Citation

Johnson K, Hutchison ML. J. Peacebuild. Dev. 2012; 7(2): 37-52.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, University of San Diego, Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15423166.2012.743811

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Africa is a region characterised by state fragility based largely on the failure of Western-style institutions. This article argues that local/hybrid political order can emerge as a response to lack of access and persistent sub-national concentrations (decentralisation) of power in post-colonial states. The role of sharia in producing political trust in three states in Nigeria is examined and the argument advanced that even in divided states it can function to increase trust, thereby providing legitimacy. The study finds broad support for the contention that hybrid political orders produce greater legitimacy, with trust in local and national governments reflected in Kebbi, Kaduna, and Zamfara states that generally exceed national averages.