A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF NIGERIA’S SUSPENSION FROM THE COMMONWEALTH ORGANISATION

A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF NIGERIA’S SUSPENSION FROM THE COMMONWEALTH ORGANISATION

Abstract

Most nations join international organisations with a view of reaping benefits from their membership of such organisations. To a great extent these organisations, though possessing thier own weaknesses, have proved to be a veritable means of international co-operation when viewed against the broad strand of ensuring world order. Against the backdrop of a renewed global concern for issues such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law, the Commonwealth, one of such international organisations , suspended Nigeria in its Auckland meeting of 1995. Nigeria’s inability to democratise, and the execution of Mr. Ken SaroWiwa and eight other Ogoni rights activists which was seen as a direct flouting of the redefined Commonwealth Principles enunciated in Harare in 1995 was given as reasons for Nigeria’s suspension. Nigeria gave protection of its national interest and its right as a sovereign nation to carry out its internal affairs as reasons for its action, which culminated into its suspension, accusing the Commomwealth of obstrutive intrusion into its affairs. But Nigeria should have realised that by belonging to international organisations, it cannot act independently or arbitrarily contravene the charter and /or principles of such organisations. The outcome of Nigeria’s suspension can be better appreciated when considering the loss of status Nigeria faced in the international scene after the suspension. Nigeria became a pariah nation and her ability to articulate her policy ideals and conduct her foreign relations on the multi-lateral front of international co-operation was eroded as the Commonwealth used to provide Nigeria a solid platform which it uses to enhance such ideals. Besides the suspension exposed Nigeria to international sanctions which has had a biting effect on her. No nation can live in Isolation since it must of necessity, interact with other members of the international Community. Nigeria thus has lot to learn from the developments that ensued as a result of its suspension. This are the main issues which will be discussed in the body of this research work.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page- – – – – – – – – i
Approval page – – – – – – – -ii
Dedication – – – – – – – – -iii
Acknowledgement – – – – – – – -iv
Abstract – – – – – – – – – -v
Table of content – – – – – – – -vi

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION – – – – – – – -1
1.0 Background of the study – – – – -1
1.1 Statement of the problem – – – – -5
1.2 Purpose of the study – – – – – -6
1.3 Significance of the study – – – – -8
1.4 Research questions – – – – – -9
1.5 Scope of the study – – – – – – -10

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW – – – – – – -11

CHAPTER THREE

Research methodology – – – – – – -39
Design of study – – – – – – – -40

CHAPTER FOUR

Presentation, analysis and interpretation of data – -48

CHAPTER FIVE

Summary of findings – – – – – – -60
Conclusion – – – – – – – – -61
Recommendations – – – – – – – -62
Suggestions for further research – – – – -64
References – – – – – – – – -65
Appendix I – – – – — – – – -68
Questionnaire. – – – – – – – -69

A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF NIGERIA’S SUSPENSION FROM THE COMMONWEALTH ORGANISATION

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