Democratic Socialism 2

In the search for a new model, that can lead Nigeria out of the wood, we must first understand that all models were first of all the works of men. These model developers have been described as Great Thinkers, Philosophers but they have never been ascribed with divinity. Therefore, their works can not be perfect and would constantly need to be reviewed and where necessary improved upon. Since their works are in the most part theoretical, it is always difficult to be dogmatic in their implementation. Therefore it would be quite erroneous to equate Marxism with Stalin Communism as practised in the defunct USSR or even with Fidel Castro Cuba. For Marxism in its purest form abhor any instrument of coercion whereas it is quite obvious that communism like capitalism rely so much on military power to sustain the interest of the state as defined by the ruling class. Again let me make it clear here that, I do not claim to be qualified to review the works of these great thinkers, however I am also capable of thinking.

Thinking of Nigeria, it is still debatable as to whether ours is capitalism or socialism, we pretend at government presence everywhere and private ownership in every sphere. This is understandable considering that the metamorphosis of pre-colonial feudal system was arrested midway to be replaced by a new prebendal imperialism arranged for the benefit of the impostors. Our non-alignment posture in a world clearly divided along ideological differences left us more confused than focus. It should also be noted that our non-alignment stance is intended not to displease any of the two new masters of the world then rather than an attempt to satisfy our collective yearnings. At present, the rather hurried shift towards a semblance of capitalism without first determining the authentic owners of public properties is fraud intended to give undue advantage to agents and propagators of rental capitalism.

In its perfect form, capitalism would be expected to encourage individuals reach their full potentials. It is a system in which profit motive propels optimization of industrial output. It actually accepted that, in the pursuit of individuals’ selfishness the collective good would be achieved. It envisaged minimal government intervention in the economy and those should be restricted to areas where opportunity for profitability is absent. Thus, what is moral or right is not of essence here once what is produced is marketable at a profit. The production of arms, ammunition and other weapons of mass and soul destruction may not be right in peace times, but it is profitable. A government which is sustained from the profit of businesses should be able to guarantee continuous patronage for those businesses, am I right? Would I also be right to assume that responsible governments would rather that these weapons are never used in their own soil? Therefore, who would these weapons be made for?

A world in search for peace shouldn’t really be amassing weapons of mass destruction, but sadly that is what we are witnessing. Ironically, the leading producers of these weapons are enjoying relative peace at least within their national boundary. Yet the production of these weapons had never ceased because there is booming market for them in crises prone Africa which is suffering from identity crises and Middle East trying to reconcile theocracy with democracy. Crises in Africa have many dimensions such as; poverty and famine, corruption, ethnic differences, and religious intolerance often fuelled by external forces. Although no society is crises free, African countries have so far demonstrated their incapacity at containing their problems without external interference. What is responsible for this incapacity?