Appropriating the Ethos of Confucius for the Rebuilding of the Nigerian Commonwealth

Emmanuel Williams Udoh

doi:10.26858/pdr.v4i1.14794

Abstract

The Nigerian commonwealth has been bastardized by our national political and economic managers. This has given rise to the current cry in search of unity, peace and patriotism of Nigerians. It can be said again that things have fallen apart and the centre seems not to hold any longer. The current wave of corruption, bloodshed, ethnic militia and communal and political subdivisions and carpet crossing at our political arena are clear signs of the deteriorating state of our Nigerian commonwealth. Good Nigerians desire to see Nigeria return back to her former glory of oneness, prosperity and pride. That is why this research explored the ethos of Confucius for the rebuilding of the Nigerian commonwealth. This work which is anchored on the sociological theory of “Structural Functionalism” propounded by Emile Durkheim (1850-1917) and adopted the qualitative or exploratory research method in gathering information. It employed the content analysis approach in examining available printed materials on the subject matter. The findings from the research showed that Nigerians have deviated from the ethical values that had initially been the source of strength and toe the path of selfishness, ethnicity and division. This new path became a path to corruption and disintegration. The research recommends an inclusiveness of human responsibility for improving life; adoption of an ideal political system founded on “ideals of personal conduct” rather than on formerly enacted laws; and adoption of a viable religious ethos that will revitalize the ailing economic, social and political status of the Nigerian commonwealth.

Highlights

Nigeria being a country that is divinely blessed with both material and human resources has become a laughing stock for other nations, even in Africa (Eyo & Ogar 2014; Ikegbu et al, 2009)
Nigeria had earned the respect of other nations of the world due to its determination to co-exist in unity and peace
A lot could be learned from the ethos of Confucius that could help Nigeria rebuild here commonwealth

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Nigeria being a country that is divinely blessed with both material and human resources has become a laughing stock for other nations, even in Africa (Eyo & Ogar 2014; Ikegbu et al, 2009). The Confucius religious philosophy is based on the ancient Chinese beliefs in the Lord on high, the mandate of heaven, ancestor worship, spirits, and the efficacy of rituals Confucius developed from these roots a school of thought that emphasizes the cultivation of moral virtues and the interaction between human rulers and heaven, with political involvement as the way to transforming the world (Fisher 2008:202). The book of Mengzi or Mencius, the teachings of Confucius has it that Tian produces in humans four potentials which, if they are pursued and cultivated through education and practice, lead to lives in which the four great virtues are expressed They are Ren and Li; Yi (the right disposition and action); and Zhi (insight or wisdom). Some of the specific teachings that directly affect the focus of this work include the following:

On Government principles

The Superior Man

CONCLUSION