The problem is to not get rid of politics or ethnicity, however to make sure that neither overrides ethical accountability, contends GODWIN SOGOLO
Politics, ethnicity and morality are three distinct but interrelated dimensions of human existence. Their interplay typically complicates sensible judgement and accountable citizenship. Politics considerations the acquisition, train and distribution of energy; ethnicity refers to a collective id rooted in shared ancestry, historical past and tradition; whereas morality supplies the rules by which conduct is judged as proper or improper, simply or unjust, and accountable or irresponsible.
Of course, there are different dimensions of human existence – akin to faith, etiquette and customs – all of which, like politics, are topic to ethical analysis. Through reward or blame, reward or punishment, society encourages accountable behaviour and discourages actions dangerous to the widespread good. This displays the popularity that legal guidelines and establishments alone can’t assure social order; mutual belief, shared values and a way of obligation in the direction of others are additionally indispensable.
There is, nonetheless, a faculty of thought which holds that politics needs to be exempt from ethical scrutiny on account of its sensible realities and peculiar calls for. This place is usually related to the political thinker, Niccolò Machiavelli, whose evaluation of political energy emphasises the realities of governance fairly than idealised expectations of how rulers should conduct themselves. The underlying argument is that political leaders should cope with competing pursuits, uncertainty, opposition and the imperatives of nationwide safety: circumstances which will typically require choices that depart from typical ethical expectations.
However, the distinctive pressures of politics don’t make political conduct resistant to ethical judgement. They merely require that such judgement take account of circumstances, penalties and competing obligations. Political expediency could typically justify tough decisions, nevertheless it can’t function a blanket excuse for corruption, deception, oppression or the abuse of energy. Since political choices have an effect on individuals’s lives, liberties, property and welfare, residents should retain the fitting to judge their leaders by requirements of justice, integrity and accountability. Otherwise, political necessity turns into a handy justification for nearly any wrongdoing.
The identical distinction applies to ethnicity. Ethnic id is neither inherently virtuous nor morally objectionable. It can present a way of belonging, protect cultural heritage and foster solidarity. The downside arises when ethnic loyalty is handled as an unquestionable obligation, requiring individuals to defend wrongdoing by members of their group or to mistrust others just because they belong to a distinct group. Ethnic solidarity needn’t entail ethical blindness, simply as nationwide unity needn’t require the abandonment of cultural id.
As we strategy the 2027 elections, the problem is to not get rid of politics or ethnicity, however to make sure that neither overrides ethical accountability. Nigerians are completely entitled to assist candidates from their very own ethnic communities, however ethnic affinity mustn’t develop into the overriding criterion for political alternative. There is, subsequently, nothing inherently improper with a Yoruba individual supporting Bola Tinubu or an Igbo individual supporting Peter Obi, offered such assist is knowledgeable by real political convictions, thought-about judgement and legit pursuits, with out compromising the basic values of honesty, justice, competence and the widespread good. Ethnic id could affect political preferences, nevertheless it ought to by no means be allowed to substitute for unbiased judgement.
Similarly, opposition to a candidate from one’s personal ethnic group shouldn’t be construed as an act of betrayal or disloyalty. Neither Charles Soludo nor David Umahi needs to be considered an Igbo traitor just because their political positions or decisions differ from these of different members of their ethnic group. In a democracy, political allegiance is a matter of particular person conviction, not an obligation imposed by ethnic belonging. Indeed, the liberty to disagree with one’s kinsmen, with out being subjected to accusations of disloyalty, is a necessary expression of democratic maturity. Ethnic id doesn’t, in itself, set up benefit, simply as belonging to a different ethnic group doesn’t indicate unworthiness.
The related questions needs to be what candidates stand for, the values they uphold, how they’ve performed themselves in public workplace, what they’ve achieved and what they’re prone to contribute to the nation. These, fairly than the accidents of ethnic ancestry, ought to present the idea for political analysis and selection.
In judging each other, our guiding rules should be consistency, objectivity and an unwavering dedication to the widespread good. We should be ready to use the identical requirements of judgement to ourselves, our political allies and our opponents, with out permitting ethnic sentiment, private pursuits or political affiliations to compromise our sense of equity.
Ultimately, no matter our variations in ethnicity, political persuasion or private convictions, we share a standard aspiration: to see Nigeria prosper, develop into a extra simply and inclusive society, and fulfil its huge potential. Our collective accountability shouldn’t be merely to safe a greater nation for ourselves, but additionally to make sure that we bequeath to generations but unborn a nation that’s extra united, steady, affluent and worthy of their hopes and aspirations.
The distinction between politics, ethnicity and morality is subsequently important to accountable citizenship. It doesn’t imply that the three domains should function in isolation. Rather, it means recognising their distinct functions and refusing to confuse political benefit or ethnic solidarity with ethical rightness. The conceptual problem is to protect these distinctions, whereas the sensible problem is to uphold them when political competitors, communal loyalty, historic grievances and private pursuits exert strain on judgement.
The final take a look at of ethical independence shouldn’t be whether or not residents have political loyalties or ethnic attachments, however whether or not they can topic each to vital ethical scrutiny. A society demonstrates higher ethical maturity when individuals can rejoice their ethnic identities with out utilizing them to justify injustice; take part in politics with out surrendering their conscience; and condemn wrongdoing with out permitting the id of the offender to find out their judgement.
Clearly, subsequently, politics, ethnicity and morality needn’t collide. Their interplay turns into conflictual – and even damaging – solely when both political ambition or ethnic allegiance is allowed to override ethical accountability.
As Nigeria approaches 2027, now we have a possibility to exhibit that ethnic delight can coexist with nationwide solidarity; political pragmatism with ethical integrity, and democratic competitors with mutual respect. The general take a look at is whether or not we will make political decisions that recognise each the range of our identities and the ethical obligations we share as residents of 1 nation.
Sogolo is an Emeritus Professor who has taught and performed analysis in Philosophy for over 5 many years – on the University of Ibadan, Cardiff University of Wales and at the moment on the National Open University of Nigeria.
