IGWBUIKE PHILOSOPHY: A VEHICLE FOR PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION AMONG THE IGBOS OF SOUTH EAST NIGERIA
Abstract
The concept of socialism and communalism has been an age-long problem in the history of philosophy. Philosophers, over the years, have tried to mediate in this age-long problem through their various theories: Nyerere’s theory of ‘Ujamaa’ (togetherness as oneness), the collective consciousness of Emile Durkhiem, the Ibuanyindanda ideology of Innocent Asouzu and Kwame Nkrumah’s philosophical consciencism, just to mention but a few. In all these socio-political ideologies, none has been properly exhausted to meet the desired result in the reduction and prevention of conflicts and man’s cruelties against man, in terms of communal clashes, assorted forms of oppression, suppression, domination and discriminations. It is against this background that this research work titled ‘Igwebuike philosophy: A vehicle for peace and conflict resolution among the Igbos of South East Nigeria’ was chosen as a template to contribute to the prevention and reduction of violence and terrorism in the Nigerian state. It is a philosophical inquiry that attempts to interrogate the dynamics of our social environment, using Igwebuike (strength in unity) ideology, which was developed by Kanu Ikechukwu Anthony, depicting the Marcelian theory of intersubjectivity. Despite the fact that our own country is plagued with insecurity, communal violence, and anxiety from various terrorist attacks, this paper is optimistic that the scourge can be reduced to a reasonable limit via “Igwebuike” which is a call and an awakening to mutual complementary relationships. Furthermore, it aims at unraveling how this consciousness can be used as an essential tool for lasting peace and reconciliation, with the sole aim of restoring the meaning of life in our meaninglessness situation. Lastly, it recommends certain strategies for peace and conflict resolution among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. The method of this paper is essentially analytical, expository and evaluative.
