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Friendship Of Unequals In Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics Vis-a-vis Godfatherism In Nigerian Politics
CHAPTER ONE -- [Total Page(s) 5]
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GODFATHERISM: AN OFFSHOOT OF PARTY POLITICS IN NIGERIA
Before
the emergence of the British colonizers in Nigeria, there have been
communities, kingdoms, and village republics existing in its primitive
state. According to Otite, the variety of links existed between the
various states and people because they were related and exposed to each
other. It was divided into rulers and the ruled.[20] Oyediran has it
that these rulers or recruited elites that can be hereditary or honorary
make authority and decision according to the people’s tradition.[21]
These
kingdoms and communities were democratic according to African standard,
because each society participates in politics until the Eurocentric
devaluation of African culture and the glorification of European way of
life set.[22] Then, the African democracy sunk into the limbo of
oblivion at the arrival of the British colonizers.
After the
partitioning of Africa in the Berlin conference of 1884-1885 by European
powers, the British introduced a western model of democracy that is
completely alien to Nigerian culture. In 1900, what is known as Nigeria
today was made up of three units (Lagos colony and protectorate and the
protectorates of southern and northern Nigeria).[23] The British rule
started involving the traditional rulers in preference to the then few
educated elites. Therefore, when these elites felt displeased, they
started forming political parties as a form of protest against the
British rule as to achieve independence.[24] Thus, Awosika says,
“Political parties came into existence in Nigeria during the transition
from colonialism to self-government.â€[25]
These elites were united in
this fight against colonialism but division came after the attainment
of independence. The British government in Nigeria led to a complete
disruption of traditional system of government, which Lord Lugard
proving it in 1903 saw it as dead old treaties. Therefore, they applied
an indirect rule where traditional rulers became their delegates.[26] It
was at this that the appointment and imposing of people on the majority
became institutionalized. Hence, godfatherism set in.
Nigeria, after
the colonial era and independence started fighting themselves
especially those in power in their attempt to impose candidates of their
choice on the people. Therefore, the three largest tribes in Nigeria
started forming their own political parties. Their leaders now became
their godfathers in terms of political recruitment. The Hausa and Fulani
formed N.P.C.; Northern Peoples Congress, Aminu Kano was their
godfather. The Igbo formed N.C.N.C.; National Council of Nigerian
Citizens, Nnamdi Azikiwe became their godfather. The Yoruba formed A.G.;
Action Group, Obafemi Awolowo was their godfather. Therefore,
godfatherism set into Nigerian politics with a better face before it was
twisted.
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