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Lawrence Edet

University Of Uyo, Uyo, Political Science and Public Administration, Faculty Member

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Am Lawrence Edet, a Nigerian and a PhD candidate at University of Nigeria. Am lecturing at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Uyo, Nigeria. I obtained my BSc in Political Science and Public Administration in 2010, MSc in Research Methods at University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom in 2015. My research and teaching areas includes: Research Methods, Electoral Studies, comparative analysis, Democratization and Data modeling. Currently, l published over 40 scholarly articles in both national and international journals within and outside Africa

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Papers by Lawrence Edet

Election Administration and Democratization Process in Nigeria: AnAppraisal of 2007-2015

The study analyzed the impact of election administration and Nigeria's democratization process us... more The study analyzed the impact of election administration and Nigeria's democratization process using 2007-2015 general elections as the focal point. The study avers that elections in Nigeria during the period were characterized by various problems, resulting in questionable electoral outcomes. This was largely due to weak political institutions, mainly, the Independent National Election Commission (INEC). INEC lacks financial, institutional and administrative independence, as evidenced by its funding and composition by the presidency, as well as its lack of professional staff and security of tenure for its officials. This study, therefore, critically examines election administration in Nigeria within the periods and how such elections influenced democratization process in the Country. In achieving this objective, the study relied on content analysis and adopted abstraction from liberal democratic theory. Elections can only promote and institutionalize democratization in Nigeria if the electoral processes are reviewed in certain ways that fundamentally address the capacity and independence of INEC, to discharge its responsibilities effectively and efficiently. This study revealed that democratization through election administration depends largely on the institutional foundations of the electoral processes, especially, the INEC. A professional, impartial and independent INEC would provide better prospects of effective election administration in Nigeria. This study, however, recommends, among others, that electoral laws should be strengthened to encourage stiff punishment for electoral offenders as well as beneficiaries of fraudulent elections. The study conclude that the trend towards challenging electoral fraud in the courts and the judicial decisions, signal a strengthening of democratic principles and gives some hopes for democratization.

Full Paper TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE POVERTY REDUCTION(1)

One of the most disturbing issues of third world countries in general and Nigeria in particular i... more One of the most disturbing issues of third world countries in general and Nigeria in particular is the challenge of poverty eradication. The poverty situation in Nigeria has steadily grown in magnitude in recent times despite various programmes proffered towards alleviating poverty in the country. But unfortunately, in formulating and implementing these programmes, not much attention has been accorded education as an effective tool for poverty reduction. This paper, therefore, examined poverty situation and the possibility of achieving sustainable poverty reduction in Nigeria through quality education. Through a descriptive and historical analysis of documentary data, the paper argued that the various poverty alleviation programmes and strategies adopted in Nigeria are mere remedial measures to cushion the effects of poverty and therefore cannot actually eradicate poverty in the country. Conclusively, the paper emphasized the adoption of a new approach to poverty alleviation through massive and quality education for all. This the government can do by making education affordable and accessible to the poor and their children.

Zambrut Patterns of Political Culture and The Paradox of Political Participation in Nigeria : An Analytical Evaluation

Electoral Violence and Democratization Process in Nigeria: A Reference of 2011 and 2015 General Elections

The general account of Nigeria's post-independence electoral processes has always been characteri... more The general account of Nigeria's post-independence electoral processes has always been characterized by violence. Nigeria's 2015 general elections marked the fifth multi-party elections in the country and the second handover of civilian administrations since the inception of the Fourth Republic democratic experiment in 1999. This account cannot be analyzed without issues of electoral violence. Electoral violence had been a permanent feature of Nigeria's democratic process, except 2015 general elections where the international observers described as a "significant improvement" over the previous elections in terms of violence related cases. Electoral related violence in the country particularly in 2011 got to an unprecedented dimension resulting in destruction of lives and property worth millions of naira. This paper expatiates on electoral violence and its general implications on the democratization process in the country, with major emphasis on the 2011 and 2015 general elections. The paper argued that the high incidence of pre and post electoral violence in the country within the periods has to do with the way Nigerian politicians regard politics, weak political institutions and weak electoral management body as well as bias nature of the security agencies, etc. However, the paper examined the general implications of electoral violence on democratization process and how the country can handle the electoral process to avoid threats associated with the electoral violence. Archival analysis, which widely extracted data from newspapers, journals, workshop papers, books, as well as publications of non-governmental organizations was adopted for the study. The major significance of this study is to expose the negative implications associated with electoral violence and how it can be curbed. The position canvassed in this paper will serve as a useful political literature for political leaders, policy makers and the general reading public who may be seeking general information on the subject matter. The paper therefore, among others, recommended that political leaders and political participants should not see politics as investment or do or die affairs as well as the formulation of laws with severe sanctions against supporters or perpetrators of electoral violence in the country. The paper therefore submits that democratization in the country can only be realistic when the ideals and principles of democracy as practiced in advanced democratic societies are upheld and respected.

The Impacts of National Rebirth Programme on the Moral Character of Nigerian Civil Service Employees (1999 â€“ 2011): Akwa Ibom State Perspective

Global Journal of Human-Social Science Research, 2016

This study examines the National Rebirth Programme with a view to determine the extent to which i... more This study examines the National Rebirth Programme with a view to determine the extent to which it has affected the attitude and behaviour patterns of Nigerians with special emphasis on Akwa Ibom State civil servants. The study’s objectives were to investigate the impact of the National Rebirth Programme on the moral character of civil service employees in Akwa Ibom State, to find out whether the programme has engendered efficiency in service delivery in the state civil service and to recommend ways of making the programme more responsive, effective and relevant. The study adopted the qualitative and quantitative research methods and utilized data from both the primary and secondary sources which were analyzed within the context of structural functional theory. The findings of the study revealed that prior to the commencement of Obasanjo’s administration in 1999, Nigerian civil/public service was plagued by moral decadence, inefficiency and poor attitude to work. Moreover, the study...

E-Governance and Its Implementation Challenges in the Nigerian Public Service

E-governance has become one of the reform tools geared towards effective public service delivery,... more E-governance has become one of the reform tools geared towards effective public service delivery, which is premised on the assumption that the appreciable use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) method in the day to day activities of government will bring effective service delivery. However, there are lots of challenges that hamper the effective implementation of e-governance in Nigerian public service. It is based on this, that this article identifies some of the challenges to e-governance implementation in Nigerian public service. Although, no robust statistical analysis was done, as the article relied on archival analysis of relevant literature on the subject matter and inferences drawn from it. Based on its findings, it was concluded that e-governance remain the best in encouraging transparency and accountability in government business. The paper therefore, recommends that, government should be more committed to the implementation e-governance as well as embark o...

Election Administration and Democratization Process in Nigeria: AnAppraisal of 2007-2015

The study analyzed the impact of election administration and Nigeria's democratization process us... more The study analyzed the impact of election administration and Nigeria's democratization process using 2007-2015 general elections as the focal point. The study avers that elections in Nigeria during the period were characterized by various problems, resulting in questionable electoral outcomes. This was largely due to weak political institutions, mainly, the Independent National Election Commission (INEC). INEC lacks financial, institutional and administrative independence, as evidenced by its funding and composition by the presidency, as well as its lack of professional staff and security of tenure for its officials. This study, therefore, critically examines election administration in Nigeria within the periods and how such elections influenced democratization process in the Country. In achieving this objective, the study relied on content analysis and adopted abstraction from liberal democratic theory. Elections can only promote and institutionalize democratization in Nigeria if the electoral processes are reviewed in certain ways that fundamentally address the capacity and independence of INEC, to discharge its responsibilities effectively and efficiently. This study revealed that democratization through election administration depends largely on the institutional foundations of the electoral processes, especially, the INEC. A professional, impartial and independent INEC would provide better prospects of effective election administration in Nigeria. This study, however, recommends, among others, that electoral laws should be strengthened to encourage stiff punishment for electoral offenders as well as beneficiaries of fraudulent elections. The study conclude that the trend towards challenging electoral fraud in the courts and the judicial decisions, signal a strengthening of democratic principles and gives some hopes for democratization.

The 2011 General Elections and Current Development Trends in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Public Policy and Administration Research, 2015

One major challenge that confronts the democratic regimes in Nigeria over the years has been the ... more One major challenge that confronts the democratic regimes in Nigeria over the years has been the conduct of free, fair and credible elections which result can be attested to by a majority of the electorate and thus lead to generally acceptable results. Such a generally acceptable mandate can in turn give way to national development. This work set out to identify the relationship between elections and socio-economic and political developments in Akwa Ibom State, especially after the 2011 general elections. It is expected that with the forthcoming elections in 2015, some lessons may have been learnt by the political gladiators and others in the transition category. The study was a combination of descriptive, ethnographic and survey research, with data drawn from existing sources (desk research) and the field (observation and interviews). The research work which was largely empirical in nature unearthed a number of political challenges in the state. Some of these include: refusal on t...

Transition and Civic Engagements in Nigeria: What does 2015 Portend?

Public Policy and Administration Research, 2015

Nigeria as a country returned to civilian rule in 1999 after marathon years of military dictators... more Nigeria as a country returned to civilian rule in 1999 after marathon years of military dictatorship. Since then, the country had conducted four general elections which have all been disputed as being below democratic standards. The quality and efficacy of these elections have progressively declined, thus begging the question of democratic transition and citizens’ role in the electoral process. Independent international and domestic observers however noted that despite numerous challenges like violence, disenfranchisement, poor organization of the elections, etc., the 2011 general elections witnessed a slight improvement from the past elections, as results in certain parts of the country reflected the citizen’s choice at the polls. However, Nigeria’s general elections scheduled for March and April, 2015 will be more contentious than previous ones. There exist tensions within and between the major competing parties, claims and counter-claims between northern and Niger Delta politicia...

Politics of Defection and its Implications on Nigeria’s Democracy

This study examines the politics of defection and its implications on Nigeria’s democracy. Nigeri... more This study examines the politics of defection and its implications on Nigeria’s democracy. Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 ushered in a great hope of democratic dividend and heralded a rare opportunity for the country to launch a new democratic strategy, after years of military dictatorship. The emergence of multiparty democracy in Nigeria since 1999 has been seen as a major breakthrough in the democratic process. However, the way and manner politicians in Nigeria defect from one party to the other has not only constituted democratic nuisance, but has continued to raise serious concern among political observers and participants in Nigeria. This have lend credence to lack of clear ideology and manifesto among political parties in Nigeria. The issue of defection has been one of the major bane of democratic process in Nigeria.

The Paradox of Economic Growth Without Development in Nigeria

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2000

The Paradox of Economic Growth Without Development in Nigeria

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2000

Election Administration and Democratization Process in Nigeria: AnAppraisal of 2007-2015

The study analyzed the impact of election administration and Nigeria's democratization process us... more The study analyzed the impact of election administration and Nigeria's democratization process using 2007-2015 general elections as the focal point. The study avers that elections in Nigeria during the period were characterized by various problems, resulting in questionable electoral outcomes. This was largely due to weak political institutions, mainly, the Independent National Election Commission (INEC). INEC lacks financial, institutional and administrative independence, as evidenced by its funding and composition by the presidency, as well as its lack of professional staff and security of tenure for its officials. This study, therefore, critically examines election administration in Nigeria within the periods and how such elections influenced democratization process in the Country. In achieving this objective, the study relied on content analysis and adopted abstraction from liberal democratic theory. Elections can only promote and institutionalize democratization in Nigeria if the electoral processes are reviewed in certain ways that fundamentally address the capacity and independence of INEC, to discharge its responsibilities effectively and efficiently. This study revealed that democratization through election administration depends largely on the institutional foundations of the electoral processes, especially, the INEC. A professional, impartial and independent INEC would provide better prospects of effective election administration in Nigeria. This study, however, recommends, among others, that electoral laws should be strengthened to encourage stiff punishment for electoral offenders as well as beneficiaries of fraudulent elections. The study conclude that the trend towards challenging electoral fraud in the courts and the judicial decisions, signal a strengthening of democratic principles and gives some hopes for democratization.

Full Paper TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE POVERTY REDUCTION(1)

One of the most disturbing issues of third world countries in general and Nigeria in particular i... more One of the most disturbing issues of third world countries in general and Nigeria in particular is the challenge of poverty eradication. The poverty situation in Nigeria has steadily grown in magnitude in recent times despite various programmes proffered towards alleviating poverty in the country. But unfortunately, in formulating and implementing these programmes, not much attention has been accorded education as an effective tool for poverty reduction. This paper, therefore, examined poverty situation and the possibility of achieving sustainable poverty reduction in Nigeria through quality education. Through a descriptive and historical analysis of documentary data, the paper argued that the various poverty alleviation programmes and strategies adopted in Nigeria are mere remedial measures to cushion the effects of poverty and therefore cannot actually eradicate poverty in the country. Conclusively, the paper emphasized the adoption of a new approach to poverty alleviation through massive and quality education for all. This the government can do by making education affordable and accessible to the poor and their children.

Zambrut Patterns of Political Culture and The Paradox of Political Participation in Nigeria : An Analytical Evaluation

Electoral Violence and Democratization Process in Nigeria: A Reference of 2011 and 2015 General Elections

The general account of Nigeria's post-independence electoral processes has always been characteri... more The general account of Nigeria's post-independence electoral processes has always been characterized by violence. Nigeria's 2015 general elections marked the fifth multi-party elections in the country and the second handover of civilian administrations since the inception of the Fourth Republic democratic experiment in 1999. This account cannot be analyzed without issues of electoral violence. Electoral violence had been a permanent feature of Nigeria's democratic process, except 2015 general elections where the international observers described as a "significant improvement" over the previous elections in terms of violence related cases. Electoral related violence in the country particularly in 2011 got to an unprecedented dimension resulting in destruction of lives and property worth millions of naira. This paper expatiates on electoral violence and its general implications on the democratization process in the country, with major emphasis on the 2011 and 2015 general elections. The paper argued that the high incidence of pre and post electoral violence in the country within the periods has to do with the way Nigerian politicians regard politics, weak political institutions and weak electoral management body as well as bias nature of the security agencies, etc. However, the paper examined the general implications of electoral violence on democratization process and how the country can handle the electoral process to avoid threats associated with the electoral violence. Archival analysis, which widely extracted data from newspapers, journals, workshop papers, books, as well as publications of non-governmental organizations was adopted for the study. The major significance of this study is to expose the negative implications associated with electoral violence and how it can be curbed. The position canvassed in this paper will serve as a useful political literature for political leaders, policy makers and the general reading public who may be seeking general information on the subject matter. The paper therefore, among others, recommended that political leaders and political participants should not see politics as investment or do or die affairs as well as the formulation of laws with severe sanctions against supporters or perpetrators of electoral violence in the country. The paper therefore submits that democratization in the country can only be realistic when the ideals and principles of democracy as practiced in advanced democratic societies are upheld and respected.

The Impacts of National Rebirth Programme on the Moral Character of Nigerian Civil Service Employees (1999 â€“ 2011): Akwa Ibom State Perspective

Global Journal of Human-Social Science Research, 2016

This study examines the National Rebirth Programme with a view to determine the extent to which i... more This study examines the National Rebirth Programme with a view to determine the extent to which it has affected the attitude and behaviour patterns of Nigerians with special emphasis on Akwa Ibom State civil servants. The study’s objectives were to investigate the impact of the National Rebirth Programme on the moral character of civil service employees in Akwa Ibom State, to find out whether the programme has engendered efficiency in service delivery in the state civil service and to recommend ways of making the programme more responsive, effective and relevant. The study adopted the qualitative and quantitative research methods and utilized data from both the primary and secondary sources which were analyzed within the context of structural functional theory. The findings of the study revealed that prior to the commencement of Obasanjo’s administration in 1999, Nigerian civil/public service was plagued by moral decadence, inefficiency and poor attitude to work. Moreover, the study...

E-Governance and Its Implementation Challenges in the Nigerian Public Service

E-governance has become one of the reform tools geared towards effective public service delivery,... more E-governance has become one of the reform tools geared towards effective public service delivery, which is premised on the assumption that the appreciable use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) method in the day to day activities of government will bring effective service delivery. However, there are lots of challenges that hamper the effective implementation of e-governance in Nigerian public service. It is based on this, that this article identifies some of the challenges to e-governance implementation in Nigerian public service. Although, no robust statistical analysis was done, as the article relied on archival analysis of relevant literature on the subject matter and inferences drawn from it. Based on its findings, it was concluded that e-governance remain the best in encouraging transparency and accountability in government business. The paper therefore, recommends that, government should be more committed to the implementation e-governance as well as embark o...

Election Administration and Democratization Process in Nigeria: AnAppraisal of 2007-2015

The study analyzed the impact of election administration and Nigeria's democratization process us... more The study analyzed the impact of election administration and Nigeria's democratization process using 2007-2015 general elections as the focal point. The study avers that elections in Nigeria during the period were characterized by various problems, resulting in questionable electoral outcomes. This was largely due to weak political institutions, mainly, the Independent National Election Commission (INEC). INEC lacks financial, institutional and administrative independence, as evidenced by its funding and composition by the presidency, as well as its lack of professional staff and security of tenure for its officials. This study, therefore, critically examines election administration in Nigeria within the periods and how such elections influenced democratization process in the Country. In achieving this objective, the study relied on content analysis and adopted abstraction from liberal democratic theory. Elections can only promote and institutionalize democratization in Nigeria if the electoral processes are reviewed in certain ways that fundamentally address the capacity and independence of INEC, to discharge its responsibilities effectively and efficiently. This study revealed that democratization through election administration depends largely on the institutional foundations of the electoral processes, especially, the INEC. A professional, impartial and independent INEC would provide better prospects of effective election administration in Nigeria. This study, however, recommends, among others, that electoral laws should be strengthened to encourage stiff punishment for electoral offenders as well as beneficiaries of fraudulent elections. The study conclude that the trend towards challenging electoral fraud in the courts and the judicial decisions, signal a strengthening of democratic principles and gives some hopes for democratization.

The 2011 General Elections and Current Development Trends in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Public Policy and Administration Research, 2015

One major challenge that confronts the democratic regimes in Nigeria over the years has been the ... more One major challenge that confronts the democratic regimes in Nigeria over the years has been the conduct of free, fair and credible elections which result can be attested to by a majority of the electorate and thus lead to generally acceptable results. Such a generally acceptable mandate can in turn give way to national development. This work set out to identify the relationship between elections and socio-economic and political developments in Akwa Ibom State, especially after the 2011 general elections. It is expected that with the forthcoming elections in 2015, some lessons may have been learnt by the political gladiators and others in the transition category. The study was a combination of descriptive, ethnographic and survey research, with data drawn from existing sources (desk research) and the field (observation and interviews). The research work which was largely empirical in nature unearthed a number of political challenges in the state. Some of these include: refusal on t...

Transition and Civic Engagements in Nigeria: What does 2015 Portend?

Public Policy and Administration Research, 2015

Nigeria as a country returned to civilian rule in 1999 after marathon years of military dictators... more Nigeria as a country returned to civilian rule in 1999 after marathon years of military dictatorship. Since then, the country had conducted four general elections which have all been disputed as being below democratic standards. The quality and efficacy of these elections have progressively declined, thus begging the question of democratic transition and citizens’ role in the electoral process. Independent international and domestic observers however noted that despite numerous challenges like violence, disenfranchisement, poor organization of the elections, etc., the 2011 general elections witnessed a slight improvement from the past elections, as results in certain parts of the country reflected the citizen’s choice at the polls. However, Nigeria’s general elections scheduled for March and April, 2015 will be more contentious than previous ones. There exist tensions within and between the major competing parties, claims and counter-claims between northern and Niger Delta politicia...

Politics of Defection and its Implications on Nigeria’s Democracy

This study examines the politics of defection and its implications on Nigeria’s democracy. Nigeri... more This study examines the politics of defection and its implications on Nigeria’s democracy. Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 ushered in a great hope of democratic dividend and heralded a rare opportunity for the country to launch a new democratic strategy, after years of military dictatorship. The emergence of multiparty democracy in Nigeria since 1999 has been seen as a major breakthrough in the democratic process. However, the way and manner politicians in Nigeria defect from one party to the other has not only constituted democratic nuisance, but has continued to raise serious concern among political observers and participants in Nigeria. This have lend credence to lack of clear ideology and manifesto among political parties in Nigeria. The issue of defection has been one of the major bane of democratic process in Nigeria.

The Paradox of Economic Growth Without Development in Nigeria

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2000

The Paradox of Economic Growth Without Development in Nigeria

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2000