Nigerian and the Question of Ethnic Crises: Amartya Sen's Approach

Abstract

Since the inception of Nigeria, there has been discussion over the issue of harmonious cohabitation amongst its many ethnic groups. Due to the unequal distribution of the nation's resources, which is the consequence of elite group manipulation of power, Nigeria has seen a series of political, economic, and ethnic crises that have led to ethnic divides and inequities among its population. These have fostered rivalries. In order to examine political instability and ethnic crises in contemporary Nigeria, the article adopts an analytical method and makes use of the critical analysis tool. The ethnic crises are made more dramatic when considered in light of the many instances of injustice and unfair treatment that the ruling class has inflicted on the weaker, marginalized, and vulnerable ethnic groups in Nigerian society. The findings indicated that ethnic crises are among the issues threatening Nigeria's national stability. This notion forms the basis of this research. Ethnic crises may be resolved by adopting Amartya Sen's vision of justice. Human reason may discern between fairness and injustice through the realization process, as demonstrated by Amartya Sen's Niti and Nyaya. The article concluded that ethnic crises have led to competition between various ethnic groups and economic loss. Public reasoning may eliminate unfairness among the nation's numerous ethnic groups, and modern Nigeria may employ Amarya Sen's Niti and Nyaya to end ethnic crises.