Observation

This was the most popular and a straight forward question. All the candidates who attempted it performed very well and scored high marks. Nevertheless, some candidates deprived themselves good marks in part (b) by mere listing the points without further explanation. Candidates were expected to provide the following answers to the question:

(a)       Sovereignty is the supreme power/authority of the state to manage its affairs          and control its territory without any external control or interference.

 (b)       (i)         International laws:  impose certain restrictions on states.
(ii)        International treaties and agreements:  States obey the terms of       international treaties and agreements to which they are      parties/signatories.
(iii)       Influence of powerful states/nations:  e.g. USA, UK, France, China,                       etc.
(iv)       Membership of international organizations:  e.g. UNO, AU,                                     ECOWAS, etc.
(v)        Inter-dependence of states in trade and commerce.
(vi)       Technical assistance from other states.
(vii)      Diplomatic immunity.
(viii)     Geographical location of a country e.g. a landlocked country.
(ix)       International public opinion.
(x)        Defence Pact and Alliances

    (xi)       Globalization:  modern technology could be used against a country’s sovereignty