PHILOSOPHY AND PRAXIS

The world has recorded and gazetted revolutions in history as one of the options for changing the socio-economic narratives of a nation that is politically unstable and economically depressed due to failure in leadership. As such, many have argued that revolutions are not necessary for political stability; while other scholars are of the opinion that it is very necessary for changing the narratives in governance so as to achieve a more peaceful environment in responding to the existential realities that are antithetical to good governance. This paper upholds that a revolution is indeed necessary; but does not translate into good governance or political stability. Therefore, considering the various interpretation of what a revolution is, this paper uses a qualitative and expository research methodology to argue that the revolution of the mind is a safer landing for the process of political stability; and in so doing, this paper has revisited the social contract theory of Thomas Hobbes as the bedrock in resisting the temptation of a revolution devoid of ethical standard. Hobbes does not approve of revolutions because of their association with violence. He is known to abhor violence and war and the major purpose of the creation of the state was for peace. Following Hobbes, this paper holds that a violent revolution is not the solution to the political problems in Nigeria.

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