AN EXAMINATION OF AMARTY A SEN’S IDEA OF JUSTICE AND THE QUESTION OF ETHNIC CRISES IN MODERN NIGERIAN SOCIETY

Abstract

Since the creation of the country called Nigeria, there has been debate on the issue of peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic groups in Nigeria. The nation has faced a series of ethnic, political, and economic crises; this has divided the ethnic lines bringing about disparities among the people. These disparities have raised rivalries due to the unequal distribution of the nation's resources and this is due to manipulation of power by the elite group. This study adopted analytical method and uses the tool of critical analysis. This is to analyse ethnic crises and political instability in contemporary Nigeria. The ethnic crises are more compelling when viewed against the many occasions of injustice and unfair treatment suffered by the marginalised, disadvantaged, and vulnerable ethnic groups in Nigerian society by the ruling elite. Findings revealed that Ethnic crises are one of the challenges facing the stability of Nigeria as a nation. It is on this premise that this research is based. Amartya Sen’s Idea of Justice will end the ethnic crises by adhering to it. Through Amartya Sen’s Niti and Nyaya, human reason can differentiate between justice and injustice through the realization process. The study concluded that Ethnic crises have led to economic loss and rivalries between various ethnic groups. Contemporary Nigeria can end ethnic crises by adopting Amarya Sen’s Niti and Nyaya, and it is possible through public reasoning to end injustice among various Ethnic groups in contemporary Nigeria.