EVOLUTION OF LOCKE’S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY AND NIGERIAN STATE

Abstract

This paper examines the Evolution of John Locke’s Political Philosophy and Nigerian State. A political society, for Locke, is one that man entered voluntarily through a social contract, as contrasted to governments established by Monarchs who claimed a divine right to govern or by autocrats who governed through dictatorial power. The paper agrees with Locke’s political philosophy that government should emerge through the consent of the people and this was a turning point in the emergence of liberal democracies till date. Little wonder, political stagnation and retrogression is commonly witnessed in countries that have refused to align themselves with Locke’s political philosophy particularly the Nigerian state. The paper argues further that representative governments and good governance only thrives where there are adequate and seamless principles of checks and balances in place. That is to say that strict adherence and preservation of the rule of law is the key to constitutionalism. The paper is of the view that if this practice is implemented and sustained in Nigeria, it will ensure progressivism in the Nigerian state. Using the method of analysis, the paper therefore concludes with a clarion call on Nigerian political leaders and governments at all levels to make the rule of law their watchword.