MAHATMA GANDHI AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF NON-VIOLENCE: A PARADIGM FOR INTER-GROUP TOLERANCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

There is upsurge in oppression and injustice in Nigeria. This has been a source of worry and great concern to many well-meaning people I ad outside the country. A society where corruption has almost become institutionalized definitely has no moral standing to contend with high level of violence. There is an indication that violence in Nigeria has been on the increase and needed to be addressed sociologically. The thrust of this work, therefore, is to draw out lessons the Apostle of non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi, could have had for Nigeria. Primary and secondary data were collected and interpreted descriptively and analytical. The social issues associated with non-violence showed that political, economic, social, psychological, religious, spiritual and moral lessons point to the reality that under an atmosphere of non-violence, love, peace, unity, progress, transformation and harmony are achievable. These socio-religious and ethical values will then be responsible for sustainable development in Nigeria. There is therefore a prevailing need for all Nigerians irrespective of gender, creed, ethnicity and political affiliation to join hands in embracing non-violence as a social index for growth and development in the country