Government Waec Answers 2024

(7)

(i)Economic Exploitation: France exploited the natural resources of her colonies, such as gold, ivory, and oil, for her own benefit, leaving the colonies underdeveloped and impoverished.

(ii)Cultural Destruction: French colonial rule led to the suppression of indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions, as the French imposed their own culture, language, and values on the colonized peoples.

(iii)Political Disempowerment: The French colonial system was authoritarian and centralized, denying the colonized peoples any meaningful political participation or autonomy, and crushing any dissent or resistance.

(iv)Social Disruption: French colonial rule disrupted traditional social structures and institutions, such as the family and community, and imposed foreign values and norms, leading to social dislocation and disintegration.

(v)Psychological Trauma: The experience of colonialism was traumatic for the colonized peoples, leading to feelings of inferiority, shame, and cultural dislocation, which continue to have an impact on the psychological well-being of West Africans today.

(9)

(i)Promoting Trade Liberalization*: ECOWAS can work to reduce trade barriers and promote economic integration among member states by implementing policies such as tariff reductions, elimination of non-tariff barriers, and harmonization of customs procedures. This will increase intra-regional trade, economic growth, and development.

(ii)Infrastructure Development: ECOWAS can prioritize the development of regional infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ports, and energy systems. This will enhance connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and attract investment, thereby promoting economic growth and integration.

(iii)Peace and Security: ECOWAS can strengthen its security mechanisms to prevent and manage conflicts, and maintain peace and stability in the region. This can be achieved through the deployment of peacekeeping forces, mediation, and conflict resolution initiatives, creating a conducive environment for economic development.

(iv)Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: ECOWAS can provide capacity-building programs and technical assistance to member states to enhance their institutional capacities, improve governance, and strengthen their economic management capabilities. This will enable member states to effectively implement ECOWAS policies and programs.

(v)Regional Coordination and Harmonization: ECOWAS can foster regional coordination and harmonization by promoting policy convergence, harmonizing economic policies, and establishing common standards and regulations. This will create a more integrated and cohesive economic community, enhancing the region’s global competitiveness and attractiveness to investment.

(1)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Providing Information: The mass media gives people news and information about what is happening in the government. This helps citizens know about new policies, government actions, and important events. When people are well-informed, they can participate better in democracy.

(ii) Educating the Public: The media helps to explain difficult political and economic issues in a simple way that everyone can understand. This education helps people know their rights and duties as citizens, and understand how the government works. This knowledge is important for a healthy democracy.

(iii) Acting as a Watchdog: The media keeps an eye on the government and other powerful people to make sure they do not abuse their power. Investigative journalists can uncover corruption and wrongdoing, which helps to hold leaders accountable and promotes honesty and transparency in governance.

(iv) Providing a Platform for Discussion: The media provides a space for people to discuss and debate various issues. Through talk shows, opinion columns, and social media, different opinions can be shared. This helps to create a culture of dialogue and helps people to understand different perspectives.

(v) Encouraging Political Participation: By covering elections, political campaigns, and other democratic activities, the media encourages people to take part in politics. It gives information about candidates and political parties, helping voters to make informed decisions and participate actively in the political process.

(vi) Setting the Agenda: The media can highlight important issues that need attention, such as human rights, social justice, and development. By focusing on these issues, the media can influence what the government prioritizes and help bring about necessary changes.

(vii) Connecting the Government and the People: The media acts as a bridge between the government and the citizens. It communicates government policies and plans to the people and brings the people’s concerns and feedback to the government. This two-way communication is essential for a responsive and accountable government.

(viii) Promoting Unity and Peace: Nigeria is a diverse country with many ethnic groups and religions. The media can promote unity and peace by highlighting stories that celebrate diversity and encourage tolerance and understanding. This helps to reduce conflicts and promotes national unity.

(5)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Voting and Electoral Participation: Citizens can hold political office holders accountable by actively participating in elections. Voting for candidates based on their performance and integrity can ensure that only deserving individuals are elected. Additionally, running for office or supporting credible candidates can help improve the quality of leadership.

(ii) Engaging in Public Protests and Demonstrations: Peaceful protests and demonstrations are powerful tools for citizens to express their dissatisfaction with the actions or policies of political office holders. These activities can draw attention to issues and pressure the government to address them.

(iii) Utilizing Social Media and Digital Platforms: Social media platforms provide citizens with a means to voice their opinions, share information, and mobilize support for various causes. By using these tools, citizens can highlight issues, demand accountability, and engage with a broader audience, including international observers.

(iv) Participating in Civil Society Organizations: Joining or supporting CSOs that focus on governance, human rights, and accountability can amplify citizens’ efforts to monitor and challenge political office holders. CSOs often have the expertise, resources, and networks to effectively advocate for transparency and good governance.

(v) Filing Freedom of Information Requests: The Freedom of Information Act allows citizens to request information from public institutions. By filing such requests, citizens can obtain data on government activities, expenditures, and decisions, which can be used to hold political office holders accountable.

(vi) Attending Town Hall Meetings and Public Hearings: Citizens can attend town hall meetings, public hearings, and other forums where they can directly interact with political office holders. These platforms provide opportunities to ask questions, raise concerns, and demand explanations for government actions.

(vii) Petitions and Legal Actions: Citizens can submit petitions to government bodies or take legal action against political office holders who engage in misconduct or violate laws. Legal mechanisms provide a formal way to address grievances and seek redress.

(viii) Supporting Investigative Journalism: By supporting and promoting investigative journalism, citizens can help expose corruption, mismanagement, and other forms of malpractice among political office holders. Journalists often rely on tips and information from the public to conduct their investigations.

(3)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Political Instability and Weak Institutions: Weak political institutions and unstable governments make it easier for anti-democratic forces to challenge and undermine democratic systems. Inconsistent governance and lack of rule of law contribute to political instability.

(ii) Corruption and Poor Governance: Rampant corruption and poor governance erode public trust in democratic institutions. When leaders are seen as self-serving and unaccountable, citizens and opposing groups may lose faith in the democratic process, leading to upheavals.

(iii) Economic Hardship and Inequality: Persistent economic difficulties, high unemployment, and widespread poverty can lead to public discontent and support for non-democratic alternatives. Inequality exacerbates tensions and fuels frustration with democratic governance.

(iv) Military Interventions: In some ECOWAS states, the military has a history of intervening in politics. These interventions can disrupt democratic processes and set precedents for future undemocratic takeovers, creating a cycle of instability.

(v) Ethnic and Regional Conflicts: Ethnic and regional divisions can undermine national unity and democratic governance. When governments fail to address these conflicts effectively, it can lead to violence and challenges to the democratic order.

(vi) External Influences: External actors, including foreign governments and international organizations, can influence the political stability of ECOWAS states. Interventions, both supportive and adversarial, can affect the viability of democratic systems.

(vii) Weak Civil Society and Media: A weak civil society and restricted media can limit the ability of citizens to hold their government accountable. Without strong mechanisms for public engagement and oversight, democratic processes are vulnerable to subversion.

(viii) Electoral Malpractices: Fraudulent elections, voter suppression, and other electoral malpractices erode the legitimacy of democratic governments. When elections are perceived as unfair or rigged, it can lead to protests, civil disobedience, and in some cases, military interventions.