| 1 |
Author(s):
Victor E. Ita, Robert O. Dode.
Page No : 1-18
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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Election Postponements: Trends, Socio-Economic Effects and the Future of Nigeria’s Electoral Process.
Abstract
Election postponement has gradually crept into the political lexicon and is fast becoming a tradition in Nigeria’s electoral process that has sequentially marred the conduct of elections in the country as evident in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 general elections among others. This has raised serious concerns as to the integrity of the electoral process and the preparedness of INEC to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the country. The essence of this paper was to assessed the trends and socio-economic effects of election postponements and its impacts on Nigeria’s electoral process. The paper is historical and descriptive in nature and utilized relevant data obtained wholly from documentary sources which were analysed within the context of structural functional theory. From the analysis, it was gleaned that the electoral umpire has not learned from its previous sloppy preparations and mistakes, despite significant condemnation from Nigerians across political divides. Moreover, the paper established that security challenges, logistics inadequacies and court verdict contributed to the postponement of elections, which resulted in severe socio-economic losses for the voting public, electoral commission, political parties, security agencies, election observers, and media outlets. Accordingly, the paper recommended, among others, that the government and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral process should work to ensure that adequate pre-emptive measures are put in place in advance of future elections. Again, the Electoral Act 2022 should be amended to provide for electronic registration and voting, to accommodate Nigerians in diaspora.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Ibekwe Emmanuel Chidi.
Page No : 19-27
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The Role of Arbitration in Resolving Collective Labour Disputes: A Comparative Study of Public and Private Sectors.
Abstract
This paper aims at analyzing how arbitration is used to solve collective labour relations by evaluating the application and results in both the public and the private sectors. This paper aims at assessing the effectiveness of arbitration as one of the ADR methods in dealing with disputes, in the two sectors. In the course of the study, the research compares arbitration with a view to identifying its effectiveness in sustaining industrial peace and reducing strikes. Employing a qualitative research design, data was collected from literature, case analyses and works from labour organisations. The results show that arbitration really works in both sectors, though the process is dependent on the legal and institutional frameworks. Arbitration is much more structured in the public sector because of legislation than it does in the private sector where flexibility results in swift outcomes. This paper concludes by identifying the policy significance of these findings for labour policy reform and exploring future research directions.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Ibekwe Emmanuel Chidi.
Page No : 28-36
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Arbitration and Wrongful Termination Claims: An Evaluation of Fairness and Efficiency in Labour Dispute Resolution.
Abstract
This paper shall review the position of arbitration in wrongful termination claim especially in regard to its effectiveness as a system of labour relation dispute resolution. Employment disputes specifically wrongful dismissal lawsuits stem for contractual breaches and violations of labour laws which may take time and cost a lot of money. Arbitration is seen as a suitable process of resolving disputes more effectively because it is faster, slightly cheaper, and does not attract public attention. As is to be expected there are some problems, some minor issues to be addressed. As for the problems the main issue regards to the nature of arbitration and the fact that a major principle against it is the imbalance of power between employers and workers. Used in the study is both a synthesis of the current literature and qualitative interviews conducted with stakeholders, namely, arbitrators, legal commentators and employees. The implication herein is that while arbitration is effectiveness oriented, it lacks procedural equity which is overshadowed by employer biased scales. Based on findings of this paper, this paper asserts that while using arbitration as a means of minimizing the time and money spent on wrongful termination claims, changes should be made in an effort to tackle the issues of partiality and bias.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Agom Ucha Caroline.
Page No : 37-48
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From Flora and Fauna to Sustainable Development: Conceptualizing Biodiversity in Environmental Law.
Abstract
This article examines the intricate relationship between biodiversity conservation and environmental law, exploring how various legal frameworks conceptualize and protect biodiversity. It delves into theoretical perspectives such as Natural Law, Positive Law, Legal Realism, Sociological Theory, and Historical Legal Theory, providing a comprehensive understanding of the ethical, statutory, practical, societal, and historical dimensions of biodiversity laws. The article also discusses key conceptual frameworks, including biodiversity conservation strategies, the integration of biodiversity goals into sustainable development, and the role of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in protecting biodiversity. Through case studies, the article highlights the successful implementation of biodiversity laws in countries like Costa Rica and Namibia, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and adaptive management practices. Finally, the article addresses the challenges and opportunities in improving legal frameworks for biodiversity protection, advocating for greater international cooperation and the development of innovative legal and policy approaches. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating biodiversity considerations into environmental law as a critical component of global sustainability efforts, offering recommendations for future research and policy development.
Keywords: Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Law, Theoretical Perspectives, Sustainable Development
| 5 |
Author(s):
Obinna Godswill Sunday, Semudara O. C..
Page No : 49-62
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Resurgence of Coup D’état in Africa in an Era of Mass Democratisation: A Study of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali Experiences.
Abstract
This study explores the recent occurrences of coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, by examining their causes, implications, and potential solutions. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical, political, economic, and social factors, this research aims to provide insights into the root causes of coup d'états in these countries. It unveils the regional and global ramifications of these coups, as well as strategies for preventing future occurrences and promoting democratic governance. The theory of Democratic Backsliding, as articulated by Levitsky and Ziblatt (2001) formed the theoretical framework. The work concluded that coups d'états remain a persistent challenge to democratic governance and political stability in Africa, as evidenced by recent developments in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. It was recommended among others that there is a critical need to strengthen democratic institutions and governance mechanisms. This entails bolstering the rule of law, ensuring transparent and accountable governance, and promoting inclusive political participation.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Emmanuel Selome Fasinu, Ibijoke Omolara Yankey, Beatrice Jesutayo Titilayo Olaniyan.
Page No : 63-76
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The Art of Adaptation: Addressing Political Risk in Geographically Dynamic International Business Environments.
Abstract
The study understood that in the face of geopolitical dynamism, effective political risk management strategies are crucial for multinational corporations operating in diverse environments. By applying Institutional Theory, the paper however, understood these organisations adapt and respond to institutional pressures, ultimately shaping their strategies and performance. Drawing from the literature, several key findings emerged, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies, stakeholders’ collaboration, corporate social responsibility, dynamic capabilities, and experiential learning. Advancing research and practice in this domain, the paper advocated that scholars and policymakers should expand their focus beyond multinational corporations, employ diverse methodologies, address regional biases, and explore emerging trends. By doing so, they can contribute to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of political risk management strategies, enabling organisations to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes more effectively. The study provided recommendations advocating that government and regulatory bodies should create an enabling environment for multinational corporations engagement with local stakeholders; encouraging multinational corporations to tailor their political risk management; more importantly, policymakers and other regulatory bodies are to recognise the role of corporate social responsibility in managing political risk; and also to promote experiential learning among multinational corporations by facilitating the exchange of best practices, case studies, and lessons learned in managing political risk. These recommendations are simply stated among several others as a roadmap for governments and regulatory bodies to create an environment conducive to effective political risk management and sustainable development.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Grace Ayodele Arowolo (Ph.D.), Andrew Akinwale Arowolo.
Page No : 77-94
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Children’s Right to Education in Nigeria: The Challenges and the Prospects for the Girl Child.
Abstract
Nigeria is a party to most of the international and regional instruments that protect children’s right to education especially the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). The provisions of these legislations have been adopted as the Child’s Right Act of Nigeria (CRA). This article aims at examining the extent of Nigeria’s compliance with the obligations imposed by these instruments concerning the right of the girl-child to education in Nigeria The paper adopts the doctrinaire research approach which enables the analysis of the provisions of various laws and policies. The paper found that despite abundant legal provisions for protecting children’s right to education, the girls are yet to fully enjoy the right like their male counterparts in Nigeria due to several factors like inadequate enforcement of the CRA, poverty, insecurity and attacks on schools and gender-based violence. This paper argues that educating the girl child is a critical aspect of societal advancement which represents not just the empowerment of the girls but also a cornerstone for global development. It recommends inter alia, monitoring and ensuring the implementation of the right to education based on current international standard as enshrined in the CRA for all children especially girls coupled with advocacy on the right to education principles and legal obligations through all stakeholders including the government and Non-governmental Orgainisations.
