Nigeria's path to justice and unity has been a challenging journey, one that has been shaped by the 'might-is-right' conception of political power. This country, born from the self-serving interests of a British businessman, has struggled to break free from its unjust foundations.
The theory of political justice, as envisioned by philosopher John Rawls, offers a beacon of hope. Rawls' concept of the 'veil of ignorance' provides a framework for reimagining Nigeria as a fair and cooperative society. But how can a nation, so deeply rooted in self-interest, embrace this ideal?
Let's delve into Nigeria's history. The country's creation was a result of a trading monopoly, with little regard for the well-being of its people. Even after independence, the power dynamics remained unchanged, with one set of self-serving leaders replaced by another. The struggle for independence was a zero-sum game, dominated by ethnic politics, and post-independence Nigeria has been an 'extractive' state, where a small elite wields absolute power.
Contrast this with the United States, a nation that Nigeria claims to emulate in its political system. In America, public life is guided by contractarian principles, where the constitution limits state power and guarantees the rights of its citizens. The US president, despite his global influence, is constitutionally constrained, a stark difference from Nigeria's unfettered presidential power.
So, why the disparity? The US founding fathers, unlike their Nigerian counterparts, established institutions based on principles of fairness and justice, not personal gain. They understood the dangers of unbridled power and sought to constrain it.
Rawls' 'original position' theory asks a fundamental question: If a rational person had a blank slate to create a society, what would it look like? His answer lies in the 'veil of ignorance,' where people create a fair society without knowing their role in it. By imagining themselves at the bottom, they ensure a just society for all.
This is the challenge for Nigeria. It needs leaders who can rise above self-interest and create a just, peaceful, and prosperous nation. Leaders who, like the US founding fathers, put the people first and create institutions that serve the national interest.
But here's the catch: Nigerian leaders, with their self-serving tendencies, are unlikely to transform the country selflessly. This is where Rawls' concept of 'reflective equilibrium' comes into play, a process of Socratic dialogue that can guide leaders towards a just society.
As Dr. Fasan argues in his book, 'In The National Interest,' Nigeria needs leaders who prioritize the country's best interests over their own. Only then can Nigeria unlock its true potential and become the fair and united nation it strives to be.
And this is the part most people miss: It's not just about having the right leaders; it's about fostering a culture of selflessness and justice. A culture where the 'veil of ignorance' becomes a guiding principle, ensuring that Nigeria's future is shaped by fairness and mutual advantage.
