SIST Journal of Religion and Humanities (SJRH) is a peer reviewed multidisciplinary biannual contextualized journal that publishes original well researched papers. The journal accepts articles from the fields of Religion, Theology, Philosophy and other areas of the humanities which are well situated on the human condition mainly in Africa and other parts of the world. SJRH is a publication of Spiritan International School of Theology, Attakwu, Enugu, Nigeria (known for her pursuit of studies on inculturation) in affiliation with the Department of Religion and Human Relations, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
ETHICAL APPROACH TO PARTICIPATIONS IN THE EUCHARIST: AN EXEGETICAL STUDY OF 1 CORINTHIANS 11:27-30
The one ultimate model of behaviour for Christians all over the world has always remained Jesus Christ, whose way of life is presented for them to imitate. But then, beside Christ’s exemplary life style, there are numerous instructions from Him which Christians should adhere to in order to please God. Most of these instructions and actions were later termed Sacrament from the early Christian doctrines. The Eucharist also rendered as the Lord’s Supper was not just an act which Christ performed or instituted but one which he further instructs his followers to do always. Little wonder, Paul, the author of 1 Corinthians saw the need to emphasize on this act by repeating Christ’s statement thus; touto poieite eis ten emen anamnesin (this do in my remembrance). To further emphasize on the sacred nature of the Eucharist, Christians were warned on what their attitude and moral standard should be like in order to partake in it. In this work however, effort was not geared towards adding to or removing from what the biblical instructions towards the Eucharist stated but on understanding and interpreting them from an exegetical approach especially when it comes to unethical attitude towards this act as a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ. It is the position and belief of the researcher that the Sacrament of the Eucharist if well handled by Christians could go to a greater extent in restoring health, peace and harmony which are gradually drifting away in the contemporary Christian Church and the society at large. This work is therefore, primarily concerned with a deep and interpretative study of 1 Corinthians 11: 27-30. The study is therefore ambivalent; exegetical and reflective. The first part dealt with the interpretation while the second part dealt with the reflection on how this phenomenon could take the Christian Church to greater height as the body of Christ if properly harnessed.
Chukwukere Justice Ihetu & Izuchukwu Kizito Okoli
A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF NIGERIA DEMOCRACY VIS-A-VIS KARL POPPER’S CONCEPT OF OPEN SOCIETY
Democracy suggests that government is actually the ‘will of the people,’ since all those who occupy the positions of State authority are freely chosen by the people periodically through free and fair elections. Democracy can, however, become an albatross leading to bad governance if elected political actors renege and disregard the consent and interests of the citizens. In such abusive cases, democracy becomes undemocratic and tyrannical. What is the sociopolitical atmosphere required in the society for democracy to succeed? What should be the response of citizens when democratically elected persons become totalitarian? Is violent response permitted in such a situation? What is Karl Popper’s standpoint on this issue? Put simply, therefore, the problem studied in this article is the tendency in democracy for elected leaders to become undemocratic and totalitarian; what are the conditions that predispose this possibility? Karl Popper tackled this problem by proposing the notion of open society in his work The Open Society and Its Enemies. This article exposes Popper’s notion of open society. The research applies Popper’s claims to exposing and tackling the myriad of challenges besetting the practice of democracy in Nigeria. The method of analysis is employed. The research finds out that Nigeria society is more closed than open due to the effects of ethno-religious chauvinism which has led to identity politics, weak institutions and political corruption. It suggests that despite this challenges democracy should not be sidelined in Nigeria. Popper’s idea of ‘Piecemeal social engineering’ is thus posited as panacea for the challenges of democracy in Nigeria.
JohnMary Uche Odinigwe & Charles C. Nweke
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN ONITSHA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: A SOCIO-RELIGIOUS INVESTIGATION
Domestic violence is the most prevalent violent crime against women, particularly in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Historically, dysfunctional families often reflect interpersonal conflicts where women are disproportionately affected. This reality challenges the “culture of silence” that has traditionally obscured the issue of domestic violence in the region. Data collected indicates a worrying increase in incidents such as rape, battered wives, sexual harassment, and abuse of housemaids by those expected to protect them. This study aims to provide a social and religious investigation into domestic violence against women in Onitsha North, guided by four specific purposes. Utilizing both primary and secondary research methods, along with a historical approach for data analysis, the findings reveal that high rates of domestic violence stem from factors like intolerance of differing opinions, anger mismanagement, and alcohol abuse. Given the serious implications of domestic violence on the community, urgent attention is required. It is recommended that parents foster patience and self-control in the presence of their children, as children observe and learn behavior patterns from adults. Additionally, stricter penalties for perpetrators of domestic violence are essential to safeguard women. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by advocating for effective punitive measures to reduce domestic violence, underscoring the importance of addressing its root causes in Onitsha North and Nigeria at large.
Chinelo Theodora Nwaezuke & Godfrey Oguechuo Afamnede
RELEVANCE OF TOTEMIC CREATURES TO AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION
In African Traditional Religion, there are certain things they believe in. However, one of those things is Totemic animals. These are animals that are revered by some towns and villages in Africa because of what they stand for in them. These totems are very important, revered and play a very important role in their lives. This paper tried to look at how the different towns and villages select their totems and what qualifies each animal to become totem. It was discovered that for an animal to become totem, it must have played a very important role in the lives of the people. At times it might be saving them from inter-tribal wars or providing for them during famine. It was also discovered that once it is unanimously agreed by the whole community that an animal becomes their totem, automatically all the members begins to pay allegiance. It was also discovered that each village has a particular day they pay allegiance or homage to theirs inform of sacrifice. Socio-cultural approach was employed in the research study. The work recommends that totems, should be respected by everyone in the community. It also recommends that those from other religion should not see it as something bad rather a way of promoting one's religion and culture.
POLITICAL AND ETHNIC MARGINALIZATION OF THE IGBO IN NIGERIA FOURTH REPUBLIC
This research delves into an examination of political and ethnic marginalization in Nigeria by the political class, with a particular reference to the Igbo people in the Fourth Republic. Employing a multi-dimensional approach, which draws from historical records, governmental reports, and contemporary academic literature, a lot of findings were made. This approach enables a comprehensive exploration of the historical and socio-political factors that contribute to Igbo marginalization, shaped by some factors such as colonial rule, the Nigerian Civil War, and shifts in Nigeria’s political framework. Through systematic analysis, the study highlights ongoing consequences, Monday sit-at- home syndrome, challenges, including limited political representation, economic disparities, and unresolved grievances from past civil war. Findings indicate that these factors collectively hinder social justice, economic opportunities, and equitable national participation for the Igbo, contributing to broader implications for national unity, economic stability, and social cohesion in Nigeria. The research argues that addressing Igbo marginalization is vital to fostering a more inclusive Nigerian democracy. It presents policy or recommendations to mitigate these issues, including constitutional reforms, affirmative action initiatives, the establishment of truth and reconciliation processes, and mechanisms for enhanced representation. These measures are proposed as essential steps toward reducing ethnic tensions and promoting equity within Nigeria's diverse society.
DENOMINATIONALISM AND CHRISTIAN INTRA-FAITH MARRIAGES IN NIGERIA
This study explores the impact of denominationalism on Christian intra-faith marriages in Nigeria, examining how denominational affiliations shape marital dynamics, relationships, and stability. Nigeria's diverse Christian landscape, comprising various denominations, presents a unique context for investigating the intersections of faith, marriage, and denominational identity. Findings: The study reveals that denominationalism significantly influences Christian intra-faith marriages in Nigeria and the findings include: denominational differences often lead to conflicts and tensions in marriages, couples from different denominations face challenges integrating their faith practices and traditions, denominational identity can overshadow shared Christian values, leading to marital stress, clergy and church leaders' involvement in marital disputes can exacerbate denominational tensions and socio-cultural factors, such as family and community expectations, compound denominational influences. This study highlights the complex interplay between denominationalism and Christian intra-faith marriages in Nigeria. While denominational affiliations provide a sense of community and identity, they also pose challenges for marital harmony. The findings underscore the need for; interdenominational dialogue and cooperation, clergy training on marital counseling and conflict resolution, couples' education on navigating denominational differences and contextualized marital counseling addressing Nigerian Christian realities. The researcher recommended the following; develop inclusive, ecumenical approaches to Christian marriage enrichment programs, encourage denominational leaders to foster cooperation and understanding, integrate denominational diversity training into pre-marital counseling. This research contributes to the understanding of denominationalism's impact on Christian marriages in Nigeria, informing strategies for promoting marital stability, unity, and faith-based harmony.
CHANGELING AND SHAPE-SHIFTING IN IGBO COSMOLOGY: PARANORMAL PHENOMENA OF SPIRIT CHILDREN AND THEIR HUMAN HOSTS
Mysticism has long been the basis of human cultures, offering insights into experiences beyond ordinary perception. Among the many mystical tales that have captivated human imagination, the myths of changelings and shape-shifting beings hold a unique place. These narratives, often centered around children believed to be connected to the supernatural, reflect humanity's enduring fascination with transformation, identity, and the boundary between the physical and spiritual realms. In Igbo cosmology, changelings are closely tied to the concept of ogbanje, or spirit children, who are believed to repeatedly reincarnate within a family, often causing grief through untimely death. This article explores the cultural and symbolic significance of changelings in Igbo traditional knowledge, comparing them with similar beliefs in other cultures. Additionally, it investigates modern claims of paranormal encounters involving shape-shifting and changelings, offering insights into their relevance in contemporary discourse.
THE INTERSECTION OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION AND GOVERNMENTAL SOCIAL WELFARE IN ALLEVIATING POVERTY IN IGBO LAND
This thesis explores the intersection of Christian religion and social welfare in alleviating poverty in Igbo land. Poverty is a pervasive issue affecting the nation. Existing statistics shows that Nigeria is among the countries with the highest rate of poverty. As of 2022, the poverty rate was targeting 63% of its citizens and lots of efforts had been put in place by the government and the church in order to tackle the scourge of poverty in the society. The Catholic Church in particular, with its deep rooted presence in Igbo communities, had played a significant role in addressing socio-economic challenges through its charitable activities, education programs, healthcare services, and moral teachings while also government social welfare programs focus on formal structures of poverty alleviation, including policy initiatives, social interventions, and development projects. Analyzing the synergistic and independent efforts of these institutions, this research assessed the extent to which their collaboration could impact poverty alleviation outcomes. Using a mixed method approach that is both qualitative and quantitative, the research identified areas of success, existing gaps, and ways for more effective collaboration. An integrated approach between the Catholic Church and government welfare programs would create a more sustainable model for poverty alleviation in Igbo land which would address not only the immediate needs of the citizens but also long term plan of the nation in addressing societal issues including Poverty.
Anne Chioma Nwafenna & PhilipMary Emenike Ayika
NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT AND CULTURAL REVIVALS: A PRODUCT OF RELIGIOUS REVIVALS AND ENLIGHTENMENT
This paper appraised the salient issues involved in the “newness” in African Initiated Churches (AICs) in relation to new religious movements and cultural revivals, not limited to the issues included Africans’ quest for spiritual power, cultural identity, ethnic identity, health, and for economic emancipation system for their own personal and practical purposes of healing or security. The purpose of the study is to examine what is “new” in the new religious movements. The methods of approach include historical and phenomenological methods. The findings showed that the religion is a religion of the oppressed in cultural, social, religious and political spheres.
A REFLECTION ON NIGERIA/GHANA TRADE RELATIONS AND LABOUR MIGRATION
The unfavorable national migration policies existing in Nigeria and Ghana have become extremely detrimental to transnational labour migration and trade relations between both countries. Historical analytical research design is used to analyze the migration policies of Nigeria and Ghana in conjunction with the provisions of ECOWAS free movement protocol. It was found however that Nigeria and Ghana encountered among other issues, two major challenges that transcribed national policies against transnational cooperation which has contributed to persistent economic integration and development crisis in West Africa; they include poor management of national resources for the benefit of their economies, which resulted to the second factor which is the use of labour migrants as patsy to conceal the poor managerial skills and corruptions of the governments.
FIDUCIA SUPPLICANS AND SAME-SEX UNION: A CANONICAL APPRAISAL
Canonical authority in the Catholic Church is not only legislative. It is equally interpretative and as well directive, as clearly stated by canon 16. It is more an obligation, not just when ecclesiastical laws are promulgated, but also when there are topical ecclesiological challenges such as the ripples occasioned by the publication of the Declaration Fiducia Supplicans on December 18, 2023. With the working instruments of Canon Law, a broader spectrum of explanation can be established, in order to offer a certain clarity. This article aims at analyzing the contours of the Declaration Fiducia Supplicans issued by the Dicastery for the doctrine of the faith, while putting into perspective its nature, coherency and applicability or reception. Canon Law and its custodians remain at the service of the Church and of humanity at large.
RELIGION AS A COMMERCE BETWEEN THE GODS AND HUMANITY: AN EVALUATION OF THE RECIPROCITY OF MAKING AND REMAKING OF GODS
Different scholars have defined religion from their different contextual perspectives following situational circumstances. Whichever way, religion has assumed a faith-based practice capable of impacting the individuals or groups involved with belief in and worship of unseen realities known as God / gods. Some see Religion as impactful element designed to influence human conscience, behavioural attitude and emotional reliefs. Religion has impacted on Africans mostly as it percolates into their marrow while seeking and expecting esoteric protection, solution, power and wealth through the worship of supernatural beings. Commerce on the other hand could mean a social dealing between people especially towards the activities of exchange of goods for profit advancement. The economic activities of man has overtly influenced his religious consciousness as his activities in an economic circle have been perceived in his relationship with the divinities. Commerce in religious circle and the change therein have to do with the participation or a contract between the gods and man whereby one party is expected to gain from the other did not start today. And when there is a gap in understanding the main reason for a transaction, there seem to be a breach or a violation of the agreed-upon terms and conditions of the binding contract. Religious change in this context means apostasy or converting from one religion to another religion, or rather abandoning the beliefs of one faith in favour of the other.
THE PUBLICITY OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION AND ITS RELEVANCE TO NATION BUILDING IN NIGERIA
In our world today, we are aware of the conflict in religious differences and disagreements. Thus conflict fueled backwardness and steadiness in the development of countries. This stagnantly have really affected Nigeria as a nation so many ways be it socially, economically, educationally, religiously, etc. However, African Traditional Religion in its entirety has whatever it takes to improve on the nation building and solve the problem of conflicts. As ethical principles and sanction that follow it if imbibed by Nigeria as a nation would go a long way to solve the problems in the nation. This work would x-ray how African Traditional Religion can play a vital role in the nation building of contemporary Nigerian society through its ethical principles and practices. The work employed socio cultural approach as method which enabled the researcher to drive through the research. It was discovered that Nigerian as a nation is passing through various conflicts because they have failed to learn from the dictates and principles of African Traditional Religion. It recommends a paradigm shift from modus operandi of Nigerian Nation to that of African Traditional Religion.
THE MAGNUM OPUS OF ACHEBE’S THINGS FALL APART VIS-À-VIS RELIGIOUS CHANGE
Achebe (1958) captured the peaceful tranquility and values that existed in Igbo culture before the invasion of the whites. Things were no longer the way they used to be, he observed. They planted the superiority seed of conflict for themselves and seed of inferiority for African culture and made the people reject their religious values and ethical norms to embrace and assimilate their foreign religion and culture. They came with their cloths, bible, shoes, material enticement while planting their seed of discord to destabilize the Igbo cherished world and values. Like the dog that suddenly turns to his owner, so it is with man becoming dissatisfied with one religion. The moment a convert enters into contract with a new religion, he/she has petitions and reasons for entering into such contract. The relationship between man and the gods is like give and take – a trade or commerce between the spiritual and man whereby man offers blood of victims as sacrifice, pours libation and in turn expect the gods to reciprocate. When one deity fails, man moves to another or activates another carved image supposed to be more powerful than the former.
CONFRONTING IGBO CONCEPTS OF TRUTH FROM CHRISTIANITY AND THE INDIGENOUS SPIRITUALITIES
On various existential phenomena and social settings, the Igbo person is the struggle for social ethics. Pulled by Christianity on one side, and the indigenous spirituality on the other side, finding a balance in his existential values becomes challenging. Truth is one of those issues that reflect the complexities of the reality of Igbo people, a complexity that emerged with Christianity. In Christianity, truth is theological, theoretical, absolute, personified in Jesus Christ. The Igbo indigenous spiritualties consider truth practical and operational. It is that which aligns with objectivity and is functionally expedient. This article aims to reflect on the concepts of truth in Igbo land from Christianity and the indigenous spiritualities, expose the incongruousness and the relevance they may still have among the Igbo people in their social realities.
THE FUNCTION OF ERGON (WORK) AND SĒMEION (SIGN) IN JOHN 14:12 IN THE CONTEXT OF JOHN’S GOSPEL: A LEXICAL STUDY
Discussions on John 14:12 are summarized under qualitative and quantitative considerations of the verse. Qualitative interpretations conclude that believers in Jesus would do more marvelous works of wonder than Jesus did. On the other hand, quantitative interpretations conclude that those who believe in Jesus would do a greater number of works than Jesus. These interpretations pay attention to the lexical meaning of meizon (greater) in the context of John’s gospel. This study, however, suggests that a study of John 14:12 should come to terms with the lexical and contextual meaning of the concept of ergon while distinguishing it from sēmeion, dunameis or terata in the Johannine gospel. In the end, it concludes that the passage does not mean that those who believe in Jesus would do more mighty works of wonder than him. Rather, they would do more numerous work (ergon) than Jesus since Jesus’ earthly life was restricted both by temporal and spatial limitations. Some of these works done by those who believe in him would function as sēmeion when they point to eternal realities.
TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE IN IGBO SOCIETY: EXPLORING IGBO CULTURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is the collection of indigenous knowledge, customs, and beliefs that have supported ecosystems for many years. A peaceful coexistence of human and the environment in Igboland is fostered by the people's deep grasp of the environment and rich cultural legacy. However, present-day Igboland is delicately faced with a variety of ecological and environmental challenges. These problems pose a major threat to the area's viability and the welfare of its population. This paper uses TEK to delve into the depths of Igbo culture and demonstrate how it is linked to environmental sustainability. The paper adopted Roy Rappaport’s Ecological Anthropology Theory to determine how environmental stewardship promote the understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity and interconnectedness of all living things that can foster protection of environment for the present and for the future. The data was collected through primary and secondary sources while qualitative was used in the analysis. The findings reveal that the customary behaviors, ceremonies, and native knowledge systems ingrained in Igbo customs, shows their significant impact on the management of resources, preservation, and ecological equilibrium. The study also discovered that Igbo agricultural methods like crop rotation, diversified farming, and natural pest control systems are also the epitome of peace with the environment. Moreover, the Igbo hold a sense of responsibility for the preservation of specific natural features, like plants, animals, landscapes, and ecosystems since they consider them to be sacred. Through an analysis of the interactions between Igbo communities and their surroundings, this research aims to demonstrate the significant contributions made by TEK towards the development of modern sustainable ecological practices. Investigating Igbo culture reveals a wealth of information that could be used to inform contemporary conservation tactics and generate a greater understanding of the relationship between environmental sustainability and culture. The paper recommend revitalization of TEK, integration of TEK into policy and decision making, combination of TEK and Western science, and promotion of capacity building as critical for environmental sustainability in Igboland.
AJOFIA IN CHINUA ACHEBE’S METAPHORICAL PRESENTATION: A CASE FOR SACRED SPACES IN IGBO TRADITIONAL ECOSPIRITUALITY
This work viewed Ajọ Ọhia from the prism of its ecological value which translates to religious, social and economic benefits and from the etymological and morphological significance of the words that make it up – “Ajọ” and “Ọhịa”; and gave a dimension that has always missed out in the understanding of that space among the Igbo. It also explored through literary analysis, the metaphor of Ajofia, the chief masquerade among the Egwugwu of Umuofia in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. The conceptual framework of the research is taxonomical, in a sense that it weighed Ajọ Ọhia in the scale of the entire conservation and preservation systems among the Igbo using socio-religious tools and in other cultures of the world which are empirically proven. The work understands “Ajọ Ọhia” as an Igbo code name to designate a space whose preservation is critical to the survival of species and the integrity of the human environment as could also be found in many ancient cultures, like the “The Cedars of Lebanon” and “The rain forests of Amazon”. Ajọ Ọhia is the most imposing symbol of Nsọ among the Igbo, whereas Nsọ is the nucleus of Igbo morality and spirituality. True to its African-ness, all aspects of Igbo life are dependent on human-spirit dynamics. The work, therefore, questions “Evil Forest” as the proper translation of “Ajọ Ọhia” and averred that the elimination of Ajọ Ọhia is predicated upon a mistranslation/misunderstanding and spells the devastation of Igbo ecospirituality. Data collected from literatures and reading of the human and environmental codifications in the Igbo environment was accessed through participant observation, consulting with existing texts and oral interviews; assessed through textual analysis and multidimensional approach.
The scream of the Global South over the years have been rooted in exploitation by Western Colonial powers in the past, the bipolar Cold War system and the desire of the Global North to perpetuate its hegemonic dominance in the global geopolitical in recent decades. Unfortunately, poverty, slavery, depletion, lack of human rights and abuse of natural resources, unemployment, and inequality were its dominant factors. This paper analyses the challenges faced by global south, the most predominant of which emerges due to universally cooperation among its members. It also makes some suggestions to overcome these challenges. Progress will not occur in these countries unless outside and inside forces make positive changes for the well- being of its people and environment. Though, some strategies have been put in place but more efforts are needed to enhance its viability.
NIGERIA DEMOCRACY IN THE LENS OF MAX WEBER’S POLITICAL LEGITIMACY
Governance is a function of both the leaders and the followers. By implication, the leaders would be ineffective without the followers. Yet, even when the followers are present, the leaders can only lead the followers successfully with the consent of the followers. Therefore, governance ought to be a partnership, a friendly agreement, between the leaders and the followers. This analysis brings to light the absolute importance of consent to legitimizing leadership. Leadership or governance is tyrannical without consent. This is why democracy is considered to be the ideal form of governance because it prioritizes the consent of the people as a principle of legitimacy for political authority. Max Weber preaches the same ideal in his socio-political thoughts. Unfortunately, the same cannot be authoritatively said of democratic governance in Nigeria, where giant political actors often subvert the consent of the masses through dirty and devious politicking en route to political power. This is the foundation of the crisis of legitimacy in democratic governance in Nigeria. It is this problem that this thesis seeks to address. How is consent related to political legitimacy? Can consent accrue from any other value or quantity outside the will of the people (such as excellent performance in office)? To what extent is democracy democratic if the leaders do not represent the choice of the people? This thesis studies Max Weber’s postulations on political legitimacy in relation to democratic governance in Nigeria. It seeks to proffer solutions to the legitimacy crisis threatening democracy in Nigeria vis-à-vis the Weberian standpoint. The thesis finds out that the Weberian standpoint on the three sources of legitimacy (tradition, charisma and legality) is apt. Same can be used to improve democratic governance in Nigeria should the citizens brace up to the challenge of protecting and properly harnessing their assent (consent) by voting adequately during elections. It however notes that traditional legitimacy is at the center of the crisis of legitimacy challenging democratic governance in Nigeria due to the unhealthy influence of tribe and religion.
World history has shown that the centrality of sustainable unity among individuals, societies, nations and countries for the realization of desirable social order and holistic development is not contestable. Consistent with this belief, some thinkers who seek solutions to the various developmental crises in Africa are quick to identify “unity of African people and nations” as the requirement for effective development and desirable progress in Africa. Some of these thinkers often times pin down the ordeal of African unity and lack of development on the antecedents of colonialism and neo-colonialism. It seems that less emphasis is being laid on the role of xenophobia in the quest for African unity. Using the method of critical analysis and reflection on political issues and events in Africa, this research paper identified xenophobia as a huge stumbling block towards the attainment of African unity; it also identified, besides other causes of xenophobic tendencies, the lack of proper knowledge of the unique and self-identity of the various tribes and nations in Africa as the remote cause of xenophobic action. Thus, it proposed the advent of an African Orientation Agency that will create enough room for a large membership that will draw from the various tribes and nations in Africa. In its duties, this agency will be able to achieve certain goals—It will rationally domicile and disseminate the knowledge of the self-identity of the various tribes in Africa to Africans. As the saying goes— “the fear of the unknown is far greater than the fear of the known”. This knowledge and awareness will greatly reduce xenophobia with its tendencies; it will predispose the Africans towards a process of healing from the damages already caused by xenophobic actions and this will engender unity in Africa.
THE STRING BETWEEN NEO-LIBERALISM, NEO-IMPERIALISM AND GLOBALIZATION
The string between Neo-liberalism, Neo-imperialism, and globalization is very complex because they seem similar with likely features and end goals. This study aims to unravel the mystery, the strings, between the concepts. Historically, they are all linked to the history of slavery, colonialism, and Neo-colonialism, and understanding the basics and desires for them is the foundation of Neo-liberalism, Neo-Imperialism, and Globalization. Kwame Nkurumah opined that Imperialism is the last state of colonialism. Colonialism is linked to Slavery; Neo-colonialism is linked to colonialism; Neo-Imperialism is linked to Imperialism; Neo-Liberalism is linked to Neo-Imperialism; and they are all converged in globalization.This article is geared towards making the exposition clear in strictosensu. There are dual arguments between the concepts. But one thing is clear: the developing world or the global south has been at the receiving end of the implementation of those contemporary issues in global and advanced political conditions. This work will expose those conditionlesss conditions.
THE SOCIO-POLITICAL NEXUS BETWEEN CITIZENSHIP AND MIGRATION
This work is an attempt to provide a succinct account of the relationship between citizenship and migration. It does this by highlighting the variables and contending issues which confront states and organized societies in their quest to determine who qualifies to become a citizen and who does not, as well as challenges associated with the process of migration and rights of migrants. In this regard, this work recommends a middle ground approach which supports neither unregulated open door approach nor insensitive restriction of migrants with genuine needs. At the domestic level, this work also suggests the removal of “state of origin” provision in the official documentation of Nigerians as this would galvanize them to consider themselves primarily as Nigerians before any other parochial considerations. The work concludes by making some other recommendations towards ensuring that the challenges associated with citizenship and migration are either prevented or nipped in the bud. In carrying out this research the methodology is qualitative while employing theoretical analysis in the research. This is because this is a research in political philosophy which relies mainly on literature rather than data for information and proof.
DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA: A PHILOSOPHICAL INVESTIGATION
Democracy is a system of government that claims to allow power to reside in the hands of the people. Majority rule, thus becomes the hallmark of every democratic system of government. What this means is that what matters most in a democracy is the majority interest. The leaders strive to represent only the interests of the masses as evidenced in the majority. How true is this regarding the African experience of democracy? This essay reflects on the practice of democracy in Africa. Effort is made to expose the pitfalls of democracy in Africa. The method of analysis is employed in the discourse. The claim in this essay is that, largely, democracy has failed in Africa due to the presence of bad leaders in the continent who constitute the minority. The minority political elitist class in Africa from whom leaders emerge have a wrong disposition to governance. Governance for them is basically a means for the service of their selfish insatiable interests allowing the interests of the majority that constitute the masses to suffer. This is why democracy continues to fail in Africa. The essay therefore calls on Africans to become more active and involved in politics, and by so doing, learn to hold their leaders accountable. With such massive active participation in politics, Africa will be freed from the greedy political elites that have kept the continent backward.
Stephen Chibuikem Okeke & Francis Okechukwu Ndubusi
A CRITICAL OVERVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY ANARCHISM: A SOLUTION TO REMODELING THE SOCIETY
The problem of individual freedom, the authority of state and the obligation of citizens to the state have been the point of focus and debate over the years. This enigma has led many political philosophers and political gladiators within the political arena to proffer certain theories with the assurance that if logically monitored will lead to social nirvana. Within this thinking, many philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes and Lock are of the opinion that individuals will attain the highest potentials of their personality under the state and its apparatus. In contrast to this view is the traditional problem of the liberalist political theory- the anarchists who rather deny the supremacy of authority over the individual. The anarchist believe in the individual's authority over the state as both the Alpha and Omega. It is within these extremes that this research seeks to investigate backdrops of anarchist caveats, expose their political philosophy, state their attack on state property and law, its attainment to the demise of the State and recommend the anarchists modem for remodeling the society using the critical, analytic and explanatory methods as research methodology.
Austin Inyamigim Ntol & Johnpaul Chinedu Enemuo
Can a war, which means the destruction of human lives and heritage, be just? Are there facets within the confines of reasonableness into which the destruction of human life and resources can be articulated? An Igbo adage maintains: onye jụ ọgụ, ọ naghị ajụ ntụkwụlụ ọgụ. “One who resolves not to fight would suspend the resolution when an aggressor means harm.” When the aggressor is certain and the harm confirmed grave, one may pitch for battle to stop the harm through the principles of double effect and lesser evil.
PhilipMary Emenike Ayika & Francis O. Ndubisi
CONFRONTING THE CONCEPTS OF TRUTH IN IGBO LAND FROM CHRISTIANITY AND THE INDIGENOUS SPIRITUALITIES
THE RELIGIO-ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF IGBO YOUTHS MASS MIGRATION FROM NIGERIA
This research work discussed the religio-ethical implications of Igbo youth’s mass migration from Nigeria: the tantrums, challenges and lessons. This study was guided by the following objectives: to examine the reasons behind the mass migration phenomenon among Igbo youths, the impact of mass migration on the religious beliefs and practices of Igbo youths, the ethical challenges emerge as a result of mass migration among Igbo youths, and the social and cultural consequence of mass migration for Igbo community in Nigeria. The study recommended some remedies to stop the exodus. The study employed the survey research design. Questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection and analyzed using probability sampling technique. The findings revealed that the factors responsible for Igbo youths mass migration includes: human rights violations such as child marriage, sexual exploitation particularly for women, violence and unpaid labour. It confirms that the migration of Igbo youths is a reality by the respondents to the questionnaire. It is concluded in this study those Igbo youths mass migration is clearly a strategy for economic emancipation. Igbo youths leave in order to get established and pave way for other family members in the cities. It is therefore recommended that education and awareness, developed educational programs that emphasize the importance of preserving cultural heritage and understanding the religio-ethical dimensions of migration can reduce mass migration amongst Igbo youths. This can be done through workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns targeting both the Igbo community and the host societies. Interfaith dialogue can foster interfaith cooperation between different religious communities to promote understanding and respect for diverse belief systems. This can help mitigate tensions and conflicts arising from religious differences.
Geoffrey Chiazo Nganwuchu & Kenechukwu Afunugo
GERONTOCRATIC KAKISTOCRACY IN NIGERIAN POLITY: QUESTIONING PROPER GOVERNANCE AND FUNCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Nigeria, country of many fragmented and disengaging nations, has continued to have problems with her polity right from her birth in 1914. Many scholars have tried to nail Nigerian problems to tribalism and ethnic6+ism which started with the amalgamation of unrelated nations, ethnic-tribal groups and independent regions as a country. Other intellectuals have moved a step from this endemic canker-worm in Nigeria polity to proffer corruption (as a result of years of awful governance) and bad leadership as the monstrous hydra-headed problem in Nigeria polity. Kakistocracy rightly defines the type of government practised in Nigeria polity where the worst in the midst the possible bests and outdated old persons are either elected or selected and or imposed on the populace in the name of democracy. The researcher in the course of this work finds out that as long as Nigeria is managed by kakistos and by greontocrats (those incapacitated by mere age) her governance will ever remain impalpable with an imperceptible and questionable development.
AN ETHICAL INQUIRY ON SARTRE’S CONCEPT OF FREEDOM
This paper makes an effort to critically explain Jean-Paul Sartre's view of freedom. It also attempts to clarify the moral implications of Sartre's notion of freedom. The essential idea of human freedom serves as the foundation of Jean Paul Sartre's existentialism, which he renders distinctive. Sartre starts his discussion of existentialism by describing reality from a phenomenological perspective. This type of study emphasizes the importance of human consciousness in terms of decision-making and freedom. In Sartre's existentialism, a feeling of consciousness also precedes freedom and self-determination in terms of a person's ability to make moral decisions. This essay investigates the significance of Sartre's conception of freedom and its implications for the field of moral judgment. To do this, the paper uses the analytical technique to assess some of the contentious points made in Sartre's proposal about the ideas of responsibility, freedom, and choice.