GODFATHERISM AND GOVERNANCE IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA. THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION AS A PANACEA

Change of government entails the transition from one crop of leaders to another. Godfatherism was discovered as a factor that has become an antidote to the truncating of the smooth process of succession of governments in Nigeria. It is equally clear that money has become a factor that plays a major role in seeking to appease the godfathers from the godsons who are interested in political positions. The work found out that in trying to get to these political positions; various plots are employed by way of killing, maiming, false thumbprinting, falsification of results, snatching of ballot boxes as part of the process to the making of the godsons and anointed candidate to come into the seat of power. The consequence is that the electorate is disregarded, utterly disrespected and politically denied the dividends of their hard earned democracy. The purpose of this work therefore is to expose the factors that
have brought about the social cancer or worm of godfatherism; its historical underpinnings, the consequences and effects on the Nigerian polity. The methodology employed here includes both the primary and secondary
materials. Print media and newspapers were very useful since it was used to unearth the popular dissent of many Nigerians of this social problem. The findings here show that if Nigerians can get it right from the very inception of
change of government, people responsive government will be given birth to and thereby enhancing socio-political and economic development of the nation

ONWUGBONU, LEONARD IFEANYI, A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION AND HUMAN RELATIONS IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE MASTER OF ARTS (M.A) DEGREE IN RELIGION AND HUMAN RELATIONS