Ukeyima Nicholas Pever
Registry Department
Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev (AOCAY),
Gboko – Benue State
Email: [email protected]
Luper Nongo
Registry Department
Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev (AOCAY),
Gboko – Benue State
Email: [email protected]
Joseph Terdue Tyosar
College Library,
Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev (Aocay),
Gboko – Benue State
Email: [email protected]
Abstract
This study is a conceptual, as well as a theoretical inquiry into the phenomenon of godfatherism as it relates to Nigerian politics and national development. By looking at the character of the phenomenon over the years, the article observes that it has come to assume two contradictory yet important dimensions. Therefore, the phenomenon can be either negatively or positively conceived depending on the perspective from which one is looking at it. Overall, the paper submits that the negative (malevolent) dimensions of politics of godfatherism dominate political practice in Nigeria. The paper recommends ethical revolution of the masses in terms of participation in selection and election of political leaders, political education of the masses by the academia, teachers, community leaders, etc., among others, as ways of reducing the prevalence of politics of godfatherism in Nigeria.
KEY WORDS: DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE, POLITICS, GODFATHERISM, IMPLICATION