IGWEBUIKE PHILOSOPHY VIS-A-VIS ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS CLEANSING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Misguided statements from those in authority and citizens of the Nigerian state have promoted the idea of the possibility of ethnic and religious cleaning in Nigeria. The result has been ethnic and religious violence on various fronts of the nation. This piece raises questions as to the way forward. It, therefore, employs Igwebuike philosophy as an instrument for the restoration of solidarity, unity and dialogue between the adherents of Christianity and Islam. Igwebuike is an Igbo-African philosophy of intersubjectivity and complementarity. It has the capacity of generating a relational balance between the adherents of the Christian and Islamic religions. During the course of the research, the Igwebuike indeginous method of inquiry would be employed- propelled by the perspective that there is a relationship between Islam and Christianity, and this common ground would be patronized for the advanacement of peace and unity. A basic principle of Igwebuike philosophy is dialogue. This work asserts that there is simply no alternative to dialogue between the adherents of both religions even though the Nigerian Muslims may seem not to be sincere in their practice of dialogue. More than ever today, we need conversion of heart, perspective and diverse voices. This change of heart must be based on a philosophy that increases our knowledge of one another and thus dispel the darkness of prejudice and anger.