Philosophy of the State and Power Shift in Nigeria

A Historical Discourse

Abstract

This work does a hermeneutics of the operational philosophy of the state of Nigeria since her independence in 1960, and consequently does a historical discourse of power shifts in the country. This is done with a view to suggesting that the nation is better off with the rule of law philosophy of state which is in tandem with the nation’s acclaimed democracy. It traces the origin of Nigeria and narrates how the mantle of the nation’s leadership was changed from one leader to another, often military men or ex-military men. The paper observed that the operational philosophy of the state of Nigeria over the years, has been the Thrasymachian principle that might is right. The paper notes that even when the nation changed to civil rule, there was no departure from this Thrasymachian or Machiavelian ideology. The paper expresses the view that this ideology can only lead the nation to retrogression and devastation. The paper concludes that only the ‘rule of law’ philosophy of the state can help the nation achieve progress and development. The paper is convinced that the institution of the rule of law philosophy is a function of leadership and can only be done through the practice of the ideals of true democracy.