THEO-PHILOSOPHICAL IMPORT OF “SUBDUE THE EARTH” (GEN.1,28): SUBDUING INSECURITY IN NIGERIA THROUGH CRITICAL THINKING

Abstract

The smooth-running of the government of any nation depends on how far the proper use of reason is enthroned through adequate education. When the intellectual faculty of man, which he was endowed with at creation, is positively put into use, then peace will reign and insecurity could be eliminated. Assurance of security remains fundamental in any nation worthy of the name. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Section 14 (2)b states that: “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” The realization of this article has become an uphill task. Despite emphasis of security and welfare of the people, Nigeria is currently bedevilled by a festering security challenges that have ceaselessly culminated in the loss of innocent lives. These reckless killings being witnessed presently in every corner of Nigeria is being perpetrated by human beings gifted with reason at creation. One then begins to wonder where man's natural gift of reason has gone to. No doubt, proper use of reason insures a progress, tranquility and respect for the fundamental rights of others. When reason is improperly used, the resultant effect could be any kind of imaginable evil. This research uses expository and critically evaluative approaches. It discusses the preeminence of positive use of reason in subduing the earth and the attendant intellectual security. It exposes insecurity and its variegated forms. That leads us to making appeal to use of critical thinking as a proper way out of the current impasse with regard to security.