A cursory look at the Nigerian economy reveals that it is in dire need of diversification from a ... more A cursory look at the Nigerian economy reveals that it is in dire need of diversification from a mono-economy to one that generates revenue from multiple streams. The over-dependence on oil has plunged the economy into recession. The copyright industry has the potential to be a great revenue earner for the country. Statistics show that in 2014, the Motion Pictures, Sound Recording and Music Products sub-sector of the copyright industry contributed about N9 trillion to the economy. Out of that figure, Nollywood, the world's third largest film producer contributed about N1.72 trillion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These figures reveal that the copyright industry is a cash-cow that can be utilised effectively to boost the economy. However, piracy is a formidable obstacle inhibiting the growth of the sector. Research shows that piracy must be seriously tackled if the copyright industry is to make any meaningful contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria. Piracy has stunted the growth of the copyright industry. The consequential effects include loss of Foreign Investment in the entertainment sector, discouraging creativity, loss of revenue for authors and the government as well etc. This paper reviews the state of copyright protection in Nigeria, piracy and infringement of copyright works and its impact on the economy, and the various response mechanisms towards tackling piracy which the paper likens to the proverbial Gordian knot.
A look at the field of international politics reveal that many countries are plagued by secession... more A look at the field of international politics reveal that many countries are plagued by secessionist agitations by component units of the State such as the case Biafra in Nigeria, Scotland in United Kingdom, Quebec in Canada, Catalonia in Spain etc. These secessionist agitations across the globe have had negative consequences on international peace and security. For instance, the secession of South Sudan from Sudan and Kosovo from Serbia were marred by war and armed conflicts. Similarly, armed conflict arose from the secession of Crimea from Ukraine. The question therefore is whether international law supports the secession of any group within a State without the consent of the parent State. In view of the above, this paper appraised the position of international law on secession and its relationship with the right of peoples to self-determination. The paper concluded that judging from available doctrines of international law and works of scholars and jurists in this area, that international law does not confer on any group within a State the right to secede. This finding is supported principally by the doctrine of sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. The paper also examined the potency of the argument of some secessionist groups that have anchored their claim of a right to secession on the right of peoples to self-determination. It is further submitted that that despite vesting all peoples with the right to self-determination, such right does not confer a general right to secession in international law. Thus, it is submitted that there is no right to secession in international law. However, the paper noted that some scholars have made strong case for the recognition of a limited right to secession under certain circumstances such as when the group in question has been subjected to immense oppression by the parent state. The argument being that, the parent state by its acts of oppression has shown its inability to protect that group of people within the framework of the existing State. Hence, justifying secession as an exercise of the right to self-determination. This argument was used to justify the case of Kosovo, however it lacks universal application and acceptance.
A cursory look at the Nigerian economy reveals that it is in dire need of diversification from a ... more A cursory look at the Nigerian economy reveals that it is in dire need of diversification from a mono-economy to one that generates revenue from multiple streams. The over-dependence on oil has plunged the economy into recession. The copyright industry has the potential to be a great revenue earner for the country. Statistics show that in 2014, the Motion Pictures, Sound Recording and Music Products sub-sector of the copyright industry contributed about N9 trillion to the economy. Out of that figure, Nollywood, the world's third largest film producer contributed about N1.72 trillion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These figures reveal that the copyright industry is a cash-cow that can be utilised effectively to boost the economy. However, piracy is a formidable obstacle inhibiting the growth of the sector. Research shows that piracy must be seriously tackled if the copyright industry is to make any meaningful contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria. Piracy has stunted the growth of the copyright industry. The consequential effects include loss of Foreign Investment in the entertainment sector, discouraging creativity, loss of revenue for authors and the government as well etc. This paper reviews the state of copyright protection in Nigeria, piracy and infringement of copyright works and its impact on the economy, and the various response mechanisms towards tackling piracy which the paper likens to the proverbial Gordian knot.
A look at the field of international politics reveal that many countries are plagued by secession... more A look at the field of international politics reveal that many countries are plagued by secessionist agitations by component units of the State such as the case Biafra in Nigeria, Scotland in United Kingdom, Quebec in Canada, Catalonia in Spain etc. These secessionist agitations across the globe have had negative consequences on international peace and security. For instance, the secession of South Sudan from Sudan and Kosovo from Serbia were marred by war and armed conflicts. Similarly, armed conflict arose from the secession of Crimea from Ukraine. The question therefore is whether international law supports the secession of any group within a State without the consent of the parent State. In view of the above, this paper appraised the position of international law on secession and its relationship with the right of peoples to self-determination. The paper concluded that judging from available doctrines of international law and works of scholars and jurists in this area, that international law does not confer on any group within a State the right to secede. This finding is supported principally by the doctrine of sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. The paper also examined the potency of the argument of some secessionist groups that have anchored their claim of a right to secession on the right of peoples to self-determination. It is further submitted that that despite vesting all peoples with the right to self-determination, such right does not confer a general right to secession in international law. Thus, it is submitted that there is no right to secession in international law. However, the paper noted that some scholars have made strong case for the recognition of a limited right to secession under certain circumstances such as when the group in question has been subjected to immense oppression by the parent state. The argument being that, the parent state by its acts of oppression has shown its inability to protect that group of people within the framework of the existing State. Hence, justifying secession as an exercise of the right to self-determination. This argument was used to justify the case of Kosovo, however it lacks universal application and acceptance.
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Papers by Geoffrey Adonu