MEANING OF NON-CENTRALISED STATES

Non-centralised states were states that represented only small political units where powers were not concentrated under a single authority. They are also referred to as stateless societies. These states were organized in such a way that supreme power seemed to be vested in various units, including members of the entire society in what was commonly referred to as village democracy, and acephalous or stateless societies. Typical examples of groups in Nigeria that adopted the non-centralised state structure include the igbo people of eastern Nigeria, the Tiv people, and some other groups in the central Nigerian area.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NON-CENTRALISED STATES

Non-centralised states are the opposite of what is obtained in a centralised state system. The following are the characteristics common with non-centralised states.

1. They usually have smaller territories.
2. They have less complex political and administrative system.
3. They do not have recognized central political authority.
4. Power is divided among several units.
5. Decision making is slower and requires much consultation.
6. There is little room for dictatorship or authoritarianism.
7. There are checks and balances.