qualified to rule is Aristocracy. Aristocracy is characterized by rule by a privileged class, often based on heredity, wealth, education, or noble lineage. Other forms like autocracy, theocracy, or gerontocracy have different bases for governance, such as absolute power, religious authority, or rule by the elderly, respectively.

One of the major shortcomings of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) is the fostering of unity. While ECOWAS aims to promote economic integration and cooperation, achieving true unity among diverse member states has been challenging due to differing national interests, political instability, and economic disparities. Other options like expansion of market, trade liberalization, or curbing smuggling are goals rather than shortcomings.

The party that formed a coalition with the NPC in the First Republic was the NEPU (Northern Elements Progressive Union). This coalition was part of the political dynamics during Nigeria’s First Republic, where different parties allied to consolidate their influence and power. Other options like AG, NDC, and NCNC either did not form coalitions with NPC or were not contemporaneous political entities in that context.

Personal authority is synonymous with Charismatic authority. Charismatic authority is based on the personal charm, influence, and leadership qualities of an individual, which inspire loyalty and devotion from followers. This type of authority contrasts with other forms like sacred, legal, or instrumental authority, which are based on tradition, law, or functional roles, respectively.

The administrative system used by the British in their colonies was Indirect rule. Indirect rule involved governing through existing local power structures and leaders, allowing for some degree of local autonomy while maintaining overall colonial control. This approach was employed in various colonies, including Nigeria, to manage administrative duties efficiently. Direct rule or policies of assimilation were different administrative strategies used by the British in other contexts.

An electoral system in which a candidate with the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared the winner is called the Simple majority system. Also known as “first-past-the-post,” this system does not require a candidate to obtain an absolute majority, only more votes than any other candidate. Other systems like alternative vote, second ballot, or absolute majority systems have different criteria for winning elections.

Deputy Director belongs to the administrative cadre in the civil service. Administrative cadres are composed of positions that involve management and leadership within civil service organizations. Deputy Directors typically oversee departments and implement policies, fitting within the administrative structure. Other options like Executive Officers, Surveyors, and Medical Directors may belong to different cadres such as technical or specialized sectors.

Aristocracy is described as a form of government in which few citizens rule. It is characterized by governance by a privileged class, often based on hereditary, wealth, education, or noble lineage. Aristocracy emphasizes the leadership of a select group deemed most qualified to govern, differing from forms like democracy where power is more widely distributed among the populace.

The head of the Old Oyo Empire was the Alaafin. The Alaafin was the paramount ruler of the Oyo Empire, holding significant political and spiritual authority. This title was central to the governance and cultural identity of the Yoruba people in the region. Other options like Bashorun, Ooni, and Are-Ona-kakanfo are titles associated with different roles or regions within Yoruba and Nigerian traditional structures.

The Babangida Regime re-established diplomatic ties with Israel. During Babangida’s military rule, Nigeria sought to normalize and strengthen its international relationships, including re-establishing connections with countries like Israel. This move was part of broader foreign policy strategies to enhance Nigeria’s global standing and economic partnerships. Other options like France, Germany, and Britain were either already maintained or not the primary focus of re-establishment efforts during his regime.

The remote cause of the Action Group Crisis of 1962 was the personality clash among its leaders. Internal conflicts and disagreements among key leaders of the Action Group party led to divisions and crises within the party, affecting its unity and effectiveness in the political landscape. Other options like fear of domination, abolition of federalism, or the issue of self-government were not the primary remote causes of this specific crisis.

Fixed tenure of office is associated with the Presidential system. In a presidential system, officials such as the President have a set term length, providing stability and predictability in governance. This contrasts with parliamentary systems where the tenure can be more flexible, depending on the confidence of the legislature. Fixed terms help prevent abrupt changes in leadership and ensure regular electoral processes.

The Udoji Commission was a Revenue Allocation Commission. It was established to address the distribution of revenues among the federal, state, and local governments in Nigeria, ensuring equitable allocation of resources. Other commissions like Raisman, Aboyade, and Williams focused on different aspects of governance and policy, not specifically on revenue allocation.

Election can be used to measure the effectiveness of Public opinion. Elections reflect the will and preferences of the electorate, indicating how well government policies and actions align with the desires of the populace. High voter turnout and clear mandates can signal effective representation, while low engagement may indicate dissatisfaction or disengagement. Other options like pressure groups or political propaganda relate to influencing elections rather than measuring effectiveness.

A feature of communalism is that ownership of land is vested in the community. Communalism emphasizes collective ownership and management of resources, ensuring that land and other communal assets are used for the benefit of all members. This system contrasts with individualistic ownership models where land is privately owned and controlled. Other options like landowners employing landless men or sovereignty tied to landed property do not fully capture the essence of communal ownership.

In the Hausa pre-colonial system, the officer in charge of fishing activities was the Sarkin Ruwa. The Sarkin Ruwa, translating to “Water King,” was responsible for overseeing and managing fishing resources and activities within the community. This role was crucial for ensuring sustainable fishing practices and resolving disputes related to water resources. Other titles like Sarkin Noma, Sarkin Dogarai, and Sarkin Pawa pertain to different responsibilities within the traditional Hausa governance structure.

The Social and Cultural Affairs Commission is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). This commission focuses on promoting social development, cultural preservation, and addressing social issues globally. Being part of the UN framework, it collaborates with member states to implement programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing social welfare and cultural understanding. Other options like OPEC, Commonwealth, and ECOWAS have different focuses and structures.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assists the president in the formulation of foreign policies. This ministry is responsible for managing international relations, diplomatic missions, and advising the president on matters related to foreign policy. It plays a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s interactions with other nations and international organizations. Other ministries like Interior, Defence, and Justice have different primary responsibilities not directly tied to foreign policy formulation.

Rule by divine right is a basis of Absolute monarchy. In an absolute monarchy, the monarch’s authority is often justified by divine sanction, claiming that their right to rule is granted by a higher power. This form of governance centralizes power in the hands of the monarch without constitutional limitations. Other forms like representative democracy, republican system, or feudal system have different foundations for authority and governance structures.

An important ingredient of the civil service is Hierarchy. Hierarchical structures in the civil service ensure clear lines of authority, responsibility, and accountability. This organizational framework facilitates efficient administration, decision-making, and coordination among different levels of the civil service. Other options like imbalance, nepotism, and partisanship are detrimental to the effectiveness and fairness of the civil service, whereas hierarchy promotes order and functionality.