These two concepts are Nigeria’s Inglorious Contribution to World Political Lexicon. And thanks to Professor Bugaje who drew my attention to research work that produced these concepts.
This word; Prebendalism is often discussed in the context of Nigeria and was introduced into the lexicon of politics of Nigeria by Richard Joseph in his study of Nigeria’s Second Republic (1979–1983).
It refers to a broader pattern of political behavior where public resources are treated as private assets.
Prebendalism is political concept where elected officials and government workers feel entitled to a share of government revenues, using their positions to benefit themselves, their supporters, and their ethnic or religious groups.
It is a form of decentralized patrimonialism often characterized by patronage, corruption, and rent-seeking and it is frequently associated with Nigerian politics.
Public office is viewed as a “prebend” or source of personal enrichment which is there is always a celebration when one gets into public office. It is also the reason why politics in Nigeria is a do or die affair.
In Nigeria, Officials use their positions to distribute government resources (jobs, contracts, money) to their clients, securing loyalty and maintaining political power.
The Consequences of Prebendalism are harrowing and they include stifling development, increase in poverty and inequality, and it is there is intensity of unhealthy competition for public office.
Patrimonialism on the other hand is a form of government where state administration is treated as an extension of the leader’s or elite’s personal
Do these concepts describe our present Nigeria? I’m just asking.
