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Zik’s Neo-welfarism: A Viable Option For The Nigerian State
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1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
Men in various epochs have devised
different socio-economic systems to attain the ideal, and actualize the
objectives of the state, which is the material and social well being of
the individual. These systems are adopted depending on their suitability
and adaptability to the particular people and
environment.
In this light, we
shall turn our searchlight on the system that will be best adapted to
the Nigerian situation. This system as it were will proffer solutions to
the perennial problems of Nigeria that have defied logic with a view to
restoring human dignity. This is paramount for we need more than just
the nebulous idea called democracy. To get to the El dorado, “we must go
beyond democracy and define in ideological terms the new society we
envision and which our people are daily craving for.†[5] Neo-welfarism
will take us there.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The
significance of the research is to establish the fact that Zik’s
neo-welfarism is an invaluable contribution towards the development of
an enduring political culture, good governance, and socio-economic
enhancement of Nigeria. It is most pertinent at this period Nigeria is
at the crossroads, groping for political stability, national unity,
economic reconstruction for a new social order, to heed the advice of
Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria’s former President to social scientists. He
admonished them to devote more time to the study of the input of great
Nigerians like Zik, describing him as a scholar, a states man and a
“beacon to serve as reference point from which we take off in our search
for a durable political and economic system.â€[6]
Furthermore, the
research shows that his theory of neo-welfarism is the product of a
combination of his ingenuity in harmonizing opposites, with the
environmental circumstances and the socio-political climate of his life
and time. This is in accord with the views of the famous British
Philosopher, Bethrand Russell;
Philosophers are both effects and
causes: effects of their social circumstances and of the politics and
institutions of their time; causes,( if they are fortunate) of beliefs
which mould the politics and institutions of later age.[7]
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The
research does not over labour itself with discussing various
socio-economic systems obtainable in all countries, to locate the best
option for Nigeria. It is rather focused on Neo-welfarism with little
insights into Capitalism, Socialism and Welfarism. This insight will
take a form of critique.
The work will critically analyze these
above-mentioned socio-economic systems giving their merits and demerits
and, stating why each is not suitable for Nigeria when taken alone.
Neo-welfaism will be equally analyzed bringing out its basic features
and the reasons why it is the most viable option for the Nigerian state.
1.6 METHOD OF THE RESEARCH
Due
to the nature of the work, which is historical as it is explorative, it
becomes paramount to employ the methods of exposition, analysis and
critique. The expository method will help us know the nature, origin,
and history of the three major socio-economic systems: capitalism,
socialism and welfarism. That of analysis will tell us the difference
among these economic systems not excluding their merits and short
comings, whereas critical appraisal will help us re-assess the various
political systems to locate the most suitable one for Nigeria to aid her
socio-economic enhancement.
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