ololo kennedy okechukwu

Every nation owes it a sacred duty to provide for its citizens and institutions a smooth, transparent and democratic transaction, which is seen as free and fair. This is ensured through the creation of suitable environment and enactment of necessary electoral laws which serve as a check on abuse during election. Regrettably, elections in Nigeria have before 2007 general elections assume a problematic status. This is a serious National Political Crisis. The 2007 elections could not he said to be better either as opposition political parties, international observers, pro-democracy, non-governmental organizations and political analysts have adjudged' the election of 14" and 21'" April 2007 as lacking in electoral transparency and fairness and are sources to certain violence, which occurred at that period. This study is intended to examine the occurrence of electoral ma/practices in Nigerian politics with reference to the 2007 elections and its attendant violence.

The study focused on the effects of socio-cultural factors on utilization of healthcare facilities in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State. The study area consisted of five communities namely: Muye, Lapai, Arewa, Gabas, and Kudu. A sample of one hundred (100) respondents from the five communities were taken through clustered random sampling techniques and the rate of return was 97. Data for the study were gathered through both quantitative and qualitative method. It was analyzed using frequencies and percentage. From the analysis, the findings shows that socio-cultural factors, especially cultural practices and belief systems of the people have strong effects on their utilization of healthcare facilities. In view of the findings, the study recommends that proper orientation and enlightenment should be given to the people on the importance of utilizing healthcare facilities.