Martins Chiedozie Ugwu
_Johnmartinsworldonline@gmail.com_
“Since history is no longer understood as dependent on forces beyond human control (such as, for example, divine providence), human agency comes to be regarded as the decisive factor in shaping its course.”*_
*Critically* informed by the experience of the revolution across the world, the term in common usage designates the epitome of political change, that is, change not only in laws, policies, or government but in the established order that is both profound and durable. Earlier conceptions of political change are missing the notions of a people’s autonomous ability to act or of its right to emancipation.
Furthermore, the absence of two structural preconditions explains why revolution in the sense of fundamental politico-social transformation is not conceived prior to modernity. On the historical level, it is the formation of the “strong” state that is conducive to a political imagination of radical liberation from state oppression and the subsequent founding of an essentially different order.
The extent of the Hobbesian type of the state’s disciplining power and the impossibility of good governance thus lay the ground for revolutionary projects. On the conceptual level, the supersession of cyclical conceptions of history as advocated by Aristotle, Polybius, Cicero, or Machiavelli by linear models of thought allows for the idea of irreversible progress in politics and society.
In the course of this shift in historical thinking, revolution is eventually looked upon as a catalyzing, even enabling factor of progress. But the question remains on the type of revolution suitable for a particular society? Does the word ‘REVOLUTION’ only mean ‘VIOLENCE’, Is there other means of transforming a backward society like ours without shading blood? Do we actually need revolution in Nigeria and if yes what kind of revolution do we need here.
Though the idea of revolution was
originally related to the Aristotelian notion of cyclical alterations in the forms of government, it now implies a fundamental departure from any previous historical pattern. A revolution constitutes a challenge to the established political order and the eventual establishment of a new order radically different from the preceding one. The great revolutions of European history, especially the Glorious (English), French, and Russian revolutions, changed not only the system of government but also the economic system, the social structure, and the cultural values of those societies.
Historically, the concept of revolution was seen as a very destructive force, from ancient Greece to the European Middle Ages. The ancient Greeks saw revolution as a possibility only after the decay of the fundamental moral and religious tenets of society. Plato believed that a constant, firmly entrenched code of beliefs could prevent revolution. Aristotle elaborated on this concept, concluding that if a culture’s basic value system is tenuous, the society will be vulnerable to revolution. Any radical alteration in basic values or beliefs provides the ground for revolutionary upheaval. But a successful tactics up there maybe a failed strategy down here. What worked well in 1970s may not work at all in this era.
*”Nigeria is synonymous with deep divisions which cause major political issues to be vigorously and violently contested along the lines of intricate ethnic, religious and regional divisions. Issues that raise the most dust are those regarded essential for the existence and the validity of the state. Opposing and contending assemblages have a tendency to assume an exclusionary winner-take-all approach. These issues include the control of state power, allocation of resources and citizenship. As a result, states with such divisions are disposed to be delicate and unstable because almost by definition, they have very little in common with regard to convergence and harmony which are necessary to reduce the
centrifugal forces that rip them apart”* (Osaghae and Suberu 2005:4).
Being that Nigeria is such a polarized nation, any revolution through protest or violence will fail on arrival because it will be tribalized, making it very difficult if not impossible to trigger the needed nationalistic spirits for a sustained protest that will cut across ethnic nationalities. What other options do we have?
Apart from carrying placards or contributing to loss of life and property through violence approach studies and facts around shows that, there are other better ways to still achieve a turn around in governance and that is to get more fellows involve in politics to mobilize themselves together and form a formidable political movement and vote in like minds into power with a clear road map carefully designed to trigger the right policies for unprecedented advancement.
Facts remain that in all the elections in Nigeria, the number of people that didn’t vote always surpass those that voted. According to *His Excellency Ishola Balogun*, the presidential candidates of UDP in the just concluded election, he said that if those who didn’t vote can be harnessed, straight win await the person. I think it will be important to begin to study the attitude of these particular group who don’t vote during election and possibly woo them into voting a particular candidate.
How this will be achieve is that the common commoners have to get this done by themselves without looking up to any money bag politician to fund it or come to decide for the movement. So a formidable youth movement based on not only getting the youth involved in politics but also in governance and forcing a free and fair election thru aggressive mobilization and education and finally voting in the like minds into the positions of authority. In the political process isn’t just only beneficial in the short-term, but it will also lays the foundation for strong political engagement in the future. It is crucial that we the youth, recognize that we are tomorrow’s leaders and with that in mind, have more involvement in how their future looks and plan how they want it be.
*Be Part of the Revolution*…..
*Fellow Martins Chiedozie Ugwu*
_johnmartinsworldonline@gmail.com_
*+2348037553190*
Former International President-All African Students, former country Representative of the world Students Assembly and Governorship Candidate under Justice Must Prevail Party [Enugu].
