A CRITIQUE OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE'S NEO-WELFARIST IDEOLOGY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIA
Victor Ogheneochuko Jeko., Ph.D and Rev. Fr. Faustinus Uzoma Ogulewe., Ph.D
Abstract
Some of the fundamental problems closely associated with the Nigerian State include the problem of corruption, ethnicity, leadership failure, economic crises, and lack of political integration. Nnamdi Azikiwe suggests neo-welfarism as one way of solving these fundamental problems in Nigeria as a nation-state. The study is aimed at analysing Azikiwe's perception of contemporary problems and to critically appraise the extent to which his neo-welfarist ideology tends to provide fundamental answers to Nigerian political integration and economic system. His neo-welfarist ideology calls for national paradigm in Nigeria. This study argues that Azikiwe's neo-welfarist ideology is not a totally and unquestionably reliable guide to Nigeria's economic development and political integration, even though; his eclectic and pragmatic methods are imperative and attractive. The study reveals that the neo-welfarist ideology is not precisely enough in its purported theoretical assumptions and assimilation of the good elements in the different socio-economic and political ideologies. This study adopts the analytical framework in addressing Azikiwe's neo-welfarist ideology and its implications for Nigeria.
Key words:
Ideology, Neo-colonialism, National Paradigm, Neo-welfarism, Nigerian State
