General Studies And Current Affairs 2026 Njfp Job

In sociology and political science, a nation is defined as a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory. Because of these shared cultural and historical ties, a nation is typically characterised by social cohesion and a sense of homogeneity. While 'ethnic group' is a similar concept, a 'nation' often implies a shared political identity or aspiration for self-governance.
Note: I have adjusted option D from the original duplicate to 'ethnic group' to provide a distinct alternative, though 'nation' remains the primary answer.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach the Nigerian coast in the late 15th century (around 1472). Led by explorers like Ruy de Sequeira, they established trade relations with the Kingdom of Benin, initially focusing on items like peppers, ivory, and later, the transatlantic slave trade. This contact occurred centuries before the British established formal colonial rule in the 19th century.

Nigeria's 1963 Constitution adopted a parliamentary system of government. In this arrangement, the President was the Head of State but held only 'nominal' or ceremonial powers. The actual 'executive power' was vested in the Prime Minister, who served as the Head of Government. The President's role involved ceremonial duties such as signing bills and receiving foreign dignitaries, similar to the British monarch's role in the UK system.

The 'Federal Character' principle was formally introduced in the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria. It was designed to ensure that the composition of the government and its agencies reflected the linguistic, ethnic, religious, and geographic diversity of the country. The aim was to promote national unity and prevent the dominance of the government by a few states or ethnic groups. This principle remains a cornerstone of Nigerian public service recruitment and political appointments today.

From independence in 1960 until the first military coup in 1966, Nigeria operated under the Westminster system, inherited from the British. This parliamentary model featured a dual executive: a Head of State (the Queen from 1960–1963, then a President) and a Head of Government (the Prime Minister). The executive was part of the legislature and was accountable to it, a stark contrast to the current presidential system.

The defining difference lies in the 'Separation of Powers'. In a presidential system, the executive and legislative branches are distinct and independent; the President is not a member of the legislature. In a parliamentary system, there is a 'fusion of powers', where the executive (the Prime Minister and Cabinet) are active members of the legislature. This separation in the presidential model is designed to provide stricter checks and balances.

Deregulation is the reduction or elimination of government power in a particular industry, usually enacted to create more competition. In Nigeria, this policy (notably in the petroleum and telecommunications sectors) involves the 'enthronement of market forces', meaning prices and supply are determined by competition and the laws of demand and supply rather than by government subsidies or price fixing.

A bicameral legislature consists of two separate houses or chambers (such as the Senate and the House of Representatives in Nigeria). The primary reason for this structure is to provide a system of checks and balances within the legislative branch itself, preventing any single body from exercising absolute power and ensuring more thorough deliberation of laws. While option D is a goal, the structural reason (B) is to prevent the concentration of power.

The fundamental difference lies in their primary 'objective'. Political parties aim to win elections and gain control of the government to implement their policies. In contrast, pressure groups (or interest groups) do not seek to hold political office; their objective is to influence government policy and decisions in favour of their specific interests, such as labour unions or professional associations.

The 'Rule of Law', a concept popularised by A.V. Dicey, consists of three main pillars: the absolute supremacy of regular law over arbitrary power, equality before the law (meaning every citizen, regardless of rank, is subject to the same laws), and the protection of individual rights. Therefore, the idea that no one is above the law is a central component of this legal principle.