Utilitarianism and the Challenges of Insecurity in Nigeria from 2015 to 2019

Abstract

One defining character of Nigeria federalism is the heterogeneous nature comprising of over two hundred and fifty ethnic nationalities with diverse culture, religion and values. The current population of Nigeria is 199,617,970 based on the latest United Nations estimate. The country experienced a chequered history due to incessant military intervention after independence in 1960.The military finally relinquished power on the 29 th May, 1999 and since then, Nigeria has been plunged into one form of insecurity or the other. Hopes of better days ahead grow dim everyday and in 2015, insecurity was the campaign slogan against the then incumbent government and the political party that assumed power on 29 th May, 1999(The Peoples Democratic Party). The need for change was hinged on insecurity in view of the spate of violence causing deaths and destruction of properties from the acts of terrorism, banditry, ethnic clashes etc. The event from 2015 to 2019 has shown a geometric rise of the level of insecurity in Nigeria while other forms of insecurity have emerged. There are laws, security outfits as well as a legitimate government in place and yet the lives and properties of people are daily in danger. The objective of this study is to proffer solutions to the challenges of insecurity. The challenges of insecurity are placed at the doorstep of the government and the process of decision-making. The study recommends the application of the utilitarian ethics as a compass to chart the path of security to avoid senseless carnage that is a threat to the corporate existence of the nation. Keywords: Utilitarianism, insecurity, terrorism, banditry, altruism etc DOI : 10.7176/JLPG/86-07 Publication date :June 30 th 2019