2016 JAMB GOVERNMENT PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Citizenship by naturalization is the process through which an alien (a foreign national) becomes a citizen of a country. This involves fulfilling specific legal requirements such as residency duration, language proficiency, and understanding of the country’s laws and customs. For example, an immigrant living in the United States for several years may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. The other options, such as registration, birth, and conferment, do not specifically apply to aliens acquiring citizenship.

The upper house in federal systems, such as the Senate in Nigeria, is designed to ensure equality of federating units. This means that each state, regardless of its population or size, has equal representation in the upper house. This structure prevents dominance by larger states and promotes balanced federalism. The other options, while relevant to legislative functions, do not specifically address the primary purpose of ensuring equality among federating units.

The Public Complaints Commission is tasked with entertaining complaints against public servants. This body investigates allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, or inefficiency among public officials, ensuring accountability and integrity within the public sector. Unlike other options, it does not involve investigating false documents, arresting, or sentencing public servants.

The earliest nationalist activities in Nigeria were spearheaded by traditional rulers. These leaders played a pivotal role in mobilizing support against colonial rule and advocating for self-governance. Their influence and authority within their communities helped lay the groundwork for organized nationalist movements, preceding the formation of political parties and trade unions.

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations is responsible for promoting voluntary cooperation among member states in diverse areas such as economic development, social progress, and international cooperation. ECOSOC facilitates dialogue and collaboration on various global issues, distinguishing it from other UN organs like the General Assembly or Security Council, which have different primary functions.

The returning officer is the official responsible for overseeing the conduct of elections and announcing the results. This role includes ensuring that the electoral process is fair, counting votes accurately, and declaring the winners. Unlike other officer titles, the returning officer specifically handles the declaration of election outcomes.

Under the emirate system, the Madawaki is traditionally the title given to the commander of the army. This role is distinct from other positions such as Sarkin Fada (war leader), Hakimi (governor), or Alkali (judge), each of which has different responsibilities within the governance structure. The Madawaki ensures military discipline and leads the army in defense matters.

Judicial review is a key feature of the checks and balances system. It allows the judiciary to review and potentially invalidate actions taken by the executive or legislative branches if they are found unconstitutional. This mechanism ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. Other options like code of conduct, judicial immunity, and judicial precedent do not directly embody the principle of checks and balances.

Cross-carpeting, the practice where politicians switch political parties frequently for personal gain, was first outlawed in the 1963 Constitution of Nigeria. This measure aimed to promote political stability and loyalty within parties. Subsequent constitutions have also addressed this issue, but the 1963 Constitution was the first to implement such a prohibition.

In the Yoruba empire, the Ogboni society is responsible for performing ritual rites. The Ogboni plays a crucial role in maintaining traditional laws, cultural practices, and spiritual matters within the community. This distinguishes it from other titles such as Aare-ona Kakanfo (military leader), Oyomesi (traditional priests), or Oba (king), each of which has distinct responsibilities.

Marxism advocates for the development of a classless society where the means of production are communally owned, eliminating social classes and economic inequalities. This ideology contrasts with feudalism, which is based on hierarchical class structures, liberalism, which emphasizes individual freedoms and private property, and conservatism, which upholds traditional institutions and social orders.

The indirect rule system was more successful in Northern Nigeria due to the existence of an organized traditional structure in the area. This pre-existing hierarchical system allowed colonial administrators to govern through local leaders effectively, maintaining stability and order without extensive administrative overhaul. Other factors like resistance levels or interests in indirect governance were less significant compared to the structured traditional systems in place.

Commissioners in an executive role are primarily responsible for implementing laws. They oversee government departments, ensure that legislation is executed effectively, and manage public services. Unlike writing laws or making laws, their role focuses on the practical application and enforcement of existing laws. Giving loans is typically a financial responsibility, not directly linked to the executive functions of a commissioner.

Britain operates a cabinet system of government, where the executive branch is composed of members of the cabinet, led by the Prime Minister. This system involves collective decision-making and responsibility among cabinet members, ensuring coordinated governance. While other countries like France, Cameroun, and Nigeria may have cabinets, Britain is a quintessential example of a parliamentary cabinet system.

The Gowon administration sought to reduce regional structural imbalance in Nigeria by creating states. This administrative restructuring aimed to improve governance, ensure better representation, and address regional disparities by increasing the number of administrative units. Forming political parties, increasing allocation, or appointing ministers were not the primary methods used for this specific objective.

The administrative head of a public corporation is typically the General Manager. The General Manager oversees the day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and overall management of the corporation, ensuring that it meets its objectives and operates efficiently. Unlike Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen, or Chief Executives, the General Manager is directly involved in the administrative functions.

Population is an attribute of the state. It refers to the group of people residing within a defined territory under a government. Other options like dress mode, language, and religion are cultural aspects that may be associated with a state but are not fundamental attributes that define the state’s existence.

The utmost goal of nationalism in Africa was independence. African nationalist movements primarily aimed to free their countries from colonial rule and establish self-governance. While representation, development, and patriotism are important, the central objective was achieving sovereignty and ending colonial domination.

The centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy covers only Africa. Nigeria focuses on fostering regional cooperation, economic integration, and political stability within the African continent. This focus aligns with Nigeria’s leadership role in organizations like the African Union and ECOWAS, emphasizing continental solidarity over global engagements.

A High Commissioner is the term used for a representative of a Commonwealth country in another member state. Unlike ambassadors, who represent their country in non-Commonwealth nations, High Commissioners facilitate diplomatic relations within the Commonwealth framework. Consul-Generals, Attaches, and Ambassadors have different diplomatic roles but are not specific to Commonwealth relations.

The Aboyade Committee reviewed Nigerian foreign policy under the Murtala-Obasanjo regime. This committee was tasked with assessing and recommending changes to align Nigeria’s foreign policy with its national interests and global dynamics. Other committees listed did not undertake this specific review during that period.

Nigeria placed Africa at the centre of her foreign policy because of her potential role in Africa. Nigeria’s significant economic and political influence, coupled with its leadership aspirations within the continent, motivated the country to focus its foreign policy on promoting African unity, development, and stability. Other reasons like the Congo crisis or desire to dominate were less central to this policy orientation.

Rule adjudication is a primary function of the judiciary. The judiciary interprets and applies the law in individual cases, resolving disputes, and ensuring justice is administered fairly. This role is distinct from the legislature, which makes laws, and the executive, which enforces them. The government as a whole encompasses all branches but does not specifically focus on adjudication.

Franchise in an electoral process refers to the right to vote. It encompasses the eligibility of individuals to participate in elections, ensuring that citizens have the opportunity to choose their representatives. This is distinct from concepts like sovereignty, which pertains to national authority, or ownership of production means, which relates to economic systems.

Polling is not a dimension of public opinion but rather a method of measuring it. The dimensions of public opinion include substance (content of opinions), intensity (strength of opinions), and orientation (direction of opinions). Polling refers to the process of collecting data on public opinions but is not itself a dimension.

Socialization is the process through which citizens acquire political values, beliefs, and behaviors. It occurs through various agents such as family, education, media, and peers, shaping how individuals engage with politics and governance. Education and acculturation are related but broader processes, while participation involves active engagement rather than the acquisition of values.

The main objective of pressure groups is to influence legislation for the benefit of their members. These groups advocate for specific interests, lobbying the government to enact or change laws that favor their causes. Unlike political parties, they do not seek to acquire power directly but focus on policy influence and advocacy.

The three-tier system of Nigerian Federalism was formalized by the 1963 Republic Constitution. This structure divides government responsibilities among the federal, state, and local levels, promoting decentralization and effective governance across diverse regions. Other options like pension reforms or local government reforms do not specifically address the formalization of federalism.

A flexible constitution is one that can be easily amended without requiring a special procedure. This flexibility allows for the constitution to adapt to changing circumstances and societal needs without significant hurdles. In contrast, a rigid constitution requires a more complex and often difficult process to make amendments, ensuring stability and preventing frequent changes.

The General Assembly is the main representative body of the United Nations, where all member states have equal representation. It serves as a forum for discussion, decision-making, and policy formulation on international issues. Unlike the Security Council, which has limited membership with veto powers, the General Assembly includes all UN member states, making it the primary deliberative organ.

One feature of public corporations that was weakened by privatization is government control. Privatization transfers ownership and control from the government to private entities, reducing direct governmental oversight and influence over the corporation’s operations. This shift aims to increase efficiency and competitiveness but can diminish the government’s ability to regulate and direct public corporations.

One of the main duties of the Local Government Service Commission is to supervise and manage the personnel of local governments. This includes overseeing appointments, promotions, and ensuring that local government employees meet the required standards and qualifications. Creating enabling environments or handling requests for more local governments are not directly related to personnel management.

According to Aristotle, an aristocracy is a form of government where the few rule for the benefit of all. Aristotle distinguished aristocracy from other forms such as autocracy, which is rule by one, and polyarchy, which involves rule by many without necessarily aiming for the common good. Aristocracy emphasizes governance by the best or most virtuous individuals, contrasting with self-serving oligarchies.

One of the major problems of Nigerian federalism is the imbalance in the structure and sizes of units of federation. This imbalance leads to unequal distribution of resources and political power among states, often favoring more populous or economically powerful regions. Such disparities can result in regional tensions and hinder national cohesion. Other issues like pre-colonial structures or inadequate manpower are less central to the challenges of federalism.

Ghana pioneered the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Nigeria. Both countries were instrumental in forming ECOWAS to promote economic integration, regional cooperation, and collective security among West African nations. Other countries like Cameroun, Algeria, and Togo were not primary pioneers in the establishment of ECOWAS.

The NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons) and NPC (Northern People’s Congress) facilitated the creation of the Mid-West Region. These political parties played significant roles in advocating for regional representation and administrative restructuring, leading to the establishment of new regions to better accommodate Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural groups. Other regions like Eastern, Northern, or Western were either existing or formed through different processes.

A problem of public corporations in Nigeria is the wastage of resources. Public corporations often face issues like inefficiency, mismanagement, and corruption, leading to the unnecessary expenditure of resources. This undermines their effectiveness and public trust. Other options like choice of leadership or emphasis on subsidies are also concerns but are secondary to the overarching issue of resource wastage.

Nigeria’s non-alignment policy in the sixties lacked real substance because of her partnership with Asian countries. While officially aiming to remain neutral during the Cold War, Nigeria’s active alliances and partnerships with specific blocs undermined the genuine intent of non-alignment. This alignment reduced the effectiveness and authenticity of the policy. Other factors like poor economic potential or Afrocentric policies were less directly responsible.

Charismatic authority is based on the personal qualities and charisma of an individual leader. This type of authority relies on the leader’s ability to inspire and attract followers through their personality, vision, and leadership style. Unlike legal, traditional, or coercive authority, charismatic authority is not rooted in established laws or traditions but in the individual’s unique traits.

Judicial review is the mechanism through which the judiciary controls the executive in federal systems. It allows courts to examine the actions of the executive branch to ensure they comply with the constitution and legal standards. This serves as a check on executive power, preventing abuses and ensuring legality. Other options like judicial overview or delegated legislation do not specifically provide this control mechanism.

The 1993 elections in Nigeria were adjudged as the most free and fair elections. Despite being annulled, they were widely recognized for their transparency, competitiveness, and adherence to democratic principles, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s electoral history. Other elections listed had varying degrees of fairness and are often criticized for irregularities.

Laws made by military governors are called decrees. During military regimes, governors often have the authority to issue decrees, which are orders with the force of law. Unlike acts, bye-laws, or edicts, decrees specifically refer to the legal instruments used by military authorities to govern.

A problem of public corporations in Nigeria is the wastage of resources. Public corporations often suffer from inefficiency, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to the unnecessary depletion of financial and material resources. This inefficiency undermines their effectiveness and public trust. Other issues like public control or emphasis on subsidies are also challenges but are secondary to the core problem of resource wastage.

The pro-west orientation of Nigeria’s foreign policy was mainly because of her economic under-development. Nigeria’s reliance on Western nations for economic support, investment, and development aid influenced its foreign policy to align closely with Western interests and policies. This alignment was driven by the need to secure economic growth and stability. Other factors like historical development or geographical locations were less directly influential.

A sovereign state is one whose government decisions are made independent of foreign interference. Sovereignty implies full control over internal and external affairs without external influence. This independence is fundamental to statehood, distinguishing sovereign states from dependent territories or regions under foreign control. Other options like constitution changes by military governments or freedom of speech are related but do not define sovereignty.

In Nigeria’s First Republic, the Prime Minister was both the head of government and a lawmaker. This dual role involved overseeing the executive functions while actively participating in the legislative process, bridging governance and law-making. Unlike other combinations like head of state with party leadership or military command, the Prime Minister’s role was specifically tied to both executive leadership and legislative duties.

The African Union (AU) differs from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) by having effective mechanisms for enforcing its decisions. The AU has established bodies like the Peace and Security Council, which can take proactive measures to maintain peace and security, unlike the OAU, which lacked such enforceable tools. This enhancement allows the AU to respond more effectively to conflicts and governance issues within member states.

Under Nigeria’s Second Republic, the Senate was under the leadership of Joseph Wayas. As Senate President, Joseph Wayas played a crucial role in legislative processes, guiding the Senate’s functions, and ensuring the passage of laws. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the legislative agenda and maintaining parliamentary order during this period.

The ultimate aim of political parties is to acquire and exercise power. Political parties strive to win elections, gain control of government institutions, and implement their policies and agendas. While implementing people-oriented programs and formulating policies are important functions, the primary objective is the acquisition and exercise of political power to effect change and govern effectively.

Rule by the old people is known as gerontocracy. This form of governance is characterized by leadership and decision-making authority being held by elderly individuals, often based on their experience and status within the community. It contrasts with other forms like theocracy (rule by religious leaders), monarchy (rule by a king or queen), and feudalism (hierarchical system based on land ownership).