A DISCOURSE ON AMARTYASEN’S CONCEPTION OF NITI AND NYAYA AS A PANACEA TO THE ETHNIC CRISES IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA

Abstract

There has been discussion over the matter of peaceful coexistence between Nigeria's various ethnic groups ever since the nation was created. Numerous ethnic, political, and economic crises have split the country and caused differences in the lives of its citizens along racial lines. Due to the unequal distribution of the nation's resources and the elite group's manipulation of power, these imbalances have stoked rivalries. This study used a critical analysis tool and an analytical approach. This analyzes political unrest and ethnic conflicts in modern-day Nigeria. When considering the numerous instances of unfairness and unfair treatment that the ruling elite in Nigeria has inflicted upon the marginalized, disadvantaged, and vulnerable ethnic groups, the ethnic crises become even more compelling. The results showed that one of the issues threatening Nigeria's national stability is ethnic crises. This research is predicated on this idea. By following Amartya Sen's concept of justice, ethnic crises will come to an end. Human reason may distinguish between fairness and injustice through the realization process thanks to Amartya Sen's Niti and Nyaya. The study came to the conclusion that ethnic conflicts have caused economic hardship and rivalry between different ethnic groups; modern Nigeria can put an end to ethnic conflicts by implementing Amarya Sen's Niti and Nyaya; furthermore, injustice between different ethnic groups can be resolved through public reasoning.