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The Precariousness of Prebendalism

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Democracy and Prebendalism in Nigeria

Abstract

A critical aspect of Richard Joseph’s argument in Democracy and Prebendal Politicsis easily overlooked. His analysis of the short-lived Second Republic (1979–1983) is well-known for identifying access to public office as the dominant political imperative in Nigeria, and that ethnic and regional identities became entrenched as a result of this quest for state resources. Less evident, however, is the basic, taken-for-granted motivation that sustains this prebendal system—insecurity.

What subjects will precarious Kings regard?

Dryden, Conquest Granada i. i. i. 9

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Authors
  1. David Pratten
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Wale Adebanwi Ebenezer Obadare

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© 2013 Wale Adebanwi and Ebenezer Obadare

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Pratten, D. (2013). The Precariousness of Prebendalism. In: Adebanwi, W., Obadare, E. (eds) Democracy and Prebendalism in Nigeria. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137280770_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137280770_11

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-349-44785-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-28077-0

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