JUSTICE AND POVERTY IN NIGERIA: A PHILOSOPHICAL APPRAISAL

Abstract

Interpreting justice and poverty in Nigeria exposes us to environment marred with corruption, tribalism, nepotism, poverty and injustice. And so there is urgent need for legal actions and policies that are practicable. Also, urgent need for political and constitutional reforms is paramount. The aforementioned factors have created a hole, leading to economic downturn which is traceable to bad governance. Understanding how social justice, legal fairness, and economic suffering are connected will guide us to critically analyze and add to the already contributions and discussions on justice and poverty as it affects Nigeria. This analysis aims to offer insight on the significant issues that Nigerian society is currently facing and what need to be done for it to be addressed. Through the method of analysis we will be sourcing for information via online articles and library. In this paper we intend examining laws and legal frameworks in the light of Nigerians' daily lives and how it affects the economy. By analysis the contradictions between justice and its connection to poverty will be articulated. This research focuses more on the state of justice in Nigeria which is engraved and been recited in papers but practically elusive in real life. This disjunction is as a result of deeper problems with governance overall, not only a result of legal shortcomings but also leadership problem with both those at the corridor of power and the institution are to share the blame. These structural defects greatly contribute to the persistence of poverty the country in addition to undermining the foundations of the law. By recommendation we suggest that autonomy be granted to judiciary, legislature and executive to enable them operate independently without being influence by the other. Before injustice and poverty can be reduced to the barest minimum, tribalism must be shunned completely, freedom fighters and the society must focus more on sensitizing the citizens that the only way to cut the excesses of corrupt administration, injustice and abuse of power is to build a strong institution. In so doing, making demands for more freedoms will be easier and with time injustice, corruption and poverty will begin to fizzle out gradually. There is also need for the abstract/theoretical concepts of justice be converted into concrete realities, therefore clearing the path for a more fair and prosperous Nigeria.