Browsing by Author "Ettang, Dorcas Oyebisi."

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An assessment of rotational presidency as a mechanism for political stability in Nigeria's Fourth Republic.
(2018) Oladele, Olayemi Emmanuel.; Ettang, Dorcas Oyebisi.
The study examined the rationale for the introduction of power rotation principle in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and its operational modalities within the ambit of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. It also examined the relationship between power rotation and the stability of Nigeria’s political system, the challenges militating against the use of power rotation in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic as well as the relationship between power rotation and democratic consolidation in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. These were to contribute to the discourse on power rotation and its effect on political stability and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. The study adopted both descriptive and exploratory methods. Descriptive method, which is a form of qualitative research, was used to describe the phenomenon that leads to the agitation for power rotation formula. The exploratory method was used as a historical method in tracing the genesis of ethnic rivalries and domination of the presidential position that culminates in the agitation for power rotation formula in Nigeria. The study also used secondary sources that relied extensively on the use of relevant textbooks, scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles, and internet materials. The data retrieved in this study were analysed using a content analysis of the secondary data. The study found that power rotation was introduced to address the problems of hegemonies, marginalisation, and domination of one region over others to reduce instability in the Nigerian polity. The study also revealed that the operational modalities of presidential power rotation became pronounced during the 1994/95 National Constitutional Conference (NCC) established by Decree No. (3) 1994. Despite this, the study found that power rotation was never incorporated in the present 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The study shows that the idea of power rotation is a winner takes all system because it gives power in totality to a group for a particular or planned period. The Winner takes all system involves entire control of power by a group and these limits electoral choice which is detrimental to democracy and harmful to a developing nation like Nigeria. While the researcher is not outrightly rejecting the idea of power rotation, the study is sceptical about the intention behind the strategy because the political elites in the country see it as a mechanism to hijack political power and hold tenaciously to it. For this reason, the demand for power rotation tends to breed more conflict than resolve it. The study concluded that though the idea of power rotation formula serves as a suitable mechanism for accommodating diverse ethnic groups in presidential office and has the potential for stabilising the polity; it is also dangerous for developing democracy in Nigeria because of the greed and immaturity of the political elites.
Exploring BRICS contribution in addressing youth unemployment in South Africa.
(2021) Penniston, Jody Justine Unity.; Ettang, Dorcas Oyebisi.
Youth unemployment is a global issue and is significantly worse in developing countries. South Africa has one of the world’s highest youth unemployment rates, with almost half of its youth population (between the ages of 15 and 34) unemployed (52,18%), as recorded in the final quarter of 2019. This study explores BRICS contribution in addressing youth unemployment in South Africa. Made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, BRICS is a coalition of emerging economies that support the economic growth and development of its members. Liberal institutionalism theory is used in this study to understand the relevance and contribution of coalitions like BRICS in increasing aid and cooperation among member states to address various socioeconomic challenges. Classical growth theory is used to understand and unpack the economic aspects of youth unemployment. This study employs a qualitative research method and data is collected from books, articles, scholarly journals, and official reports such as South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Surveys, BRICS Labour and Employment Minister Declarations, BRICS Summit Declarations 2015- 2019, and Trade reports from the Department of Trade, Industry and Cooperation. The data gathered from the existing literature was analysed using the content analysis method. The findings show a strong correlation between youth unemployment, the South African education system and lack of skills development. The study explores multilateralism as it places an important role in economic growth and development through increased trade and partnerships which allow member states to pursue common interests. The study also examines the various contributions BRICS has made in addressing youth unemployment in South Africa. The findings show that BRICS countries have dedicated programmes to addressing youth unemployment within member states, specifically by addressing its underlying issues. The study concludes that through BRICS initiatives, South Africa has benefited through investments in education, intra-BRICS exchange programs, job creation, foreign investment, and increased trade relations.
Exploring the political and economic effects of xenophobia on South Africa’s foreign policy toward other countries: 2008 – 2019.
(2024) Owoha, Precious Ekhobhanye.; Ettang, Dorcas Oyebisi.
The economic and political landscape, both globally and domestically, profoundly influences a nation's well-being, a reality keenly felt in South Africa. Persistent tensions between citizens and foreign nationals have erupted into violent conflicts, demanding a comprehensive and strategic response. Xenophobia remains a critical and life-threatening challenge for foreign nationals within contemporary South Africa. Despite not being a donor country, South Africa's engagement in development cooperation across Africa is central to its foreign policy. However, the scourge of xenophobic violence has tarnished its international reputation and strained diplomatic ties even within the African continent, thus, affecting the potency of its foreign policy. Drawing from Realism, Constructivism and Securitization theory, this dissertation investigates how security issues are framed through political elites' speech acts, shaping perceptions of existential threats requiring protection. By delving into the root causes of Xenophobia and its economic and political implications for foreign policy, this study contributes to understanding the underlying motivations behind anti-foreign sentiments, particularly towards black foreign nationals. Realism provides insights into the state's role and national interests amidst Xenophobia and foreign policy challenges. Through structured questionnaires and interviews with diverse stakeholders across South Africa, this research identifies policy gaps and institutional avenues for the state to address underlying conflict drivers and mitigate violent outbreaks. Additionally, it fills a literature gap by exploring the significance and applicability of constructivism and securitization theory within the South African context. In conclusion, this study confirms the presence of Xenophobia within South Africa and emphasizes the need for tailored frameworks to foster peace both nationally and internationally. Effective peace initiatives must prioritize comprehensive economic and political strategies aimed at resolving conflicts and promoting coexistence among culturally diverse populations. With the aim of bridging the divide of ‘us versus them’ this study further recommends and encourages the deliberate practice of the spirit of Ubuntu, increasing empathy, with the aim of arriving at a more cohesive community. Thereby, enhancing South Africa’s reputation internationally.
Peace building through youth development and empowerment in Zimbabwe: exploring government and civil society initiatives.
(2020) Yingi, Edwin.; Ettang, Dorcas Oyebisi.
Zimbabwe is a country that has been in the grip of conflict since the formation of its modern state in 1890. The attainment of independence in 1980 has not transformed the country to be peaceful but has continued on a violent trajectory epitomised by endemic political violence and egregious violation of human rights. In the aftermath of independence, the youth increasingly became actors in violent conflict, notably political violence. Literature is replete with cases of widespread role of young people in accentuating violent conflict across the world. This phenomenon has been attributed by scholars to the bulging youth demography. The United Nations and the African Union have advocated for holistic and comprehensive youth empowerment packages as solutions to averting the inclination of young people to violent conflict. Guided by the human needs theory and community-based approach to peacebuilding, this study seeks to add voice to the debate on how youth empowerment packages can provide strategic solutions to the complex challenge of peacebuilding in Zimbabwe. In pursuit of this broad objective, the study examined the youth empowerment programmes which are spearheaded by the government of Zimbabwe and civil society organisations. Using the mixed methods approach, this study interrogates the nexus between youth empowerment programmes and peacebuilding. Utilising in-depth interviews, survey questionnaires and observations, the study identified salient youth programmes and policies through which the state and civil society can address the underlying causes of violent conflict. Both civil society and the government have given nominal participation or what this study calls ‘negative inclusion’ to young people and this has not enhanced the empowerment drive meant for them. Lack of opportunities for young people occasioned by lack of requisite skills has aggravated their vulnerability in the process making them susceptible to recruitment into extremist youth groups. Extreme poverty resulting from limited or non-existent economic opportunities has, in the long run, jeopardised the fragile peace in the country. In a nutshell, the youth have been marginalised in programmes that affect their lives, and this has resulted in young people being out of kilter with programmes purported for them. The study among others recommends that government and civil society should embark on genuine youth empowerment programmes for peace to endure in Zimbabwe.
The state and ethno-religious violence in plateau state: developing a peace-building framework as a conflict prevention strategy.
(2015) Ettang, Dorcas Oyebisi.; Tschudin, Alain Jean-Paul Charles.
Contemporary states continue to battle with inter-group tensions, resulting in violent conflict. Ethno-religious violence in Plateau state in north central Nigeria is a case in point. While violent conflicts of an ethnic and religious nature have long existed, since 2004, conflicts in this state have become increasingly violent, more frequent and more deadly, calling for a comprehensive and strategic response. Academics and practitioners have identified peace-building as a potential response to resolve violent conflict in divided societies. The United Nations has relied on comprehensive peacebuilding frameworks to provide a holistic and strategic response to violent conflict and its causes. Guided by conflict transformation theory, this study aims to contribute to the debate on how peace-building can resolve sub-national complex identity conflicts by addressing their root causes and preventing direct violence. It develops a comprehensive and strategic peace-building framework for Plateau state as it grapples with high levels of ethno-religious tension and violent conflict between warring identities. While peace-building frameworks generally have a national focus, this study develops a framework with a sub-national focus. This is due to the fact that peacebuilding efforts tend to be centralised and focus on the national level and capital cities, while neglecting sub-national and local entities. The study will contribute to on-going research and practice on how peace-building can be practically applied to sub-entities or federating units within countries and what this implies for the design and implementation of peace-building processes at these levels. In pursuing this broad objective, the study mainly utilises conflict transformation theory. This theory broadly focuses on reducing violence, addressing injustices and rebuilding relationships in societies experiencing protracted conflict. Using focus group discussions and semi-structured key informant interviews with a wide range of actors and institutions, both at the top and grassroots levels in Plateau state, the study identifies relevant programmes, policies and institutions in the framework and avenues through which the state as the primary actor can address the underlying causes of the conflict and reduce violence. It also responds to the gaps in literature on the relevance and applicability of conflict transformation theory in Africa. The conclusions of this study can be summarised in two broad statements. Firstly, a peace-building framework is required to design and implement peace efforts that specifically target subnational levels. Secondly, peace efforts in Africa need to be decentralised and inclusive in identifying the most appropriate responses for conflict transformation.