Rejecting continuity and rupture

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Periodical article

Title:	Rejecting continuity and rupture
Author:	Willott, Chris
Year:	2014
Periodical:	African and Asian Studies (ISSN 1569-2094)
Volume:	13
Issue:	4
Pages:	405-428
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	Igbo corruption patronage local government attitudes
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1163/15692108-12341315
Abstract:	Patronage and financial corruption are rife in the contemporary Nigerian state and have gained widespread social acceptance, indicating a belief that it is legitimate to appropriate state resources for personal gain. In this paper the author concentrates on the historical antecedents of this state of affairs. Focusing on the Igbo-speaking south-east of the country, he argues that an understanding of contemporary Nigeria must be based on a syncretic analysis: that is, a combination of influences from pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial eras. Despite this, the colonial era should not be downplayed as an influence, as some have sought to argue. In particular, he argues that the imposition of warrant chiefs in previously acephalous communities with participatory governance engendered a belief that government did not belong to local people. Bibliogr., note, sum. [Journal abstract]